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12/12/2000 Minutes I I I OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION December 12, 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, on December 12,2000. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on December 6,2000. Mayor Ken Gnadt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Mayor Gnadt, Councilmembers Pielstick, Ward, Seifert, Larson, Hornady, Whitesides, Haase, Murray, Walker and Sorensen. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator, MarIan Ferguson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, and Steve Riehle Public Works Director. Discussion Concerning Funding "Confined Space Rescue" for Fire Department. Jim Rowell, Fire Chief, reported on "Confined Space Rescue" and the need for training and equipment for rescue in confined spaces. Troy Hughes, Training Officer for the Grand Island Fire Department, made a presentation on the definitions, needs, training, funding, economic impact and plan of action. Future plans are to send 4 employees to 4 different levels of confined rescue training at a cost of $23,000 and have them train other Fire Department employees. Roger Wooden representing New Holland spoke with regards to confined space rescue issues as they relate to New Holland. Statistics and OSHA regulations were mentioned. Councilmember Murray and Pielstick questioned the funding options through federal funds or funding by businesses that are required to have a confined space rescue team through OSHA. Councilmemeber Seifert stated that the Federal Government has mandated the confined space rescue through OSHA but that government entities are exempt. Chief Rowell stated that whenever there is a call the Fire Department will go no matter what type of training they have. This training would not only benefit the victim but the firefighters. Councilmember Sefiert, Murray and Whitesides, mentioned the importance of this issue and suggested that this be brought back to council in the near future. Discussion Concerning Shoemaker to the State Street Hike/Bike Trail. Steve Paustain, Parks and Recreation Director, reported that this issue was brought before the Council to discuss granting permission to negotiate with homeowners the use of existing utility easements along with the acquisition of additional land where necessary to construct the Shoemaker Hike/Bike Trail which will connect to the State Street Hike/Bike Trail. Federal funding to assist in the construction of the trail was mentioned. Mr. Paustain discussed an e-mail received from Chris May concerning issues that related to the hikelbike trail. This trail would give assess to Shoemaker Elementary and Westridge Middle Schools. Councilmember Whitesides asked about the width of the trail. Mr. Paustain responded that it would be 10' wide as regulated by the federal funding. Councilmember Sorensen mentioned the safety to kids. Councilmember Pielstick asked how many property owners have been contacted and how many need to be contacted. Mr. Paustain stated that most have been contacted. A few between Mansfield and NOlih Road still need to be contacted. Councilmember Larson stated that Council has approved all but one piece of property. I I I Page 2, City Council Study Session, December 12,2000 Chris May, 4039 Cannon Road, spoke regarding the issues in his e-mail as presented by Mr. Paustain. Mr. May still has concerns and is in opposition of the trail. Max Bachman and Melanie, 4119 Cannon Road, spoke regarding the depreciation to their property. Jim Pedersen, 4069 Cannon Road, stated that he did not feel kids would use the trail to get to school, as it would be out of their way. Gary Schumacher, 4059 Cannon Road; Bob Zwiebel, 4089 Cannon Road; Frank Brower, 4129 Cannon Road and Kathy Carmicael, 4246 Branding Iron Court, all spoke in opposition. Mark Miller, representing the Northwest Neighborhood Association, spoke regarding working with the City as to the best way to connect the hike/bike trails. Dave Bartlett, 4049 Cannon Road, was concerned as to crossing State Street. Mr. Riehle stated that a crossing light would be installed. Michael Yost, 4204 Manchester Road; Belinda Wessels, 429 North Arapahoe; Mike Wagner, Indian Acres; Jackie Barnett, representing Mid Nebraska Trail Seekers; John Brownell, 4309 Quail Lane; Buzz Douthit, 1608 Ando Street and John Wayne, Phillips, NE spoke in favor. Councilmember Walker asked whether this trail could be constructed in the front of the properties. Mr. Paustain stated that if the residents wanted it in their front yards it would have to be looked into concerning federal funding, but thought it was possible. Ellen May, 4039 Cannon Road, stated that they are not against the hikelbike trail but thought there are other options and lack of communication has been an issue. The Mayor stated that this will be put on the next meeting agenda. Discussion Concerning Sanitary Sewer District #496, Western Heights 4th Subdivision. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director, reported that Council had created Sanitary Sewer District #496 and that 50.53% of the property owners protested the district. Council further directed the staff to study this area and the existing systems. The study conducted showed that the average age of the septic tank systems in this district were 9.9 years old. Mr. Riehle stated that he feels Council is obligated to cancel Sanitary Sewer District #496 because of the protests by landowners. Tapping district or the creation of a new district was discussed as options. Councilmember Whitesides and Larson agreed not to force the district but felt this should be brought back to council. Kevin Heuer, 1403 Branding Iron Lane, spoke in favor of the Sanitary Sewer District and would like to see the City force this issue as it is only a matter of time when these systems fail. Councilmember Larson spoke concerning the financial impact to homeowners. Mr. Riehle stated that state statutes requires a 10 year payment plan, but that there is the possibility of a change in the law. Councilmember Whitesides asked about the average cost. Mr. Riehle stated that there are 24 properties with the average range between $8,000 - $9,000 to create this district. Councilmember Pielstick stated that only one owner needs to change their mind in order for this district to pass. Kathy Carmichael, 4246 Branding Iron Court, spoke in opposition. John Hiser, 1304 Branding Iron Lane, spoke in support. Ken Carmen, 4250 Branding Iron Court, spoke against the district but would like to see a tap district. Tim Beilke and Karen Beilke, 1415 Branding Iron Lane, could see the benefits, but were concerned about the cost, also stated was that communication was very important between the City and the homeowners. Lyle Nelson, 1316 Branding Iron Lane, spoke in favor. Val Kopke, 4247 Branding Iron Court, spoke against the district, but was not aware of a tapping district. Mr. Kopke stated that he felt all property owners should be notified and have an explanation about the district. Mr. Riehle stated that by state law this was published and a letter was sent out to all property owners. Review of 1999-2000 Fiscal Year. David Springer, Finance Director, updated the Council on the 1999- 2000 Fiscal Year. A presentation was made regarding revenues, expenditures, cash balances and projected figures for 2000-2001 Fiscal Year. Also presented were property, liability, health and workers compensation insurance's costs. Mr. Springer stated that financially the City was in good I I I Page 3, City Council Study Session, December 12,2000 shape, but that in the coming years will have to watch their spending. Presented to the Council were General Fund Tax Revenues, Expenditures, Cash Balances, Reserves and Surplus and a Five-Year General Fund Projection. It was stated that in the next few years the reserves would be reduced due to several capital projects and debt service. Presentation by Amanda Sutton Regarding Odor Hotline Update. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director, introduced Amanda Sutton, Intern for the Odor Hotline. Ms. Sutton gave a presentation on the background and creation of the Odor Hotline. Although the information is not scientific it has been very valuable for the City and the Odor Committee. Discussed were steps that have taken place at ConAgra and the Wastewater Treatment Plant to help eliminate odors. Ms. Sutton stated that the Odor Hotline should continue but that her internship will end this week. Councilmember Whitesides, Murray and Seifert thanked Ms. Sutton for her time on this project. Ann Miller, 704 South Cherry and Dan Mora, 3015 Sunflower Drive, spoke concernmg the importance of continuing of the Odor Hotline. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, QJ\aL Ww~ RaN ae Edwards City Clerk