12-01-2015 City Council Study Session Packet
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Study Session Packet
City Council:
Linna Dee Donaldson
Michelle Fitzke
Chuck Haase
Julie Hehnke
Jeremy Jones
Vaughn Minton
Mitchell Nickerson
Mike Paulick
Roger Steele
Mark Stelk
Mayor:
Jeremy L. Jensen
City Administrator:
Marlan Ferguson
City Clerk:
RaNae Edwards
7:00 PM
Council Chambers - City Hall
100 East 1st Street
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City of Grand Island Tuesday, December 1, 2015
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.
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City of Grand Island
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Study Session
Item -1
Discussion - Cemetery Expansion
Staff Contact: Todd McCoy, Parks & Recreation Director
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City of Grand Island
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Study Session
Item -2
Presentation – Food and Beverage Tax
Staff Contact: Marlan Ferguson
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FOOD and BEVERAGE TAX
Improving the Lives of our Families
It’s Good for Grand Island
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WHAT DO WE KNOW?
The current food & beverage tax will end in July of 2016.
Nebraska Legislature tells us that in order to continue the tax for an
amount over $700,000 per year, it requires a vote of the people.
The current tax is successful in part, because it’s a shared tax by
Grand Island residents and all who visit Grand Island from out of
town.
The continuation of the tax will allow Grand Island to grow and
prosper without being as dependent on the City’s general fund.
That’s Good for Grand Island …
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HISTORY:
Year Significance
2008 A 1.5% occupation tax was initiated for the construction of the
Community Field House which doubles as the 4-H, FFA Building
during the Nebraska State Fair.
2009 Council added an additional $1.6 million for the Veteran’s
Athletic Fields displaced by the Nebraska State Fair moving to
Grand Island.
2011 State Law mandates that, as the home of the Nebraska State
Fair, the City must contribute 10% of Nebraska Lottery funds
received by the State Fair. (2014 = $350,223)
2012 The Legislature passes LB745 which prohibits communities to
tax above $700,000/year without a vote of the people.
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2016
Our goal is to put before the voters, a
continuation of the existing 1.5% tax on
all food and beverage, that begins
following the sunset of the current tax.
The Vote: May 10, 2016
We believe that the tax -- shared by residence and all who visit Grand Island
to dine and drink -- will allow the City of Grand Island the resources necessary,
to undertake needed community improvements that have a clear focus on the
quality of life for our Grand Island families.
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The primary differences between the current &
the proposed tax:
The new language includes taxing the sale of alcohol, along with food
and non-alcoholic beverages. The current tax does not.
Communities that tax the sale of alcohol as part of their food
and beverage tax include:
Omaha (2.5%)
Lincoln (2%)
Norfolk (2%)
While the original tax was used to finance the fieldhouse, the
continuation of the tax will be used to invest in projects, programs
and events that are important to our families—while attracting more
visitors to Grand Island sharing the tax with folks from out of town.
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Tuesday, May 10, 2016 -- A vote of the people
Sample Ballot Language:
Shall the City of Grand Island enact a tax of one
and one half percent (1 ½%) on the sale of all
food and beverages presently subject to sales tax
in commercial establishments such as
restaurants, bars and clubs?
-FOR said proposal
-AGAINST said proposal
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Summary Detail …
The proceeds from this tax shall be used for one or more of the following community enhancements:
The annual financial commitment to the Nebraska State Fair as required by state law; ($350,223 in 2014)
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Community Enhancements:
Promote entertainment, agricultural and livestock shows, trade
shows and similar events that will attract visitors to Grand Island;
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Examples:
The continuation of more livestock shows in the State Fair/Fonner Park buildings (7 shows/sales in 2015; 4 of which had an economic impact of $1.6M)
The continuation of more agricultural and trade shows in the State Fair/Fonner Park buildings and Heartland Events Center
An investment in more entertainment options, not only at the Heartland Events Center or Heartland Public Shooting Park, but throughout Grand Island
All of these bring visitors to our community, which is good for Grand Island.
