03/27/2000 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
March 27,2000
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Grand Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 East First
Street. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on March 22, 2000.
Mayor Gnadt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present:
Mayor Gnadt, Councilmembers Larson, Pielstick, Hosier, Seifert, Whitesides, Ward,
Samuelson, Murray and Sorensen. Councilmember Preisendorf was absent. The following
City Officials were present: City Administrator Marlan Ferguson, City Clerk Cindy Johnson,
City Attorney Charlie Cuypers and Public Works Director Steve Riehle.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was said.
RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS: No one reserved time to speak on
agenda items.
PRESENTATION AND PROCLAMATIONS:
Recognition of Central Catholic Boys Basketball State Champions. Mayor Gnadt and the City
Council recognized the Grand Island Central Catholic Boys Basketball team and coach for
their successful championship season.
Presentation by Arts and Humanities Council Relative to Cultural Plan. Leslie Neuhaus,
Director of the Grand Island Foundation, presented an update to the City Council on the
Community Cultural Plan being developed in conjunction with the Arts and Humanities
Council. Ms. Neuhaus requested that a resolution of support be provided by the City Council.
Presentation to Shayla Nabity as Rookie Teacher of the Year. Councilmember Seifert
introduced Shayla Nabity who had been named as the Rookie Teacher of the Year by the
Grand Island Education Association. It was noted that Ms. Nabity taught kindergarten at
Wasmer and serves as a Kindergarten Plus teacher at Knickrehm Elementary.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION: Motion by Samuelson, second by Sorensen, carried
unanimously to adjourn to the Board of Equalization.
#2000-BE-1 - Determining Benefits for Weed Abatement Program, 1999. Paul Mueller,
Accounting Manager, reported that each year it was necessary for the City Council to meet as
the Board of Equalization to consider a Resolution relative to the Weed Abatement Program
and that at this time, it was appropriate to conduct a hearing and determine the benefits and
assessments for the mowing of weeds on private property by the City during 1999. Motion by
Pielstick, second by Sorensen, carried unanimously to approve.
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Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2000
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: Motion by Murray, second by Samuelson, carried
unanimously to Return to Regular Session.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easements (Seven) Located East of South Locust
Street. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director, reported that acquisition of seven utility
easements located east of South Locust Street, from Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates
Subdivision, was required in order to have access to install, upgrade, maintain, and repair
utility appurtenances, including power lines, transformers, sanitary and storm sewers. Mr.
Riehle reported that these easements would be used to replace existing easements being
vacated. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Request of D.P.H., Inc., dba Harrison's Downtown, for a Class "C"
Liquor License. Cindy Johnson, City Clerk, reported that David Bruce Harrison, 1503
Windsor Road, owner, representing D.P.H., Inc., dba Harrison's Downtown, 115 West Third
Street, had submitted an application with the City Clerk's Office for a Class "C" Liquor License.
Ms. Johnson introduced the following exhibits for the record: application submitted to the
Liquor Control Commission and received by the City on March 13, 2000; notice to the general
public of date, time, and place of hearing published on March 17,2000; notice to the applicant of
date, time, and place of hearing mailed on March 16, 2000; chapter 4 of City Code; and
departmental reports as required by law. Ms. Johnson noted that inasmuch as the facility was not
yet completed, approval of request should be contingent upon final inspections. No public
testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Easement at Hidden Lakes Subdivision, #8. Gary Mader,
Utilities Director, reported that acquisition of an easement located through a part of Lot 1,
Hidden Lakes Subdivision #8, was required in order to have access to install, maintain, and
repair public utilities and that easement would be used to place primary cable and a
transformer to serve two new homes. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Easement at Hidden Lakes Subdivision, #8. Gary Mader,
Utilities Director, reported that acquisition of an easement located through a part of Lot 2,
Hidden Lakes Subdivision #8, was required in order to have access to install, maintain, and
repair public utilities and that this easement would be used to place primary cable and a
transformer to serve two new homes. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Easement in the Alleyway between Second Street and Third
Street between Sycamore Street and Kimball Street. Gary Mader, Utilities Director, reported
that acquisition of an easement located in the alleyway between Second Street and Third Street
between Sycamore Street and Kimball Street, was required in order to have access to install,
maintain, and repair public utilities and that this easement would be used to locate
underground lines as part of the Downtown Project. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Easement in the Alleyway between Second Street and Third
Street East of Sycamore Street. Gary Mader, Utilities Director, reported that acquisition of an
easement located in the alleyway between Second Street and Third Street east of Sycamore
Street, was required in order to have access to install, maintain, and repair public utilities and
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Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2000
that this easement would be used to locate underground electrical lines as part of the
Downtown Project. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment to FY 1999-2000 Annual Budget. Paul Mueller,
Accounting Manager, reported that as discussed at the City Council Study Session of March 20,
2000, a number of amendments to the Fiscal Year 1999-2000 Annual Budget were proposed to
reflect the actual and projected costs associated with various projects and activities that differ
from that anticipated in the original document. Mr. Mueller stated that the revisions did not
increase the total appropriations, but did transfer operating activity between departments. It was
noted that this amendment provided for the purchase of a new ambulance, installation of a
security system and to provide utility services at the new impound building for the Police
Department, ball field lighting at Ashley Park and Pier Park, repair of the transmitter for Channel
56 of GITV, and to provide for the purchase of four new cameras for the council chambers and
that the budget amendment reallocated appropriation of $139,000 within the special revenue
funds for the purpose of sanitary sewer and water distribution for the Lincoln View Estates
Subdivision, and unanticipated extraordinary expenses related to Parking District #2 and
provided appropriation of $1,285,530 within the debt service funds for the 1999 South Locust
BAN, and $50,000 in appropriation for the completion of the St. Joseph Hike/Bike Trail. No
public testimony was heard.
