06/27/2023 MinutesCITY OF
GRAND�ISLAND
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
June 27, 2023
i.
CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Regular Meeting of the City
Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Council Chambers of City
Hall, 100 East First Street, on June 27, 2023. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand
Island Independent on June 21, 2023.
Mayor Roger G. Steele called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The following City Council
members were present: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle
Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie
Mendoza. The following City Officials were present: City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Interim City
Administrator Laura McAloon, Finance Director Patrick Brown, Assistant City Attorney Stacy
Nonhof and Interim Public Works Director Keith Kurz.
2.
INVOCATION Pastor Scott Jones, Third City Christian Church, 4100 West 13�' Street.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
5.
SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
6.
RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS
7.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
8.
CONSENT AGENDA
Consent item 8-g (Resolutions #2023-153) was pulled from the consent agenda for further
discussion. Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Bethany Guzinski to approve the Consent Agenda
excluding item 8-g. Roll Call: Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike
Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley.
Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, June 27, 2023
a. Approving Minutes of June 13, 2023 City Council Special Meeting.
b. Approving Minutes of June 13, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting
c. Approving Minutes of June 20, 2023 City Council Study Session.
d. Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of June 14, 2023 through June 27 2023 for a
total amount of $8,740,858.54.
e. #2023-151 — Approving a Change Order to Installation of Monitors in Council Chambers
with AVI Systems of Omaha, Nebraska in an Amount of $4,693.44.
f. #2023-152 — Approving Change Order Relative to Police Radios with Platte Valley
Communications of Grand Island, Nebraska for an Increase of $318.32 and a revised
Contract Amount of $33,878.32.
g. E2023-153 — Approving Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Grant
Application.
Police Chief Kevin Denney reported that advancements in technology had bridged the gap
between realistic hands on training and safe training environments, as virtual reality becomes a
more adept tool for training with true 360-degree sensory input and dynamic plot shifts. The
police department was seeking to apply for Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA) Funding, in
cooperation with the Advanced Law Enforcement Response Training (ALERRT) program at the
Texas State University to pay for virtual reality training hardware and software. Staff
recommended approval.
Motion by Mitch Nickerson, second by Doug Lanfear to approve Resolution #2023-153. Roll
Call: Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion
adopted.
h. #2023-154 — Approving Temporary Construction Easements for 18`° Street-Moores
Creek Drainway to Diers Avenue; Project No. 2022-P-8 (Umbrella Development, LLC —
1918 Aspen Circle) in an Amount of $1,300.00.
i. #2023-155 — Approving Certificate of Completion for Lift Station No. 1 Rehabilitation;
Project No. 2022-5-2 with The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island,
Nebraska.
#2023-156 — Approving
Improvements; Project No
Nebraska.
I
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k.
1.
m
Certificate of Completion for Circle Drive Drainage
2022-D-1 with Elsbury Construction, LLC of Grand Island,
#2023-157 — Approving Uniform Contract with Cintas Corporation of Hayes, Kansas.
#2023-158 — Approving Purchase of Vehicle for City Hall Maintenance Division from
Phil Long Motor City of Colorado Springs, Colorado in an Amount of $32,562.15.
#2023-159 — Approving Interlocal Agreement with Hall County for Library Services.
9.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public Hearing on Request from La Jaula Salon De Eventos, LLC dba La Jaula Salon De
Eventos, 615 East 4�' Street for a Class "CK" Liquor License
City Clerk RaNae Edwards reported that an application for a Class "CK" Liquor License had
been received from La Jaula Salon De Eventos, LLC dba La Jaula Salon De Eventos, 615 East
4�' Street. Ms. Edwards presented the following exhibits for the record: application submitted to
Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting,lune 27, 2023
the Liquor Control Commission and received by the City on June 2, 2023; notice to the general
public of date, time, and place of hearing published on June 17, 2023; notice to the applicant of
date, time, and place of hearing mailed on June 2, 2023. Also submitted was a Liquor Manager
Designation for Nancy Avitia Huerta, 407 West 9th Street. Ms. Avitia had completed a stale
approved alcohol server/seller program. Staff recommended approval contingent upon final
inspections. No public testimony was heard.