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Community Enhancements:
Ongoing enhancement and development of recreation and
athletic facilities such as hike, bike and recreational trails,
ball fields and other community activity needs;
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Examples:
Expansion of the Veterans Athletic Complex
with additional baseball/softball & soccer
fields
Continued improvements at Island Oasis
Water Park
Continued development of City Parks
Improve water quality at Pier Park & Sucks
Lake
Continued investment in hike, bike &
recreational trail system
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Community Enhancements:
Invest in community development
projects and activities that stimulate
progress and growth for Grand Island.
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Grow Grand Island:
With the input of thousands, 5 pillars were identified (Existing
Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Image, Workforce, Community Assets).
The glue that holds the community's pillars together - collaborative,
cooperative and effective partnerships, including 500+ volunteers,
to date.
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Summary Detail cont.
The City of Grand Island is authorized to collect the tax,
unless termination thereof is approved by the voters.
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Shall the City of Grand Island enact a tax of one and one half percent (1 ½%) on the sale of all
food and beverages presently subject to sales tax in commercial establishments such as
restaurants, bars and clubs?
-FOR said proposal
-AGAINST said proposal
SUMMARY DETAIL:
The proceeds from this tax shall be used for the following community enhancements:
The annual financial commitment to the Nebraska State Fair as required by state law;
Promote entertainment, agricultural and livestock shows, trade shows and similar events that
will attract visitors to Grand Island;
Ongoing enhancement and development of recreation and athletic facilities such as hike, bike
and recreational trails, ball fields and other community activity needs;
Invest in community development projects and activities that stimulate progress and growth
for Grand Island.
The City of Grand Island is authorized to collect the tax, unless termination thereof is
approved by the voters.
Overview:
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THOUGHTS???
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SAMPLE FOOD AND BEVERAGE TAX BALLOT LANGUAGE & SUMMARY DETAIL
Shall the City of Grand Island enact a tax of one and one half
percent (1½%) on the sale of all food and beverages presently
subject to sales tax in commercial establishments such as
restaurants, bars, and clubs?
-FOR said proposal
-AGAINST said proposal
SUMMARY DETAIL:
The proceeds from this tax shall be used for the following
community enhancements:
The annual financial commitment to the Nebraska State Fair as
required by state law;
Promote entertainment, agricultural and livestock shows, trade
shows and similar events that will attract visitors to Grand
Island;
Ongoing enhancement and development of recreation and athletic
facilities such as hike, bike and recreational trails, ball
fields and other community activity needs;
Invest in community development projects and activities that
stimulate progress and growth for Grand Island.
The City of Grand Island is authorized to collect the tax,
unless termination thereof is approved by the voters.
Updated 11/25/15
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City of Grand Island
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Study Session
Item -3
Presentation – 911 – EOC Center Report
Staff Contact: Jon Rosenlund
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911 – EOC Center Report
Study Session
December 1, 2015
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Agenda
•Report RFQ
•Options
–Full Scale Center
–Alternate 911
–Costs
–New Developments
•Ongoing Costs
•Recommendation
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Report RFQ
•Provide a series of options for:
–Full Scale Center vs. Alternate
–Various Locations
•Station #1
•West Faidley Open Property
•National Guard Armory
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Full Scale Building
•Plan for 30+ years of operation
•Estimate growth of population & calls
•Incorporate modern functions of Operations,
Planning, Logistics, Public Information
•Strength and durability of construction
•Redundancy & options for future growth
•Estimate 12,300 square feet (page 7)
•Start with 911 Center & Radio Room
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Conceptual Plans
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Location Preferences
•Distance from City Hall (1 mile preferred)
•Out of the flood plain
•Distance from Railroad & Major highways
•Proximity to City/County Fiber Optics
•Proximity to Electrical Substations
•Buried utilities vs. overhead
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Locations for Full Scale
•West Faidley
•Fire Station #1
•Industrial Park *
*Not included in Report
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West Faidley #1
Electrical
Substation
Land Estimate
$ 300,000
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West Faidley #2
Electrical
Substation
Buried
1,100 Ft.
