07/25/2023 MinutesGc�RAND�ISLAND
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City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
July 25, 2023
1.
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 July 25, 2023. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand
Island Independent on July 19, 2023.
Mayor Roger G. Steele called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The following City Council
members were present: Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike
Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, and Jason Conley. Councilmember poug
Lanfear was absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Laura
McAloon, Deputy City Clerk Jill Granere, Assistant City Administrator/Finance Director Patrick
Brown, Assistant City Attorney Stacy Nonhof and Interim Public Works Director Keith Kurz.
2.
INVOCATION Pastor Luke Biggs, Peace Lutheran Church, 1710 N. North Road.
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
a. Grow Grand Island Annual Report
Tonja Brown, Executive Director of Grow Grand Island (GGI) gave the Annual Report. Ms.
Brown stated the City allocated $500,000 per year of the Food & Beverage funds for Grow
Grand Island to use for tourism, recreation and community development projects. They had
completed 19 projects with 8 projects underway and 3 project under exploration. There was $6.2
City Council Regular Meeting, July 25, 2023
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million towards either completed or underway projects, excluding Conestoga Marketplace. Of
these funds $2.2 million were funded by GGI. There was $4 million in other funding sources.
The following projects had been completed:
• Amur Plaza & Bathrooms
• Elevate (new resident/citizen program)
• Inclusive Playground
• Entryway Signage (replaced existing signs)
• Olympic Bunker Trap at Heartland Shooting Park
• Equine Stalls at the Fonner campus
Cindy Johnson, President of Chamber of Commerce mentioned the Degree-Based Internship &
housing program with Wayne State College.
Brad Mellema Director of Grand Island Tourism mentioned Grand Life marketing and
expanding it to bring people here and what action steps need to be taken. Also mentioned was
Mormon Island & Trails.
Mary Berlie, President
Legislative priorities:
• Enhanced infrastructure
of Economic Development Corporation mentioned the following
• Housing
• Entrepreneurial support systems
• Recruitment Incentives for Youth
• Livestock Shows
b. Water Fund — Lead Pipe Replacement.
Interim Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported that the City of Grand Island had an estimated
3,000 lead water services in its system. Recent funding had been made available that could be
used to subsidize the replacement cost of these services in the City water system. Mr. Schmitz
explained the recent Lead Copper Rule of 2021 and the additional mandates in the near future.
c. Budget Overview Presentation
Assistant City Administrator/Finance Director Patrick Brown reported that FY 2023 Revenues
were projected to be $3,259,928 higher than budgeted due to strong sales tax revenues, interest
income from investments, and other revenue source increases.
FY 2023 Expenses were projected at $2,435,217 in vacancy savings. Ending Cash for the
General Fund was projected to end at $43,061,293. The amount available for one-time purchases
was $29,964,877. FY2024 Revenues Property tax revenues would remain the same as they were
in FY2023 at $12,086,673. Sales Tax revenues were projected at a 3% growth over forecasted
sales tax revenue for FY2023. Sales tax revenues were projected to be $17„419,260. Overall, the
General Fund revenues were projected to increase by 5% to $48,800,856. FY2024 Expenses
Personnel expenses were projected to increase by 5% to $38,058,759 from $36,232,636. This
includes the FTE's that would be brought forward in budget presentations to City Council.
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City Council Regular Meeting, luly 25, 2023
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8.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Paulick, second by Guzinski to approve the Consent Agenda. Roll Call: Ayes: Maggie
Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke, Mark
Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear and Jason Conley. Motion adopted.
Approving Minutes of July 11, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting.
Approving Minutes of July 18, 2023 City Council Study Session (Budget).
Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of July 12, 2023 through July 25 2023 for a total
amount of $5,823,942.93.
Approving Re-appointments of Mary Webb, Todd Enck, Brad Kissler and Justin Oseka to the
Building Code Advisory Board.
