04/14/2026 Minutes •^N CITY OF
kirRAND I' --- SLAND
City Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers
City Hall
100 East First Street
April 14, 2026
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Roger G. 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 Administrator Patrick Brown, City Clerk Jill
Granere, Assistant City Attorney Stacy Nonhof and Public Works Director Keith Kurz.
The following City Council Members were present: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley,
Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear.
Absent: Maggie Mendoza.
4. SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
5. RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS
6.) PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
6.a) Grand Island Casino Resort Presentation
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Presentation
6.b) This item was pulled and moved to April 28, 2026.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Doug Brown to approve CONSENT AGENDA excluding 7.t.
Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown,
Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion
adopted.
7.a) Approving Minutes of the March 24, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting
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Minutes
Page 2 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting April 14,2026
7.b) Approving Minutes of the April 7, 2026 City Council Study Session
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Minutes
7.c) Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of April 15, 2026 through April 28,
2026 in the total amount of$8,024,320.31
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Claims
7.d) Approving Appointment of Jennifer Parmeley to the City of Grand Island Tree
Board
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7.e) Receipt of Official Document - Tort Claim filed by M. Timm Development, Inc.
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Tort Claim
7.f)Receipt of Official Documents - Pawnbroker's Official Bonds for G.I. Loan Shop,
1004 West 2nd Street and Express Pawn, 645 South Locust Street
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GI Loan Shop Application
Express Pawn Application
7.g) #2026-80 -Approving Ownership of Welcome to Grow Grand Island signs
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Resolution
7.h) #2026-81 - GEOComm GIS Maintenance Contract Renewal
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Renewal Contract
Resolution
In an amount of$65,636.22.
7.i) #2026-82 - Approval CommsCoach Contract Renewal 2026
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CommsCoach TRAIN
CommsCoach QA and SIM
SHI Quote
Resale Agreement for SHI
Resolution
In an amount of$23,906.25.
7.j) #2026-83 - Approving Section 5339 Capital Grant Application and Agreement for
the Transit Division of the Public Works Department- FY 2029
Page 3 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting April 14,2026
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Grant Application
Resolution
Funds would be for $243,513.00 and city portion would be $60,879.00.
7.k) #2026-84 - Approving Bid Award for the 2026 Asphalt Resurfacing Project No.
2026-AC-1
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2026-AC-1- Contract
Resolution
2026-AC-1-Exhibit
With Gary Smith Construction Co., Inc. in an amount of$753,073.84.
7.1) #2026-85 - Approving Purchase of Flygt Equipment for Lift Station No. 7-
Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department
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Resolution
From Electric Pump, Inc. in an amount of$64,868.00.
7.m) #2026-86 - Approving Temporary Construction Easement for 13th Street Sanitary
Sewer Main Extension- Engleman Road to 60th Road; Project No. 2025-S-6 (Nabity)
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Nabity TE Exhibit
Resolution
In an amount of$510.00.
7.n) #2026-87 - Approving Temporary Construction Easement for Stolley Park Road-
South Locust Street to Stuhr Road Paving Improvements; Project No. 2024-P-4 (RMA
Investments, LLC)
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RMV Investments, LLC TE Exhibit
Resolution
In an amount of$26,270.00.
7.o) #2026-88 - Approving Supplemental Agreement No. 4 of Preliminary Engineering
and Environmental Services Agreement for Broadwell Avenue&Union Pacific Railroad Viaduct
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Supplemental Agreement No. 4
Resolution
In an amount not to exceed $8,389.57.
7.p) #2026-89 - Approving Amendment to the Purchase Price of a 2023 Ford F550 with
Articulating Aerial device for the Electric Overhead Division
Page 4 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting April 14,2026
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Resolution
In an increased amount of$8,027.37 with Altec Industries Inc.
7.q) #2026-90 -Approving Purchase of Distribution Transformers
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Contract
Resolution
With Kllen Group America, Inc. of Irvine California in an amount of$332,635.34.
7.r) #2026-91 - Approving the Grand Island Police Department to apply for the 2025
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
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2025 JAG Program Narrative
2025 JAG MOU
Resolution
7.$)#2026-92 -Approving Proposal to Furnish and Install New Playground Equipment at
Buechler Park
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Contract
Resolution
With Dakota Play Scapes, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota in an amount of$160,000.00.
