04-17-2008 City Council Study Session PacketCity of Grand Island
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Goals & Budget Retreat Packet
City Council:Mayor:
Margaret Hornady
City Administrator:
Jeff Pederson
City Clerk:
RaNae Edwards
T
h
5:00:00 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
Kirk Ramsey
Jose Zapata
Call to OrderCity 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
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 -1
Special Study Session Goals & Budget Retreat
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Goals & Budget Retreat
City of Grand Island
Staff Contact: Jeff Pederson
City of Grand Island City Council
Memo
City Council Goals And Budget Retreat
April 17
Thank you for allocating your time next Thursday evening to spend time with
the City management staff to prepare for the upcoming budget process as well as
review goals and begin the process to formulate a new set of goals for the next two
years. It is nice to be able to hold this Retreat in the meeting room of our newly-
expanded Public Library.
We will begin the session with a review of the 2007/2008 City Council Goals.
It is necessary to periodically revisit these goals together so that progress can be
noted, and revisions made if necessary or desirable. With this set of Goals being
nearly two years old, it is also a good time to consider new goals. The last item in
the Retreat is for Council-members to bring forth ideas for new Goals that could be
incorporated and adopted for the years 2008-2009. If you have ideas for new
goals, please be prepared to share them at this Retreat and those ideas that have
support can be researched by staff for implementation considerations and brought
back to a follow-up session for consideration for adoption by the Council.
We have allocated a good portion of the Retreat for a pre-budget presentation
and discussion, in which we will identify and discuss several of the major
fiscal/policy issues that lie ahead for you in the upcoming budget adoption process.
As the Agenda notes, we will give primary concentration to the General Fund, as it
is the Fund that relies most heavily upon Council decisions with respect to such
issues as taxation, capital projects, and personnel. We will also spend some time
outlining the budget formulation and adoption process and timetable.
Lastly, you will be given a presentation by the State Fair Committee regarding
development issues that will/may impact the City budget. As of today, discussion
has shifted to the possible increase in the occupational tax
(motels) as a means to service the debt on a bond issue of $5m to meet the major
portion of the community cash requirement. The City has been asked to consider
accelerating the widening of Stolley Park Road, which is planned for 2010 but only
from Locust to the entrance to Fonner Park ($1.35m total).
We would need to add to that plan the extension of the Stolley Road improvement
north to Fonner Park Road.
We also have in our 2009 Plan improvement of the north-bound lanes on S. Locust
at a total cost of $4.2m.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS and BUDGET RETREAT – APRIL 17, 2008
Light supper will be served at 5:00 p.m.
1. 2007-8 Goals and update.
2. Budget overview.
• Revenues not keeping up with personnel costs, let alone other operating.
• Property Tax and Sales Tax Analysis.
• Estimated sales tax growth and a return to .25 property levy only generates
about $675k, while personnel costs increase nearly $800k.
• Nearly 70% of General Fund operating is personnel. Any new FTEs
requests will need persuasive justifications.
• Capital Projects fund has $14.8 million penciled in for 2009 & $11.7
million for 2010, as detailed on pages 212-214 of the Budget Book. These
will have to be pared at least in half, even with state/federal contributions.
• Will need to transfer over a million from Police/Fire backstop reserves.
• Need direction on outside agencies. Humane Society handled with RFP.
• Goal of cash reserves in the $5-6 million range
• Ongoing annual commitments:
- Economic Development Corporation; $750,000
- Library bonds; $830,000; 2016
- Event Center bonds: $570,000; 2025
- Law Enforcement Center bonds; $855,000; 2018
3. Timetable and budget process.
• Concentration heavily on the General Fund which operates the City’s
functions. Enterprise Funds function as business entities, receive no tax
monies. Any rate changes must be approved by council.
• Departments submit 2008 projections and new budget requests mid-May.
• Departmental conferences with City Administrator/Finance Director, end
of May.
• Council involvement and various actions, June into September. (Screen)
4. Council input.
Break
5. State Fair Presentation
6. 2008/09 Goals Development
• What constitutes a City Council Goal?
• City Councilmember suggestions for goals to research and consider for
2008/09 City Council Goals.
