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07-24-2007 City Council Regular Meeting PacketCity of Grand Island Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session Packet City Council:Mayor: Margaret Hornady City Administrator: Vacant City Clerk: RaNae Edwards T u 7:00:00 PM Council Chambers - City Hall 100 East First Street Tom Brown Larry Carney John Gericke Peg Gilbert Joyce Haase Robert Meyer Mitchell Nickerson Bob Niemann Fred Whitesides Jose Zapata Call to Order City of Grand Island City Council 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. MAYOR COMMUNICATION This is an opportunity for the Mayor to comment on current events, activities, and issues of interest to the community. Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Invocation - Pastor Rene Lopez, Iglesia De Dios Eben-Ezer, 2525 West State Street This is an open meeting of the Grand Island City Council. The City of Grand Island abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is displayed in the back of this room as required by state law. The City Council may vote to go into Closed Session on any agenda item as allowed by state law. City of Grand Island City Council Item C1 Recognition of 2006-2007 Community Youth Council The Mayor and City Council will recognize the hard work and many hours contributed by the Community Youth Council to the community of Grand Island through sponsored and collaborative events. A short presentation will be given regarding the highlights of the 2006- 07 Community Youth Council year. All youth and adult members will be recognized with a certificate and a special gift will be given to the seniors that just graduated. Congratulations on a successful year. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Mayor Margaret Hornady City of Grand Island City Council Item C.1 Public Hearing on Proposed Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Annual Budget for the Grand Island Area Solid Waste Agency Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Steve Riehle City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Public Hearing and Approval of FY 2007-2008 Grand Island Area Solid Waste Agency Budget Item #’s: C.-1 & C.-2 Presenter(s): Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Background The Solid Waste Agency is required to hold a budget hearing separate from that of the City and approve the budget by passing a resolution. Discussion A budget has been developed for the Agency, which a copy is included. The Agency budget is the same as the City Solid Waste Division budget (Fund 505). The memo from the June 19, 2007 council study session is included for reference. This budget appears in the City’s Annual Budget Document for Fiscal Year 2007-2008. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the budget for the Solid Waste Agency for the FY 2007-2008. Sample Motion Motion to approve the budget for the Solid Waste Agency. Council Agenda Memo From: Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Meeting: June 19, 2007 Subject: Request for an Additional FTE Equipment Operator for the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department Item #’s: 3 Presenter(s): Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Background The division operates under rules that are regulated by the NDEQ. The Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department operates a Transfer Station at 5050 West Old Potash Highway and a Subtitle D Landfill at 19550 West Husker Highway. The Transfer Station is located on a 32 acre site that is 3 miles west of US Highway 281 on Old Potash Highway. The 330 acre Landfill is located on Husker Highway just east of the Buffalo County line. The original construction of the landfill in 1992 was financed with bonds. The second landfill expansion project in 1998 was paid for with cash. The next expansion project at the landfill is projected to take place after the original bonds are paid off in 2011. The Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department is an enterprise fund with disposal fees providing the financial support for the operation. The division competes with other landfills in the area for customers. Key components to maintaining the customer base and solid waste flows include customer service, hours of operation, flexibility, diversity and of course price. Disposal fees have not changed since October 2003 because competitive fees are the most important factor to maintaining the revenue stream. The volume of solid waste received peaked shortly after the Landfill opened because the Grand Island Solid Waste Landfill was one of the early Subtitle D Landfills to begin operation. As other Subtitle D Landfills opened, disposal prices and travel distance determined where the trash would go. The volumes stabilized in the early 2000’s and have steadily increased since then. The actual revenue from fees consistently exceed projections. Tipping fee revenues for the division for the last 5 years are as follows: Fiscal Year Tipping Fees (millions of dollars) 2003/2004 $2.060 2004/2005 $2.128 2005/2006 $2.300 2006/2007 $2.550 (projected) 2007/2008 $2.650 (proposed budget) Discussion The Solid Waste Division currently has 9 full time employees, 3 part-time and 3 seasonal employees. Two of the part-time employees work the scale window on weekends. One part-time employee is a retired equipment operator that fills in. Two of the seasonal employees staff the yard waste site. One seasonal employee helps with ground maintenance. Personnel costs are approximately 30% of the budget. A position for an Assistant Superintendent was eliminated from the division in the 2003/2004 budget. The Transfer Station is currently open 50 hours per week. Because the division has to compete and provide customer service, gate hours cannot be reduced. Work schedules have been staggered and overtime reduced as much as possible without impacting customer service. To deal with the increased volumes the equipment operators are working 48 to 49 hours per week. With the trash volumes continuing to increase, the request for an additional Equipment Operator will be easily covered with the increased revenues. Conclusion This item is presented to the City Council in a Study Session to allow for any questions to be answered and to create a greater understanding of the issue at hand. It is the intent of City Administration to bring this issue to a future council meeting. Solid Waste DivisionSolid Waste Division 2008 Budget2008 Budget Grand Island Area Solid Waste Grand Island Area Solid Waste AgencyAgency uu Formed August 1992Formed August 1992 ––Hall County Hall County ––City of Grand IslandCity of Grand Island uu Created under State LawCreated under State Law uu Provides budget reviewProvides budget review Enterprise FundEnterprise Fund uu Manage “own check book” Manage “own check book” ––Funds are Funds are separate from all other Divisionsseparate from all other Divisions uu Receives no support from General Fund Receives no support from General Fund uu All revenues generated from tipping feesAll revenues generated from tipping fees uu One of the few Divisions with competitionOne of the few Divisions with competition Transfer StationTransfer Station uu Located at the northwest corner of Located at the northwest corner of Old Potash Hwy & Monitor RoadOld Potash Hwy & Monitor Road uu Built by Hall County as a baler Built by Hall County as a baler stationstation uu 1993 1993 --Converted to Transfer Station Converted to Transfer Station uu Utilized by most packer trucks and Utilized by most packer trucks and all small customersall small customers LandfillLandfill uu Located on Husker HighwayLocated on Husker Highway at the Hall/Buffalo County lineat the Hall/Buffalo County line uu Phase I consists of three cellsPhase I consists of three cells ––Bonded original construction of Cell OneBonded original construction of Cell One uu 20 year bond of $4.5 million20 year bond of $4.5 million uu Bond will be fully paid in October 2012Bond will be fully paid in October 2012 ––Paid cash for construction of Cell TwoPaid cash for construction of Cell Two ––Digging Cell Three for use as Daily CoverDigging Cell Three for use as Daily Cover uu Lifetime of FacilityLifetime of Facility ––Cell One and Two have Capacity through 2019Cell One and Two have Capacity through 2019 ––Cell Three will have capacity through 2031Cell Three will have capacity through 2031 ––Whole Site offers capacity for the next 60 Whole Site offers capacity for the next 60 --75 years75 years uu Utilized by some packer trucks and all large roll off containersUtilized by some packer trucks and all large roll off containers Revenue From Tipping FeesRevenue From Tipping Fees 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 $ MillionsFY 2001FY 2002FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006*FY 2007**FY 2008Fiscal Year Tipping Fees *2007 is projected amount*2007 is projected amount **2008 is budgeted amount**2008 is budgeted amount 2.65**FY 2008 2.55*FY 2007 2.29FY 2006 2.12FY 2005 2.06FY 2004 2.09FY 2003 1.96FY 2002 1.98FY 2001 BudgetBudget FY 2008 BudgetFY 2008 Budget Breakdown of Expenses Bond Payments 14%Diesel 6% Personnel 28% Operational 31% Capital 21% 2008 Budget Conclusion2008 Budget Conclusion uu Price is the best way to maintain solid Price is the best way to maintain solid waste flowswaste flows uu No rate increase proposedNo rate increase proposed ––Last rate increase was October 1, 2004Last rate increase was October 1, 2004 uu Asking for 1 FTE Asking for 1 FTE ––Equipment OperatorEquipment Operator --To Keep up with increasing volumesTo Keep up with increasing volumes --Position is Revenue supportedPosition is Revenue supported uu Any Questions?Any Questions? Item C.2 #2007-SWA-1 - Approving Adoption of Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Annual Budget for the Grand Island Area Solid Waste Agency Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Steve Riehle City of Grand Island City Council Approved as to Form ? _______________ July 19, 2007 ? City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-SWA-1 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, acting as the governing body of the Grand Island Area Solid Waste Agency, that the Agency’s 2007-2008 budget in the form presented is hereby approved and adopted. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska on July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item D1 #2007-BE-4 - Consideration of Determining Benefits for 2006 Weed Abatement Program Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Dale Shotkoski City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Wesley D. Nespor, Attorney Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Determination of Benefits 2006 Weed Abatement Program Item #’s: D-1 & F-1 Presenter(s): Wesley D. Nespor, Attorney Background Article III of Chapter 17 to the Grand Island City Code contains a procedure for abating nuisances created by properties that have excessive growths of weeds, grasses and other vegetation. The City Code provides for owners to receive a notice to cut their weeds and grasses and if the owners do not comply with such notice, the City is authorized to do the work and bill the property owner. If the owner fails to pay the bill, the City is authorized by Section 17-38 of the City Code to levy an assessment on the property for the amount of the mowing expenses. Discussion The City Council, sitting as the Board of Equalization, is being asked to determine the benefits for the weed abatement program that took place during the growing season of 2006. There were a number of properties within the City of Grand Island which were not mowed after notice was given. The property owners did not respond to the notice, the City contracted to have the properties mowed, and sent a statement to the property owners for the cost of the mowing. The determination of benefits and levying of special assessments by ordinance on the properties are the next steps in the process of collecting the mowing expense. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Determine the benefits and approve levying the assessment against the property. 2. Continue the issue to a later date. Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council determine the benefits of mowing done during 2006 and levy the unpaid benefits as a lien against the properties that were mowed. Sample Motion Motion to adopt the resolution determining the special benefits of mowing and weed nuisance abatement for the properties listed and in the amounts set forth in the resolution. After the resolution is adopted, a separate motion to adopt the assessment ordinance will be made in the manner for adopting ordinances. Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N BE-2007-4 WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 16-230 and 16-707, Neb. R.R.S. 1943, as amended, the City Clerk of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, gave notice at least ten days prior thereto by publication in a newspaper having general circulation in the City and by mail to persons whose addresses were known to her that the City Council would meet as a Board of Equalization to equalize special weed cutting assessments. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, sitting as a Board of Equalization for the purpose of assessing the costs and expenses of cutting and removing weeds, grasses, or worthless vegetation to the various lots and pieces of ground during the 2006 season, that: 1. The special benefits accruing to the real estate hereinafter described for each cutting is the actual expense thereof plus $50.00 as costs for the City per lot or piece of ground or any combination thereof; and 2. The several lots and pieces of ground hereinafter described are respectively benefited by reason of such weed elimination as follows: Name/Address Description Assessment Gary and Cindy Clerc 803 E 14th St Grand Island, NE 68801 Lot 4, Block 6, George Loan’s Subdivision, City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska $100.00 US Bank National Association ND FCL Department 205 W 4th St, 5th Floor Cincinnati, OH 45202 Toni L. Cooper and Melquiades M. Reyes 516 E 1st St Grand Island, NE 68801 E ½ Lot 7, Block 74, Original Town, City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska $220.00 Household Mortgage Funding Corp 636 Grand Regency Blvd Brandon, FL 33510 John and Tammy Dearing 1320 N Wheeler Grand Island, NE 68801 N ½ Lot 4, Block 93, Original Town, City of Grand Island, AKA Lot 1 Cooper Subdivision, Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska $140.00 - 2 - Stephen R. and Gladis M. Schuller and Desa Tucker 624 N. Broadwell Grand Island, NE 68803 and 247 S. Locust, Grand Island, NE 68801 N 7’ of Lot 4 & S 43’ of Lot 3, Hann’s Addition, City Of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebaska $140.00 - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item E1 Public Hearing Concerning Acquisition of Utility Easement - Cedar Ridge Apartments - 1203 Cedar Ridge Ct. - 4Evergreen I, LLC Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Gary R. Mader City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Robert H. Smith, Asst. Utilities Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Acquisition of Utility Easement – North side of Cedar Ridge Apartments at 1203 Cedar Ridge Court – 4Evergreen I, LLC Item #’s: E-1 & G-14 Presenter(s): Gary R. Mader, Utilities Director Background Nebraska State Law requires that acquisition of property must be approved by City Council. The Utilities Department needs to acquire an easement relative to the property of 4Evergreen I, LLC, located on the north side of Cedar Ridge Apartments at 1203 Cedar Ridge Court, in the City Of Grand Island, Hall County, in order to have access to install, upgrade, maintain, and repair power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. Discussion This easement will be used to expand the existing 10 foot easement to 20 feet due to the vacation of part of the easement on property north of this property. The easement was partially vacated at the July 10, 2007 Council meeting to provide for the required landscape buffer for the new professional building on the adjacent northerly lot. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Make a motion to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the resolution for the acquisition of the easement for one dollar ($1.00). Sample Motion Motion to approve acquisition of the Utility Easement. Item E2 Public Hearing Concerning Acquisition of Utility Easement - Cedar Ridge Apartments - 1204 Cedar Ridge Ct. - 4Evergreen II, LLC Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Gary R. Mader City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Robert H. Smith, Asst. Utilities Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Acquisition of Utility Easement – North side of Cedar Ridge Apartments at 1204 Cedar Ridge Court – 4Evergreen II, LLC Item #’s: E-2 & G-15 Presenter(s): Gary R. Mader, Utilities Director Background Nebraska State Law requires that acquisition of property must be approved by City Council. The Utilities Department needs to acquire an easement relative to the property of 4Evergreen II, LLC, located on the north side of Cedar Ridge Apartments at 1204 Cedar Ridge Court, in the City Of Grand Island, Hall County, in order to have access to install, upgrade, maintain, and repair power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. Discussion This easement will be used to expand the existing 10 foot easement to 20 feet due to the vacation of part of the easement on property north of this property. The easement was partially vacated at the July 10, 2007 Council meeting to provide for the required landscape buffer for the new professional building on the adjacent northerly lot. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Make a motion to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the resolution for the acquisition of the easement for one dollar ($1.00). Sample Motion Motion to approve acquisition of the Utility Easement. Item E3 Public Hearing on Change of Zoning for Land Located at 72 Ponderosa Drive from RD Residential Development to Amended RD Residential Development Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Chad Nabity City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Regional Planning Commission Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Change of Zoning for Land Located at 72 Ponderosa Drive Item #’s: E-3 & F-2 Presenter(s): Chad Nabity AICP, Regional Planning Director Background This is an application requesting an amendment to the Grand Island Zoning Map from RD Residential Development District to Amended RD Residential Development District to permit subdivision of a three acre estate lot into two similar size lo ts. This property is located on a tract of land comprising all of Block Six (6), Ponderosa Lake Estates Subdivision. This property is located north of Schimmer Drive, and west of U.S. Highway 281, at 72 Ponderosa Drive. A copy of the staff report to the planning commission is attached. An amendment to the approved development plan for the Ponderosa Estates Subdivision must be approved by Council to allow a second lot to be created by splitting this estate lot. This zoning change approves that amendment and allows the split. Both lots will be served by City Sewer and Water. The proposed change would be supported by the Grand Island Comprehensive Plan and has been approved by the Ponderosa Lake Home Owners Association. Discussion The application requesting an amendment to the Grand Island Zoning Map for Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth Subdivision from RD Residential Development District to Amended RD Residential Development District was considered by the Regional Planning Commission at the July 11, 2007 meeting. A motion was made by Snodgrass and seconded by Eriksen to recommend approval of this request to amend the RD Residential Development District to Amended RD Residential Development District as presented. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed with 8 members present (Amick, O’Neill, Ruge, Reynolds, Haskins, Eriksen, Bredthauer, Snodgrass ) voting in favor. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the zoning change as presented. Sample Motion Motion to approve as recommended. Agenda Item 5 PLANNING DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: June 25, 2007 SUBJECT: Amendment Request C-21-2007GI PROPOSAL: To amend the existing Ponderosa Estates RD-Residential Development zone, west of Highway 281, to allow a 3.463 acre estate lot to be split into 2 residential lots each more than 1.6 acres on the west side of the Ponderosa Subdivision. OVERVIEW: Site Analysis Current zoning designation: RD-Residential Development Zone Comprehensive Plan Designation: Low to Medium Density Residential Existing land uses: Single Family Residence Site constraints: None. Adjacent Properties Analysis Current zoning designations: North: RD-Residential Development Zone South: RD-Residential Development Zone, East: RD-Residential Development Zone West: TA-Transitional Agriculture Comprehensive Plan Designation: North: Low to Medium Density Residential South: Low to Medium Density Residential East: Low to Medium Density Residential West: Agricultural Existing land uses: North: Single Family Residential South: Single Family Residential East: Single Family Residential West: Agricultural OVERVIEW: · The proposed rezoning is the final stage of the Ponderosa Estates Residential Development District. · This amendment request represents a change to the preliminary plat approval issued in 1991, as part of the Ponderosa Lake Estates RD-Residential Development rezoning of the subject property. · The original plat approval permitted one lot on this 3.46 acre tract. · The additional property is not currently being used or maintained in a residential manner. Splitting this lot would encourage more residential type use of the property. · Sewer and Water are available. Taps will have to be added for both to serve the additional lot. Positive Implications: · Complementary Use: The additional residential lots will encourage a more finished residential look and feel in this area. Negative Implications: · None RECOMMENDATION: That the Regional Planning Commission recommend that City Council approve this request to amend the RD-Residential Development Zone as shown on the final plat for Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth Subdivision to the City of Grand Island. ___________________ Chad Nabity AICP, Planning Director Item E4 Public Hearing on Change of Zoning for Land Located North of Highway 34 and East of Highway 281 - College Park - from RO Residential Office to B2 General Business Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Chad Nabity City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Regional Planning Commission Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Amendment to Chapter 36 of the Grand Island City Code Change of Zoning for Land Located North of Highway 34 and East of Highway 281 – College Park Item #’s: E-4 & F-3 Presenter(s): Chad Nabity AICP, Regional Planning Director Background This is an application from College Park at Grand Island (Doane College) to change the zoning for a tract of land in the SW ¼ of the SW ¼ of 29-11N-09 from RO Residential Office Zone to B2 General Business Zone. The subject property is located east of Highway 281 and north of U.S. Highway 34. The stated purpose of this request is to comply with the city comprehensive plan for future commercial development and for consideration of constructing an electronically controlled digital display sign. Attached you will find a copy of the staff report on this item that was presented to the Regional Planning Commission and Petitions against the proposed rezoning as submitted by neighboring property owners. Discussion The Planning Commission held a hearing on these proposed changes at their meeting on July11, 2007. Four members of the public commented at the public hearing. Randy Blair, President of College Park indicated that College Park is a 501-C3 non-profit corporation. The buildings were built with donations and an endowment was created that covers many of the expenses of the operation. Because of the type of 501-C3 they are, College Park rents its facilities at slightly below cost and makes up the difference in operating expenses from their endowment. College Park has been approached about either leasing or selling their property adjacent to U.S. Highway 281 for commercial purposes but has not move forward on any of those offers due to the current zoning of the property. The lease or sale of this property for development would be used to enhance the endowment for College Park. College Park does not currently have any plans to sell or lease the property. They would, however, like to enter into an agreement with Lamar Sign Company to replace one of the existing bill boards on the property with an electronic display billboard. Donna Kluck, Richard Colvin and Gary Schulte representing the Pinewood Condominium Home Owners Association and the Oakwood Condominium Homeowners Association spoke in protest of the zoning changes. They were concerned about traffic, rodents, noise, lights and impact to their property values if the property to the south of them is rezoned to B2 and developed for commercial purposes. Petitions against the rezoning signed by the members of those condominium associations were presented to the Planning Commission. Chairman O’Neill pointed out that the property immediately to the west of the houses on the west side of Lakewood Circle is already zoned B2-General Commercial and that this property has been zoned that was for many years. It was also pointed out that the City Utilities department has a power line in a 100’ wide parcel of property owned by the City of Grand Island immediately to the south of southern lots between those houses and the property owned by College Park. Any future commercial development on the College Park site would be buffered by the City owned property. A motion was made by Amick and seconded by Ruge to recommend approval of this change of zoning from RO Residential Office Zone to B2 General Business Zone as presented. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed with 8 members present (Amick, O’Neill, Ruge, Reynolds, Haskins, Eriksen, Bredthauer, Snodgrass ) voting in favor. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the zoning change as presented. Sample Motion Motion to approve to amend the rezoning as presented. Agenda Item 7 PLANNING DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: June 25, 2007 SUBJECT: Rezoning Request C-23-2007GI PROPOSAL: To change the zoning for a tract of land in the SW ¼ of the SW ¼ of 29- 11-09 from RO Residential Office Zone to B2-General Business Zone. The subject property is located east of Highway 281 and north of U.S. Highway 34. The stated purpose of this request is to comply with the city comprehensive plan for future commercial development and for consideration of constructing an electronically controlled digital display sign. OVERVIEW: Site Analysis Current zoning designation: RO-Residential Office Zone Permitted and conditional uses: RO: Residential and Professional Office uses Comprehensive Plan Designation: Commercial Existing land uses: College Park and Agriculture Site constraints: Access from U.S. Highway 281 is limited. Adjacent Properties Analysis Current zoning designations: North: B2-General Business, R3 Medium Density Residential South: B1-Light Business, East: RO-Residential Office West: B2-General Business Permitted and conditional uses: RO: Residential and Professional Office uses. Retail uses limited to prescription services. No Billboards B2: General service, retail and wholesale commercial uses including outdoor sales, Billboards B1: General service, retail and commercial uses excluding outdoor sales, Billboards Comprehensive Plan Designation: North: Commercial/Medium Density Residential South: Commercial East: Public West: Commercial Existing land uses: North: Farm ground, Housing South: Stuhr Museum East: Central Community College West: U.S. Highway 281, Strip Commercial, Office EVALUATION: The proposed rezoning is consistent with the comprehensive plan. It is unclear when any development other than the construction of the digital display board sign would occur on this property. Further development of this property is contingent on the extension of public streets throughout the College Park Site and to the north to connect with Webb Road. Positive Implications: · Consistent with intent of the City’s Comprehensive Plan: The City’s 2004 Comprehensive Plan has designated this site for Commercial uses. Rezoning this property to B2-General Business District is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan · Compatible with adjacent land uses: The B2 zone is consistent with the current zoning on surrounding properties. · Allows expansion of commercial node: Rezoning this would allow the expansion of the commercial zoning node adjacent to College Park and Central Community College. This would allow commercial services available to students to be expanded in an area that could easily be reached by bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Negative Implications: · No negative implications foreseen. Other Implications: · B2 Zone allows Billboards: The B2 zone allows billboards that would not be allowed under the current zoning. This application does include the intent to construct a digital display board sign on the premises. RECOMMENDATION: That the Regional Planning Commission recommends that the Grand Island City Council approve this request to amend the rezoning from RO Residential Office to B2 General Business as presented. ___________________ Chad Nabity AICP, Planning Director Item F1 #9127 - Consideration of Assessments for 2006 Weed Abatement Program This item relates to the aforementioned Board of Equalization Item D-1. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Dale Shotkoski City of Grand Island City Council Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney ORDINANCE NO. 9127 An ordinance levying a special tax to pay the cost to the City of cutting, destroying, and removing weeds, grasses, or worthless vegetation, pursuant to Sections 17-36 and 17-38 of the Grand Island City Code upon certain lots and pieces of ground; providing for the collection thereof; repealing ordinances or parts of ordinances in the Grand Island City Code in conflict herewith; and providing for the publication and effective date of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA: SECTION 1. A special tax is hereby levied for the cost of cutting, destroying, and removing weeds, grasses, or worthless vegetation upon the hereinafter described lots and pieces of ground during the 2006 season in proportion to the special benefits to such real estate as determined and assessed by the City Council sitting as a Board of Equalization after due notice thereof, in the following amounts: Name/Address Description Assessment Gary and Cindy Clerc 803 E 14th St Grand Island, NE 68801 Lot 4, Block 6, George Loan’s Subdivision, City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska $100.00 * This Space Reserved for Register of Deeds * ORDINANCE NO. ________ (Cont.) - 2 - US Bank National Association ND FCL Department 205 W 4th St, 5th Floor Cincinnati, OH 45202 Toni L. Cooper and Melquiades M. Reyes 516 E 1st St Grand Island, NE 68801 E ½ Lot 7, Block 74, Original Town, City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska $220.00 Household Mortgage Funding Corp 636 Grand Regency Blvd Brandon, FL 33510 John and Tammy Dearing 1320 N Wheeler Grand Island, NE 68801 N ½ Lot 4, Block 93, Original Town, City of Grand Island, AKA Lot 1 Cooper Subdivision, Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska $140.00 Stephen R. and Gladis M. Schuller and Desa Tucker 624 N. Broadwell Grand Island, NE 68803 and 247 S. Locust, Grand Island, NE 68801 N 7’ of Lot 4 & S 43’ of Lot 3, Hann’s Addition, City Of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebaska $140.00 SECTION 2. Such special tax shall be due and payable to the City thirty (30) days after such levy and shall become delinquent fifty (50) days after such levy. After the same shall become delinquent, interest at the rate of 14 percent (14%) per annum shall be paid thereon. The same shall be collected in the same manner as other city taxes. SECTION 3. Such special taxes shall be collected by the Finance Director of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, as provided by law. ORDINANCE NO. ________ (Cont.) - 3 - SECTION 4. Such special taxes, if not previously paid, shall be certified to the County Clerk at the same time as the next certification for general revenue purposes. SECTION 5. Such special taxes, when received, shall be applied to reimburse the general fund. SECTION 6. All ordinances or parts of ordinances or provisions in the Grand Island City Code in conflict herewith be, and the same hereby are, repealed. SECTION 7. This ordinance shall be in force and take effect from and after its passage and publication within fifteen days in one issue of the Grand Island Independent as provided by law. Enacted: July 24, 2007. ____________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item F2 #9128 - Consideration of Change of Zoning for Land Located at 72 Ponderosa Drive from RD Residential Development to Amended RD Residential Development This item relates to the aforementioned Public Hearing Item E-3. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Chad Nabity City of Grand Island City Council Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ October 18, 2006 ¤ City Attorney ORDINANCE NO. 9128 An ordinance rezoning a certain tract of land within the zoning jurisdiction of the City of Grand Island; changing the land use classification of a tract of land consisting of all of Block Six (6), Ponderosa Lake Estates, in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, from RD Residential Development District to Amended RD Residential Development District; directing the such zoning change and classification be shown on the Official Zoning Map of the City of Grand Island; amending the provisions of Section 36-44; and providing for publication and an effective date of this ordinance. WHEREAS, the Regional Planning Commission on July 11, 2007, held a public hearing and made a recommendation on the proposed zoning of such area; and WHEREAS, notice as required by Section 19-923, R.R.S. 1943, has been given to the Boards of Education of the school districts in Hall County, Nebraska; and WHEREAS, after public hearing on July 24, 2007, the City Council found and determined the change in zoning be approved and made; and WHEREAS, the owners of the property have requested amendments to final development plan as approved for Lot One (6) of Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth Subdivision; and WHEREAS, those amendment s have been agreed upon in an approved subdivision agreement. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA: SECTION 1. The following tract of land is hereby rezoned, reclassified and changed from RD Residential Development District to Amended RD Residential Development District: ORDINANCE NO. 9128 (Cont.) - 2 - A tract of land comprising all of Block Six (6), Ponderosa Lake Estates, in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, containing 3.463 acres, more or less. SECTION 2. That the Official Zoning Map of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, as established by Section 36-51 of the Grand Island City Code be, and the same is, hereby ordered to be changed, amended, and completed in accordance with this ordinance. SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall be in force and take effect from and after its passage and publication, within fifteen days in one issue of the Grand Island Independent as provided by law. Enacted: July 24, 2007. ____________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item F3 #9129 - Consideration of Change of Zoning for Land Located North of Highway 34 and East of Highway 281 - College Park - from RO Residential Office to B2 General Business This item relates to the aforementioned Public Hearing Item E-4. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Chad Nabity City of Grand Island City Council Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ October 18, 2006 ¤ City Attorney ORDINANCE NO. 9129 An ordinance rezoning a certain tract of land within the zoning jurisdiction of the City of Grand Island; changing the land use classification of a tract of land in the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SW¼ SW¼) of Section Twenty-Nine (29), Township Eleven (11) North, Range Nine (9), West of the Sixth P.M., in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, from RO Residential Office Zone to B2 General Business Zone; directing the such zoning change and classification be shown on the Official Zoning Map of the City of Grand Island; amending the provisions of Section 36-44; and providing for publication and an effective date of this ordinance. WHEREAS, the Regional Planning Commission on July 11, 2007, held a public hearing and made a recommendation on the proposed zoning of such area; and WHEREAS, notice as required by Section 19-923, R.R.S. 1943, has been given to the Boards of Education of the school districts in Hall County, Nebraska; and WHEREAS, after public hearing on July 24, 2007, the City Council found and determined the change in zoning be approved and made. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA: SECTION 1. The following tract of land is hereby rezoned, reclassified and changed from RO Residential Office Zone to B2 General Business Zone: A tract of land in the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SW¼ SW¼) of Section Twenty-Nine (29), Township Eleven (11) North, Range Nine (9), West of the Sixth P.M., in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska. ORDINANCE NO. 9129 (Cont.) - 2 - SECTION 2. That the Official Zoning Map of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, as established by Section 36-51 of the Grand Island City Code be, and the same is, hereby ordered to be changed, amended, and completed in accordance with this ordinance. SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall be in force and take effect from and after its passage and publication, within fifteen days in one issue of the Grand Island Independent as provided by law. Enacted: July 24, 2007. ____________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G1 Approving Minutes of July 7, 2007 City Council Special Meeting Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: RaNae Edwards City of Grand Island City Council OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING July 7, 2007 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Special 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 7, 2007. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on June 30, 2007. Mayor Margaret Hornady called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. The following Councilmembers were present: Meyer, Haase, Whitesides, Gilbert, Brown, Gericke, Nickerson, Zapata, and Carney. The following City Officials were present: City Clerk RaNae Edwards, City Attorney Dale Shotkoski, and Human Resources Director Brenda Sutherland. Also present was Oscar Erives, Judy Sandstrom and Bob Niemann of the Mayor’s Citizens Committee. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was said. PUBLIC INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD OLSON: Human Resources Director Brenda Sutherland, Councilmember’s, and the Citizens Committee asked questions to better understand the candidate for the position of City Administrator. Introduced was Richard Olson from Elisabeth City, North Carolina. Mr. Olson answered questions concerning his desire to come to Grand Island, his experience in City Government and wanting to get back to the mid-west region. He stated he was a person to get things done with integrity, sincerity, and a good work ethic. Mr. Olson commented on his background in City government and his qualifications. His strongest skills were he was goal oriented and had a strong finance background. Skills needing worked on were communication and patience. Mr. Olson stated he has worked with communities that were very ethnic diverse. Mr. Olson commented on his management style. He tries to empower his employees. To have strong organizations you need to support your employees. Communication was important between council and department directors. His reasons for changing jobs were to be closer to his and his wife’s aging parents and to get back to mid-western values. Mr. Olson stated he loves being in the public sector and plans on continuing in this profession for a long time. He believes he would be in the mid-west in the next 5 – 10 years. Questions as to whether Grand Island was a stepping stone and the number of jobs Mr. Olson had had over the last 19 years were discussed. Mr. Olson explained circumstances of his termination as City Manager in Liberal, Kansas. Mr. Olson stated the three words that describe him best were a doer, a leader, and an individual that has a lot of self-confidence which some people may take as “cocky”. He commented on his Page 2, City Council Special Meeting, July 7, 2007 economic development in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Mr. Olson stated one major accomplishment in his current position was in getting grants to help with infrastructure. Establishing early credibility was to be honest and support actions of the city council. He stated two traits of being an effective leader were to have the ability to adjust to circumstances and good analytical skills. Techniques to create an atmosphere of trust were to have the support of staff and spend a lot of time with council to see what is important to them. Mr. Olson stated his greatest frustration in his current position was the city council not working together. He stated there were a lot of positive things going on in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Mr. Olson stated Grand Island should hire him because of his background and strong management skills. He would do the best job physically possible. He stated his hobbies were: golfing, working out, walking with his family, he does not require much sleep, and is not a pleasure reader but likes to read to learn. Mr. Olson stated Grand Island’s greatest asset was its diversity, closeness to the interstate, its economic development, infrastructure, and a very clean city. Grand Island’s greatest challenges were the downtown area, railroads running through town, tight budget, and housing in the downtown area. RECESS: Council recessed from 9:30 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. PUBLIC INTERVIEW WITH MIKE NOLAN : Human Resources Director Brenda Sutherland, Councilmember’s, and the Citizens Committee asked questions to better understand the candidate for the position of City Administrator. Introduced was Mike Nolan from Norfolk, Nebraska. Mr. Nolan stated he would like to move to Grand Island because it would be a step up for his career and was excited about the city and what it had to offer. He explained his 27 years of experience in government, budget issues, personnel issues, code enforcement, police, and fire. Mr. Nolan stated he is a problem solver and has had experience in negotiations. One skill he was seeking improvement in was marketing municipalities. He commented on his knowledge of the negotiation process with the Commission on Industrial Relations (CIR) and has followed the cases from Grand Island. He stated he has had some experience working with diverse ethnic groups and has had experience in working with water, sewer, and wastewater. Mr. Nolan stated his management style was “what you see is what you get”. He emphasized working with staff. He learned over time the citizen is not always right but needs to be treated with courtesy. He stated he wanted to move to Grand Island because it would be a good fit and a step up for him. He sees himself here in Grand Island in the next 5 – 10 years if the mayor and council see fit to hire him. Mr. Nolan stated the following three words would describe him: intense, committed to resolving problems effectively, and honest. Some criticize him as being too aggressive. His major accomplishment was the ability to build functional teams. He would establish early creditability and confidence with council, staff, community leaders and the general public by creating a lot of dialogue. Communication was very important. Page 3, City Council Special Meeting, July 7, 2007 Mr. Nolan stated integrity was important to being an effective leader. Techniques he would use to create an atmosphere of trust and unity within the organization was to find out what the norms of the organization were. His leadership and vision to help guide staff and elected officials toward the common good of the community was stewardship. He stated he was goal oriented. Mr. Nolan stated his greatest frustration in his current position was tying to be a good steward and do the right thing and the citizen(s) accuses you of wrong doing. Mr. Nolan stated Grand Island should hire him because of what they had seen during the interview along with his honesty, integrity, and fundamental principles. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m. RaNae Edwards City Clerk Item G2 Approving Minutes of July 9, 2007 City Council Joint Meeting Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: RaNae Edwards City of Grand Island City Council OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA MINUTES OF JOINT CITY/COUNTY SPECIAL MEETING July 9, 2007 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Special Joint Meeting of the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, the Hall County Board of Supervisors, and the Central District Health Department was conducted at Home Federal Bank, 3311 West Stolley Park Road, on July 9, 2007. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island Independent on July 6, 2007. Teresa Anderson, Executive Director of the Central District Health Department called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The following people were present: (City of Grand Island ) Mayor Margaret Hornady, Councilmember’s Joyce Haase, Peg Gilbert, Tom Brown, John Gericke, and Mitch Nickerson; (Hall County Board) Scott Arnold, Jim Ericksen, Bob Humiston, Bud Jeffries, Pamela Lancaster, and Daniel Wagoner; (Central District Health Department) Teresa Anderson, Ryan King, Deb Potratz, Jeremy Collinson, Michelle Setlik, and Michele Kieborz. PRESENTATION BY TERESA ANDERSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Ms. Anderson introduced Ryan King, Assistant Executive Director; Deb Potratz, Administrative Assistant; Jeremy Collinson, Environmental Health Specialist; Michelle Setlik, Fiscal Clerk; and Michele Kieborz, WIC Supervisor. Ms. Anderson reviewed the following public health functions: · Assessment that includes data collection · Policies that are in place to protect the public health · Assurance that public health services are available and accessible A video of the September 2007 Mission of Mercy was viewed. Over 1,800 patients were seen at the event. It was their hope to hold this event every 3 years. Staff Development: · Management holds monthly discussions based on the current literature · Monthly staff sessions held regarding effective interoffice communication · Human resources developed position descriptions, employee evaluations, and performance based merit system Environmental services – expansions had been made on the following: · Inspection of mobile home parks, recreational camps, swimming poo and spas clean indoor air and childcare centers · Certified pool operator classes were held · School food programs were addressed · West Nile virus surveillance · Swimming beach sampling · Nuisance complaints were addressed Page 2, City Council Special Meeting, July 13, 2006 Policy: · Allows CDHC Board to exercise jurisdiction and authority as defined in Nebraska statute · CDHD becomes the health board for each city/municipality · CDHD Board regulates health matters Effective July 1, 2007 the Central District Health Department would be an independent agency and effective October 1, 2007 they would do their own fiscal services in house. Michelle Setlik addressed issues on the indirect cost rates and how to address those hidden costs. She also stated they were improving the efficiencies of the programs and seeking outside sources of funding. The total amount requested from Hall County for the 2007/2008 fiscal year was $120,000.00. This reflected a reduction of $5,000.00 over last year. Mitch Nickerson ad Jim Eriksen complemented the Health Department on the efforts to reduce the budget request. Mr. Nickerson also addressed concerns in the event there was a pandemic outbreak and the importance of being prepared. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. RaNae Edwards City Clerk (As submitted by Hall County Clerk Marla Conley) Item G3 Approving Minutes of July 10, 2007 City Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: RaNae Edwards City of Grand Island City Council OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING July 10, 2007 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 10, 2007. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island Independent on July 4, 2007. Mayor Margaret Hornady called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following City Council members were present : Councilmember’s Carney, Zapata, Nickerson, Gericke, Brown, Gilbert, Whitesides, Haase, and Meyer. The following City Officials were present: City Clerk RaNae Edwards, City Attorney Dale Shotkoski, Finance Director David Springer, and Public Works Director Steve Riehle. INVOCATION was given by Youth Minister Brian Pielstick, Harvest Time Baptist Church, 1125 North Beal Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Hornady acknowledged Community Youth Council member’s Cait Schwehn and Liz Koch. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS: Presentation of Service Award to Councilmember Scott Walker. The Mayor and City Council acknowledged Scott Walker with a plaque for his service to the citizen’s of Grand Island for the last 6 1/2 years. Mr. Walker thanked the mayor, council and department directors and would miss being on the council. He stated he is enjoying his family and has no regrets. SPECIAL ITEMS: Approving Appointment of Bob Niemann as City Councilmember for Ward I. Mayor Hornady submitted the name of Bob Niemann for appointment as Councilmember to represent Ward 1. This appointment would fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Scott Walker. Motion by Meyer, second by Whitesides to approve the appointment of Bob Niemann as City Councilmember for Ward 1. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted. Administration of Oath of Office to Bob Niemann City Councilmember for Ward 1. City Clerk RaNae Edwards administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Councilmember Bob Niemann – Ward 1. Council took a short recess. Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, July 10, 2007 PUBLIC HEARINGS: Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 640 South Pine Street (Joy A. Gambill). Gary Mader, Utilities Director reported that acquisition of a utility easement located at 640 South Pine Street was needed in order to have access to install, upgrade, maintain, and repair power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. This easement would be used to locate a pad-mounted transformer which would provide upgraded service to the existing buildings at 640 South Pine Street and 645 South Locust Street. No public testimony was heard. Public Hearing on Referral of Blighted and Substandard Study for Property Located 1/2 Mile West of South Locust Street Primarily Between Wildwood Drive and Schimmer Drive to the Regional Planning Commission. Chad Nabity, Regional Planning Director reported that this item related to the Blighted and Substandard Study for proposed CRA Area #7 located east of the Platte Valley Industrial Park between Schimmer Drive and Wildwood Drive, 1/2 mile east of South Locust Street. Referral to the Planning Commission was recommended. Marlan Ferguson with the Economic Development Corporation spoke in support. No public testimony was heard. ORDINANCES: Councilmember Whitesides moved “that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by title on three different days be suspended and that ordinances numbered: #9125 – Consideration of Partial Vacation of Utility Easements Located on Lots One (1) and Two (2), Cedar Ridge First Subdivision #9126 – Consideration of Vacation of a Portion of Midaro Drive (East of 610 Midaro Drive) to Correct Error in Legal Description on Ordinance No. 9124. be considered for passage on the same day upon reading by number only and that the City Clerk be permitted to call out the number of these ordinances on first reading and then upon final passage and call for a roll call vote on each reading and then upon final passage.” Councilmember Haase second the motion. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted. Gary Mader, Utilities Director reported Ordinance #9125 was needed to vacate a 20’ wide easement on Lots One (1) and Two (2), Cedar Ridge First Subdivision to meet the landscaping and zoning requirements for construction on this property. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director reported Ordinance #9126 would correct the legal description of Ordinance No. 9124 that was approved by Council on June 26, 2007. This would allow for the vacation of a portion of Midaro Drive that was no longer needed because of changes in the development plan. Motion by Meyer, second by Gilbert to approve Ordinances #9125 and #9126. City Clerk: Ordinances #9125 and #9126 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of these ordinances on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted. Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting, July 10, 2007 City Clerk: Ordinances #9125 and #9126 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of these ordinances on final passage, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted. Mayor Hornady: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon final passage, Ordinances #9125 and #1926 are declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by law. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Gilbert, second by Haase to approve the Consent Agenda. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted. Approving Minutes of June 26, 2007 City Council Regular Meeting. Approving Re-Appointments of Todd Enck, Marv Webb, Ric hard Willis, and Mike Wenzl to the Building Code Advisory Board. #2007-140 – Approving Five Year Service Agreement for Cardiac Monitors with Medtronic Emergency Response Systems, Inc. in an Amount of $36,700.00 Annual Installments. #2007-156 – Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 640 South Pine Street (Joy A. Gambill). #2007-157 – Approving Bid Award for Liquid Ortho-Polyphosphate for Corrosion Control with Carus Phosphates, Inc. of Belmont, North Carolina in an Amount of $84,420.00. #2007-158 – Approving Agreement with the Nebraska Department of Roads for Resurfacing Project on US Highway 281; Old Potash Highway to Capital Avenue in a Total Amount of $300,000 with the State Share of $150,000 and the City Share of $150,000. RESOLUTIONS: #2007-159 – Consideration of Referring Blighted and Substandard Study for Property Located 1/2 Mile West of South Locust Street Primarily Between Wildwood Drive and Schimmer Drive to the Regional Planning Commission. Chad Nabity, Regional Planning Director reported this item related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Motion by Nickerson, second by Gilbert to approved Resolution #2007-159 and refer this matter to the Regional Planning Commission. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted. #2007-160– Consideration of Funding Outside Agencies. David Springer, Finance Director reported that this item was discussed at the June 19, 2007 City Council Study Session with numerous options and alternatives suggested by council. In order to proceed with the budget process a suggested 20% a year reduction in agency funding was suggested. Motion by Whitesides, second by Haase to approve Resolution #2007-160. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Page 4, City Council Regular Meeting, July 10, 2007 The following people spoke regarding the funding of outside agencies: · Louise Miller, 1104 West Charles Street spoke in opposition to funding any outside agency. · Shelly Pointer, 4071 Zola Lane, Executive Director for the Crisis Center, explained the services provided. · Lois Stienike, 103 West Ashton Avenue, Executive Director for the Senior Citizens Industries (Grand Generation Center) commented on the importance of the funding received from the city and services provided. · Gloriann Hodson, Hastings, NE, Executive Director for Hope Harbor spoke in support of the funding from the city. Discussion was held regarding the criteria for funding that was discussed at previous meetings. Councilmember Nickerson recommended that the funding stay at the same level as last year due to tight budgets faced by outside agencies. Motio n was made by Whitesides to amend the original motion to include the following funding for the following agencies: Hope Harbor $ 4,500 Convention and Visitors Bureau $10,000 Council for International Visitors $ 1,000 Motion died for lack of a second. Upon roll call vote on original motion to approve Resolution #2007-160 all voted no. Motion failed. Motion by Whitesides, second by Brown to approve the outside agencies funding to the same amount as last year (FY 2006-2007). Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted. (It was noted that the Fishing Derby did not make a request and the Central Nebraska Health Department revised their request to $120,000) PAYMENT OF CLAIMS: Motion by Brown, second by Haase to approve the Claims for the period of June 27, 2007 through July 10, 2007, for a total amount of $2,081,439.95. Motion adopted unanimously. Motion by Brown, second by Haase to approve the following Claims for the Library Expansion for the period of June 13, 2007 through July 10, 2007: #74 $76,095.16 #75 $ 350.00 Motion adopted unanimously. SPECIAL ITEMS: Motion by Meyer, second by Gericke to adjourn to executive session at 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of updating the council on the Howard Maxon litigation. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted. Page 5, City Council Regular Meeting, July 10, 2007 RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: Motion by Meyer, second by Haase to return to regular session at 8:15 p.m. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. RaNae Edwards City Clerk Item G4 Approving Appointment of Dale Shotkoski as Interim City Administrator The Mayor has submitted the appointment of Dale Shotkoski, City Attorney, to serve as the Interim City Administrator. Mr. Shotkoski will serve in this capacity effective immediately until a new City Administrator is hired. Approval is recommended. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Mayor Margaret Hornady City of Grand Island City Council Item G5 Approving Appointment of Bob Niemann to the City/County Communications/Civil Defense Board The Mayor has submitted the appointment of Councilmember Bob Niemann to the City/County Communications/Civil Defense Board to replace Councilmember Scott Walker. This appointment would become effective immediately upon approval by Council, and would expire on December 31, 2007. Approval is recommended. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Mayor Margaret Hornady City of Grand Island City Council Item G6 Approving Re-Appointments of Bob Loewenstein and Cindy Bennett to the Community Development Advisory Board The Mayor has submitted the re-appointments of Bob Loewenstein and Cindy Bennett to the Community Development Advisory Board. These appointments would become effective August 1, 2007 upon approval by Council, and would expire on July 31, 2010. Approval is recommended. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Mayor Margaret Hornady City of Grand Island City Council Item G7 Approving Appointment of Lisa Heineman to the Regional Planning Commission The Mayor has submitted the appointment of Lisa Heineman to the Regional Planning Commission to complete the term of Robert Niemann who was appointed to the City Council. This appointment would become effective immediately upon approval by Council, and would expire on October 31, 2009. Approval is recommended. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Mayor Margaret Hornady City of Grand Island City Council Item G8 Approving Appointment of Karen Bredthauer to the Interjurisdictional Planning Commission The Mayor has submitted the appointment of Karen Bredthauer to the Interjurisdictional Planning Commission to complete the term of Robert Niemann who was appointed to the City Council. This appointment would become effective immediately upon approval by Council, and would expire on May 24, 2008. Approval is recommended. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Mayor Margaret Hornady City of Grand Island City Council Item G9 Approving Appointment of Lisa Norton to the Animal Advisory Board The Mayor has submitted the appointment of Lisa Norton to the Animal Advisory Board to replace Nadine Matthews. This appointment would become effective September 1, 2007 upon approval by Council, and would expire on August 31, 2010. Approval is recommended. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Mayor Margaret Hornady City of Grand Island City Council Item G10 Approving Re-Appointment of Scott Zana to the Heartland Events Center Board The Mayor has submitted the re-appointment of Scott Zana to the Heartland Events Center Board. This appointment would become effective July 27, 2007 upon approval by Council, and would expire on July 26, 2008. Approval is recommended. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Mayor Margaret Hornady City of Grand Island City Council Item G11 Approving Preliminary Plat for Ponderosa Lake States Sixth Subdivision Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Chad Nabity City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Regional Planning Commission Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth Subdivision – Preliminary & Final Plat Item #’s: G-11 & G-12 Presenter(s): Chad Nabity AICP, Regional Planning Director Background This preliminary plat and final plat proposes to create 2 residential lots, each more than 1.6 acres on the west side of the Ponderosa Subdivision. This property is located on a tract of land comprising all of Block Six (6), Ponderosa Lake Estates Subdivision in the City of Grand Island, Nebraska. This tract of land consists of approximately 3.463 acres. Discussion The preliminary and final plat for Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth Subdivision was considered by the Regional Planning Commission at the July 11, 2007 meeting. A motion was made by Snodgrass and seconded by Eriksen to approve the plat as presented. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with 8 members present voting in favor (Amick, O’Neill, Ruge, Reynolds, Haskins, Eriksen, Bredthauer, Snodgrass). Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the preliminary and final plat as presented. Sample Motion Motion to approve as recommended. Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth Subdivision Summary Developer/Owner Marsha M. and Donald L. Dunn 72 Ponderosa Drive Grand Island, NE 68803 2 Lots west of Ponderosa Drive north of Baldwin Ct. Size: 3.463 Acres Zoning RD Residential Development District Road Access: Existing Private Street Water Public: City Water is available and all lots will be connected Sewer Public: City Sewer is available and all lots will be connected Item G12 #2007-161 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Ponderosa Lake Estates Sixth Subdivision Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Chad Nabity City of Grand Island City Council Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-161 WHEREAS, Marsha M. Dunn and Donald L. Dunn, wife and husband, as owners, have caused to be laid out into lots, a tract of land comprising all of Block Six (6), Ponderosa Lake Estates, in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, under the name of PONDEROSA LAKE ESTATES SIXTH SUBDIVISION, and have caused a plat thereof to be acknowledged by it; and WHEREAS, a copy of the plat of such subdivision has been presented to the Boards of Education of the various school districts in Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, as required by Section 19-923, R.R.S. 1943; and WHEREAS, a form of subdivision agreement has been agreed to between the owner of the property and the City of Grand Island. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the form of subdivision agreement hereinbefore described is hereby approved, and the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute such agreement on behalf of the City of Grand Island. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the final plat of PONDEROSA LAKE ESTATES SIXTH SUBDIVISION, as made out, acknowledged, and certified, is hereby approved by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, and the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the approval and acceptance of such plat by the City of Grand Island, Nebraska. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G13 #2007-162 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for MJ Subdivision Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Chad Nabity City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Regional Planning Commission Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: MJ Subdivision – Final Plat Item #’s: G-13 Presenter(s): Chad Nabity AICP, Regional Planning Director Background This final plat proposes to create 2 lots on a tract of land located in all of Lot 1, Grand Island Farmstead Project Third Subdivision in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4 NE1/4) in Section Thirty-four (34), Township Eleven (11) North, Range Nine (9) West of the 6th P.M., Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska. This land consists of approximately 2.000 acres. City sewer and water are not available to this property. These lots front onto an existing County Road. Discussion The final plat for MJ Subdivision was considered by the Regional Planning Commission at the July 11, 2007 meeting. A motion was made by Bredthauer and seconded by Snodgrass to approve the plat as presented. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with 5 members present voting in favor (Amick, Snodgrass, Bredthauer, Reynolds, Haskins, ) and 2 members present voting against (O’Neill, Ruge). Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the final plat for MJ Subdivision as presented Sample Motion Motion to approve as recommended. MJ Subdivision Summary Developer/Owner Mud Jockies LLC A Nebraska Limited Liability Company Jeff Suck 1321 S. Webb Road Grand Island, NE 68803 2 Lots south of U.S. Highway 34 and west of Stuhr Road. Size: 2.000 Acres Zoning LLR Large Lot Residential ½ acre residential lots permitted Road Access: Public County Road Water Public: City Water is Not Available Sewer Public: City Sewer is Not Available NDEQ has approved septic systems Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-162 WHEREAS, Mud Jockies, L.L.C., as owner, has caused to be laid out into lots, a tract of land comprising of a re-plat of Lot One (1), Grand Island Farmstead Project Third Subdivision, in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (NE¼ NE¼) in Section Thirty Four (34), Township Eleven (11) North, Range Nine (9), West of the Sixty P.M., Hall County, Nebraska, under the name of MJ SUBDIVISION, and have caused a plat thereof to be acknowledged by it; and WHEREAS, a copy of the plat of such subdivision has been presented to the Boards of Education of the various school districts in Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, as required by Section 19-923, R.R.S. 1943; and WHEREAS, a form of subdivision agreement has been agreed to between the owner of the property and the City of Grand Island. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the form of subdivision agreement hereinbefore described is hereby approved, and the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute such agreement on behalf of the City of Grand Island. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the final re-plat of MJ SUBDIVISION, as made out, acknowledged, and certified, is hereby approved by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, and the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the approval and acceptance of such plat by the City of Grand Island, Nebraska. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G14 #2007-163 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement - Cedar Ridge Apartments - 1203 Cedar Ridge Court - 4Evergreen I, LLC This item relates to the aforementioned Public Hearing Item E-1. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Gary R. Mader City of Grand Island City Council Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-163 WHEREAS, a public utility easement is required by the City of Grand Island, from 4Evergreen I, L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, to install, upgrade, maintain and repair public utilities and appurtenances, including lines and transformers; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on July 24, 2007, for the purpose of discussing the proposed acquisition of an easement located in a part of Lot One (1), Cedar Ridge Second Subdivision, located in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, the said Ten (10.0) foot wide easement being more particularly described as follows: The northerly ten (10.0) feet of the westerly one hundred forty five and six tenths (145.6) feet of Lot One (1), Cedar Ridge Second Subdivision, in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska. The above-described easement and right-of-way containing 0.031 acres, more or less, as shown on the plat dated 6/21/2007, marked Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the City of Grand Island be, and hereby is, authorized to acquire a public utility easement from 4Evergreen I, L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, on the above-described tract of land. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G15 #2007-164 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement - Cedar Ridge Apartments - 1204 Cedar Ridge Court - 4Evergreen II, LLC This item relates to the aforementioned Public Hearing Item E-2. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Gary R. Mader City of Grand Island City Council Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-164 WHEREAS, a public utility easement is required by the City of Grand Island, from 4Evergreen II, L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, to install, upgrade, maintain and repair public utilities and appurtenances, including lines and transformers; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on July 24, 2007, for the purpose of discussing the proposed acquisition of an easement located in a part of Lot Two (2), Cedar Ridge Second Subdivision, located in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, the said Ten (10.0) foot wide easement being more particularly described as follows: The northerly ten (10.0) feet of the easterly one hundred forty four and six tenths (144.6) feet of Lot Two (2), Cedar Ridge Second Subdivision, in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska. The above-described easement and right-of-way containing 0.033 acres, more or less, as shown on the plat dated 6/21/2007, marked Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the City of Grand Island be, and hereby is, authorized to acquire a public utility easement from 4Evergreen II, L.L.C., a Nebraska limited liability company, on the above-described tract of land. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G16 #2007-165 - Approving Bid Award - Electric Underground Shop- Garage Storage Facility Fire Protection Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Gary R. Mader; Wesley Nespor City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Gary R. Mader, Utilities Director Wesley Nespor, Asst. City Attorney/Purchasing Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Bid Award – Electric Underground Shop-Garage Storage Facility Fire Protection Item #’s: G-16 Presenter(s): Gary R. Mader, Utilities Director Background In 2004, the Utilities Department purchased the an old warehousing facility at 1209-1219 West North Front Street, to be used for expansion of the Electric Underground Division as a shop, garage and storage facility to centralize the equipment and material needed to efficiently construct and maintain the electric underground system. The location is adjacent to the City Shop Garage, and just west of the existing Electric Line Division facilities. As the building has been developed, the Utilities Department and its insurance carrier, Factory Mutual, recognized the need for the building to be protected from fire by installing a fire suppression sprinkler system. Funds for the fire protection system were included in the current Electric Department Budget. Discussion The Department created specifications and bid documents in conjunction with Factory Mutual. Specifications were mailed to seven potential bidders as well as advertised in accordance with the City’s Purchasing Policy. Bids were received on July 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. from two bidders with the following results: Bidder Bid Price Bamford, Inc., Kearney, NE $90,700.00 Nebraska Fire Sprinkler, Alda, NE $78,003.00 Exceptions were taken by both bidders to the schedule 40 pipe specified. Code requires schedule 10 be used for pipe larger than 2”. This is agreeable to both staff and the insurance carrier. Both bidders meet all other specifications. Adequate funds are available in the Electric fund and the low bid is below the estimate. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that Council approve the bid for installation of the fire protection system to Nebraska Fire Sprinkler of Alda, Nebraska in the amount of $78,003.00. Sample Motion Make a motion to approve the bid for installation of the Fire Protection System in the Electric Underground Division Shop-Garage, Storage Building to Nebraska Fire Sprinkler of Alda, Nebraska. Purchasing Division of Legal Department INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Dale M. Shotkoski, Assistant City Attorney Working Together for a Better Tomorrow, Today BID OPENING BID OPENING DATE: July 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. FOR: Electric Underground Division Shop-Garage Storage Facility Fire Protection DEPARTMENT: Utilities ESTIMATE: $90,000.00 FUND/ACCOUNT: 520 PUBLICATION DATE: June 21, 2007 NO. POTENTIAL BIDDERS: 7 SUMMARY Bidder: Bamford, Inc. Nebraska Fire Sprinkler Kearney, NE Alda, NE Bid Security: Universal Surety Company Universal Surety Company Exceptions: Noted Noted Bid Price: $90,700.00 78,003.00 cc: Gary Mader, Utilities Director Bob Smith, Assist. Utilities Director Randy Leiser, Electric Supt. Pat Gericke, Utilities Admin. Assist. Dale Shotkoski, City Attorney Wes Nespor, Assist. City Attorney Sherry Peters, Legal Secretary P1176 Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-165 WHEREAS, the City of Grand Island invited sealed bids for a fire protection system for the Electric Underground Division Shop – Garage Storage Facility, according to plans and specifications on file with the Utilities Department; and WHEREAS, on July 10, 2007, bids were received, opened and reviewed; and WHEREAS, Nebraska Fire Sprinkler, of Alda, Nebraska, submitted a bid in accordance with the terms of the advertisement of bids and plans and specifications and all other statutory requirements contained therein, such bid being in the amount of $78,003.00; and WHEREAS, Nebraska Fire Sprinkler’s bid is less than the estimate for such project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the bid of Nebraska Fire Sprinkler, of Alda, Nebraska, in the amount of $78,003.00 for a fire protection system for the Electric Underground Division Shop – Garage Storage Facility is hereby approved as the lowest responsible bid. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G17 #2007-166 - Approving Authority to Sign Documents for Farm Service Agency (FSA) Regarding Farm Leases Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Dale Shotkoski City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Wesley D. Nespor, Attorney Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Authority to Sign Farm Service Agency (FSA) Documents Item #’s: G-17 Presenter(s): Wesley D. Nespor, Attorney Background The city has various parcels of real estate subject to oversight by several city departments. Much of this land is farmed, hayed or pastured under annual leases. The land was previously managed by a professional manager who has now retired. The new management company will begin management services after harvest in 2007. In the interim, the Legal Department prepared leases and is working with NRD and FSA for reporting purposes. Discussion Someone must meet with personnel at the Farm Service Agency on July 25, 2007, to sign federal forms certifying acres for production. Dale Shotkoski and Wesley Nespor can do it this year and Farmers National Company (Randy Hartmann) can do it for 2008 and subsequent years. A resolution is required to authorize these individuals to sign federal forms for the city. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve a resolution authorizing Dale Shotkoski, Wesley Nespor and Farmers National Company to sign federal forms certifying city production and irrigation acres. 2. Refer the issue to a Committee. 3. Postpone the issue to future date. 4. Take no action on the issue. Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve a resolution authorizing Dale Shotkoski, Wesley D. Nespor and Farmers National Company (Randy Hartmann) to sign all forms and reporting documents for NRD and FSA for agricultural land owned by the City of Grand Island. Sample Motion Motion to approve a resolution authorizing Dale Shotkoski, Wesley D. Nespor and Farmers National Company (Randy Hartmann) to sign all forms and reporting documents for NRD and FSA for agricultural land owned by the City of Grand Island. Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-166 WHEREAS, on March 27, 2007, by Resolution No. 2007-67 the City Council awarded various leases on parcels of real estate owned by the city and subject to oversight by several city departments; and WHEREAS, the real estate was previously managed by a professional land manager who has now retired; and WHEREAS, on June 26, 2007, by Resolution No. 2007-152, Farmers National Company of Grand Island, Nebraska was awarded a contract for managing the city’s real estate; and WHEREAS, in the interim, the Legal Department has prepared leases and is working with the Natural Resource District (NRD) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices for reporting purposes; and WHEREAS, a representative of the city must meet with personnel at FSA to sign federal forms certifying acres for production and it is therefore necessary for council to grant authority to Dale M. Shotkoski, City Attorney and Wesley D. Nespor, Attorney, to sign the federal forms necessary to certify the acres and to grant Farmers National Company of Grand Island, Nebraska, to sign the forms necessary to certify acres for future crop seasons. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that Dale M. Shotkoski, City Attorney, and Wesley D. Nespor, Attorney, are hereby authorized to sign the federal forms necessary to certify acres with FSA and NRD. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Farmers National Company of Grand Island, Nebraska, is hereby authorized to sign the federal forms necessary to certify acres for FSA and NRD for future crop years. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G18 #2007-167 - Approving FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget for Business Improvement District #3, South Locust Street from Stolley Park Road to Highway 34 and Setting Date for Board of Equalization Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: David Springer City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Dave Springer, Finance Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Approving FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget for Business Improvement District #3, South Locust Street from Stolley Park Road to Highway 34, and setting Date for Board of Equalization Item #’s: G-18 Presenter(s): Dave Springer, Finance Director Background In March, 1999, the City Council adopted Ordinance #8452 creating business Improvement District (BID) #3, South Locust Street from Stolley Park Road to Highway 34. The ordinance established the purpose of the District, described the boundaries, and established that real property in the area would be subject to a special assessment to support the purposes of the District. The creating Ordinance requires that a proposed budget for the District be approved by the BID Board and forwarded to the City Council for consideration at the second meeting in July (July, 24, 2007). On June 6, 2007, the BID #3 Board met and approved the 2007-2008 Budget which provides for special assessments in the amount of $4.25 per front footage for a total of $42,266 for the 9,924 front footage. Discussion The majority of the proposed budget of $42,266 is to be used for the maintenance of frontage areas along the South Locust Street portion of their district The appropriations for 2007-2008 also include a City fee of $875 for accounting services. A copy of the proposed 2007-2008 budget is attached for review. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Approve the 2007-2008 Budget for BID #3 and set the date for the Board of Equalization. 2. Modify the budget and/or reschedule the Board of Equalization. Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the 2007-2008 Budget for BID #3 and set the date of September 11, 2007 for the Board of Equalization. Notice of the Hearing and proposed assessments will be published according to State Statutes. Sample Motion Approve the 2007-2008 Budget for BID #3 and set the date of September 11, 2007 for the Board of Equalization. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT BOARD #3 FY 2007-2008 BUDGET 2005 2006 2007 2007 2008 Actual Actual Budget Projected Budget REVENUE Account 74140 Special Asessments 35,051 33,401 34,314 34,396 42,266 74787 Interest Revenue 0 0 0 0 0 74795 Other Revenue 7,820 3,250 0 4,000 0 TOTAL REVENUE 42,871 36,651 34,314 38,396 42,266 APPROPRIATIONS Account 85213 Contract Services 18,194 25,948 20,675 20,745 20,675 85245 Printing & Binding Services 174 59 0 250 100 85249 Snow & Ice Removal 765 1,235 3,000 723 2,000 85290 Other Professional & Tech.2,870 85305 Utility Services 6,974 5,743 5,000 7,100 6,000 85325 Repair & Maint - M&E 637 3,024 2,000 2,100 3,300 85390 Other Property Services 0 0 0 0 0 85413 Postage 213 136 250 250 250 85416 Advertising 0 0 0 0 0 85419 Legal Notices 203 428 750 450 750 85490 Other Expenditures 6,599 0 0 0 1,000 85505 Office Supplies 0 0 100 50 100 85560 Trees & Shrubs 0 2,310 1,000 3,780 3,000 85590 Other General Supplies 5,873 0 1,500 214 2,000 85608 Land Improvements 45,873 0 0 0 3,000 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSE 88,375 38,883 34,275 35,662 42,175 ANNUAL EXCESS/(LOSS)(45,504)(2,232)39 2,734 91 Beginning Cash Balance 44,911 (593)(2,825)(2,825)(91) Revenues 42,871 36,651 34,314 38,396 42,266 Expenditures 88,375 38,883 34,275 35,662 42,175 Ending Cash Balance (593)(2,825)(2,786)(91)0 Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 25, 2006 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-167 WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the proposed budget of the Business Improvement District No. 3 for the fiscal year 2007-2008; and WHEREAS, the City has received the assessed values of the individual properties within Business Improvement District No. 3 as shown in the office of the Hall County Assessor in effect on the first day of January, 2007. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that: 1. The budget for Business Improvement District No. 3 is hereby considered. 2. A proposed assessment schedule shall be prepared. 3. A hearing before the City Council sitting as a board of equalization on the proposed assessments shall be held on September 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers of City Hall, 100 East First Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. 