7.t) #2026-93 - Consideration to Approve Improvements to the Train Area in Stolley
Park
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Contract
Resolution
Parks and Recreation Director Todd McCoy reported in 2001, after the Stolley Park Zoo closed,
a committee of community members developed a vision of the space left in the park. The
committee compiled data from a public survey and engaged a consultant to develop a master plan
to be presented to the City of consideration. The concept was presented to City Council and the
project was adopted into the 2025-26 City Budget. The discussed plan involved raising private
donations and City funding to complete the project. The Parks and Recreation Department
received bids for the Improvements to the Train Area in Stolley Park on April 2,2026. Mid-Plains
Construction of Grand Island, Nebraska was recommended for the project in an amount of
$2,784,000.00. The project would include adding train tunnels, new playground equipment,
lighting, picnic shelters, train track realignments, and other site improvements. City Council
approved$2,250,000.00 of Food and Beverage proceeds for the project in the City 2025-26 fiscal
budget. Additional funding to support improvements included $321,000.00 of private donations
received, $50,000.00 received from the Kiewit Foundation, $100,000.00 pledged from the
Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitors Improvement Fund, and $95,000.00 of Grand Island
Community Foundation pledges.
Page 5 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting April 14,2026
Discussed was the projected start date to be as soon as possible.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Doug Lanfear to approve 7.t. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard,
Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill Mike
Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
7.u) #2026-94 - Approving Contract for Repair of Grand Island Sign located at Hwy 281
and Wildwood Dr.
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Quote
Resolution
With Mayhew Signs in an amount of$74,590.00.
7.v) #2026-95 - Approving Contract for Design Services for Heartland Events Center
Vestibule
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Contract
Resolution
With Erickson Sullivan Architects & Associates, LLC in an amount of$116,500.00.
8.) PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a) Public Hearing on the Purchase of Property at 2915 South North Road for the Parks
and Recreation Department
#2026-96 - Approving the Purchase of Property at 2915 South North Road for the
Parks and Recreation Department
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Resolution
City Administrator Patrick Brown reported the property located at 2915 South North Road had
come up for sale and it would be a great addition to the existing Cedar Hills Park. The sellers have
agreed with a price of$295,000 plus closing costs. Closing was scheduled for April 15, 2026.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Lanfear to approve 8.a) #2026-96 - Approving the
Purchase of Property at 2915 South North Road for the Parks and Recreation Department. Roll
Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck
Haase,Ryan O'Neill,Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear.Absent: Maggie Mendoza.Motion adopted.
8.b) Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement - 3404 W. Highway 30
(Consolidated Concrete Co)
#2026-97 -Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement - 3404 W. Highway 30
(Consolidated Concrete Co)
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Resolution
Page 6 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting April 14,2026
Map
Distribution Manager Josh Hartley reported the Consolidated Concrete Company had requested
a new electrical service for a new plant being constructed at 3404 W. Hwy 30. The proposed
easement tract would allow the Department to install, access, and operate electrical infrastructure
at this location.
Motion by Doug Brown, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve 8.a) #2026-97 - Approving
Acquisition of Utility Easement - 3404 W. Highway 30 (Consolidated Concrete Co). Roll Call:
Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase,
Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
9.) RESOLUTIONS
9.a) #2026-98 - Approving Grand Island Expo Events & Livestock, Inc. LB840
Application
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Resolution
City Administrator Patrick Brown reported Grand Island Expo Events & Livestock, Inc.
submitted the required LB840 application and supplemental documents, requesting $600,000 in
a forgivable grant to recruit, facilitate, and sustain state and national livestock shows in Grand
Island, NE. GIAEDC was proposing a distribution of up to $300,000 for one year, with proof of
show contract. An economic impact study would be conducted and submitted to the GIAEDC
and City of Grand Island following each show. Mr. Brown reported the contract was still being
negotiated and should be final soon.
Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation President Mary Berlie reported Grand
Island Expo Events & Livestock, Inc, would now be replacing GILCA, GILCA started in
November 2015 and had partnered with Grand Island Tourism, Grand Island Chamber of
Commerce, Fonner Park and Nebraska State Fair. Ms. Berlie reported on the number of visitors
at Fonner Park Campus during the June 22-28, 2025 American Shorthorn Association.
• FISCAL IMPACT: $600,000
• LB840 Balance as of 12/10/2025: $1,819,025.75
Commitments:
• FY25 EDC Payment($202,644.00)
• FY25 City Admin Fee—
• GIX Logistics (2025) ($457,235.75)
• YWCA—pd.2/24/2026 payables ($0)
• Dramco Tool Company ($102,000.00)
• Business Blueprint ($71,053.60)
• Cash Balance after Commitments $968,175.01
111 Discussion was held on looking past the 2 years for funding as this would just be a 2 year fix.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Jack Sheard to approve 9.a) #2026-98 - Approving Grand
Island Expo Events & Livestock, Inc. LB840 Application. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark
Page 7 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting April 14,2026
Stelk,Jason Conley,Mitchell Nickerson,Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill,Mike Paulick
and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
10.) ORDINANCES
10.a) #10,068 - Consideration of Amending Article 23, Chapter VI - Hotel Tax
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HEC Projects & Hotel Tax Comparison
Ordinance
City Administrator Patrick Brown reported due to the removal of caps on occupation taxes by the
Nebraska Legislature in 2025, it was recommended to renew the Hotel Occupation Tax at 4%.