Time
5:15 -5:45
5:45 – 6:45
6:45 – 7:00
7:00 -7:15
7:15 – 7:30
7:30 – 8:00
8:00 – 9:00
Public Safety Seek and secure funding for the development of the Fire Training Facility No funding was budgeted in the 2007-08 fiscal year for the construction of the facility or the development of a business plan. The business plan is needed to determine the feasibility and scope of the project in order to identify potential participants and funding sources. Complete construction on Fire Station #1 Fire station one is complete and brought into service October. Complete construction of Police/Sheriff Law Enforcement Center Substantial completion on the facility in January 2008. Operations were transferred to the new center on January 21, 2008. Punch list items still need to be corrected and outside work to be completed before final completion of the project. Secure funding and begin upgrade of Emergency Communication Center Preliminary schedule for Communications Center renovation has been set for Feb-Apr. Radio equipment has been ordered and console workstations are in the RFP process. All radio and workstation expenses are funded by a grant and managed and funded through Hall County. Economic Development Assist in creating and retaining quality jobs through LB 840 program Administration and various departments continue to meet with EDC and potential companies as requested. Assist CRA in identifying and creating new business redevelopment projects CRA area 6 and 7 were approved by council. TIF projects can be considered in both of these areas. Infrastructure Support infrastructure for sustained housing/commercial development Utl - Completed 5-yr major overhaul of PGS, expanded 115/13.8 Substations E and F, 3-yr term contract for coal transport from Wyo. Coal fields to PGS, natural gas supply contract for CTs, Water Main Dist 455 (Park-view Subdivision), design and award WMD 453T ( helicopter base at the airport), Water infrastructure for new Subdivisions – La Rue, Meadowlark 4th, Westwood Park 10th, Westwood Park 10th, Woodland Park 6th, CNH fire line. Line construction – completed relocation of circuits for the Capital Ave. widening project, rebuilt 3-phase line along BNRR, east of Gunbarrel Rd., and on S. Locust from Fonner to Phoenix. Underground service installed at new Subdivisions – Copper Creek Estates, Pleasant View, Sun Valley, Summerfield Estates 7th, Air Guard Helicopter base. PW – Sanitary sewer project numbers were assigned in January through March 2008. One (1) sanitary sewer project was completed. Concrete paving project numbers were assigned in January through March 2008. Two (2) paving projects were completed. Begin incremental implementation of the Railroad Corridor Study CRA funding for the project is secured. The City can begin the proposal process and get horns and other improvements installed in the UPRR corridor from Broadwell Avenue through Oak Street. PW- An inter-local agreement with the CRA was approved at the March 11, 2008 council meeting. An RFP was issued for consulting engineering services and 3 proposals were received. An agreement for professional services will be brought to council for approval in May. Prepare a master plan for infrastructure development south of Grand Island Utl - Completed area transmission/substation study. CRA- Area 7 includes the new industrial park property. TIF from development in this area could be used for infrastructure extensions. PW – The project to complete the concrete paving of the additional 2 lanes on Locust Street is in the 1 & 6 year Street Improvement Program for calendar year 2009. The sanitary sewer comprehensive plan update is currently being updated. Government Efficiency Seek inter local partnerships that eliminates duplication and promotes efficiency The Hall County Highway Department will be using the city’s snow pile site as a storage site for asphalt millings from their 2008 asphalt resurfacing program. The city and county will be entering into an agreement for the asphalt resurfacing project on Shady Bend Road from Bismark to US Highway 30. Bldg- Grand Island, Hastings, and Kearney are proposing to establish a tri-city plumbing test and establish times and test sites within the three jurisdictions. City Council Goals 2007-08 (Set by Council on January 20th, 2007)