#2023-160 - Approving Request from La Jaula Salon De Eventos, LLC dba La Jaula
Salon De Eventos, 615 East 4�' Street for a Class "CK" Liquor License and Liquor Manager
Designation for Nancy Avitia Huerta, 407 West 9�' Street, Grand Island, Nebraska.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Mark Stelk to approve Resolution #2023-160. Roll Call:
Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk,
Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
b. Public Hearing on Acquisition of Public Right-of-Way for 18th Street — Moores Creek
Drainway to Diers Avenue; Project No. 2022-P-8 (Umbrella Development, LLC — 1918
Aspen Circle)
Interim Public Works Director Keith Kurz reported that public right-of-way was needed to
accommodate the new 18th Street, which was scheduled to be built this summer, from the
proposed Claude Road to Diers Avenue. The Public Works Department was proposing a
concrete curb and gutter roadway section along with sidewalk, traffic control, drainage and all
other associated improvements needed to complete the project. Staff recommended approval. No
public testimony was heard.
#2023-161 - Approving Acquisition of Public Right-of-Way for 18�` Street — Moores
Creek Drainway to Diers Avenue; Project No. 2022-P-8 (Umbrella Development, LLC — 1918
Aspen Circle)
Motion by Bethany Guzinski, second by Jason Conley to approve Resolution #2023-161. Roll
Call: Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion
adopted.
c. Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement — 1703 and 1707 Ada Street (JBA
Ventures)
Interim Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported that JBA Ventures, LLC, had requested a new
underground electric service for two new 4-plexes located at 1703 and 1707 Ada Street. The
proposed easements would allow the Department to install, access, operate, and maintain
electrical infrastructure at these locations. Staff recommended approval. No public testimony
was heard.
#2023-162 — Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement — 1703 and 1707 Ada Street
(JBA Ventures)
Page 4, City Council Regular Meeting,lune 27, 2023
Motion by Bethany Guzinski, second by Michelle Fitzke to approve Resolution #2023-162. Roll
Call: Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion
adopted.
d. Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement — 2502 N. Webb Road (Northwest
Crossings)
Interim Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported that Northwest Crossings Limited Liability
Company, LLC, had requested a new underground electric service upgrade to the Park Place
Plaza. The proposed easements would allow the Department to install, access, operate, and
maintain electrical infrastructure at these locations. Staff recommended approval. No public
testimony was heard.
#2023-163 — Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement — 2502 N. Webb Road
(Northwest Crossings)
Motion by Mike Paulick, second by Jack Sheard to approve Resolution #2023-163. Roll Call:
Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk,
Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
e. Public Hearing on Re-Adoption of the Grand Island Zoning Map
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity reported that over the course of the past 20 years, the
City of Grand Island had periodically readopted the official zoning map for the City. This had
been standard practice since the City began using their Geographic Information System (GIS) to
manage the zoning map. Staff recommended approval. No public testimony was heard.
#9932 — Consideration of Approving Re-Adoption of the Grand Island Zoning Map
Motion to suspend the rules was moved by Doug Lanfear, seconded by Michelle Fitzke. Roll
Call: Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion
adopted.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Jason Conley to approve Ordinance #9932. Roll Call: Ayes:
Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
10.
REQUEST AND REFERRALS
a. Consideration of Appointing Laura McAloon as City Administrator
Mayor Steele submitted the appointment of Laura McAloon as the next City Administrator. Ms.
McAloon was prepared to begin work as the City Administrator immediately following
Council's approval of her appointment. Her starting salary would be at Step 3 of the City
Administrator salary table, an annual salary of $192,529.57.
Page 5, City Council Regular Meeting, June 27, 2023
Mentioned were concerns with the contract and lack of Council involvement regarding
termination.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Mitch Nickerson to approve the appointment of Laura
McAloon as the City Administrator for the City of Grand Island. Roll Call: Ayes: Bethany
Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug
Lanfear, and Jason Conley. No: Chuck Haase. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
Ms. McAloon thanked the Council for their support.
