04-03-2012 City Council Study Session Packet
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Study Session Packet
City Council:
Larry Carney
Linna Dee Donaldson
Scott Dugan
John Gericke
Peg Gilbert
Chuck Haase
Vaughn Minton
Mitchell Nickerson
Bob Niemann
Kirk Ramsey
Mayor:
Jay Vavricek
City Administrator:
Mary Lou Brown
City Clerk:
RaNae Edwards
7:00 PM
Council Chambers - City Hall
100 East 1st Street
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 1 / 46
City of Grand Island Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Call to Order
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.
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
A - SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE ITEMS
Individuals who have appropriate items for City Council consideration should complete the Request for
Future Agenda Items form located at the Information Booth. If the issue can be handled administratively
without Council action, notification will be provided. If the item is scheduled for a meeting or study
session, notification of the date will be given.
B - RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS
This is an opportunity for individuals wishing to provide input on any of tonight's agenda items to reserve
time to speak. Please come forward, state your name and address, and the Agenda topic on which you will
be speaking.
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 2 / 46
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Study Session
Item -1
Administration of Oath of Office to Vaughn Minton City
Councilmember for Ward 1
City Clerk RaNae Edwards will administer the Oath of Office to newly appointed Councilmember
Vaughn Minton - Ward 1.
Staff Contact: RaNae Edwards
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 3 / 46
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Study Session
Item -2
Discussion on Mosquito Abatement
Staff Contact: Jeremy Collinson, Central District Health Departme
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 4 / 46
Council Agenda Memo
From:Jon Rosenlund, Director of Emergency Management
Meeting:April 3, 2012 Study Session
Subject:Mosquito Abatement
Item #’s:2
Presenter(s):Jeremy Collinson, Central District Health Department
Background
The City has received a public request to review the Mosquito Abatement strategies used
by the Central District Health Department.
Discussion
The Central District Health Department will provide to the City an explanation of the
methods used to mitigate the hazards presented by mosquito populations.
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.
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 5 / 46
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Study Session
Item -3
Presentation Regarding Automated Meter Reading
Staff Contact: Tim Luchsinger
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 6 / 46
Council Agenda Memo
From:Timothy Luchsinger, Utilities Director
Meeting:April 3, 2012
Subject:Presentation Regarding Automated Meter Reading
Item #’s:3
Presenter(s):Tim Luchsinger, Utilities Director
Background
Automated Meter Reading (AMR) has been used by utilities to allow reading of
consumption meters for electricity, water and natural gas to be performed by mobile or
remote sites. Its successor, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), allows remote
meter reading, but also allows additional communication to the utility and the consumer
and is a component of the “Smart Grid” that is being developed to promote energy
efficiency.
Discussion
The Utilities Department will provide an overview of AMR/AMI technologies, including
some case studies of applications with other municipal utilities, and possible ways for the
City to approach its implementation within the Department.
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.
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 7 / 46
UTILITIES
Automatic Meter Reading/
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
City Council Study Session
April 3, 2012
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 8 / 46
UTILITIES
Meter Nomenclature
Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)
One way communication – Transmit
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
Two way communication – Transmit and receive
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 9 / 46
UTILITIES
Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)
One way communication – Transmit
20 year history
Radio (Walk-by, drive-by)
Replaces manual meter reading
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 10 / 46
UTILITIES
AMR Installation
Lincoln, NE Water System
80,000 meters
10 year project (in-house installation), completed 2008
$12,000,000 installed cost
Mobile collector
Estimated 14 year replacement life
In replacement process, estimate 20 year life for new
meters
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 11 / 46
UTILITIES
AMR Installation
Fremont, NE Utilities
14,500 electric meters
11,100 water meters
Started in 2007, driven by meter reading wages, workers’
compensation costs
3 year project
$2,500,000 hardware cost, installed w/in-house staff
Mobile collector
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 12 / 46
UTILITIES
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
Two way communication – Transmit and receive
4 to 5 year history
