03/10/2001 Minutes
I
I
I
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION (RETREAT)
March 10,2001
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska
conducted a special study session (retreat) at Camp Augustine, 6574 South Locust Street. Notice
of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on March 5, 2001.
Mayor Ken Gnadt called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.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, Finance Director David Springer and Community
Projects Director Cindy Johnson.
OPENING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gnadt mentioned the successful year that Grand Island has had. Councilmember Seifert
and Pielstick mentioned the need to continue the projects that have been started. Councilmember
Sorensen suggested Monday night meetings with Department Directors to discuss budget.
City Administrator Marian Ferguson reviewed the 1999-2000 Council Goals and provided a
status report on each of the goals. Councilmember Murray mentioned the fact that it was nice to
see the Industrial Park when coming into Grand Island on Highway 281. The Council discussed
the Yz cent sales tax, which will be brought back to a vote of the people in 2002.
Councilmember Haase questioned the Police Department overtime issue and what has taken
place to solve this problem. Mr. Ferguson stated that computers have been added and the next
phase is moving forward.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL STATUS: Finance Director David Springer presented an
overview of the City's financial condition. He discussed budget issues, budget process, revenues,
tax analysis, operating expenses and cash projections. Personnel and Union negotiations were
discussed with a possibility of an increase of 20% - 25% in health costs, changes in deductible,
prescription changes, and a wellness program were just a few mentioned.
HOUSEKEEPING/PENDING ISSUES:
Discussion on Changing Dates of City Council Meetings. Discussion was held on the possibility
of changing the City Council Meetings back to Monday nights. A consensus of the council was
to move the date of the meetings back to Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Outside Agencies Request. It was suggested that the outside agencies meet with the Council to
make their request as has been done in the past.
A break was taken from 10:20 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
I
I
I
Page 2, City Council Study Session (Retreat), March 10,2001
LONG RANGE PLANNING:
Review ofMaior Proiects
Wading pools and Island Oasis expansion was discussed, it was the consensus of the Council to
move forward with these projects. The zoo ballot issue was discussed, if the issue fails, would
there be a current zoo and when would it be closed? Councilmember Larsen stated that the Zoo
Committee feels that if the zoo issue does not pass, then there will be no zoo. Discussion was had
on what would happen with the site ifthere were no zoo.
Councilmember Larsen suggested that the Library Fundraising wait until after the June 5, 2001
ballot issue of the zoo. It was the consensus of the Council to meet with the Library Committee
and let them know the feelings of the Council.
Additional parks were discussed with the idea that we need to have green space requirements in
new subdivisions. This will be reviewed and moved forward.
City facilities were discussed with the option of selling the former City Hall building. If this
building cannot be sold it will have to be demolished. Options were discussed regarding prices,
asbestos, renovations and other uses for the building.
Annexation was discussed in the Southwest area, Airport, St. Paul Road and Lake area.
Councilmember Larsen recommended that council pursue the issue of annexation at the Lake
area. He recommended that facts and figures be brought before council.
DEVELOPMENT OF COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES: City Administrator MarIan
Ferguson and Community Projects Director Cindy Johnson, facilitator, reviewed those projects
ill progress.
The tabulated priorities of the Council were:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Community Events Center
Softball Fields
Police Substation at Fire Station No.4
Speed Slides at the Island Oasis Water Park
New Technological Infrastructure - Fiber Optics & High Speed Internet
Recreational Vehicle Park at Eagle Scout Park or LE Ray Lake
City Information Technology Program
Green Space Regulations
Police Facility
Affordable Housing
Hike/Bike Trails at CAAP
Fire Station #1
Complete Police Automation
Street Maintenance
Stuhr Train
I
I
I
Page 3, City Council Study Session (Retreat), March 10,2001
FINAL BUSINESS/PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Chief Kyle Hetrick spoke regarding the Police Department Report and answered questions with
regards to cars and computers.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Q~~lli~
RaN ae Edwards
City Clerk