ORDINANCES:
Councilmember Sorensen moved that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by
title On three different days be suspended and that ordinances numbered:
#8570 - Amendment to City Code, Chapter 32, Relative to License Agreement
Application Process
#8571 - Approving Vacation of Easements Located East of South Locust Street, From
Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision
#8572 - Approving Vacation of Easements Located East of South Locust Street, From
Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision
#8573 - Approving Vacation of Easements Located East of South Locust Street, From
Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision
#8574 - Approving Vacation of Easements Located East of South Locust Street, From
Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision
#8575 - Approving Vacation of Easements Located East of South Locust Street, From
Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision
#8576 - Approving Vacation of Easements Located East of South Locust Street, From
Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision
#8577 - Approving Vacation of Easements Located East of South Locust Street, From
Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision
#8578 - Approving Vacation of Easements Located East of South Locust Street, From
Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision
#8579 - Approving Vacation of Easements Located East of South Locust Street, From
Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision
#8580- Approving Assessments for 1999 Weed Abatement Program
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Page 4, City Council Regular Meeting, March 27, 2000
be considered for passage on same day on first reading and then upon final passage and call
for a roll call vote on each reading and then upon final passage. Second by Seifert. Motion
was adopted unanimously.
Mayor: Is there anyone in the audience interested in any of these ordinances? There were no
comments.
City Clerk: Ordinances #8571, #8572, #8573,#8574, #8575, #8576, #8577, #8578, #8579,
and #8580 on their first reading. All those in favor of the passage of these ordinances on first
reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinances #8571, #8572, #8573,#8574, #8575, #8576, #8577, #8578, #8579,
and #8580 on their final passage. All those in favor of the passage of these ordinances on final
passage, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor: By reason of the roll call votes on the first reading and then upon final passage,
Ordinances #8571, #8572, #8573, #8574, #8575, #8576, #8577, #8578, #8579 and #8580 are
declared to be lawfully passed and adopted upon publication as required by law.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember Murray asked that item G12 be removed from the
Consent Agenda. Motion by Pielstick, second by Seifert, carried unanimously to approve the
Consent Agenda.
Receipt of Official Documents Including Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of January 11,
2000.
Approving Minutes of March 13, 2000 City Council Regular Meeting and March 20, 2000
City Council Study Session.
Approving Request of Schneider Concessions for Vendor's Permit for Use of City Streets.
Approving Request of Island Ice Cream for Vendor's Permit for Use of City Streets.
Approving Request of D.P.H., Inc., dba Harrison's Downtown, 115 West Third Street, for
Class "C" Liquor License and Request of David Harrison for Liquor Manager Designation.
Approving Appointment of Kirk Moural to Downtown Improvement Board for a Term to
Expire December 31, 2003.
Approving Request of Riverside Motors, 2502 West Lincoln Highway, for Variance to
Regulations Relative to Driveway Curb Cut.
#2000-89 - Awarding Bid for Computer Hardware, Police Department, to GE Capital Under
State Contract in the Amount of $71,429.20.
#2000-90 - Awarding Bid for 911 Communications Center Staffing and Efficiency Study to
Pacific Consulting Services, Bremerton, Washington, in an amount not to exceed $16,000.
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Page 5, City Council Regular Meeting, March 27, 2000
#2000-91 - Awarding Bid for Utility Vehicle for Park Maintenance Division to Big Bear
Equipment Co., Omaha, Nebraska in the amount of $10,829, after trade in.
#2000-92 - A warding Bid for Compost Site Liner to Hooker Brothers Construction Company,
Grand Island, Nebraska, in the Amount of $35,00.
