01/14/2025 Minutes CITY Oh
GRANDISLAND
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City Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers
City Hall
100 East First Street
January 14, 2025
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Roger Steele called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
The following City Officials were present, City Clerk Jill Granere, City Administrator Laura
McAloon, Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown, Finance Director Matthew
Gleason, City Attorney Kari Fisk and Public Works Director Keith Kurz.
The following City Council Members were present: Jason Conley, Doug Brown, Ryan O'Neill,
Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Mark Stelk, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Lanfear.
Maggie Mendoza was absent.
4. SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
5. RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS
6. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
6.a) Presentation of the City's 2025 Housing Study
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Grand Island Housing Study
Housing Study
Amy Haase with RDG Planning & Design presented the results of the 2025 Housing Study. She
mentioned units needed to support the growth in the next 20 years would be almost 300. To do
this Ms. Haase mentioned the following assets:
• Will partners
• Building Activity in every quadrant of the City
• Wide variety of new housing options
• Strong stock in affordable housing
Ms. Haase mentioned the following challenges:
• Shortage of housing at every price point
• Lack of Non-Profit Developer focused on Grand Island
• Disconnect between market abilities and market desires
Page 2 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 14,2025
• Valuation increases driving up property taxes
Ms. Haase mentioned goals to keep in mind as the following:
• Preserving existing housing and strategically invest in neighborhoods for the next
generation, doing this by extending the life of Grand Island's best source of affordable
housing, preserving options for first time home buyers and avoiding deterioration in
neighborhoods and maintenance of surrounding home values.
• Expanding housing partnerships by increasing the resources dedicated to providing a
variety of affordable housing options, building a network to support implementation of
the Grand Island Housing Study and building awareness of housing challenges facing
Grand Island.
• Decreasing housing insecurities by improving the health and wellbeing of Grand Island
residents, enhancing economic stability, growing a sense of community in Grand Island
and decreasing displacement and homelessness.
• Removing barriers and expanding the understanding of the housing market by increasing
the variety of housing options in Grand Island, lowering the cost of specific types of
housing and educating community members on factors of driving the housing market,
including factors outside the City's control.
Ms. Haase mentioned strategies to help meet the goals by expanding and supporting the housing
coalition, establishing a non-profit housing developer focused on Grand Island, establishing a
vacant housing registry, rehab loans/grants from the housing development fund, interim
assistance with valuation increases,expanding funding on rent and utility assistance,construction
of 55+ units aimed at lower income households living in owner-occupied units, expanding lot
development, developing a community land trust, regularly reviewing City ordinances and
educating.
Gerald Poels expressed his concerns on the housing market and TIF Funds.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Mark Stelk, second by Jack Sheard to approve CONSENT AGENDA excluding 7.o.
Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown,
Chuck Haase,Ryan O'Neill,Doug Lanfear and Mike Paulick.Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion
adopted.
7.a)Approving Minutes of the December 17, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting
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Minutes
7.b)Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of December 18,2024,through January
14, 2025, for a total amount of$7,813,819.69.
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Claims
7.c) Approving Councilmember Appointments to Boards and Commission for 2025.
Page 3 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 14,2025
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2025 Council Boards and Commissions Assignments
7.d)#2025-1 -Approving Bid Award for Pine Street Water Shop Roof Replacement.
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Resolution
With Ziemba Roofing Company of Hastings, Nebraska in the amount of$151,228.00.
7.e)#2025-2 -Approving Purchase of One(1) 2025 1/2 Ton,Four-Wheel Drive, Extended
Cab Pick-up for the Streets Division of the Public Works Department.
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Pictures
Resolution
From Anderson Ford Lincoln of Lincoln,Nebraska in the amount of$49,633.00.
7.f) #2025-3 - Approving Change Order No. 2 for South Locust Street Paving
Improvements- Highway 34 to Wood River Diversion Bridge; Project No. 2023-P-9
Change Order No. 2
Resolution
With Elsbury Construction, LLC of Grand Island, Nebraska for an increased amount of
$16,063.84 with a revised amount of$2,791,767.34.
7.g) #2025-4 -Approving Agreement for the Nebraska Public Transportation Assistance
Program for FY 2025.
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Mayor Signed Application
Agreement
Resolution
In the amount of$441,485.00.
7.h) #2025-5- Approving Renewal and Amendment No. 3 to the Public Transit Vehicle
Provider.
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Davey Letter
Amendment No. 3
Resolution
With Davey Coach Sales for an increase per van of $1,086.00 and body upfit increase of
$3,761.00 for a revised total of$94,966.00 per van.
7.i) #2025-6 - Approving Certificate of Final Completion for Sanitary Sewer Manhole
Rehabilitation; Project No. 2023-S-10.
Page 4 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 14,2025
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Certificate of Final Completion
Resolution
With Midwest Infrastructure Coatings, LLC of Jefferson City, Missouri in a total amount of
$339,913.95.
7.j)#2025-7 -Approving Award of Professional Engineering Consulting Services for the
Wastewater Treatment Facility Comprehensive Plan Update.
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Agreement
Resolution
With HDR Engineering, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska in an amount not to exceed$297,607.00.
7.k) #2025-8-Approving Bid Award for Crushed Rock for 2025.
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Dobesh Land Leveling, LLC Agreement
Van Kirk Bros Contracting Agreement
NSG Logistics, LLC Agreement
Resolution
With Dobesh Land Leveling, LLC, NSG Logistics, LLC and Van Kirk Contracting.
7.1)#2025-9 -Approving Bid Award for Automated Oil& Grease Solid Phase Extraction
(SPE) System for the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department.
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Resolution
With Biotage, LLC of Charlotte of North Carolina in an amount of$64,438.53.
7.m) #2025-10- Approving Temporary Construction Easement for South Locust Street
Improvements- Fonner Park Road to 2nd Street; Project No. 2021-P-6 (KCD Rentals, LLC,
Central District Health Department, Favinger, Wagoner, Davis and Parra).
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Resolution
KCD Rentals-Tract 16-TE Exhibit
KCD Rentals- Tract 18- TE Exhibit
KCD Rentals- Tract 20-TE Exhibit
Central District Health Dept-TE Exhibit
Favinger-TE Exhibit
Wagoner-TE Exhibit
Davis-TE Exhibit
Parra-TE Exhibit
7.n) #2025-11- Approving Change Order No. 2 for Tri Street Drainage Improvements;
Project No. 2023-D-1.
Page 5 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 14,2025
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Change Order No. 2
Resolution
With The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island,Nebraska for an increased amount of
$28,202.00 for a revised total amount of$493,035.70.
7.o) #2025-12 -Approving Update of the Designated Depositories List.
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Resolution
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Doug Brown to approve#2025-12 -Approving Update of the
Designated Depositories List.
Finance Director Matthew Gleason reported that the last update was done in August of 2019 and
it was necessary to update the list to reflect numerous additions, deletions, and name changes.
Discussion was held among councilmembers and it was decided to postpone the item until the
next meeting.
Motion by Mike Paulick, second by Chuck Haase to postpone until January 28, 2025 -#2025-12
- Approving Update of the Designated Depositories List. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Jason
Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Doug Lanfear and Mike
Paulick. Abstain: Mark Stelk. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a) Public Hearing Request from Tabs Carts, LLC dba Swing 18 Indoor Golf, 222 W.
Stolley Park Road for a Class "I" Liquor License
#2025-13 - Approving Request from Tabs Carts, LLC dba Swing 18 Indoor Golf, 222 W.
Stolley Park Road for a Class "I" Liquor License and Liquor Manager Designation for
Todd and Brenda Friesen, 816 Sun Valley Place, Grand Island,Nebraska.