Radio, cable, fiber optics, Internet, cellular phone
“Smart Grid” functionality
Remote meter reading by utility and customer
Disconnect and connect from central location
Remote outage indication
Usage quantities > five minutes
Pre-pay billing
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 13 / 46
UTILITIES
AMI Issues
Data Security
Owned network
Leased network
Data Privacy
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/netradio/news.newsmain?action=article
&ARTICLE_ID=1905427
No standard protocol
Communication media
Operating system electric/water meters
Electric systems have limited experience, usually funded by
DOE grants
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 14 / 46
UTILITIES
Boulder, CO AMI Project
Xcel Energy
Pilot program to replace one-half of Boulder’s
electric meters (25,000), included electric system
component upgrades, 300 miles of fiber network
Estimated cost $15,000,000
Final cost $45,000,000
Eliminated meter readers, added IT, net gain in staff
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 15 / 46
UTILITIES
Naperville, IL AMI Project
City of Naperville
57,000 electric meters
Estimated cost $22,000,000
DOE matching grant for $11,000,000
System testing in progress, one year meter installation
planned
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 16 / 46
UTILITIES
Grand Island AMR/AMI Installation
25,000 electric meters
15,000 water meters
$8,000,000 - $10,000,000 capital cost
$2,000,000 installation cost
Three year completion to allow meter reading
benefits
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 17 / 46
UTILITIES
Grand Island Meter Program
Electric meters owned and replaced by GIUD
Water meters owned and replaced by customer,
GIUD would need to assume ownership for
AMR/AMI, ~ $125,000 annual cost for new meters
$325,000 annual meter reading budget
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 18 / 46
UTILITIES
Cost/Benefit
Costs
$8,000,000 capital cost
Installation cost – contractor/in-house
Additional IT staff – network provider/in-house
Annual meter replacement
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 19 / 46
UTILITIES
Cost/Benefit
Benefits
$325,000 meter reader staff reduction annual savings
Connect/disconnect functionality – reduce account
receivables
Outage duration reduction – keep customers on
Cost/Benefit = 25 year payback
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 20 / 46
UTILITIES
AMR/AMI Conclusions
Conversion to automated metering not solely
supported by meter reading cost/benefit
Other possible cost saving benefits for AMI
Customer demand for AMI applications could be a
primary driver
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 21 / 46
UTILITIES
AMR/AMI Conclusions (cont.)
AMI standard platform likely in near term, monitor
market and evaluate cost/benefit periodically
Evaluate technology starting with substations and
large industrial customers
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 22 / 46
UTILITIES
Merrick County Pilot Program?
Approximately 180 customers
Upgrade existing electric meters
Water meters included with UPRR project
Communication network to be determined
Cost estimates have been requestedGrand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 23 / 46
UTILITIES
Questions/Discussion
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 24 / 46
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Study Session
Item -4
Discussion of City Property for Commercial Lease
Staff Contact: Craig Lewis
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 25 / 46
Council Agenda Memo
From:Craig Lewis, Building Department Director
Meeting:April 3, 2012
Subject:City Property / Commercial Lease
Item #’s:4
Presenter(s):Craig Lewis, Building Department Director
Background
The City of Grand Island has in the past been approached about private enterprises
leasing City property for commercial uses. Currently there is no specific policy
addressing these requests. The most current requests have been to utilize a City park and
a City fire station property to locate and construct a cell phone tower for coverage of a
local cellular service provider.
Discussion
This item has been placed on the agenda to begin discussions about the advantages and
disadvantages and possible creation of a policy for the leasing of City owned property for
commercial and private use.
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.
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 26 / 46
BUILDING
City Property / Commercial Lease
City Property for Commercial Enterprise
Zoning restrictions would apply as if privately owned
property.
Legal considerations would not limit City’s ability to lease.
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 27 / 46
BUILDING
City Property / Commercial Lease
Dual use benefit, City and Commercial use.
City enters into competition for Commercial dollars.
Exposure of City property for commercial use.
Examples of cell tower leases from other Cities;
Central City $500 / month
Waverly $225,000 lump sum
Beatrice $1,800 / month
Lexington $1,300 / month
Wayne $1,800 / month
Blair $1,150 / month & $17,000 / yr. water tower
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 28 / 46
BUILDING
City Property / Commercial Lease
Decision for future use of City owned property
Yes to lease City property for commercial use.
No to commercial leases of City property .