4. Notice of hearing shall be published once each week for three consecutive weeks in accordance with the Business Improvement District Act. 5. Notice of hearing shall be mailed to all property owners of Business Improvement District No. 3 by U.S. mail, postage prepaid. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G19 #2007-168 - Approving FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget for Business Improvement District #4, South Locust Street from Stolley Park Road to Fonner Park Road and Setting Date for Board of Equalization Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: David Springer City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Dave Springer, Finance Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Approving FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget for Business Improvement District #4, South Locust Street from Stolley Park Road to Fonner Park Road, and setting Date for Board of Equalization Item #’s: G-19 Presenter(s): Dave Springer, Finance Director Background In July, 2002, the City Council adopted Ordinance #8751 creating Business Improvement District (BID) #4, South Locust Street from Stolley Park Road to Fonner Park Road. The ordinance established the purpose of the District, described the boundaries, and established that real property in the area would be subject to a special assessment to support the purposes of the District. The creating Ordinance requires that a proposed budget for the District be approved by the BID Board and forwarded to the City Council for consideration at the second meeting in July (July, 24, 2007). On June 6, 2007, the BID #4 Board met and approved the 2007-2008 Budget which provides for special assessments in the amount of $4.48 per front footage for a total of $22,176 for the 4,950 front footage. Discussion The majority of the appropriations in the proposed budget of $22,176 are for the upkeep of sprinkler systems, maintenance of green spaces, and snow removal along their portion of the South Locust corridor. The appropriations for 2007-2008 also include a City fee of $1,500 for accounting services. A copy of the proposed 2007-2008 budget is attached for review. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Approve the 2007-2008 Budget for BID #4 and set the date for the Board of Equalization. 2. Modify the budget and/or reschedule the Board of Equalization. Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the 2007-2008 Budget for BID #4 and set the date of September 11, 2007 for the Board of Equalization. Notice of the Hearing and proposed assessments will be published according to State Statutes. Sample Motion Approve the 2007-2008 Budget for BID #4 and set the date of September 11, 2007 for the Board of Equalization. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT BOARD #4 FY 2007-2008 BUDGET 2005 2006 2007 2007 2008 Actual Actual Budget Projected Budget REVENUE Account 74140 Special Asessments 17,325 17,390 17,248 16,858 22,176 74787 Interest Revenue - - - - - 74795 Other Revenue - TOTAL REVENUE 17,325 17,390 17,248 16,858 22,176 APPROPRIATIONS Account 85213 Contract Services 6,424 13,432 13,500 13,500 13,500 85245 Printing & Binding Services 41 37 250 250 250 85249 Snow & Ice Removal 340 - 425 - 85305 Utility Services 1,519 3,730 3,500 4,000 4,500 85319 Repair & Maint - Irrigation - 978 2,000 2,000 2,000 85413 Postage 135 67 250 100 250 85416 Advertising - - 3,500 1,000 1,000 85419 Legal Notices 94 260 500 300 500 85490 Other Expenditures 5,801 - 500 200 500 85505 Office Supplies - - 500 100 500 85560 Trees and Shrubs - - - 3,500 85590 Other General Supplies 199 3,883 5,000 500 5,000 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSE 14,552 22,387 29,500 25,875 28,000 ANNUAL EXCESS/(LOSS)2,772 (4,997) (12,252) (9,017) (5,824) Beginning Cash Balance 25,149 27,921 22,924 22,924 13,907 Revenues 17,325 17,390 17,248 16,858 22,176 Expenditures 14,552 22,387 29,500 25,875 28,000 Ending Cash Balance 27,921 22,924 10,672 13,907 8,083 Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 25, 2006 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-168 WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the proposed budget of the Business Improvement District No. 4 for the fiscal year 2007-2008; and WHEREAS, the City has received the assessed values of the individual properties within Business Improvement District No. 4 as shown in the office of the Hall County Assessor in effect on the first day of January, 2007. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that: 1. The budget for Business Improvement District No. 4 is hereby considered. 2. A proposed assessment schedule shall be prepared. 3. A hearing before the City Council sitting as a board of equalization on the proposed assessments shall be held on September 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers of City Hall, 100 East First Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. 4. Notice of hearing shall be published once each week for three consecutive weeks in accordance with the Business Improvement District Act. 5. Notice of hearing shall be mailed to all property owners of Business Improvement District No. 4 by U.S. mail, postage prepaid. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G20 #2007-169 - Approving FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget for Business Improvement District #5, Downtown and Setting Date for Board of Equalization Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: David Springer City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Dave Springer, Finance Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Approving FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget for Business Improvement District #5, Downtown, and setting Date for Board of Equalization Item #’s: G-20 Presenter(s): Dave Springer, Finance Director Background In May, 2003, the City Council adopted Ordinance #8812 creating Business Improvement District (BID) #5, Downtown. The ordinance established the purpose of the District, described the boundaries, and established that real property in the area would be subject to a special assessment to support the purposes of the District. The creating Ordinance requires that a proposed budget for the District be approved by the BID Board and forwarded to the City Council for consideration at the second meeting in July (July, 24, 2007). On June 21, 2007, the BID #5 Board met and approved the 2007-2008 budget which provides for special assessments in the amount of $80,000. Discussion In this district, assessments are paid by property owners based on the valuation of land and real property in the district as of January 1 of the current year. No personal property is figured into the assessment. Owners are billed for the assessment on October 1 of each fiscal year. The total taxable value for the district as of January 1, 2006 was $25,710,908 which for budgeted assessments of $80,000 gives a levy of .311152 per $100 of real property. Contract Services and Advertising/Promotions, account for over 75% of the appropriations in the proposed budget of $90,000. The appropriations for 2007-2008 also include a City fee of $5,000 for accounting services. A copy of the proposed 2007-2008 budget is attached for review. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Approve the 2007-2008 Budget for BID #5 and set the date for the Board of Equalization. 2. Modify the budget and/or reschedule the Board of Equalization. Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the 2007-2008 Budget for BID #5 and set the date of September 11, 2007 for the Board of Equalization. Notice of the Hearing and proposed assessments will be published according to State Statutes. Sample Motion Approve the 2007-2008 Budget for BID #5 and set the date of September 11, 2007 for the Board of Equalization. BUISNESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT #5 FY 2007-2008 BUDGET 2,005 2006 2007 2007 2008 Actual Actual Budget Projected Budget REVENUE Account 74140 Special Asessments 78,870 80,475 80,000 79,111 80,000 74787 Interest Revenue - - - - - 74795 Other Revenue 2,935 990 3,000 1,240 1,000 TOTAL REVENUE 81,805 81,465 83,000 80,351 81,000 APPROPRIATIONS Account 85213 Contract Services 44,427 51,052 53,500 52,000 52,000 85241 Computer Services - - 85245 Printing & Binding Services 1,593 2,438 1,000 2,600 2,000 85249 Snow & Ice Removal 553 550 - 310 - 85290 Other Professional Services 819 4,597 1,500 1,271 2,000 85305 Utility Services 1,141 1,329 2,000 2,000 2,000 85330 Repair & Maint - Furniture - 650 - - - 85390 Other Property Services - - - - - 85413 Postage 1,492 1,124 1,500 1,500 1,500 85416 Advertising 19,299 11,354 20,000 16,000 18,000 85419 Legal Notices 165 1,050 1,900 1,100 2,000 85422 Dues & Subscriptions 314 - - 1,700 85428 Travel & Training 1,566 2,213 - 1,944 85490 Other Expenditures 7,839 3,941 3,000 3,544 2,500 85505 Office Supplies 1,878 510 1,000 700 1,000 85560 Trees & Shrubs - 35 1,000 - 1,000 85590 Other General Supplies 251 2,109 1,000 300 1,000 85608 Land Improvements 5,000 - 5,000 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSE 81,338 82,952 92,400 84,969 90,000 ANNUAL EXCESS/(LOSS)467 (1,487) (9,400) (4,618) (9,000) Beginning Cash Balance 14,638 15,105 13,618 13,618 9,000 Revenues 81,805 81,465 83,000 80,351 81,000 Expenditures 81,338 82,952 92,400 84,969 90,000 Ending Cash Balance 15,105 13,618 4,218 9,000 (0) Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 25, 2006 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-169 WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the proposed budget of the Business Improvement District No. 5 for the fiscal year 2007-2008; and WHEREAS, the City has received the assessed values of the individual properties within Business Improvement District No. 5 as shown in the office of the Hall County Assessor in effect on the first day of January, 2007. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that: 1. The budget for Business Improvement District No. 5 is hereby considered. 2. A proposed assessment schedule shall be prepared. 3. A hearing before the City Council sitting as a board of equalization on the proposed assessments shall be held on September 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers of City Hall, 100 East First Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. 4. Notice of hearing shall be published once each week for three consecutive weeks in accordance with the Business Improvement District Act. 5. Notice of hearing shall be mailed to all property owners of Business Improvement District No. 5 by U.S. mail, postage prepaid. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G21 #2007-170 - Approving Funding of Economic Development Corporation Request for Hall County Airport Authority for the Air National Guard Facility (NWPS Rate Agreement Funds) Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: David Springer City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Dave Springer, Finance Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Approving Funding of Economic Development Corporation Request for Air National Guard Facility (NWPS Rate Agreement Funds) Item #’s: G-21 Presenter(s): Dave Springer, Finance Director Background On September 26, 2000, the City Council approved Resolution #2000-291 establishing an Economic Development Policy for the annual contribution from Northwestern Public Service (NWPS). A request has been received for funding and recommended for approval by the NWPS Funds Review Committee. Discussion The Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC) requests $26,000 to be used towards the expansion of the natural gas distribution system to serve the new Air National Guard Facility at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport. These funds represent direct cash contributions previously made by NWPS to the City of Grand Island and the usage of these funds for this purpose falls within the guidelines of the economic development policy set forth in the rate agreement. Adequate funds are in Account #10011102-85454. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Approve the request for funds 2. Disapprove or /Deny the request for funds 3. Table the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the request for funds. Sample Motion Approve the request for funds to allow payment to the Hall County Airport Authority. Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-170 WHEREAS, Northwestern Public Service (NWPS) makes an annual contribution for economic development purposes to the City of Grand Island in the amount of $86,000; and WHEREAS, on September 26, 2000, the Mayor and City Council approved Resolution 2000-291 establishing an economic development policy for receiving, considering and making recommendations regarding requests for disbursement of said funds; and WHEREAS, the office of the City Administrator received a recommendation for funding from the local economic development committee for $26,000.00 to be used towards the expansion of the natural gas distribution system to serve the Air National Guard Facility at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport; and WHEREAS, said request is consistent with the intent of NWPS in making its annual economic development contribution, and the policy established by the Mayor and City Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the request for disbursement in the amount of $26,000.00 to be used towards the expansion of the natural gas distribution system to serve the Air National Guard Facility at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport is hereby approved, and a payment is authorized to be made to the Hall County Airport Authority for such purpose. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G22 #2007-171 - Approving Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the Central Nebraska Health Department Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: David Springer City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Dave Springer, Finance Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Amendment to Health Department Inter-local Agreement and Dispersal of Joint Employees Pension Funds Item #’s: G-22 Presenter(s): Dave Springer, Finance Director Background Effective October 1, 2002, the joint City-County Health Department was replaced by a Central District Health Department which included the addition of Hamilton and Merrick Counties. This was approved by the Department of Health and Human Services of the State of Nebraska. An inter-local agreement entered into at that time called for the City Treasurer to act as the department’s fiscal agent and provide financial management services for a nominal fee. The agreement also stated that the emp loyees who to that point were City employees, would henceforth be employees of the Central District Health Department. Discussion The Central District Health Department functions as an independent entity apart from the City and has decided to perform its own financial operations with assistance from an accounting firm. Thus, the inter-local agreement needs to reflect that such duties will no longer be provided by the City. Additionally, since 1997, the City and County had jointly and equally contributed to a fund to provide for accrued vacation and sick leave liabilities of the joint agency departments of Health, Regional Planning, and Emergency Management. The costs of later two departments are shared by the City and County and “true up” annually and their personnel are City employees whose vacation and sick pay accruals are already included with the rest of the City’s employs in a contingency account. The accrual for Health Department employees should have moved with them to the regional department in 2002. There is $128,750 in this joint accrual fund and Council is asked to approve a payment of $32,595.80 to the Central District Health Department for their accruals as of September 30, 2002 and the balance to be returned equally to the County and City General Fund of $48, 77.10 each. The joint accrual fund would then be closed. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Approve the Amendment to the agreement and division of funds. 2. Disapprove or Deny the recommendation. 3. Table the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the Amendment to the Inter- local Agreement and a dispersal of monies to close the accrual fund. Sample Motion Approve the Amendment to the Inter-local Agreement with the Central District Health Department and a distribution of accrual funds as indicated. AMENDMENT 2 CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT JULY 24, 2007 The original interlocal agreement dated October 1, 2002 and amended October 13, 2003 is further amended as follows: Page 5, Paragraph 11 shall read 11. All funds received by the Department shall be accounted for separately by a treasurer to be appointed by the Board. The Board may employ the services of a certified public accountant to provide financial management services such as cash management, payroll processing, financial accounting, and reporting. The Board shall adopt checks and balances, claims auditing, and internal control procedures consistent with sound accounting practices for public funds. Control of Department accounts will be assumed by the appointed treasurer on October 1, 2007. Page 5, Paragraph 15 shall read 15. Employees of the Central District Health Department below the level of Director shall be employees of the Central District Health Department. Those employees shall be entitled to health insurance, life insurance, long term disability benefits, 457 Plan, pension and cafeteria plan and any other benefits at the discretion of the Board unless such benefits are expressly required by Nebraska statute or federal law. The District will establish its own personnel system. Any collective bargaining agreement covering such employees shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Health. Approved by the member political subdivisions to the Central District Health Department: City Of Grand Island, Nebraska A Municipal Corporation Dated: ____________________ By: ________________________________ Mayor Attest: __________________________ City Clerk County of Hall Dated: ____________________ By: ________________________________ Chair of the County Board Attest: __________________________ Hall County Clerk County of Hamilton Dated: ____________________ By: ________________________________ Chair of the County Board Attest: __________________________ Hamilton County Clerk County of Merrick Dated: ____________________ By: ________________________________ Chair of the County Board Attest: __________________________ Merrick County Clerk Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-171 WHEREAS, on April 23, 2002, by Resolution 2002-119, the City of Grand Island approved its participation in the Central District Health Department and approved an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for such participation; and WHEREAS, on October 28, 2003, by Resolution No. 2003-315, the City Council approved Amendment No. 1 of the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Central District Health Department; and WHEREAS, certain funds need to be transferred to the Central District Health Department; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Central District Health Department to perform its own financial operations with the assistance of a private accounting firm, which will require an amendment of the Interlocal Agreement between the city and the Central District Health Department reflecting this request, as shown on Exhibit “A” attached hereto; and WHEREAS, the City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved the amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement setting out such changes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for the Central District Health Department is hereby approved subject to the approval of the other member entities and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sum of $32,595.80 shall be paid to the Central District Health Department by the city from the joint accrual fund, and the sum of $48,077.10 shall be paid back to the County from the joint accrual fund, and $48,077.10 be paid back to the City General Fund, thereby closing the joint accrual fund. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute such amendment on behalf of the City of Grand Island. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: - 2 - ____________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G23 #2007-172 - Approving City of Grand Island Affirmative Action Plan Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Brenda Sutherland City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Brenda Sutherland, Human Resources Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Affirmative Action Plan Item #’s: G-23 Presenter(s): Brenda Sutherland, Human Resources Director Background The City of Grand Island has for many years had a formal statement about affirmative action and equal employment opportunity in its Personnel Rules. The City has in recent years began to aggressively pursue federal grant dollars to assist with projects throughout the community. When applying for federal grant dollars, the entity needs to show proof of its affirmative action plan. While the City has had a policy in place, it is time to adopt a more formal policy that will help us to meet the requirements for grant applications. Discussion Administration is proposing a formal Affirmative Action Policy that will provide not only guidelines for the City to follow in its hiring and employment practices but also show its commitment to being an equal opportunity employer. This Affirmative Action Plan does not require the City to meet quotas but instead to outreach to women and minorities in its recruitment processes. The plan calls for training individuals who are involved in the hiring process and a review process to help identify areas of opportunity for outreach in recruiting. A formal plan is needed to help the City maintain compliance with the federal government in the grant application process. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the Affirmative Action Plan. Sample Motion Motion to approve the Affirmative Action Plan. 1 CITY OF GRAND ISLAND 2007 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page I. Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Objectives 4 Designated Protected Classes 6 Persons with a Disability 7 Harassment in Employment 8 Filing an Internal Allegation of Discrimination/Harassment 9 Veterans Preference Law/Contract Compliance 9 II Dissemination of Policy 10 III Designation of Responsibility 11 IV Identification of Problem Areas-Personnel Activity 14 V Identification of Problem Areas-Compensation Systems 16 VI Identification of Problem Areas-Personnel Procedures 17 VII Action-Oriented Programs 18 VIII Analysis and Placement Goals 20 3 INTRODUCTION The City Of Grand Island’s commitment to fair employment practices encompasses the belief that equal employment is a vital element of the basic merit system. The merit system maintains that all persons should be afforded equal access to public service opportunities limited only by their ability to do the job. Affirmative Action is one of the methods through which equal employment opportunity is realized. Equal opportunity cannot be fully achieved until inclusiveness is a priority. If we are going to make progress in providing complete equal opportunity, the means by which we seek to remove disparities must not be merely passive. Affirmative Action is the comprehensive term for all the programs in which the City actively participates to attain the status of equal employment opportunity. The City Of Grand Island’s Affirmative Action Program is a guide to assist Departments in the revision, implementation and improvement of their employment procedures to assure fairness. This Program confirms the City Of Grand Island’s commitment to equality and serves as an outline of the strategy the City will use to achieve the desired results. Since affirmative action is a process, it is susceptible to change. Shifting requirements, reinterpretation by the courts, new legislation and reallocations of responsibility all dictate revisions in processes. Therefore, this program will require periodic review and revision. This Affirmative Action Program has been designed to permit flexibility in its application by City Departments with diverse needs. Consequently, Departments are requested to approach these objectives with innovation and creativity. Equal employment opportunity is the law. Effective affirmative action is the means for fulfilling lawful responsibility and it must be a shared concern. The Mayor and the City Council call upon every person in the City involved in recruitment, hiring, and promotions to exert their best efforts to achieve the goals set forth in the affirmative action plan and to engage wholeheartedly in the effort to ensure a wholly nondiscriminatory process of recruiting, hiring, and promoting women, members of minority groups, qualified individuals with disabilities, and Veterans at all levels of employment throughout the City. Any member of the public or person employed by the City who wishes to make recommendations or suggestions concerning this City Affirmative Action Program is encouraged to do so. Please address inquiries to: City Of Grand Island, Human Resources Office 100 E First Street PO Box 1968 Grand Island, NE 68802-1968 (308) 385-5444, ext. 199 Brenda Sutherland, PHR Human Resources Director/Affirmative Action Officer 4 SECTION I COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of the City of Grand Island to be an equal opportunity employer. In keeping with this policy, the City of Grand Island has designed and agreed to implement an Affirmative Action Program which is consistent with all the relevant Federal, State and local non- discrimination and affirmative action laws, regulations and their amendments which pertain to the legal basis for affirmative action and equal opportunity, including, but not limited to: the Fourteenth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution, the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act, and the Grand Island Municipal Code. The City will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels the most qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age or marital status. These and other personnel matters such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, City-sponsored training, education, tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs will continue to be administered in accordance with the applicable City of Grand Island Municipal Code, union contracts, and personnel rules. All employment decisions are based on job related standards and must comply with the principles of equal employment opportunity. Affirmative Action Program Objectives I. The administration of the City of Grand Island is morally, ethically, and legally committed to a policy of fairness and equity for all employees and affirms that the City of Grand Island is obligated to provide every employee the opportunity to achieve maximum potential as an employee. To accomplish these objectives, the City of Grand Island will endeavor to: A. Encourage and assist all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, or marital status to realize their full potential. B. Strive to achieve realistic goals of full participation of minorities, women, and persons with a disability in all levels of employment which might reasonably be expected given the proportion of such potentially qualified persons available for a given type of job in the area’s work force. C. Comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law guaranteeing equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination in any terms or conditions of employment. D. Continually analyze all City jobs and position classifications to identify any imbalance caused by any and all artificial barriers resulting in disproportionate classifications. 5 This will include amending driver’s license requirements to include language such as “or the ability to provide independent transportation” where driving is not an essential function of the job. II. The purpose of the City of Grand Island’s Affirmative Action Program is to provide fair and equal employment opportunities for both employees and applicants for employment on the basis of individual merit and fitness to be ascertained through fair and practical methods of selection and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, or marital status. It is also the purpose of the Affirmative Action Program to outline and implement procedures to effectively and fairly use the city’s available human resources. The City will apply sound management and merit principles using available statistical data reflecting job market conditions and availability of persons possessing requisite skills. All departments of the City will make a good faith effort to eliminate all disparity in the employment of minorities, women and persons with a disability. Employment parity in the City work force and in job classifications will be accomplished by ongoing review of the departments’ procedures and the City’s total personnel administration system. This will be done through the following components of our Affirmative Action Program: A. Recruitment (1) Affirmative recruitment of minorities, women, and persons with a disability for City jobs and position classifications for which they are qualified with emphasis on positions of greater responsibility; It is the responsibility of the hiring department to participate with the Human Resources Department in attracting protected group members to the City of Grand Island’s applicant pool. B. Classification/Upward Mobility (1) Academic experience and skill requirements shall be reviewed to ensure that such requirements do not constitute inadvertent discrimination. Where possible, equivalencies will be accepted in addition to conventional experience or education. Job qualifications shall also be reviewed to ensure consistency and to ensure they are free from bias with regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, or marital status. (2) Counseling and assistance will be provided to interested employees to help identify appropriate career ladders in municipal government. C. Department Directors and Supervisors will be offered training in affirmative action procedures and equal employment policies including training which develops a bias-free work environment; 6 D. The City will conduct EEO-4 reports to determine if any deficiencies exist. Where under-utilization exists in City employment, the Department Director or designate, with the guidance of Human Resources, shall make good faith efforts to address the under-utilization. E. The City will develop periodic department recruiting plans by identifying personnel requirements and objectives consistent with the Affirmative Action Program. Designated Protected Classes I. The City of Grand Island will attempt to keep accurate information regarding the following federally defined categories and to achieve full utilization of qualified minority group members and women in each department at all job levels. A. Black (not Hispanic origin), African American: All persons having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. B. Hispanic/Latinos: All persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. C. Asian or Pacific Islander: All persons having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands. This area includes, for example, China, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands, and Samoa. D. Indian American or Alaskan Native: All persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintain cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition. E. Women, whether or not affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions , shall be treated the same for all employment-related purposes. II. The City of Grand Island will encourage and assist all persons to comply with both the spirit and letter of the law guaranteeing equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination in the above classes as well as the following classes: · National origin · Persons with a disability · Ancestry · Marital Status: a legal condition of marriage whether married or unmarried · Age: Persons 40 years of age or older, consistent with such age requirements as may be promulgated by law or applicable regulation 7 Persons with a Disability It is the policy of the City of Grand Island to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees in recruiting, hiring, placement, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, compensation, and benefits. To achieve this, the City of Grand Island will take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment, qualified individuals with disabilities and will administer all personnel actions without regard to disability and base all such decisions on valid job requirements when reasonable accommodation can be made. Individual with a disability means any person who: Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities; has a record of such impairment; or is regarded as having such impairment. Qualified individual with a disability means: An individual with a disability who satisfies the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of the employment position such individual holds or desires, and who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of such position, EXCEPT, The terms individual with a disability and qualified individual with a disability do not include individuals currently engaging in the illegal use of drugs, when the employer acts on the basis of such use. These terms also do not include an individual who is an alcoholic whose current use of alcohol prevents such individual from performing the essential functions of the employment position suc h individual holds or desires or whose employment, by reason of such current alcohol abuse, would constitute a direct threat to property or to the health or safety of the individual or others. Substantially limits means: Unable to perform a major life activity that the average person in the general population can perform; or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which an individual can perform a particular major life activity as compared to the condition, manner, or duration under which the average person in the general population can perform that same major life activity. With respect to the activity of working, “substantially limits” means significantly restricted in the ability to perform either a class of jobs or a broad range of jobs in various classes as compared to the average person having comparable training, skills, and abilities. The inability to perform a single, particular job does not constitute a substantial limitation in the activity of working. Major life activities include, but are not limited to: Functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks that are of central importance to most people’s daily lives, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, and learning. 8 Reasonable Accommodations 1. The City of Grand Island will make reasonable accommodation to the known physical and mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of its business. 2. If an employee with a known disability is having significant difficulty performing his or her job, and it is reasonable to conclude that the performance problem may be related to the known disability, such employee’s supervisor will confidentially notify the employee of the performance problem and inquire whether the problem is related to the employee’s disability. If the employee responds affirmatively, the City shall confidentially inquire whether the employee is in need of a reasonable accommodation, such that the emplo yee may perform the job in accordance with those standards established by the supervisor for all employees in the same or similar position. Review of Physical and Mental Qualifications 1. The City of Grand Island will make an ongoing effort to review the physical and mental qualifications of all City jobs to assure they are job related. 2. The City of Grand Island administers physical examinations only post offer/pre- employment. Physical examinations are not given to all applicants/employees, but rather to each applicant offered an opportunity in a particular job title. 3. Information obtained about any applicant’s or employee’s medical condition or history shall be collected and maintained on separate forms and in separate files. These files will be treated as confidential except as necessity and the law permit and shall not be used for any purpose inconsistent with the law. Harassment in Employment (Reference Personnel Rules and Regulations, October 1, 2006) The City of Grand Island is committed to providing a work environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s sex, race, color, national origin, age, religion, or disability will not be tolerated. All men and women are to be treated equally with dignity and respect. Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances, or visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This form of employee miscond uct undermines the integrity of the workplace and will not be tolerated. The following is a partial list of examples of sexual harassment: · Unwelcome sexual advances – physical or verbal. · Offering employment benefits in exchange for sexual favors. · Making threats after a negative response to sexual advances. · The use of derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or jokes. 9 If an employee experiences or witnesses sexual or other unlawful harassment in the workplace, it should be reported immediately to his/her supervisor and the Director of Human Resources. All allegations of sexual harassment will be quickly and discreetly investigated. Any supervisor or Director who becomes aware of possible sexual or other unlawful harassment is to report it immediately to the Human Resources Director. If the Human Resources Director is not available, report to the City Attorney. An employee shall not suffer retaliation for coming forward with a complaint of harassment. Anyone engaging in sexual or other unlawful harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Retaliation against someone that makes a complaint of harassment is strictly forbidden. Employees who feel that they have been retaliated against for coming forward with a complaint should make their supervisor and the Human Resources office aware of it immediately. Should the Human Resources Director be unable to handle the complaint, it should be forwarded to the Legal Department. Veterans Preference Law As between applicants whose qualifications are otherwise substantially equal, veterans shall be given preference in the matter of employment when required by Federal or Nebraska State law applicable to the City of Grand Island. Contract Compliance The City of Grand Island Purchasing Division will add the following statement to its website and other pertinent materials: The City of Grand Island Purchasing Division provides equal opportunity for all bidders and encourages minority businesses and women’s business enterprises to participate in our bidding process. Instructions to bidders should include language stating the City’s commitment to EEO and affirmative action. Each successful bidder doing business with the City of Grand Island must agree that they will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, age, ancestry, or marital status. In the employment of persons, the bidder shall take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, age, ancestry, or marital status. 1. Each contractor, vendor, or supplier, upon acceptance of a bid must confirm they are an equal opportunity e mployer. 2. The City may grant a contractor, vendor, or supplier a reasonable period of time to comply with this requirement. 10 3. If a contractor, vendor, or supplier is not willing to comply or the executive official of such contractor, vendor, or supplier does not wish to cooperate: (a) Efforts will be made by the City to determine the objections of the contractor, vendor, or supplier; (b) The City will then attempt to resolve these objections by negotiation and conciliation to reach a solution in conformance with the affirmative action policy of the City of Grand Island; (c) If objections are not resolved by such negotiations, the City will use appropriate means to encourage compliance; (d) If compliance is still not secured, a written notification will be sent to the executive official of such contractor, vendor, or supplier stating that until such time as the company agrees to comply, the City may debar them. The contractor, vendor, or supplier may appeal any debarment as set forth in the procurement ordinance. SECTION II DISSEMINATION OF EO/AA POLICY I. Internal Dissemination The City of Grand Island will continue to make its equal employment opportunity/affirmative action policy known internally by: A. Providing a copy of this policy to all city facilities either electronically or by hard copy. B. Having the policy approved by the Mayor and City Council by resolution. C. Explaining the policy in new employee orientation and management training programs. D. Conducting periodic meetings with management and supervisory personnel to explain the intent of the policy, the Mayor’s commitment, and individual responsibilities for effective implementation. E. Conducting periodic meetings with non-supervisory employees to discuss the EO and AA policy, including employee responsibilities as well as the benefits available to them at management’s request. F. The policy will be available to all employees electronically on the City’s intranet website. 