#2000-93 - A warding Bid for 4 Wheel Drive Lawnmowers for Parks and Recreation
Department, Maintenance Division to Big Bear Equipment Co., Omaha, Nebraska in the
Amount of $26,892, After Trade In.
#2000-94 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement for Property Near South Locust Street,
From Fonner Park Road to Firethorne Estates Subdivision.
#2000-95 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement at Hidden Lakes Subdivision, #8, Lot
One.
#2000-96 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement at Hidden Lakes Subdivision, #8, Lot
Two.
#2000-97 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement in the Alleyway between Second Street
and Third Street between Sycamore Street and Kimball Street. Councilmember Pielstick voted
against the acquisition.
#2000-98 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement in Alleyway between Second Street and
Third Street East of Sycamore Street. Councilmember Pielstick voted against the acquisition.
#2000-99 - Approving Amendment to User Fee Schedule.
#2000-100 - Approving Subordination Agreement for Property Located at 806 East 14th Street,
Ira and Lorraine Simons.
#2000-101 - Approving Budget Amendment to 1999-2000 Annual Budget.
#2000-103 - Approving Declaration of Emergency for Procurement Processes for Turbine
Diaphragm Repair and Award of Bid to Hickham Industries, LaPorte, Texas in the Amount of
$40,340, Plus Tax and Freight.
#2000-104 - Approving Declaration of Emergency for Procurement Processes for Turbine
Rotor Blades Purchase to Preco Turbine and Compressor, Houston, Texas, in the Amount of
$40,000, Plus Tax and Freight.
#2000-102 - Approving Request for Parallel Parking on South Front Street. Steve Riehle,
Public Works Director, reported that the Downtown Development Department, in conjunction
with the Public Works Department, and as a result of the Downtown Study, had suggested that
parallel parking be permitted on the south side of South Front Street from the east side of
Walnut Street to the west side of the driveway into the Post Office Drop Box, and between
Locust Street and Pine Street. Mr. Riehle noted that this parking modification would provide
additional parking for employees and customers of the post office and surrounding businesses.
Motion by Samuelson, second by Larson to approve. Councilmember Murray questioned how
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Page 6, City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2000
many additional parking spaces would result from this change. Mr. Riehle stated that it was
approximately 9 and that it would be two hour parking that easily added onto the existing
parking lot. Councilmember Samuelson noted that angle parking had been recommended by
the Downtown consultant, Marty Shukert. Mr. Riehle stated that it was also suggested that the
median be removed but that this was the first step. Councilmember Murray noted that the
proposed additional spaces were distant from the stores and that he had noticed a fair amount
of congestion going to and from the Post Office. Councilmember Whitesides stated that the
additional parking may provide relief to those using the Post Office. Julio Ibarro, 123 Voss
Road, spoke in support of the proposal. Roll call vote was taken on motion to approve. Upon
roll call vote, Larson, Hosier, Seifert, Whitesides, Ward, Samuelson, and Sorensen voted aye.
Pielstick and Murray voted nay. Motion adopted.
REQUESTS AND REFERRALS:
Amending Policy Relative to Driveway Setback Requirements. Steve Riehle, Public Works
Director, reported that in January, 1985, the City Council adopted a Policy relative to driveway
setback regulations that provided that exceptions to the policy requiring 75' driveway setbacks,
be approved by the City Council. Mr. Riehle stated that it in conjunction with the City Code
changes relating to License Agreements, it was also appropriate to consider modifying the
driveway regulations. Motion by Seifert, second by Larson, carried unanimously to approve.
RESOLUTIONS:
#2000-105 - Authorizing Improvements at Racquet Center. Marian Ferguson, City
Administrator, reported that at the City Council Meeting of August 4, 1997, the City approved
Resolution #97-215 providing a lease of the City's Racquet Center to Scott and Lisa Norton
and that as discussed in the City Administrator's weekly report dated March 10, 2000, a
request had been received from Scott and Lisa Norton, lessees, to modify the surface of the
west tennis court of the Racquet Center. It was noted that this change would make the facility
suitable for indoor soccer as well as continued tennis use and that the improvements would be
made at no cost to the City. Mr. Ferguson added that the Legal Department had reviewed the
Lease Agreement and reported that Paragraph VI, allowed the lessees to enhance the
current facilities and attempt to increase utilization by allowing other activities. Motion by
Sorensen, second by Seifert, carried unanimously to approve.
PA YMENT OF CLAIMS: Motion by Samuelson, second by Whitesides, carried unanimously
to approve the Claims for the period of March 14, 2000 through March 27, 2000, claims
#88861 through #89381. Councilmember Pielstick abstained from voting on Claim #089173.
Councilmember Whitesides abstained from voting on Claim #088878.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,