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Map
Police Report
Resolution
City Clerk Jill Granere reported an application for a Class "I" Liquor License had been received
from Tabs Carts, LLC dba Swing 18 Indoor Golf, 222 W. Stolley Park Road. Ms. Granere
presented the following exhibits for record; application submitted to the Liquor Control
Commission and received by the City on December 18, 2024; notice to the general public of date,
time, and place of hearing was published on January 4, 2025; notice to the applicant of date, time
and place of hearing was mailed on December 19, 2024. Also submitted was liquor manager
designation for Todd and Brenda Friesen, 816 Sun Valley Place, Grand Island, Nebraska. No
public testimony was heard.
Page 6 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 14,2025
Motion by Doug Brown,second by Chuck Haase to approve#2025-13 -Approving Request from
Tabs Carts, LLC dba Swing 18 Indoor Golf, 222 W. Stolley Park Road for a Class "I" Liquor
License and Liquor Manager Designation for Todd and Brenda Friesen, 816 Sun Valley Place,
Grand Island, Nebraska. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell
Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Doug Lanfear and Mike Paulick. Absent:
Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
8.b) Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement - 3441 Innate Lane (Teta
Hospitality)
#2025-14 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement - 3441 Innate Lane (Teta
Hospitality)
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Resolution
Map
Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported Teta Hospitality, Inc. had requested a new electrical
service to feed the new Hampton Inn site located at 3441 Innate Lane. The proposed easement
tract will allow the Department to install, access, operate, and maintain electrical infrastructure at
this location. No public testimony was heard.
Motion by Mike Paulick, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve #2025-14 - Approving Acquisition
of Utility Easement - 3441 Innate Lane (Teta Hospitality). Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark
Stelk,Jason Conley,Mitchell Nickerson,Doug Brown, Chuck Haase,Ryan O'Neill,Doug Lanfear
and Mike Paulick. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
8.c)Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement-3925 W. Capital(Starostka Group
Unlimited, Inc.)
#2025-15 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement - 3925 W. Capital (Starostka
Group Unlimited, Inc.)
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Resolution
Map
Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported the City of Grand Island Utilities Department needed to
expand their electrical feeder capabilities to the West part of the city. The proposed easement tract
would allow the Department to install,access,operate, and maintain electrical infrastructure at this
location. No public testimony was heard.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Doug Brown to approve #2025-15 - Approving Acquisition
of Utility Easement - 3925 W. Capital (Starostka Group Unlimited, Inc.). Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan
Page 7 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 14,2025
O'Neill, Doug Lanfear and Mike Paulick. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
8.d) Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement - 2723 N. Shady Bend Rd
(Michael and Lauren Schumacher)
#2025-16 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement - 2723 N. Shady Bend Rd
(Michael and Lauren Schumacher)
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Resolution
Map
Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported Michael and Lauren Schumacher had requested a new
electrical service to feed their new residence located at 2723 N. Shady Bend Road. The proposed
easement tract will allow the Department to install, access, operate, and maintain electrical
infrastructure at this location. No public testimony was heard.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Mark Stelk to approve#2025-16 -Approving Acquisition of
Utility Easement-2723 N. Shady Bend Rd(Michael and Lauren Schumacher). Roll Call: Ayes:
Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan
O'Neill, Doug Lanfear and Mike Paulick. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
8.e) Public Hearing on Acquisition of Public Right-of-Way for South Locust Street
Improvements-Fonner Park Road to 2nd Street;Project No.2021-P-6(JNIK,LLC,KCD Rentals,
LLC, Central District Health Department, Favinger, Wagoner, and Davis)
#2025-17 - Approving Acquisition of Public Right-of-Way for South Locust Street
Improvements-Fonner Park Road to 2nd Street; Project No. 2021-P-6 (JNIK, LLC, KCD
Rentals, LLC, Central District Health Department, Favinger, Wagoner, and Davis)
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Resolution
JNIK, LLC ROW Exhibit
KCD Rentals-Tract 16 ROW Exhibit
KCD Rentals-Tract 18 ROW Exhibit
KCD Rentals-Tract 20 ROW Exhibit
Central District Health Dept-ROW Exhibit
Favinger-ROW Exhibit
Wagoner-ROW Exhibit
Davis-ROW Exhibit
Public Works Director reported a public right-of-way was needed to accommodate the
reconstruction of South Locust Street from Fonner Park Road to 2nd Street. All property
acquisitions and negotiations were handled by a third party, Midwest ROW of Omaha, Nebraska,
who worked with the affected property owners to sign the necessary documents to grant the
property. Payment to the affected property owners totaled $98,710.00. No public testimony was
heard.