11.
RESOLUTIONS
a. #2023-164 - Consideration of Approving the Purchase of Camp Augustine
Interim City Administrator Laura McAloon reported that approximately two years ago, the
Overland Trails Council of Boy Scouts of America, Inc., ("Boy Scouts") approached City
officials about their plans to sell their Camp Augustine facility and the City expressed interest in
preserving the property for public access and potential future connection to the Mormon Island
State Recreation Area. Based on the appraised value of Camp Augustine and an estimated total
acreage of 158.40 acres, City Administration was recommending the acquisition of the Camp by
the City at a price based on the actual acreage of the property as determined by a survey of the
property lines, calculated by the appraised value of $12,500 per acre, and a total price not to
exceed $2,000,000.
The following people spoke in support:
• David Plond
• Brian Levander
• Brad Mellema
• Todd McCoy
• Melissa DeLaer
• Mary Berlie
• Chris Kotulak
• Steven Miles
• Teshawna Sawyer
• Cindy Johnson
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Mike Paulick to approve Resolution #2023-164. Roll Call:
Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk,
Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
b. #2023-165 — Consideration of Approving Solar Project with GRNE Solar
Interim Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported that Grand Island Utilities owns and operates a
mix of generation resources. In 2022 the Utilities Department completed a study with
engineering firm Sargent and Lundy that reviewed our electric generating assets. The review
included several scenarios utilizing different generating resources with one including additional
Page 6, City Council Regular Meeting, June 27, 2023
solar. The Utilities Department has five parcels of land which were considered possible
candidates for the solar project. Proposals were advertised with eight (8) proposals being
received. Staff recommended GRNE Solar of Lincoln, Nebraska in an amount not to exceed
$15,994,829.00.
GRNE representatives Travis Kepler and Jess Baker were present and answered questions.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Mitch Nickerson to approve Resolution #2023-165. Roll
Call: Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion
adopted.
12.
ORDINANCES
a. #9933 - Consideration of Approving Revisions to Chapter 5 Section 47 of the City Code
Pertaining to Appeals.
Motion to suspend the rules was moved by Bethany Guzinski, seconded by Michelle Fitzke. Roll
Call: Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion
adopted.
Assistant City Attorney Stacy Nonhof reported that the Grand Island City Code provided that the
owner of any animal that had been deemed potentially dangerous or dangerous had the right to
appeal that determination to the Animal Advisory Board. Reviewed were the changes to City
Code. Staff recommended approval.
Motion by Bethany Guzinski, second by Jack Sheard to approve Ordinance #9933. Roll Call:
Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk,
Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
b. #9934 - Consideration of Approving Revisions to Chapter 5 of the City Code Regarding
Chickens
Motion to suspend the rules was moved by Bethany Guzinski, seconded by Doug Lanfear. Roll
Call: Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear, and Jason Conley. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion
adopted.
Assistant City Attorney Stacy Nonhof reviewed the changes to Chapter 5 of the Grand Island
City Code. The main proposal was to allow any residential lot in the City to have up to eight (8)
chicken hens with a minimum of three (3) hens. For lots of a minimum of one acre, the owner
could have up to twenty-four (24) hens. Staff recommended approval.
Page 7, City Council Regular Meeting, June 27, 2023
The following people spoke in support:
• Patricia Leverington
• Jason Mazuch
• Kathy Nabity
• Amos Anson
• Teshawna Sawyer
• Brian Whitecalf
Carl Seaman spoke in opposition.
Alissa Haage answered questions relating to when she was a council woman in another
community. She spoke in support.
Motion by Bethany Guzinski, second by Jack Sheard to approve Ordinance #9934. Roll Call:
Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Jack Sheard, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, and Mitch Nickerson. No:
Chuck Haase, Doug Lanfear and Jason Conley. Abstain: Mike Paulick. Absent: Maggie
Mendoza. Mayor Steele voted yes to make the sixth deciding vote. Motion adopted.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 9:59 p.m.
R��. ��G,�.�
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk