05/19/2009 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
May 19, 2009
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Grand
Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Community Meeting Room of City Hall, 100 East First
Street, on May 19, 2009. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
May 16, 2009.
Mayor Margaret Hornady called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following
Councilmember's were present: Gericke, Nickerson, Ramsey, Dugan, Haase, Gilbert, Niemann,
and Meyer. Councilmember's Carney and Zapata were absent. The following City Officials were
present: City Administrator Jeff Pederson, Deputy City Clerk Paul Briseno, City Attorney Dale
Shotkoski, Public Works Director Steve Riehle, and Finance Director David Springer.
INVOCATION was given by Mayor Margaret Hornady followed by the PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE.
Presentation and Discussion of Master Plan for Veterans Home Athletic Complex. Jeff Pederson
City Administrator began the presentation with an overview of how the need and timeline for the
Former Park Athletic Field relocation was established as well as an overview of LB 224. An
overview of Grand Island's certification amounts and deadlines was also given.
Steve Paustian, Parks and Recreation Director gave an overview of the current Former Park
Athletic Complex and amenities. A Web Park Athletic Complex presentation was given as the
site will become a future extension of the cemetery in 8-10 years. A cost estimate of $1,537,454
was presented for replacement for the Former Park Athletic Complex Facility. An additional 4`h
ball field would add $120,000 to the cost.
An overview of the architect's master plan for the Veterans Athletic Complex was presented.
The overview included a proposed timeline for Phase I which could start summer 2009 and
potentially made available for the fa112010 or summer 2011 pending circumstances.
Jeff Pederson concluded the presentation with an overview of financing options as it relates to
the development of the site. Options for funding included expanding permitted use of the new
occupation tax beyond the city owned building at Former Park to include a specified amount for
the proposed athletic complex. It was noted that the additional amount of $1.5 million would
extend the period of time necessary for the tax by 1.5 - 2 years for phase I.
Council President Bob Meyer mentioned the original $5 million request for the State Fair
utilizing the occupational tax. Council President Meyer stated he would only support the
funding of the project through the occupational tax if the entire project was created versus a
phased in approach. Council President Meyer also stated the complex will be successful and a
great thing for the Grand Island Community however a sunset is still required on the
occupational tax for his support.
Page 2, City Council Study Session, May 19, 2009
Councilmember Scott Dugan asked of the children's play areas and why seed was recommended
versus sod. Steve Paustian stated that two play areas were noted on the master plan and seeding
of the facility was recommended because the sod was currently owned by Former and would be
necessary for State Fair parking. Other factors for seeding included timing, age of the grass, cost
of removal and relaying, physical process, and the requirement of a smooth surface.
Councilmember Dugan concurred with Council President Meyer's statement of creating the
additional fields and parking in one phase.
Councilmember Peg Gilbert recognized Council's commitment of $5 million with a sunset
clause in September 2008. It was further mentioned that Council was made aware in October
2008 of the site plan to utilize the current Former Park Athletic Complex creating an unexpected
cost after the occupational tax was passed.
Councilmember Kirk Ramsey agreed with Council President Meyer and viewed the project as an
opportunity to meet a community need.
Councilmember Chuck Haase mentioned the Web Athletic Complex must relocate to the
proposed Veterans Athletic Complex and would further support the addition of the facilities.
Councilmember John Gericke stated the fields are a community need. Councilmember Gericke
asked where the remaining State Fair funding would come. Ken Gnadt of 1610 Gretchen Ave
and Cindy Johnson of 4140 Elmwood Drive responded to the inquiry stating $1,028,400 was
raised to date by donations, Hall County $500,000, Hall County Fair $500,000, City of Grand
Island $5,000,000 for the city building and $1,500,000 for the replacement of the Former Park
Athletic Complex.
Councilmember Mitch Nickerson mentioned that the amount raised to date was good news.
Councilmember Nickerson asked if only $1.5 million cost for relocation is applicable toward the
State Fair cost. Jeff Pederson stated that under LB 224 only $1.5 million in expenses is
allowable toward the State Fair relocation. Additional costs to the city would not count toward
the $8.5 million requirement. However, the occupational tax could be adjusted to meet the need
of the entire Veterans Athletic Complex project.
Councilmember Gilbert asked of additional staffing requirements would be needed with the
addition of the Veterans Athletic Complex. Steve Paustian noted an efficient parks program is
currently in place and would suggest an FTE dedicated to this facility. More FTE's maybe
required in the future once programs and use have been established. Councilmember Gilbert
asked that the occupational tax sunset once the project is complete.
Councilmember Gericke stated he would like to complete the entire project rather than
constructing only phase I.
Jeff Peterson said a cost estimate of additional facilities for the Veterans Athletic Complex will
determined. Future action includes the preparing of the certification of $1.5 million and
amendment of the occupational tax.
Page 3, City Council Study Session, May 19, 2009
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
aul Briseno
Deputy City Clerk