Approving Re-appointment of Barry Burrows and Appointment of Curtis Probasco to the Tree
Board.
£ Receipt of Official Document — Tort Claim filed by Dennis and Juanita Dondinger.
g. #2023-170 — Approving Reallocation of FTE — Engineering Technician to Underground
Technician.
h. #2023-171 — Approving Contract for the Electrostatic Precipitator Transformer Rectifier with
NWL Transformer, Inc. of Bordertown, New Jersey in an Amount of of $196,792.00.
i. #2023-172 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Benjamin Roderick Davis
Subdivision.
j. #2023-173 - Approving Purchase of a new Deck-Over Tilt Trailer for the Streets Division of the
Public Works Department from Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co of Grand Island, Nebraska in
an Amount of $28,524.61.
k. #2023-174 - Approving Award of Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for Broadwell
Avenue & Union Pacific Railroad Viaduct with HDR Engineering, Inc.
1. #2023-175 - Approving Agreement with NDOT-Local Assistance Division for the Grand Island
Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GIAMPO) for the 2024 Fiscal Year TRANSIT,
Section 5305, Transportation Planning Program.
9.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public Hearing on Request from LAMEXICANA, Inc. dba La Mexicana, 111 East 4th
Street for a Class "C" Liquor License
Deputy City Clerk Jill Granere reported that an application for a Class "C" Liquor License had
been received from LAMEXICANA, Inc. dba La Mexicana, 111 East 4th Street. Ms. Granere
presented the following exhibits for the record: application submitted to the Liquor Control
Commission and received by the City on June 27, 2023; notice to the general public of date,
time, and place of hearing published on July 15, 2023; notice to the applicant of date, time, and
place of hearing mailed on June 27, 2023. Also submitted was a Liquor Manager Designation for
Paz Casillas, 609 Stuhr Road. Mr. Casillas had completed a state approved alcohol server/seller
program. Staff recommended approval contingent upon final inspections. No public testimony
was heard.
City Council Regular Meeting, July 25, 2023
#2023-176 - Approving Request from LAMEXICANA, Inc. dba La Mexicana, 111 East
4th Street for a Class "C" Liquor License and Liquor Manager Designation for Paz Casillas, 609
Stuhr Road, Grand Island, NE.
Motion by Haase, second by Guzinski to approve Resolution #2023-176. Roll Call: Ayes:
Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle Fitzke,
Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson and Jason Conley. Motion adopted.
b. Public Hearing on Redevelopment Plan Amendment CRA Area 2- Lots 3-8, Block 1,
Lots 6-11, Block 2 and Lots 1-3, Block 3 of Knott Subdivision in Hall County, NE located south
of Husker Highway and west of Locust Street in Grand Island — GARK Homes SHV 3 V, LLC.
Community Development Director Chad Nabity reported that GARK Homes SHV 3V, LLC was
proposing to develop property south of Husker Highway and west of Locust Street for residential
uses. They were proposing 86 units of housing. The property was zoned R3 Medium Density
Residential Zone. The property was platted in 1965 by the Knott family and was never fully
developed. Staff recommended approval. Rama Kilaru discussed his plans for the project.
#2023-177 - Approving Redevelopment Plan Amendment CRA Area 2- Lots 3-8, Block
1, Lots 6-11, Block 2 and Lots 1-3, Block 3 of Knott Subdivision in Hall County, NE located
south of Husker Highway and west of Locust Street in Grand Island — GARK Homes SHV 3V,
LLC.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Sheard to approve Resolution #2023-177. Roll Call: Ayes:
Maggie Mendoza, Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk,
Mitch Nickerson and Jason Conley. Mike Paulick voted no. Motion adopted.
c. Public Hearing — Zoning Text Amendment - Grand Island Concerning proposed
amendments to 36-68 B-2 General Business Zone regarding the maximum height allowable.
