Loading...
06/20/2000 Minutes I I I OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION June 20, 2000 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 Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 East First Street. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on June 14, 2000. Mayor Gnadt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Mayor Gnadt, Councilmembers Samuelson, Larson, Hosier, Seifert, Whitesides, Preisendorf, Ward, and Murray. Councilmembers Sorensen and Pielstick were absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator MarIan Ferguson, City Clerk Cindy Johnson, Public Works Director Steve Riehle, City Attorney Charlie Cuypers, and Finance Director David Springer. Update on Dewatering Study. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director, reported that Olsson Associates had been working on the de-watering study with staff at the Central Platte Natural Resources District and City of Grand Island and that a computer model had been developed that showed the long term effect on groundwater elevations due to the de-watering taking place. Kevin Pryor and Jeff Johnson of Olsson Associates presented options for preliminary routes for the discharge piping and described potential groundwater elevation levels that could result from any number of options relative to the number of pumps and the acres per foot de- watered. Mr. Johnson presented financing options that included a development fund (grants and loans) from the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, creation of an assessment drainage district, marketing of the water to Platte River users, marketing water to Environmental agencies, utility user fees, and use of general fund or municipal bond dollars. Discussion was held on the accuracy of the computer model. Ron Bishop, Central Platte Natural Resources District, and Mr. Johnson stated that although the model was not perfect, that their experience and that of the University staff provided a high comfort level. Councilmember Larson commended Mr. Bishop for the "can do" attitude illustrated. Councilmember Ward questioned the time frame for construction of the project. Mr. Pryor stated that the design and build phase would be approximately 2-3 years but that the impact could be seen within six months. Doug Winder, 4355 Cambridge Road, spoke in support of the project. Presentation by Intern Brandon Schmitt on Sewer Rate Study. Wittenberg University intern Brandon Schmitt presented a sanitary sewer rate study he had completed comparing other communities in Nebraska and other states with Grand Island's sewer rates. It was noted that the Grand Island treatment system treated sewage for over 40,000 residential customers with a commercial/industrial sewage load equivalent to a population of 60,000 people and that the monthly average residential bill in Grand Island was $14.57. Councilmember Whitesides commended Brandon for his work. Discussion on Acquisition of Right of Way at Voss Road. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director, reported that a request had been submitted for acquisition of property in the alley I I I Page 2, City Council Study Session, June 20, 2000 east of Voss Road. Mr. Riehle stated that the residential property owners were interested in having the existing easement converted into an alley but that the adjacent farm property owner was not interested and that in order for the City to acquire the property, eminent domain would need to be undertaken. Councilmember Whitesides spoke on the issue and noted that this had been an ongoing dispute in the Voss Road area. Councilmember Preisendorf questioned the width of the easement and the amount of property that would be acquired through eminent domain. Mr. Riehle reported that six feet of the easement was on the farm property to the east. It was noted that the property owners had been illegally using the easement for access to the east side of their property and that the Attorney's office as well as the Police Department had responded to complaints. Tom Wagoner, attorney representing several of the property owners, spoke on the request. No additional discussion or direction was requested by Council. Review of User Fee Schedule. Marian Ferguson, City Administrator, presented the proposed User Fee Schedule and reported that it was anticipated that the Fee Schedule would be adopted at the June 27, 2000 City Council Meeting so that revenues could be considered in preparation of next year's budget. No additional discussion was held. Tour of Former City Hall. Several members of the Council toured the former City Hall facility. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~ rI. ^' ~~flIY\-- Cindy K. ~oMson City Clerk 2