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06-17-2003 City Council Study Session PacketCity of Grand Island Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Study Session Packet City Council:Mayor: Jay Vavricek City Administrator: Marlan Ferguson City Clerk: RaNae Edwards T u 7:00:00 PM Council Chambers - City Hall 100 East First Street Joyce Haase Margaret Hornady Robert Meyer Mitchell Nickerson Don Pauly Jackie Pielstick Larry Seifert Scott Walker Fred Whitesides City of Grand Island City Council Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call A - SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE ITEMS Individuals who have appropriate items for City Council consideration should complete the Request for Future Agenda Items form located at the Information Booth. If the issue can be handled administratively without Council action, notification will be provided. If the item is scheduled for a meeting or study session, notification of the date will be given. B - RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS This is an opportunity for individuals wishing to provide input on any of tonight's agenda items to reserve time to speak. Please come forward, state your name and address, and the Agenda topic on which you will be speaking. City of Grand Island City Council Item -1 Mayor's "State of the City Address" Mayor Vavricek plans to have semi-annual reports on the "State of the City". This will be the first of those reports, which will review current activities in various departments within the City. This first report will also summarize the Mayor's first few months in office and his goals for the coming months. Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Study Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Mayor Vavricek City of Grand Island City Council Item -2 Discussion Concerning Cooperative Service Field Agreement with the Wildlife Services for Wildlife Damage Control This item was pulled from the June 10, 2003 City Council Agenda so further discussion could take place. The USDA Wildlife Service has proposed a cooperative field agreement with the City of Grand Island to help control the skunk population that has been spreading rabies. The cost of this agreement is $2,500. The agreement is scheduled to take effect as of June 2, 2003 if approved by the City. The agreement would remain in effect until the funds are depleted by the services rendered by the Wildlife Services. The Wildlife Service estimates that the agreement should cover services for the months of June, July and August. Ronald Fryda representing the US Department of Ag Wildlife Services will be present for the meeting. Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Study Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Marlan Ferguson City of Grand Island City Council Item -3 Discussion Concerning Revision to Dog Ordinance The Animal Advisory Board has received complaints this year about the number of dogs running at large and about our dog bite ordinances. The City Attorney has been working with the Animal Advisory board to revise the Ordinances to clearly define the requirements for preventing animals to run at large. The Animal Advisory Board is also proposing that changes be made to the potentially dangerous dog ordinances so when these animals bite, the city will be able to take action more quickly in the event that there are further problems with dog bites. Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Study Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Doug Walker City of Grand Island City Council Proposed City Codes Changes to Chapter 5, Animals §5-1. Definitions Potentially Dangerous Dog. (a) Any dog that (1) bites or inflicts a wound that is not severe on a human or injures a domestic animal either on public or private property, or (2) chases or approaches a person upon streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude or attack; or (b) any dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack when unprovoked, to cause injury, or to threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals. §5-34. Running at Large; Restraint Required It shall be unlawful for any owner to suffer or permit any dog or other animal to run at large within the corporate limits of the City of Grand Island. “Running at large” shall mean any dog or other animal off the premises of the owner and not under the immediate control of a person physically capable of restraining the animal by holding a leash, cord, chain, wire, rope, cage or other suitable means of physical restraint or if the animal is unattended and out of doors on the premises of the owner, the animal shall be in an adequate fenced in area or securely fastened to a leash or chain to prevent the animal from leaving the owner ’s premises. It shall be the duty of the city animal control officer or other appropriate city law enforcement officer to take up and impound any dog found running at large within the City of Grand Island. Every dog found running at large in violation of this or any other section of the Grand Island City Code is declared to be a public nuisance and may be picked up and impounded. §5-36. Dangerous Animals on Owner's Property (A) While unattended on the owner's property, a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal shall be securely confined, in a humane manner, indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure suitably designed to prevent the entry of young children and to prevent the animal from escaping. The pen or structure shall have secure sides and a secure top. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides shall be embedded into the ground. The pen or structure shall also protect the animal from the elements. The owner of a dangerous animal shall post a warning sign on the property where the animal is kept that is clearly visible and that informs persons that a dangerous animal is on the property. (B) All pens or structures for confining dangerous animals constructed after May 1, 1997 shall be at least five (5.0) feet from any privately-owned property abutting the animal owners' property. §5-37. Dangerous Animals; Restraint; Impoundment; Confiscation (A) No owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal shall fail to keep such animal securely muzzled and restrained by a leash or chain whenever off the owner's property. (B) Any dangerous animal in violation of §5-36 or §5-37 of the Grand Island City Code may be impounded by humane society officers pending the owner paying the costs of confinement, licensing and vaccination, if applicable, and demonstrating the ability of complying with said sections thereafter. (C) In the event an animal previously declared dangerous or potentially dangerous has been cited for running at large on two separate occasions subsequent to service of written notice on the animal's owner pursuant to §5-47 of this code, such animal shall be declared a vicious animal and ownership of such animal shall be relinquished to the Humane Society in accordance with §5-47(C). (D) Disposition of any dangerous animal impounded for violation of §5-36 or §5-37 shall be governed by §5-44. Article VIII. Appeal Procedure §5-47. Dangerous and Vicious Animals; Declaration; Appeal; Disposition (A) If it shall appear to the Director of the Humane Society that any animal conforms to the definition of a potentially dangerous animal, a dangerous animal or vicious animal, written notice declaring the animal potentially dangerous, dangerous or a vicious animal shall be delivered to the animal’s owner either by personal service or by mail addressed to the last known address of said owner. (B) In the case of a potentially dangerous or dangerous animal, within five (5) days of personal service or Deleted: when provoked Deleted: No owner shall permit his or her animals to run at large off the premises of such owner unless such animal is under effective control of such owner or responsible person. Deleted: a mailing of a notice of declaration to the animal’s owner said owner shall either provide reasonable proof of compliance with §5-36 and §5-37 of the Grand Island City Code or shall deliver said animal to the Humane Society for impoundment and disposition pursuant to §5-37(B). Refusal or failure by the owner of any animal declared a dangerous animal to comply with this subsection shall be a violation of the Grand Island City Code and shall be subject to abatement as a public nuisance pursuant to §5-46. (C) In the case of a vicious animal, within five (5) days of personal service or mailing of a notice of declaration to the animal’s owner said owner shall surrender the animal to the Humane Society for humane euthanization. Refusal or failure by the owner of any animal declared a vicious animal to comply with this subsection shall be a violation of the Grand Island City Code and shall be subject to abatement as a public nuisance pursuant to §5-46. (D) The owner of any animal declared a potentially dangerous, dangerous animal or vicious animal by the Director of the Humane Society may appeal the Director’s decision to the Animal Advisory Board by submitting a letter of appeal to the Director within 72 hours of either receiving personal service or mailing of the written notice of declaration. At the time of submitting the letter of appeal to the Director, any animal declared a vicious animal shall be surrendered to and impounded by the Humane Society pending a hearing of the appeal by the Animal Advisory Board. The Animal Advisory Board shall hold a hearing within ten (10) days of delivery of the letter of appeal to the Director. The hearing shall be conducted informally. The animal’s owner and Director of the Humane Society shall present oral or written statements or reasons supporting or opposing the declaration to the Animal Advisory Board. Statements by each participant shall be limited to a total time of one hour or less. Upon conclusion of the hearing the Animal Advisory Board may reverse, modify or affirm the declaration of the Director. Notice of the determination of the Animal Advisory Board shall be given to the animal’s owner and the Director of the Humane Society, either personally or by United States Mail. Item -4 Review Outside Agencies Funding Request for Fiscal Year 2003- 2004 The City has historically recognized requests for funding from charitable agencies. Attached is a schedule which shows the last two years of funding approved by the Council and these agencies request for next fiscal year. The agencies have been notified of the June 17 study session and invited to address the Council if they so choose. Please address any questions to myself. Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Study Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: David Springer City of Grand Island City Council CHARITABLE AGENCIES 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2003-2004 ORGANIZATION FUNDING FUNDING REQUEST BUDGETED Community Humanitarian Resource Center 4,500$ 4,500$ 7,400$ -$ Convention and Visitors Bureau 10,000$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -$ Council for International Visitors 1,000$ 1,000$ 1,000$ -$ Crisis Center 10,200$ 10,200$ 13,000$ -$ Family Violence Coalition of Central NE, Inc.10,000$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -$ G. I. Dive and Rescue Team - Trailer -$ 9,772$ -$ -$ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program 10,000$ 10,000$ 10,000$ -$ Senior Citizens Industries, Inc.15,000$ 15,000$ 15,000$ -$ Totals 60,700$ 70,472$ 66,400$ -$ AGENCIES WITH WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CITY DEPARTMENTS 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2003-2004 ORGANIZATION FUNDING FUNDING REQUEST BUDGETED Central Nebraska Humane Society 121,000$ 150,000$ 187,500$ -$ Clean Community Systems 18,000$ 18,000$ 18,000$ -$ Totals 139,000$ 168,000$ 205,500$ -$ BUDGETED BUDGETED Item -5 Review Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2003-2004 The fee schedule is normally reviewed at a study session prior to incorporating into the city's annual budget. The proposed fee schedule is attached for review. Three years of history is provided and shaded areas indicate a change in the fee for FY2004. The User Fee Schedule will be presented to the City Council for adoption on June 24, 2003. Please direct any questions to the appropriate department directors or myself. Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Study Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: David Springer City of Grand Island City Council Item -6 Discussion Concerning GIS Computer Systems Technician The Public Works Department has considered dedicating an individual full time to GIS work for the last few years. In the past, consultants have been hired to perform most of the maintenance and updating support of the GIS. The City computer network also continues to grow. As these systems grow, we feel base support should be performed by City staff. Public Works Director Steve Riehle, Finance Director Dave Springer and Information Technology Manager Carl Hurd will discuss the need for the position and discuss the budgetary impact. Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Study Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Steve Riehle and Dave Springer City of Grand Island City Council GIS / Computer Technician •What is GIS •Cooperative Venture •Public in 1999 •Mapsifter as a Tool •Staff Dedicated to GIS •Future of GIS What is GIS? (Geographic Information System) GIS links the Map (Geographic) to the Data (Information System) •Maps are used for –Analysis –Decision making –Telling a Story •Lots of data available –Infrastructure –Population –Traffic –Much, much more Cooperative Venture Many partners –Hall County Public Works –Hall County GIS –Hall County Assessor –Hall County Register of Deeds –Regional Planning Department –Grand Island Utilities –Grand Island Public Works –Grand Island Fire and Police Departments –Grand Island Public Schools And the list is growing…. Went Public in 1999 •Mapsifter –Ask a Question, get an answer –Very easy to use –Makes information much more accessible •Has lots of users –Realtors –Title Companies –Financial Institutions –Consultants –Many others Mapsifter •Tool that makes information available –After Hours –Outside City Hall –Outside County Buildings •Keeping it accessible is important for viability as an everyday tool Staff dedicated to Maintaining and Updating GIS •Full Time GIS Employees –Grand Island Utilities Department –Hall County GIS Department •Departments w/ Considerable time devoted to GIS –Hall County Assessor –Hall County Register of Deeds –Regional Planning Department –Wastewater Treatment Plant Our GIS Future •Increase use as a decision making tool •Continue to lead in use of GIS •Grow our GIS to the next Level –Implement ARC Publisher –Develop ARC IMS GIS Projects we’d like to do •Prepare Sidewalk Comprehensive Plan •Prepare Plan to pave Gravel Streets •Perform Traffic Accident Analysis •Disaster Preparedness •NPDES Stormwater Phase II Implementation •Annexation & Infrastructure Growth Planning •Projects for GIFD, GIPD, Parks & Rec, and others Information Technology •The Network continues to Grow –Support needed for remote locations –Base Support for our Network should be provided in-house –Outside services should supplement City IT Staff •A GIS Contact is needed in IT Budget Impact •FY 2003-2004 Public Works GIS Budget projected at $50,000 •Public Works GIS Budget can be reduced to $20,000 with GIS / Computer Technician •The $30,000 savings pays for Public Works share of GIS/Computer Tech Summary •GIS / Computer Technician –Split 50/50 between Public Works & IT •Proposed Salary Range would be average of Utilities GIS Technician and Computer Technician in IT $1332.00 –$1873.60 Utilities GIS Tech $ 965.60-$1358.40 Computer Tech