Complete a comprehensive City Code review and update This will be an ongoing process for some time. The chapter by chapter review slowed down due to several factors this year. PW- The Solid Waste Superintendent is reviewing the city code on backyard composting and roll off containers that are placed in the streets. Bldg- Revision of the city sign code to provide up to date regulations and address restrictions requested for limited billboards on Locust street & address new technology. Grand Island, Hastings & Kearney have adopted consistent plumbing codes. Complete review and adoption of the 2006 Uniform Mechanical Code, adoption of the 2006 international Building and Residential code. Develop a budget with no increase in the property tax levy Council approved the budget August 28 with no increase in the tax levy. Develop criteria for outside agency funding Quality of Life Complete construction of the Library expansion project After the Grand Opening ceremony on October 14th, library services have returned to normal as the project started to wind down. The certificate of final completion for the design/build contract was issued in December 2007 and the final bill (which is outside the contract) will be paid in January 2008. Construct a children’s play area at Island Oasis The design plan of the children’s play area is complete. Approved funding through the budget process will be necessary to complete this goal. Continue to support development of the Heartland Public Shooting Park The development of all rifle and pistol ranges continue, all ranges are operational. The camp ground design is complete and construction of the first phase has begun. Update Parks and Recreation master plan An updated master plan is contingent upon approved funding through the budget process. Start construction of Aerated Static Pile facility The project to build an Aerated Static Pile composting system at the WWTP was placed on-hold at the August 14th city council meeting. Implement the Community Appearance Plan The PRT has demolished/resolved 9 problem properties. Only 1 property was resolved using municipal funds. The legal department and CSO’s have met quarterly to foster a greater understanding of polices and procedures. The CAP web page construction will begin shortly and citizen request software is under review. Public Health Secure funding and begin construction of the Household Hazardous Waste facility Notification was given by the Environmental Trust that funding for the facility was denied in 2007 for lack of interlocals and collaboration with Keep Nebraska Beautiful state master plan. A 2nd construction grant request will be submitted with suggested changes from the ET in Sept. 2008 and a 5 yr operating grant will be made to the DEQ in Feb 09. Currently in process of obtaining interlocals, working with KNB, and in constant communication with ET and DEQ for a successful second grant request. Continue to aggressively address environmental issues and advocate for citizens PW- Regular communications are occurring with JBS Swift officials to ensure that the Swift plant does not overload the city’s WWTP. Swift is building a additional 25 million gallon anaerobic pre-treatment lagoon adjacent to the existing 9 million lagoon. Fall back plans are being implemented to ensure the WWTP can adjust to any swings in Swift’s loadings till the new lagoon is operational in July or August 2008.The Utilities and Public Works Departments continue to assist and cooperate with the consultant working with the UPRR on a contamination plume along Seedling Mile near US Hwy 30 and on to the east. Bldg- Continue to monitor the progress of the State of Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality on revisions to On-Site Waste Water Systems. Develop language for smoking restrictions to be considered to be placed on the ballot Language was submitted to administration which mirrored the language that the State was considering in 2007. It was put on hold pending to watch what the State would do. Legislation will be introduced during the 2008 legislature with more favorable language.