11 II. External Dissemination The City of Grand Island will make its policy known externally by: A. Incorporating the equal employment opportunity clause in written leases and contracts. B. Informing recruiting sources of the City of Grand Island’s policy and requesting that the sources actively recruit and refer women and minorities to the City for employment. C. Informing prospective employees of the City of Grand Island’s status as an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. D. Including information regarding the City of Grand Island’s Affirmative Action Program and EO policy on the City website. SECTION III DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBILITY The Human Resources Director has responsibility for equal employment opportunity compliance and for the implementation of the Affirmative Action Program and is charged with maintaining all records and implementing all recruitment and selection policies as they have been approved. City Department Directors have the ultimate responsibility for decisions affecting progress toward achieving equal opportunity. Duties of the Human Resources Director include: 1. Updating the Affirmative Action Program periodically. 2. Developing policy statements, affirmative action programs, and internal and external communication techniques. 3. Designing and implementing systems for auditing and reporting in order to measure the effectiveness of City EEO/AA programs, indicate any need for remedial action, and determine the degree to which the City’s goals and objectives are being attained. 4. Overseeing and assisting the City’s recruitment of potential job applicants, including affirmative outreach as appropriate. 5. Assuring that directors and supervisors of the City of Grand Island understand they are responsible for their department’s employment decisions and will be held accountable for decisions that are not in accordance with City policy. 12 6. Assuring that the City uses only job-related criteria for hiring, promotion, transfer, training, compensation and all other employment opportunities. 7. Identifying potential problem areas and investigating and responding to potential problem areas identified by City employees. 8. Assuring the proper display of EEO posters and City EEO policy statements. 9. Assuring that facilities the City of Grand Island maintains for the use and benefit of employees are, in fact, desegregated, both in policy and in use and those facilities such as locker rooms and rest rooms are comparable for both sexes. 10. Assuring that all employees, including minority, female, and employees with disabilities, are encouraged to participate in all City-sponsored educational, training, recreational, and social activities. 11. Assuring that the City of Grand Island prohibits and prevents harassment of employees on account of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, or national origin. 12. Serving as liaison between the City and minority organizations, women’s organizations, and community action groups concerned with employment opportunities of minorities, women and persons with disabilities. 13. Assisting in the encouragement of Women’s Business Enterprises, Minority Business Enterprises, and Disabled Persons’ Business Enterprises to participate in the competitive process for City goods and services vendors and contractor status. 14. Keeping management informed of the latest developments in the equal opportunity area. 15. Assuring that all Directors are aware that their individual work performance is being evaluated on the basis of equal employment opportunity efforts and results, as well as other criteria. 16. Preparing, coordinating, and conducting training for City departments in the areas of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the Human Resources Director will serve as a resource to all City of Grand Island directors and supervisors who are charged with responsibility and accountability for equal employment opportunity and implementation of established Affirmative Action Programs. In that capacity (s)he will assist departments with personnel matters having EO/AA implications, conduct oversight visits, and may establish periodic internal audit requirements for all City of Grand Island Departments. 13 Duties of the Department Directors include: 1. Establishing department goals and objectives and identifying problem areas. 2. Making a good faith effort to be actively involved with local minority organizations, women’s organizations, and persons with disabilities organizations, community action groups and community service programs. 3. Performing periodic audits of training programs, and hiring and promotion patterns to isolate impediments to the attainment of goals and objectives. 4. Monitoring front-line supervisors and employees to assure the City’s policies are being followed. 5. Reviewing the qualifications of all employees to ensure that minorities, women, and employees with disabilities are given full opportunities for hiring and promotions. 6. Providing career counseling for all employees when requested. 7. Performing periodic audits to ensure that: (a) EEO posters are properly displayed; (b) all facilities which the City maintains for the use and benefit of its employees are in fact desegregated; and (c) that any facilities are comparable for both sexes. 8. Performing the director’s duties with the understanding that work performance will be evaluated on the basis of equal opportunity efforts and results, as well as other criteria, and that inadequate cooperation or obstruction of the program will be considered a serious matter and such conduct may be grounds for disciplinary action. 9. Where possible, posting open positions to the public, rather than relying on internal posting. 10. Where exceptional circumstances do not exist, extending advertisement of external job postings to be no less than two weeks to allow for adequate recruiting efforts and, where possible, using diverse advertising avenues to assist in the expansion of the potential applicant pool. 11. Where evidence of underutilization exists, making additional creative recruiting efforts to assure a diverse pool of candidates for an open position. 14 SECTION IV IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEM AREAS PERSONNEL ACTIVITY The City of Grand Island will review its total employment process to determine whether and where any impediments to equal employment opportunity exist based on its evaluation of personnel activity. Applicant Flow: The City of Grand Island does not encourage unsolicited applications. Applicants of identifiable race, ethnicity, and sex are those that either 1) voluntarily complete a self identification form; 2) are visually identified during interview; or 3) are current employees. We believe that our review of the EEO-4 forms will provide a comparison that will give us additional information about both the accuracy of our availability estimate and the results of our good faith efforts to invite minorities and women to apply for job opportunities. Hires, promotions and other personnel actions: A. In order to be considered for any opportunity, a job seeker (whether internal or external) must make a timely submission expressing interest in the stated opportunity in the form required by the City of Grand Island. Each application must be completely filled out or it will not be evaluated and no employment decision will be made. B. Application forms and examinations shall not inappropriately elicit any information concerning the political or religious opinions or affiliations or race of any applicant. C. All appointments to positions shall be made according to merit and fitness. Merit and fitness may be ascertained, in part, by examinations which shall be prepared by or under the direction of the Human Resources Director and shall relate to those matters which will test fairly the capacity and fitness of candidates to discharge efficiently the duties of the positions for which examinations are held. Admittance to such examinations may be limited to regular employees in the city service when the Human Resources Director, after consultation with the department director concerned, determines that there are a sufficient number of qualified candidates to provide competition. D. Examinations designed to establish eligible lists shall be open to all citizens of the United States, regardless of residence, registered aliens, and persons who have obtained working papers from the federal government who may be lawfully appointed to a position in the class concerned, and who appear to meet the qualifications and other requirements for the class as set forth in the vacancy announcement. 15 E. Promotional examinations shall be open to any employee who appears to meet the qualifications. Admission to promotional examinations may be restricted by the Human Resources Director to employees of a specific division or department when such action is in the best interest of the City. F. The City of Grand Island performs all analyses of employment decisions on the basis of persons who sought or were considered for a specific job title or who were “tested” using the same selection device. Advancement for one employee does not necessarily constitute a “denial” of an opportunity for any other employee such as changes which are a result of reclassifications or audits of employees whose jobs have changed as a result of reorganization, assumption of additional responsibilities or redistribution of work. Similarly, personnel activity such as reinstatement to a prior placement as a result of settlement of a grievance does not involve the selection of one job seeker and the rejection of another or others. Such personnel activities are not “opportunities”. Terminations: Voluntary Terminations: There is no “pool” of persons who might choose to terminate employment voluntarily. By definition, such terminations do not involve an employer decision or “selection”. These are, therefore, not susceptible to any statistical analysis of “selection disparities”. Involuntary Terminations: There are a variety of reasons for which a person might leave the employment of the City of Grand Island other than by choice. There is no single “pool” of all persons who are involuntarily terminated. While some involuntary terminations involve employer choice, some do not. For example, some employees do not return, as hoped or expected, from long term disability leave. While such termination may not be “voluntary”, they do not involve a decision by this employer. Some terminations are planned for, such as the completion of a temporary assignment or expiration of an employment contract. There is no “selection decision” involved in such circumstances. It would be erroneous to include such terminations in any statistical computation of “selection disparities”. Terminations for cause do involve an employer decision. However, there is no “pool” of persons who are considered for termination for the various policy infractions for which a person might be discharged. For example, the only persons who are considered for termination for poor performance are those who perform poorly. (The situation is similar for violations of attendance policy, insubordination, and the vast array of lawful reasons for which an employee might be involuntarily terminated.) A disparate treatment analysis or “selection rate” cannot be computed except with similarly situated people. 16 There is only one kind of involuntary termination for which the City of Grand Island can do an analysis of “selection disparities”: a reduction in force. Where the City must eliminate jobs, it does so by objective standards which vary according to the relevant labor contract but which decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, or marital status . In such circumstances we can measure any differences in selection rates to determine if there are statistical indicators of disparate treatment. SECTION V IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEM AREAS COMPENSATION SYSTEMS The City of Grand Island performs analyses of its total employment process to determine whether impediments to equal employment opportunity exist. We have identified no disparities based on unlawful factors such as gender, race, or ethnicity. The City of Grand Island has written pay policies and standardized pay practices outlined in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and in the negotiated contracts of each employee union. The City of Grand Island has collective bargaining agreements with the following unions: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 251 (AFSCME), Fraternal Order of Police Grand Island Lodge No. 24 (FOP), International Association of Firefighters Local 647 (IAFF), and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1597 (IBEW). These agreements cover working conditions for all bargaining unit employees, including pay practices and rates of pay. There are no disparities based on race, gender, or ethnicity in these practices or rates of pay. The establishment of salary grades and the establishment of salary ranges of various breadths provide tools to the City of Grand Island to manage compensation in such a way as to attract and retain qualified employees. While it is typically more expensive for an employer to attract a new hire than to retain a current employee, these ranges provide sufficient flexibility to meet both these essential needs and produce no disparities based on unlawful considerations. The relative position of each employee within the salary range is based on considerations such as level of performance, degree of responsibility; starting salary (which is influenced by considerations such as relevant education and experience at time of hire); length of service, contributions made or increased skills and proficiencies acquired since the last adjustment, the amount of previous salary increases and the employee’s salary level as compared to that of similarly situated employees. Many decisions affecting compensation are made by employees (e.g., whether to compete for a posted opportunity, relative qualifications for such opportunities, performance, and a decision to acquire additional education or training, etc.). Some decisions affecting compensation are made by the employer, always without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, or marital status. 17 SECTION VI PROBLEM IDENTIFICATIONS PERSONNEL PROCEDURES As part of the City of Grand Island’s on-going self-audit to identify problems or potential problems, we conduct analyses of the personnel procedures component of the total employment process. I. Requisitions, Position Descriptions and Job Specifications A. All vacancies are filled by re-employment, promotion, original appointment, transfer, or demotion. When a vacancy is to be filled other than by transfer or demotion, the department director must submit a written request to the Human Resources Director. The request must be completed and approved prior to the commencement of recruitment for any new position or for any replacement. This request should state the class title, the number of positions to be filled, and other appropriate information. In addition, desirable special qualifications for the position under consideration may be indicated... A Human Resources Specialist is assigned and is responsible for contacting the selecting department to carefully review the job specifications before posting to ensure that they are consistent with the written position description on file and are otherwise job related. B. All position descriptions will be periodically reviewed with necessary changes made to accurately reflect current job duties. Position descriptions will establish job-related and non- discriminatory requirements. C. The City will continue to examine its recruitment process, including requisitions, review of position specifications, solicitation and acceptance of applications from job seekers for potential impediments to equal employment opportunity. II. Selection Procedures A. Applicants for posted opportunities may be either internal employees or job seekers not currently employed by the City. Both are treated the same in the selection process. Both internal and external applicants are asked to submit a completed application form. B. The assigned Human Resources Specialist reviews and screens all applications and supplementary questionnaires as they are received. All must be received or postmarked by any posted deadline in order to be evaluated. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, the Specialist may refer all or only a portion of the applications received. C. Where appropriate or whenever required by City Code or policy, the Human Resources will oversee the creation of a list of eligible applicants for a vacancy consistent with law and the goals of this Affirmative Action Plan. 18 D. Hiring decisions are made according to merit and fitness. The selecting official does not consider information on the race, sex or ethnicity of the applicant. III. Promotions/Transfers procedures A. Employees of the City who are candidates for promotion will be evaluated and ranked according to merit and fitness in a manner consistent with the goals of this Affirmative Action Program. B. Positions may be filled by lateral transfer, promotion with a change in work location, promotion without a change in work location, or even demotion consistent with the Personnel Rules, Union Contracts, and City Ordinance. Selections are made on the basis of knowledge, skills and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, or marital status. We have determined that there are no impediments to equal opportunity in these practices. C. Employees may also be promoted non-competitively as a result of reclassifying the position that the employee holds. It would be inappropriate to competitively recruit in these situations, as there is no real “vacancy” or opportunity for anyone but the incumbent. However, we recognize that such ad hoc transitions might operate, intentionally or unintentionally, to the advantage of one group over another. Consequently, we are especially careful to monitor these transactions to ensure there are no disparities based on race, sex or ethnicity. The City of Grand Island has evaluated its promotion procedures to determine whether they operate as impediments to equal employment opportunity. Our promotion procedures do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity or other prohibited bases, and are applied in a non-discriminatory fashion. SECTION VII ACTION-ORIENTED PROGRAMS These actions are individual good faith efforts intended to assure equal opportunity and to increase in the future the employment of minorities and women in the City of Grand Island workforce. We are developing the following action-oriented programs with the intention that their proper execution will result in an increase in the minority group/female representation in the group identified, if vacancies occur , or document our good faith efforts to do so. Personnel Procedures Action Plan: 1. The Human Resources Director will periodically reevaluate the City of Grand Island’s selection processes, including the current application and supplemental questionnaire forms, to 19 ensure they are nondiscriminatory and with the purpose of improving accessibility to City employment for diverse applicants. 2. The City will provide personnel having any part in the selection process with anti- discrimination training. 3. The Human Resources Department will disseminate exit questionnaires to full-time employees leaving City employment for reasons other than termination. 4. The Human Resources Director will be sensitive and open to racial/ethnic groups that have been historically under represented in the City work force, women, and individuals with disabilities, in order to determine how to increase interest in City employment and improve accessibility for all people. Personnel Activity Applicant Flow, Hires, Promotions, Terminations and Other Personnel Transactions Action Plan 1. The Human Resources Director will ensure that affirmative action efforts are a part of the performance standards for Directors and Supervisors. 2. Department Directors will review the process to be followed for each departmental job opening, the purpose of which is to encourage qualified diverse applicants. 3. The City will provide Supervisors with anti-discrimination and adversity training. 4. Department Directors will encourage minority, female, and employees with disabilities to participate in career fairs and related activities in the community. 5. City Departments will conduct reviews of the position descriptions as position vacancies occur, to assure that the description accurately reflects the position functions. 6. Those involved in the employee selection process will recognize that although all job qualifications must be based on bona fide job requirements, the following factors should be considered along with traditional requirements: related experience that may not be conventional; cultural awareness and experiences; ability to speak other languages; or overcoming adversity. 7. The Human Resources Department will establish ties with community agencies and organizations that provide employment training for individuals with disabilities. 