Community Development Director Chad Nabity reported that the proposed changes to 36-68
would allow buildings in the B2 zone to exceed the maximum current maximum height of 55
feet if the buildings were set back from any property line and required setback a distance of four
feet for every foot height above 55 feet. This was being done specifically to accommodate the
proposed casino building, parking garage and hotel at Fonner Park. The changes as proposed
would apply to any B2 zoned lot and would allow similar development anywhere in the B2 zone
based upon lot size and increased setbacks. Staff recommended approval. No public testimony
was heard.
#9935 - Consideration of Approving Zoning Text Amendment - Grand Island Concerning
proposed amendments to 36-68 B-2 General Business Zone regarding the maximum height
allowable.
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City Council Regular Meeting,luly 25, 2023
Motion to suspend the rules was moved by Fitzke, seconded by Conley. Roll Call: Ayes:
Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Motion by Haase, second by Paulick to approve Ordinance #9935. Roll Call: Ayes: Bethany
Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Mayor Steele: By reason of the roll call votes on Ordinance #9935 is declared to be lawfully
adopted upon publication as required by law.
d. Public Hearing to consider a change of zoning for property located north of Wildwood
Drive and east of U.S. Highway 281 ( Part of the E%2 of the NE '/4 and part of the E%2 of the SE
1/4 of Section 1, Township 10 north, Range 10 west of the 6th P.M.) from TA Transitional
Agriculture with a GCO Gateway Corridor Zone Overlay to B2-General Business with a GCO
Gateway Corridor Zone Overlay
Community Development Director Chad Nabity reported that Wildwood Business Park LLC.,
the owner of property north of Wildwood Drive and west of U.S. Highway 281 is requesting that
the zoning on property be changed on this property from TA Transitional Agriculture in a GCO
Gateway Corridor Zone to B2 General Business Zone in a Gateway Corridor Zone. They are
proposing to develop 18 large commercial lots on this 90 acre tract. Staff recommended
approval. No public testimony was heard.
#9936 - Consideration of Approving change of zoning for property located north of
Wildwood Drive and east of U.S. Highway 281 ( Part of the E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 and part of the E 1/2
of the SE '/4 of Section l, Township 10 north, Range 10 west of the 6th P.M.) from TA
Transitional Agriculture with a GCO Gateway Corridor Zone Overlay to B2-General Business
with a GCO Gateway Corridor Zone Overlay
Motion to suspend the rules was moved by Stelk, seconded by Sheard. Roll Call: Ayes: Bethany
Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Motion by Sheard, second by Stelk to approve Ordinance #9936. Roll Call: Ayes: Bethany
Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Mayor Steele: By reason of the roll call Ordinance #9936 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon
publication as required by law.
e. Public Hearing on the One & Six Year Street Improvement Plan
Interim Public Works Director Keith Kurz reported that the projects listed in the One & Six Year
Plan for fiscal year 2024 were considered definite projects, and were in the proposed Fiscal Year
2024 budget. Many of the projects listed in the One & Six Year Plan for 2024 through 2029 were
included in the City's budget, but were subject to schedule changes depending upon coordination
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City Council Regular Meeting, July 25, 2023
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and approval of State and Federal funding. Reviewed were the proposed projects. Staff
recommended approval. No public testimony was heard.
#2023-178 - Approving One & Six Year Street Improvement Plan.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Haase to approve Resolution #2023-178. Roll Call: Ayes:
Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
10.
REQUEST AND REFERRALS
a. Cigar Bar Discussion
Assistant City Attorney Stacy Nonhof reported that at the July 11, 2023 City Council meeting a
request was made to the Council to allow cigar bars in the City of Grand Island. Based upon the
discussion at that meeting, a draft of changes to City Code was created. This matter was not on
the agenda for action. This was a matter for discussion only. Based upon Council's discussion a
formal Ordinance would be presented at a later meeting.
11.