Page 8 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 14,2025
Motion by Mike Paulick, second by Mark Stelk to approve#2025-17 -Approving Acquisition of
Public Right-of-Way for South Locust Street Improvements- Fonner Park Road to 2nd Street;
Project No. 2021-P-6 (JNIK, LLC, KCD Rentals, LLC, Central District Health Department,
Favinger,Wagoner,and Davis).Roll Call:Ayes:Jack Sheard,Mark Stelk,Jason Conley,Mitchell
Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Doug Lanfear and Mike Paulick. Absent:
Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
9. RESOLUTIONS
9.a) #2025-18 -Approving Transfer of Funds to Heartland Events Center/VenuWorks
Operating Account
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HEC Funding Memo Jan 2025
Resolution
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported that in November,VenuWorks received
$100,000 in startup funding for management of the Heartland Events Center. As of January 1st,
2025, $21,929 had been spent on payroll and startup expenses, leaving $78,071 in cash on hand
for ongoing operations. However, we were projecting approximately $390,000 in operating
expenses during the first Quarter of 2025, and there is a time lag for event revenues and signage
& sponsorship opportunities to develop. To keep current with vendors and ongoing payroll
obligations,VenuWorks was requesting an additional$200,000 in working capital.We expect this
additional funding would fully bridge the gap until revenues from events,suite sales, sponsorships,
and the dedicated hotel tax were expected to offset monthly operating expenses. VenuWorks was
still projecting to operate within the constraints of the adopted FY2025 operating budget.
Motion by Mark Stelk, second by Mike Paulick to approve #2025-18 - Approving Transfer of
Funds to Heartland Events Center/VenuWorks Operating Account.Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard,
Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Doug
Lanfear and Mike Paulick. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
10. ORDINANCES
10.a) #10,005 -Consideration of Amending Article 23, Chapter VI -Hotel Tax
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Ordinance
City Administrator Laura McAloon reported that on May 23, 2000, the City Council adopted
Ordinance 8592 and imposed a 2% occupation tax on hotels. The hotel occupation tax was
originally designated in 1997 for use in funding "the design, construction, maintenance and
operation of an agricultural exposition center to be built, owned and operated by Fonner Park
Exposition and Events Center, Inc. for the purposes set forth in Neb. Rev. Stat. §13-315." With
the completion of the City's payment of the 2004 Bonds used to fund the construction of the
Page 9 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 14,2025
Heartland Events Center,the management contract between the City and Fonner Park Exposition
and Events Center, Inc. had concluded and full ownership of the facility vested in the City.
Therefore, it was necessary to amend and update the intent stated in City Code to remove the
reference to the former management contractor.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Mike Paulick to suspend the rules -#10,005 - Consideration
of Amending Article 23,Chapter VI-Hotel Tax.Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard,Mark Stelk,Jason
Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Doug Lanfear and Mike
Paulick. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Mike Paulick to approve - #10,005 - Consideration of
Amending Article 23, Chapter VI - Hotel Tax . Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason
Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Doug Lanfear and Mike
Paulick. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
13. ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
City Clerk
Jill Granere