City property : City Hall Parks
Drainage Trails
Fire Stations Utility
Lift Stations Well Sites
City Parking Others
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 29 / 46
60th Rd SLocust St S13th St W60th Rd NNorth Rd NMonitor Rd SInterstate 80Webb Rd NStuhr Rd SNorth Rd SAbbott Rd W
St Paul RdBlaine St SSchimmer Dr W
Guenther Rd WMonitor Rd NUS Highway 281 SE Rd
Engleman Rd NEngleman Rd SCapital Ave W
Airport Rd W
D Rd
A Rd
Road B (HC)US Highway 281 NUS Highway 30 W 2nd RdWhite Cloud Rd W
US Highway 34 E Gunbarrel Rd NWood River Rd W
Wildwood Dr W
Capital Ave E
Shady Bend Rd SWhite Cloud Rd E
State St W Sky Park RdBismark Rd EDiers Ave NFoster Rd
C Rd
Nebraska Highway 2 W
3rd St W
Wellfield Rd
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Broadwell Ave NU S H ighw ay 30 E
Husker Hwy
Stolley Park Rd W 4th St EAbbott Rd E
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Old Potash Hwy W
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Louise St W Beck RdWebb Rd SPin
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Division St W Quandt Rd NCharles St W
Road 12 (HC)
Road 11 (HC)Old Highway 30 W
Road 10 (HC)
Stolley Park Rd E9th St W Shady Bend Rd N6th St W
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Faidley Ave W
North Front St W 8th St W
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5th St W
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Swift Rd E
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Riverside DrSunset Terrace RdTalc DrSouth Front St W
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Cottonwood Rd13th St E
Lakeside Dr
Ramada RdRuby AveChanticleer StSycamore St SLinden AveCardinal Dr
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Phoenix Ave W
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Marian Rd
Springview Dr
Truman St
Holland DrElmwood Dr
Nordic Rd Lee StreetP
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6th St E9th St EAbbey RdCapital Trailer CtBrookline Dr
Riverview DrEugene St SCurtis StHope StNavajo Dr
New York Ave
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Swallow StJupiter StSanta Anita DrArlington Cir
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4th St W
US Highway 281 SM
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Stolley Park Rd W Sky Park RdCapital Ave W
Oklahoma Ave EUS Highway 281 N5th St ENorseman Ave
13th St W
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Stuhr Rd S7th St E2nd RdI-80 Access Road
Husker HwyRiverview DrWildw ood Dr E
La Mar Ave Oak St S16th St W
Stolley Park Rd E Austin AveSheridan AveE
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11th Ave W 13th St E14th St E
Wood River Rd WC
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Piper St1st St WRuby Ave11th St W
Hall StPine St SC
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Cle
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N14th St W
Road B (HC)14th St W
White AveCapital Ave E
Old Potash Hwy W 15th St W
Orleans DrEngleman Rd SAbbott Rd E
17th St W
Garland StFaidley Ave W
Kimball Ave SOklahom a Ave W Sycamore St S18th St E18th St W
16th St W
Lin
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Schimmer Dr W US Highway 30 W
In te rs ta te 8 0
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US Highway 34 ECurtis StInterstate 80
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Gunbarrel Rd SI-80 Access Road16th St W
Lakeview CirIngalls St8th St ESheridan AveI-80 Access Road
Jeffers
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U S H ighw ay 30 ELinden AveStagecoach Rd
U S Highw ay 30 (M C )9th St EUS Highway 281 SInterstate 80
15th St W
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Indianhead Rd US Highway 281 NU S H ig h w a y 3 4 E
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City Hall
Drainage
Fire
Lift Stations
Others
City Parking
Parks/Recreation
Well Sites
Legal-Lot
GI Limits
City Property
Utilities
¯
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 30 / 46
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Study Session
Item -5
Discussion on Fireworks
Staff Contact: Tim Hiemer
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 31 / 46
Council Agenda Memo
From:Tim Hiemer, Fire Operations Division Chief
Meeting:April 3, 2012
Subject:Consumer Fireworks
Item #’s:5
Presenter(s):Tim Hiemer, Fire Operations Division Chief
Background
The topic of fireworks was discussed at the Oct. 18, 2011 Study Session and in that
meeting four main topics were discussed: no New Year sales or discharge, need to review
the current fee schedule, shorten sales and discharge period, and control the quantity of
stands. These four main discussion points were researched and compared with five other
cities in Nebraska; Kearney, Hastings, Fremont, North Platte, and Bellevue.
Discussion
While researching the key points from the previous Study Session we found that none of
our comparison cities allowed fireworks for the New Year holiday. Also only a very
limited number of cities in Nebraska allow fireworks during New Year.
In reviewing our fee schedule it was determined that our fees collected for permits do not
cover the City’s expense related to the sale and discharge of fireworks. Last year the
combined cost of city resources expended because of fireworks was in excess of $20,000;
the City only charged a total of $15,600 for permits.
Length of period for sales found the longest was 10 days (Bellevue) and the shortest was
six (Kearney). This leaves Grand Island in the middle with eight days allowed for sales
and discharge. It should be noted that other cities had even shorter periods for sales with
Beatrice allowing 4 days and Lincoln allowing 2 days.
Times for discharge showed that ending times prior to the 4th ranged from 10 PM to 12
PM, Grand Island ending time is at 11 PM. The discharge of fireworks on the 4th is
allowed till midnight in all compared cities.
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 32 / 46
Number of stands per city varied widely from an average of eight stands in Fremont to an
average of 33 stands in Grand Island. The only city in the comparisons to limit the
number of stand is Bellevue with a limit of 20 non-profit stands. The majority of cities in
the state have no limit on stands; only in the Omaha metro area do we find limits placed
on the number of stands.