RESOLUTIONS
a. #2023-179 - Consideration of Approving FY 2023-2024 Annual Budget for Railside
Business Improvement District and Setting Date for Board of Equalization.
Assistant Finance Director Brian Schultz reported that the City had received the 2023-2024
budget that provided for a total special assessment of $142,903.94 within the Railside Business
Improvement District. It was recommended that the Board of Equalization on the proposed
assessments be set for September 12, 2023. Staff recommended approval.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Conley to approve Resolution #2023-179. Roll Call: Ayes:
Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
b. #2023-180 - Consideration of Approving FY 2023-2024 Annual Budget for Fonner Park
Business Improvement District and Setting Date for Board of Equalization.
Assistant Finance Director Brian Schultz reported that the City had received the 2023-2024
budget that provided for a total special assessment of $53.202.00 within the Fonner Park
Business Improvement District. It was recommended that the Board of Equalization on the
proposed assessments be set for September 12, 2023. Staff recommended approval.
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City Council Regular Meeting, July 25, 2023
Motion by Guzinski, second by Paulick to approve Resolution #2023-180. Roll Call: Ayes:
Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
c. #2023-181 - Consideration of Approving FY 2023-2024 Annual Budget for South Locust
Business Improvement District and Setting Date for Board of Equalization.
Assistant Finance Director Brian Schultz reported that the City had received the 2023-2024
budget that provided for a total special assessment of $104,617.00 within the South Locust
Business Improvement District. It was recommended that the Board of Equalization on the
proposed assessments be set for September 12, 2023. Staff recommended approval.
Motion by Sheard, second by Guzinski to approve Resolution #2023-181. Roll Call: Ayes:
Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
d. #2023-182 - Consideration of Approving FY 2023-2024 Annual Budget for Vehicle Off-
Street Parking District #3 and Setting Date for Board of Equalization.
Assistant Finance Director Brian Schultz reported that the total special assessment of $70,000.00
within the Parking District #3 was recommended. It was recommended that the Board of
Equalization on the proposed assessments be set for September 12, 2023. Staff recommended
approvaL Amy Mayhew spoke against the parking fees due to her having a private parking lot
for her business and requesting a credit on her parking dues.
Motion by Guzinski, second by Paulick to approve Resolution #2023-182. Roll Call: Ayes:
Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
12.
ORDINANCES
a. #9937 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance
Human Resources Director Aaron Schmid reported that there was currently an existing vacant
Engineering Technician position. It was recommended to re-allocate this Engineering Technician
position to a newly created Underground Technician position. Staff recommended approval.
Motion to suspend the rules was moved by Paulick, seconded by Guzinski. Roll Call: Ayes:
Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Motion by Guzinski, second by Fitzke to approve Ordinance #9937. Roll Call: Ayes: Bethany
Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch
Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
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City Council Regular Meeting, July 25, 2023
Mayor Steele: By reason of the roll call Ordinance #9937 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon
publication as required by law.
b. #9938 - Considering Annexation of Property proposed for platting as Wildwood Business
Park Subdivision, an addition to the City of Grand Island located at the Northwest Corner of U.S.
Highway 281 and Wildwood Drive (First Reading)
Community Redevelopment Director Chad Nabity reported that Wildwood Business Park LLC
had submitted the Wildwood Business Parks Subdivision as an addition to the City of Grand
Island. This subdivision was comprised of 90+ acres of property along the west side of U.S.
Highway 281 north of Wildwood Drive. The proposed subdivision was adjacent and contiguous
with the Grand Island Municipal limits. City sewer and water were both available and the
developer was proposing to extend and connect all of the proposed lots to sewer and water. This
was the first of three readings. Staff recommended approval.
Motion by Haase, second by Paulick to approve Ordinance #9938 on First Reading.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9938 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Roll Call: Ayes: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack
Sheard, Mike Paulick Michelle Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Jason Conley and Maggie
Mendoza. Absent: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
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Jill ranere
Deputy City Clerk
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