Land Estimate
$ 450,000
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Fire Station #1
Burdick
Station
Overhead
9,000 Ft.
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Industrial Park
Electrical
Substation
Buried
1,100 Ft.
Land Estimate
$ 30,000
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Cost of Full Scale Construction
Category Estimated Cost
Development costs (site purchase, etc.)Depends on Location
Sitework $ 195,600
Construction $ 1,986,275
Project Expenses (Equipment, A/E Fees)
($810,000 is Equipment)
$ 983,100
Contingency $ 316,500
Total
(does not include land acquisition)
$ 3,481,475
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Locations for Alternate
•Fire Station #1
•National Guard
Armory
•City Hall
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National Guard Armory
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National Guard Armory
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Cost of Armory Alternate 911
Category Estimated Cost
Development costs (site purchase, etc.)Depends on Location
Sitework $ 0
Renovation $ 280,900
Project Expenses (Equipment, A/E Fees)
($600,000 is Equipment)
$ 627,500
Contingency $ 40,000
Total
(does not include land acquisition &
remediation)
$ 948,400
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Alternate at Station #1
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Cost of Station #1 Alternate 911
Category Estimated Cost
Development costs (site purchase, etc.)Depends on Location
Sitework $ 47,000
Construction $ 416,500
Project Expenses (Equipment, A/E Fees)
($600,000 is Equipment)
$ 647,000
Contingency $ 60,000
Total $ 1,170,500
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Land Acquisition
Location Estimated Price
West Faidley $ 300,000 - $ 450,000
13th Street $ 250,000
Industrial Park $ 30,000
National Guard Armory Unknown
Station #1 $ 0
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Construction Comparisons
Building Year Square
Footage
Cost Cost Per
SF
Law Enforcement Center 2008 43,931 $ 7.4 Million $ 168
Hall County Jail 2008 88,396 $ 14.3 Million $ 162
Fire Station #1 2008 13,092 $ 2.4 Million $ 183
New 911/EOC 11,400 $ 2.5 Million $ 219
New Alternate 911/EOC 1,477 $ 523,500 $ 354
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Increased Operating Costs
•Existing Expenses
–Telephone Lines
–Maintenance Contracts
–Repair/Maintenance Equipment, Machine
•New Expenses
–Utilities (Electrical & Natural Gas)
–Sanitation
–Janitorial/Exterior maintenance
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Estimated Increase
Category Current New Increase
Maint Contracts $ 52,000 $ 83,000 $ 31,000
Phones $ 45,000 $ 55,000 $ 10,000
Repair (Machine)$ 25,000 $ 35,000 $ 10,000
New Building Expenses
•Utilities $ 25,000 $ 25,000
•Repair (Building)$ 5,000 $ 5,000
•Sanitation $ 1,000 $ 1,000
•Cleaning supplies $ 2,000 $ 2,000
Total Estimate $ 84,000
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E911 Special Revenue Fund
E911 Fund 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Revenues 283,508 214,090 297,929 251,523 220,961 215,734
Expenses 186,562 123,404 165,151 366,359*183,505 189,790
Average Revenue: $ 247,291
Average Expenses: $ 169,682
Fund Balance Year End FY 2015: $ 717,754
* 2012 included $190,000 for a new 911 phone system
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Summary
Option Location Cost Estimate Ongoing Cons
Full Center West Faidley $ 3.8 Million $ 84,000 Land Cost
Full Center Industrial Park $ 3.5 Million $ 84,000 Distance from City Center
Full Center Station #1 $ 3.5 Million $ 84,000 9000 ft to Utilities & Data
Alternate Station #1 $ 1.5 Million $ 66,000 9000 ft to Utilities & Data
Needs bigger redesign
Alternate Armory $ 1 Million $ 66,000 Renovation costs, size
too small
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The Plan
•Obtain from Council directions toward
Alternate or Full Scale
•Obtain from Council directions on location.
•Begin RFP process to receive plans necessary
for construction (Winter 2016)
•Approve plans and proceed to land acquisition
(if necessary) and construction (FY 2016-2017)
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