20 SECTION VIII ANALYSIS AND PLACEMENT GOALS Workforce Analysis The City of Grand Island has separately determined the availability of potentially qualified minorities and women. The City of Grand Island has used the most current statistical information available to derive external availability data. In an effort to estimate availability as possible, we have accessed 2000 census data for occupational classifications for our reasonable recruiting area. In determining “requisite skills,” the City of Grand Island identified those Standard Occupational Classifications (SOCs) reported in the Census that were most representative of the skills required for the positions being analyzed. Comparing Incumbency to Availability Comparing incumbency to availability, we will make a good faith effort to close the gap in any job group having fewer women or minority full-time employees than might reasonably be expected given their availability. An appropriate measure of “reasonably expected” is statistical probability: that is, if the difference between availability and actual participation is statistically significant, the current incumbency is not “reasonably expected.” To determine availability, we look not at the entire population of a given racial/ethnic group or gender, but the representation of minorities and women among those qualified or readily qualifiable for employment in a given job group in the City’s workforce. Placement Goals by Job Group Our goal for every Job Group, whether there is a placement goal or not, and our objective for every organization unit, is to continue to take affirmative action to ensure that our employment policies and practices are, in fact, non-discriminatory. Passed and adopted this ______day of __________2007 by the Mayor and City Council of Grand Island, Nebraska. ______________________________________ Mayor Attest: ________________________________ City Clerk Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-172 WHEREAS, the City of Grand Island currently has a formal statement about affirmative action and equal employment opportunity in its Personnel Rules; and WHEREAS, it is appropriate to adopt an affirmative action plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the city adopt the affirmative action plan presented by the Human Resources Director and authorize and direct the Mayor to sign the same. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G24 #2007-173 - Approving Continuation of Sanitary Sewer District No. 525; Lots 8 & 9 of Westwood Park Subdivision Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Steve Riehle, City Engineer/Public Works Director City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Approving Continuation of Sanitary Sewer No. 525; Lot 8 & 9 Westwood Park Subdivision Item #’s: G-24 Presenter(s): Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Background Sanitary Sewer District 525 was created by the City Council on June 12, 2007. Legal notice of the creation of the District was published in the Grand Island Independent on June 19, 2007. A letter and Frequently Asked Questions sheet was also mailed to all property owners. Discussion The district completed the 30-day protest period at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, July 19, 2007. Protests representing over 50% of the frontage were not filed against this District. Sanitary Sewer District 525 will be built under one construction contract with Sanitary Sewer District 523. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the continuation of Sanitary Sewer District 525. Sample Motion Motion to approve the continuation of Sanitary Sewer District 525. Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-173 WHEREAS, Sanitary Sewer District No. 525, Lots 8 and 9, Westwood Park Subdivision, was created by Ordinance No. 9120 on June 12, 2007; and WHEREAS, notice of the creation of such sewer district was published in the Grand Island Independent, in accordance with the provisions of Section 16-667.01, R.R.S. 1943; and WHEREAS, Section 16-667.01, R.R.S. 1943, provides that if the owners of record title representing more than 50% of the front footage of the property abutting upon the streets, avenues, or alleys, or parts thereof which are within such proposed district shall file with the City Clerk within thirty days from the first publication of said notice written objections to such district, said work shall not be done and the ordinance shall be repealed; and WHEREAS, the protest period ended on July 19, 2007, and protests representing more than 50% of the total District frontage were not received. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that insufficient protests have been filed with the City Clerk against the creation of Sanitary Sewer District No. 525, therefore such district shall be continued and constructed according to law. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G25 #2007-174 - Approving Bid Award for Project 2007-WWTP-2 (Installation of Final Clarifier Launder Covers) Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Steve Riehle, City Engineer/Public Works Director City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Approving Bid Award for Project 2007-WWTP-2 Installation of Final Clarifier Launder Covers Item #’s: G-25 Presenter(s): Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Background The Advertisement to Bidders for Project 2007-WWTP-2 (Installation of Final Clarifier Launder Covers at the Waste Water Treatment Plant) was published in the Grand Island Independent on June 30, 2007. This project will install Launder Covers manufactured out of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (F.R.P.) on three (3) exisiting Final Clarifier Basins. The Launder Covers are designed to inhibit the growth of algae on the launder troughs and weirs of the clarifier basin(s) by minimizing sunlight on these surfaces. Discussion At 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, two (2) bids were received, opened, and reviewed. Bidder Exceptions Total Bid A & D Millwright, Inc. None $58,313.00 The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island, NE None $59,955.00 Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve a resolution awarding the bid to A & D Millwright, Inc. of Alda, NE and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract. Sample Motion Motion to approve awarding the bid to A & D Millwright, Inc. of Alda, Nebraska in the amount of $58,313.00 and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract. Purchasing Division of Legal Department INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Dale M. Shotkoski, Assistant City Attorney Working Together for a Better Tomorrow, Today BID OPENING BID OPENING DATE: July 17, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. FOR: Installation of Final Clarifier Launder Covers – 2007-WWTP-2 DEPARTMENT: Public Works ESTIMATE: $60,000.00 FUND/ACCOUNT: 53030054-85213 PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2007 NO. POTENTIAL BIDDERS: 8 SUMMARY Bidder: A & D Millwright, Inc. The Diamond Engineering Co. Alda, NE Grand Island, NE Bid Security: AMCO Insurance Company Universal Surety Company Exceptions: None None Bid Price: $58,313.00 $59,955.00 cc: Steve Riehle, Public Works Director Bud Buettner, Assist. PW Director Ben Thayer, WWTP Supt. Catrina Delosh, PW Admin. Assit. Dale Shotkoski, City Attorney Wes Nespor, Assist. City Attorney Sherry Peters, Legal Secretary P1177 Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-174 WHEREAS, the City of Grand Island invited sealed bids for the installation of Final Clarifier Launder Covers-2007-WWTP-2, according to plans and specifications on file with the Public Works Department, Waste Water Treatment Plant; and WHEREAS, on July 17, 2007, bids were received, opened and reviewed; and WHEREAS, A&D Millwright, Inc., of Alda, Nebraska, submitted a bid in accordance with the terms of the advertisement of bids and plans and specifications and all other statutory requirements contained therein, such bid being in the amount of $58,313.00; and WHEREAS, A&D Millwright, Inc.’s bid is less than the estimate for such project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the bid of A&D Millwright, Inc., of Alda, Nebraska, in the amount of $58,313.00 for the installation of Final Clarifier Launder Covers-2007- WWTP-2 is hereby approved as the lowest responsible bid. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute such agreement on behalf of the City of Grand Island. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item G26 #2007-175 - Approving Agreement with Olsson Associates for Update to Groundwater Study Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Steve Riehle, City Engineer/Public Works Director City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Approving Agreement with Olsson Associates for Update to Groundwater Study Item #’s: G-26 Presenter(s): Steven P. Riehle, Public Works Director Background The issue of high water tables and water intrusion into basements has a long history in Grand Island. The affected areas are generally: * To the south in the Parkview, Circle Drive, West Lamar and Phoenix Areas *To the northwest in the Bishop, Capital, Le Heights and Western Heights Subdivisions *To the east in the Seedling Mile Road area *And to the southeast in the Phoenix Pleasant View area The City has participated in a number of studies to address the problem. Late 1960's The University of Nebraska, Conservation and Survey Division completed a comprehensive study on the relationships of precipitation, water use, groundwater recovery, and their effects on groundwater storage in Hall County. A major point of discussion was the wet basements resulting from the reduced pumping in the area. 1987 Groundwater levels were pretty high so the City designed 2 dewatering districts. Neither district was actually created because of opposition from property owners that would have been included in the district. 1993 During another period of high groundwater levels, the Public Works Department designed a dewatering system to address groundwater issues in northwest Grand Island. A subsurface drainage dis trict was created where participating homeowners would be assessed for construction and continued operating costs. The district was protested out by a significant margin. 1994 Consulting engineering firm Lutz, Daily and Brain produced a "Historic High Groundwater Elevations" map for the city. All available ground water elevation data collected since 1935 in Grand Island were compiled and analyzed as part of this study. The purpose of the study was to provide guidance to the City regarding the highest expected groundwater elevations that are likely to be encountered in various parts of the City. The groundwater in and around Grand Island is relatively shallow; hence, it typically responds to precipitation events quickly. The study resulted in the City making changes to the building code by requiring subsurface drainage systems in new basement construction. 2000 The City entered into a joint study with the Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) to again address the issue of high groundwater. This was a comprehensive approach addressing the more problematic areas in northwest, south and east Grand Island. Test wells were installed for the study in 5 locations in Grand Island to measure the impact the test well would have on groundwater levels. The test wells continue to be managed by the CPNRD with utility costs paid by the city. Consulting engineering firm Olsson Associates prepared a detailed hydrologic model showing maximum groundwater levels. A dewatering system was designed with discharge piping to the Platte River. The project was never funded because of the significant construction cost, long term operation and maintenance costs, and the concern on the impact of area lakes. 2001 The City and the CPNRD applied for funding from the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission. The project was not funded. Discussion In 2007, Grand Island again saw high groundwater levels in portions of the community. Some neighborhoods in the community have asked the city to assist with the installatio n of dewatering wells in their neighborhood. If approved by the council, Olsson Associates will update the groundwater model that was developed in 2000 and present an update to the council at a future study session. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve an agreement with Olsson Associates to update the groundwater model. Sample Motion Motion to approve an agreement with Olsson Associates of Grand Island, Nebraska to update the groundwater model in an amount not to exceed $3,250.00. Approved as to Form ¤ ___________ July 19, 2007 ¤ City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-175 WHEREAS, in 2000, the City of Grand Island entered into a joint study with the Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) to address the issue of high groundwater; and WHEREAS, in 2000, Olsson Associates of Grand Island, Nebraska, a consulting engineering firm, prepared a detailed hydrologic model showing maximum groundwater levels; and WHEREAS, several neighborhoods in the community have requested assistance with the installation of dewatering wells; and WHEREAS, it would be in the best interests of the city to enter into an agreement with Olsson Associates to update the groundwater model prepared in 2000 with a presentation to council at a future study session. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the proposal of Olsson Associates to update the 2000 groundwater model is hereby approved with a presentation to the City Council at a future study session. Such update and presentation shall be billed at actual hourly expense not to exceed $3,250.00. IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement for such services with a maximum amount of $3,250.00, on behalf of the City of Grand Island. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, July 24, 2007. _______________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: _______________________________________ RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item I1 #2007-176 - Consideration of Changes to the City Health Insurance Plan to Include Wellness Package Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: Brenda Sutherland City of Grand Island City Council Council Agenda Memo From: Brenda Sutherland, Human Resources Director Meeting: July 24, 2007 Subject: Changes to City Health Insurance Plan Item #’s: I-1 Presenter(s): Brenda Sutherland, Human Resources Director Background The City Of Grand Island offers a benefit package for all of its employees that work at least thirty hours per week. This package includes health and dental insurance. The City currently has over five hundred employees that take advantage of this benefit. Last year, the City went out for an RFP to solicit proposals for its health and dental benefit. Mutual of Omaha had the successful proposal. The first contract year will be ending on September 30, 2007. With the start of a new plan year just around the corner, administratio n, along with the assistance of the health insurance committee have reviewed the current contract and have come up with recommendations for changes for the next plan year. The health insurance committee consists of representation from each of the labor unions, members of the non-union group and management. Discussion The health insurance committee has reviewed this year’s claim activity and also the administrative expenses that are contracted for next year. With the current level of claim activity the committee is recommending the following changes be made to the City’s health plan: Move deductibles: In network from $200/$400 to $300/$600 Out of network from $400/$800 to $600/1200 Move out-of-pocket: In network from $1200/2400 to $1300/2600 Out of network from $1900/$3800 to $2100/4200 Change the co-pays for prescription drugs from $15/$20/$35 to $15/$25/$40. A fourth tier would also be added for specialty drugs with a $50 co-pay. Employees will have premiums deducted from their paychecks each of the 26 pay periods instead of 24 pay periods. There are currently four different levels of coverage and the recommendation would be to move to three levels – single, 2/4, and family. The total monthly premium would increase by 10% and the employees share would be increased to 15% for all three levels of coverage. Following are the monthly premiums for the three levels of coverage: Single - $409.54, 2/4 – 864.16, and Family - $1264.88. The employee’s share of the premium would be based on the amount noted above unless a labor contract would specify otherwise. Infertility coverage would change from six courses of treatment to three courses of treatment. The final change that is being recommended for consideration is the addition of a formal wellness plan. When the City chose Mutual of Omaha to administer its health plan one of the real selling points was the wellness package that they offered. At the time we contracted with Mutual to administer our health plan we were not ready to jump in to a wellness program and wanted to do more research and talk as a committee before moving forward. A year has passed and the committee is ready to move forward with its recommendation to add the wellness package to our plan. The plan being proposed is called myhealthIQ. This company contracts with Mutual of Omaha to provide the expertise and administration of the plan. This plan will provide for health risk assessments that will come from medical history and current conditions, biometric measurements (height, weight, resting blood pressure, and body mass index), and a series of blood tests that will include cholesterol, serum cotenine, full lipids, glucose, triglycerides, GGT, and 12 additional vital organ tests. Testing will be done at various worksites so that it is convenient. The City will not get an employee’s personal results. Instead, the City will get statistics about the level of wellness for the overall group. This information can then be used for targeted education and training. Employees that choose to participate in the wellness program will see a $35 per month reduction in their health insurance premium. The cost for this service will be $100 per year per employee on our health care plan. Administration is proposing the addition of the wellness plan in an effort to hedge the higher cost of illness that is not detected early or possibly circumvented due to early detection. Studies have shown time and again that a dollar spent in prevention saves at least four dollars for treatment after the illness has gained a foot hold. Administration is proposing moving to a real philosophy of “health care” instead of the current system which is really “sick care”. We are paying the bills on the backend which are more costly instead of spending money up front to prevent more serious situations. Alternatives It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Council may: 1. Move to approve 2. Refer the issue to a Committee 3. Postpone the issue to future date 4. Take no action on the issue Recommendation City Administration recommends that the Council approve the proposed changes to the City’s health care plan including the addition of the wellness program. Sample Motion Motion to approve changes to the City’s health care plan. Approved as to Form ?_______________ July 20, 2007 ? City Attorney R E S O L U T I O N 2007-176 WHEREAS, the City subscribes to health insurance for its employees and other eligible participants, as authorized by the City of Grand Island Personnel Rules and federal regulation; and WHEREAS, on June 27, 2006, by Resolution 2006-183, the City of Grand Island approved a contract with Mutual of Omaha for the administration of the health and dental insurance coverage; and WHEREAS, the Health Insurance Committee for the city has reviewed claim activities and is recommending the following revisions be made to the city’s health plan: · Move deductibles: In Network from $200/$400 to $300/$600 Out of Network from $400/$800 to $600/$1200 · Move Out of Pocket: In Network from $1200/$2400 to $1300/$2600 Out of Network from $1900/$3800 to $2100/$4200 · Change co-pays for prescription drugs from $15/$20/$35 to $15/$25/$40. A fourth tier for specialty drugs shall carry a $50 co-pay. · Payroll deductions shall occur for each of the 26 pay periods instead of 24 pay periods. · Reduce from four to three levels of coverage, including single; 2/4; and family. · Monthly premiums shall increase by 10% with employee shares increasing to 15% for all three levels of coverage; Single - $409.54; 2/4 - $864.16; and, Family - $1,264.88. Employees’ share may be altered by labor agreement. · Infertility coverage shall be three courses of treatment instead of six. · Inclusion of “myhealthIQ” formal wellness program with a $35 per month reduction of premium for employees who successfully participate in the plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the city’s health and dental is hereby amended to reflect the revisions set out above. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute such amendment on behalf of the City of Grand Island. - - - Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska on July 24, 2007. _____________________________________ Margaret Hornady, Mayor Attest: __________________________________ Approved as to Form ?_______________ July 20, 2007 ? City Attorney RaNae Edwards, City Clerk Item J1 Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of July 11, 2007 through July 24, 2007 The Claims for the period of July 11, 2007 through July 24, 2007 for a total amount of $3,170,537.94. A MOTION is in order. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Council Session City of Grand Island Staff Contact: David Springer City of Grand Island City Council