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.
Proposals for possible discussion are:
Raise the permit fee to $650. This will allow the city to recover the expenses associated
with fireworks. This may also aid in limiting the number of stands.
Cap the number of stands at 40; this will easily be the most fireworks stands in any city in
the state.
Shorten the days allowed for sales and discharge from eight to six days. Shorten
discharge times from 8 AM to 11 PM to 8 AM to 10 PM, except for the 4th which will
stay at midnight.
Require a $1 million liability policy with the City as an additional insured. This will help
to limit the City’s.
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 33 / 46
FIRE
SALE and DISCHARGE of
CONSUMER FIREWORKS
April 3, 2012 Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 34 / 46
FIRE
No New Years sales or discharge
Review current fee schedule for recovery of costs
Shorten sales period and discharge times
Control the quantity of stands
Give preference to non-profit groups
Council Study Session
Oct. 18, 2011
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 35 / 46
FIRE
Permit Fee
Grand Island $400
Kearney $350
Hastings $300
Fremont $1,500
North Platte $250
Bellevue $500
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 36 / 46
FIRE
Days of Sales
Grand Island 6/27-7/4 8 days
Kearney 6/29-7/4 6 days
Hastings 6/27-7/4 8 days
Fremont 6/27-7/4 8 days
North Platte 6/28-7/4 7 days
Bellevue 6/25-7/4 10 days
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 37 / 46
FIRE
July 4th
Discharge Times
July 4th
Grand Island 8 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to 12 PM
Kearney 8 AM to 10 PM 8 AM to 12 PM
Hastings 9 AM to 11 PM 9 AM to 12 PM
Fremont 8 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to 12 PM
North Platte 12 AM to 10 PM 8 AM to 12 PM
Bellevue 8 AM to 12 PM 8 AM to 12 PM
July 4th
Grand Island 8 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Kearney 8 AM to 10 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Hastings 9 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Fremont 8 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to Midnight
North Platte Noon to 10 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Bellevue 8 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Grand Island 8 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Kearney 8 AM to 10 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Hastings 9 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Fremont 8 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to Midnight
North Platte Noon to 10 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Bellevue 8 AM to 11 PM 8 AM to Midnight
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 38 / 46
FIRE
*Limited to 20 Non-profit stands
Average Number of Stands
Grand Island 33Kearney23Hastings15Fremont8North Platte 16Bellevue20*
Grand IslandNo Limit 39KearneyNo Limit 23HastingsNo Limit 15FremontNo Limit 8North Platte No Limit 16Bellevue20 Non-profit 20
Grand Island 39
Kearney 23
Hastings 15
Fremont 8
North Platte 16
Bellevue 20*
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 39 / 46
FIRE
Number of Stands in Grand Island
2011 39
2010 34
2009 32
2008 27
2007 30
2006 32
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 40 / 46
FIRE
Additional Information
Grand Island
City regulates the sale of fireworks through temporary stands
City Code Chapter 16-12 to 16-22 are the appropriate statutes
No limit on number of firework stands (39 in 2011)
Inspections occur several times during operation: when stocked,
daily spot inspection during selling period, and after July 4 to
insure stands are properly removed
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 41 / 46
FIRE
Fire Dept.
Stands are inspected
Fireworks are inspected for compliance
Respond to firework related emergencies
Police Dept.
Respond to and document complaint calls
Communication Center
Process calls for emergency services
Public Works
Additional material in the street and storm sewer system
Additional Workload
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 42 / 46
FIRE
Fire Dept. $8,400
Inspections, Emergency responses
Police $9,800
Responding to and recording calls
Communication $2,200
Answering and processing calls
Total $20,400
Firework Related Cost to City
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 43 / 46
FIRE
Raise permit fee to $650
This will cover the additional cost to the city related to fireworks
Shorten sales to six days, June 29 through July 4
Cap number of stands at 40
Previous permit holder given preference
Set application period deadline May 1st
Shorten discharge times from 8 AM to 11 PM to
8 AM to 10 PM except on the 4th leave as is
Proposed Changes
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 44 / 46
FIRE
Require $1 million liability policy with City as
additional insured
Approximate cost $900 per stand
Most retailers have coverage
Aids in limiting the City’s liability
No or little cost to retailer to add the City
Enforce NFPA 1124 code for storage of fireworks
Will keep stored fireworks out of residential areas
Proposed Changes
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 45 / 46
FIRE
Fewer dates and shorter hours for discharge of
fireworks
Cap number of stands at 40
Adjusts revenue to offset additional cost incurred by
the City
Results
Grand Island Study Session - 4/3/2012 Page 46 / 46