Currently Hotel Occupation taxes(2%)was being used for the Heartland Event Center operations.
The Hotel Occupation Tax was a tax paid by visitors to hotels or other facilities in the City of
Grand Island. The total amount of Hotel Occupation Tax revenue in FY2025 was $574,215. City
Council had been presented with several deferred maintenance items regarding the Heartland
Events Center.
On August 19,2025,replacement chillers were ordered for a purchase price of$1,225,000. Other
items City Council had been presented with was arena lighting replacement($1,053,254),lighting
replacement other than arena($698,825) sound replacement system($1,165,200), ice rink revival
($2,024,195 depends on grant opportunity), roof replacement ($974,203), vestibule ($951,739),
and other repairs and replacements. Total amount of investment was approximately$11,000,000.
A 20 year bond would require an annual payment of approximately$800,000. The additional 2%
of Hotel Occupation Tax would provide needed funding for the repairs.
Brad Mellema spoke about tourism and being careful about raising taxes and the effect it may
have on hotels.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Ryan O'Neill to suspend the rules 10.a) #10,068 -
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, Mike
Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Lanfear to approve 10.a) #10,068 - 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, Mike Paulick and Doug
Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
10.b) #10,069 - Consideration of Vacation of Public Right-of-Way in Original Town;
Alley from Cleburn Street to Elm Street, Between 1st Street and Division Street
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Ordinance
Exhibit
Public Works Director Keith Kurz reported the section of alleyway from Cleburn Street to Elm
Page 8 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting April 14,2026
Street, between 1st Street and Division Street was dedicated as public right-of-way through the
Original Town dated April 1, 1871. The developer, on behalf of Hope Harbor, 615 West 1st
Street,had submitted an application to vacate the public right-of-way from Cleburn Street to Elm
Street, between 1st Street and Division Street to accommodate redevelopment within this block.
The lots involved within this vacation request were all owned by Hope Harbor. The appropriate
City departments had reviewed the request and had no objection to the public right-of-way
vacation. A utility easement over the entire area would be retained to accommodate City utilities.
Ownership of the vacated right-of-way would revert to the adjacent property owners on the north
and south side.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Ryan O'Neill to suspend the rules 10.b) #10,069 -
Consideration of Vacation of Public Right-of-Way in Original Town; Alley from Cleburn Street
to Elm Street, Between 1st Street and Division Street. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk,
Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and
Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
Motion by Doug Brown, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve 10.b) #10,069 - Consideration of
Vacation of Public Right-of-Way in Original Town; Alley from Cleburn Street to Elm Street,
Between 1st Street and Division Street. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley,
Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear.
Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
10.c) #10,070 - Consideration of Amending Ordinance 22-125 Parking and Storing
RVs
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Ordinance
Assistant City Attorney Stacy Nonhof reported City Code 22-125(D) allowed for a guest at a
residence, in a residential district to occupy a recreational vehicle for sleeping purposes for a
period not to exceed a week and not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year. Regulations also
allow for certain vehicle storage on a residential lot under certain conditions. During routine code
enforcement measures the Grand Island Police Department had identified ongoing issues with
residential properties that are storing more than two RVs on single lots, properties who are
permitting the use of RVs for semi-permanent housing, and properties who are connecting RVs
to utility services through the use of extension cords to permit housing. Storing large numbers of
RVs on a single residential lot represents an ongoing issue for code enforcement. These code
changes would provide clarity to owners of RVs as to where they may permit temporary
occupancy of a vehicle on residential properties,would limit the use of utility services, and would
prohibit more than one RV from being stored in the rear yard of a property and one RV from
being parked on the driveway or required hard-surface pad adjacent to the driveway. This would
also permit code enforcement to improve their enforcement of problem properties. Individuals
storing one or two RVs, performing routine maintenance and care, or permitting brief occupancy
should see no impacts on their use.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Ryan O'Neill to suspend the rules 10.c) #10,070 -
Consideration of Amending Ordinance 22-125 Parking and Storing RVs. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan
Page 9 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting April 14,2026
O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Doug Brown to approve 10.c) #10,070 - Consideration of
Amending Ordinance 22-125 Parking and Storing RVs.Roll Call:Ayes: Jack Sheard,Mark Stelk,
Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and
Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted.
12). ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
ity Clerk
Jill Granere