Budget YearTotal Sales Tax Revenue1/2% Sales Tax Revenue Sales Tax Devoted to Property Tax ReliefProperty Tax Revenue at 0.37 Actual Property Tax Revenue at 0.25 & 0.23Actual Property Tax Relief2003-04 8,060,445$ 6,599,570$ 6,599,570$ 2004-0511,677,487$ 3,445,409$ 1,722,705$ 6,997,110$ 4,708,181$ 2,288,929$ 2005-0612,743,184$ 4,247,728$ 2,123,864$ 7,695,795$ 5,178,308$ 2,517,486$ 2006-0713,010,632$ 4,336,877$ 2,168,439$ 8,125,624$ 5,212,065$ 2,913,559$ 2007-0813,725,000$ 4,575,000$ 2,287,500$ 8,232,457$ 5,280,591$ 2,951,865$ 8,302,507$ 10,671,840$ Budget Year Sales Tax Devoted to Property Tax ReliefActual Property Tax ReliefDifference2003-04 2004-05 1,722,705$ 2,288,929$ (566,225)$ 2005-06 2,123,864$ 2,517,486$ (393,622)$ 2006-07 2,168,439$ 2,913,559$ (745,120)$ 2007-08 2,287,500$ 2,951,865$ (664,365)$ (2,369,333)$ Additional Property Tax Relief = Property Tax Revenue Loss TAX RATE ANALYSISActual Total Property Tax Relief Total Sales Tax Relief Required by 1/2% Sales Tax PassageSales Tax Annual Sales Tax Relief Required By Passage of the 1/2% Sales Tax InitiativeProperty TaxActual Property Tax Relief
2008 2009 2010Fiber Optic Connections50,000$ 75,000$ -$ Grand Generation Center100,000$ 100,000$ 100,000$ Fire Training Center-$ 50,000$ 1,000,000$ Infrastructure Emergency Funds-$ 60,000$ 60,000$ Total City Projects150,000$ 285,000$ 1,160,000$ 400 FUND CAPITAL PROJECTS - FIVE YEAR CAPITAL BUILDING & CAPITAL PLANNING
2008 2009 2010Moores Creek, Faidley, Edna Construction209,000$ 150,000$ -$ Northwest Drainage Project375,000$ 375,000$ 375,000$ Platte Valley indust Site, Cells to Wood River-$ 127,000$ 272,000$ Line Drainage Concrete Ditch50,000$ 50,000$ 50,000$ Major Drainage Development-$ -$ 500,000$ Independence Avenue Drainage-$ 80,000$ 350,000$ Wasmer Detention Cell735,000$ -$ -$ Construct Drainway CCC to Wood River-$ 425,000$ -$ Total Drainage Projects1,369,000$ 1,207,000$ 1,547,000$ 2008 2009 2010Hwy 30 Paving20,000$ -$ -$ Widen Faidley Ave West of Diers-$ 1,250,000$ -$ Stolley Park Rd Widening-Locust to Events Cntr-Design/ROW-$ 150,000$ -$ Stolley Park Rd Widening-Locust to Events Cntr-Construction-$ -$ 1,200,000$ Replace Wood River Bridge @ Blaine-$ 45,000$ 250,000$ Hike/Bike Bridge S Locust-$ 390,000$ -$ Widen South End of Eddy Underpass-$ -$ 175,000$ Intersection Improvements-North Road & 13th-$ 300,000$ -$ Roundabout-Capital & North Road-$ 360,000$ -$ Total Street Construction Projects20,000$ 2,495,000$ 1,625,000$ 400 FUND CAPITAL PROJECTS - FIVE YEAR CAPITAL DRAINAGE PROJECTS STREET CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
2008 2009 2010Husker Hwy Widening 1/4 east of 281 to Hwy 281-$ -$ 1,200,000$ Annual Paving Program200,000$ 750,000$ 750,000$ Northwest Transportation-$ -$ 1,050,000$ So Locust; Costruct 2 New Traffic Lanes-$ 4,188,500$ -$ So Locust, Illum Ltg I-80 to Hwy 34-$ 1,000,000$ -$ Capital Ave; Drainway to Webb Road3,974,203$ -$ -$ State/Diers Inbtersection Improvments-$ 390,000$ -$ Husker Highway Widening 1/4 W Hwy 281 to Hwy 281-$ -$ 1,200,000$ 3rd Street Widening - Adams to Eddy-$ 90,000$ -$ Realign Barr Ent & Stolley/Adams Signal-$ 360,000$ -$ Realign Walnut Entr. & Custer/15th 269,644$ -$ -$ Total City Projects4,443,847$ 6,778,500$ 4,200,000$ 2008 2009 2010Annual Sidewalk Projects30,000$ 50,000$ 50,000$ Install Traffic Signal Video Detection-$ 25,000$ 25,000$ Misc. Traffic Signal Improvements30,000$ 30,000$ 30,000$ Signal @ HWY 281 & Wildwood-$ 170,000$ -$ Signal @ HWY 281/34 @ Rae Road-$ 135,000$ -$ Signal on Locust @ Event Center Entrance-$ 150,000$ -$ Misc. Safety Enhancements-RR Study150,000$ 150,000$ 150,000$ Total Miscellaneous Projects210,000$ 710,000$ 255,000$ 6,042,847$ 11,190,500$ 7,627,000$ 400 FUND CAPITAL PROJECTS - FIVE YEAR CAPITALBONDED STREET & SEWER PROJECTSMISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS Total Public Works Projects
2008 2009 2010CAPP Land Develop-Heartland Public Shooting Park150,000$ 150,000$ 100,000$ Miscellaneous Park Projects50,000$ 50,000$ 70,000$ Resurface Various Park Roadways-$ 40,000$ 40,000$ Tennis Courts-$ 20,000$ -$ Hiker/Biker Trails-$ 125,000$ 625,000$ Aquatic Development-$ 1,200,000$ -$ Soccer/baseball field development-Vets Home-$ 500,000$ 1,000,000$ Ball Fields (Softball Sr. High)- Lights-$ 150,000$ -$ Park Land Acquisition75,000$ -$ 75,000$ Arboretum-$ 100,000$ 100,000$ L.E. Ray Development-$ 40,000$ 40,000$ Stolley Park Upgrade-$ 100,000$ 100,000$ Niedtfeldt Park-$ 100,000$ 50,000$ Racquet Center Upgrade-$ 750,000$ 750,000$ Total Parks Projects275,000$ 3,325,000$ 2,950,000$ Total City Projects150,000$ 285,000$ 1,160,000$ Total Public Works Projects6,042,847$ 11,190,500$ 7,627,000$ Total Parks Projects275,000$ 3,325,000$ 2,950,000$ 6,467,847$ 14,800,500$ 11,737,000$ PARKS & RECREATION PROJECTS400 FUND CAPITAL PROJECTS - FIVE YEAR CAPITAL