04/03/2001 Minutes (2)
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
April 3, 2001
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 April
3,2001. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on March 28,2001.
Mayor Ken Gnadt called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The following members were present:
Councilmembers Pielstick, Ward, Seifert, Larson, Homady, Whitesides, Haase, Murray, Walker and
Sorensen. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Marlan Ferguson, City
Clerk RaNae Edwards, David Springer Finance Director and Steve Riehle Public Works Director.
Presentation Regarding Closing Historical Section of Seedling Mile Road. Steve Riehle, Public
Works Director, reported that Seedling Mile Road was to be a one mile stretch of concrete and part
of the Lincoln Highway project back in the early 1900's. Introduced was Dick Good who made a
presentation regarding the history of Seedling Mile Road. In 1912 the idea of the first highway from
New York to San Francisco was introduced to be a graveled road. Due to the cost of this project the
idea was changed to a one-mile stretch of concrete known as a seeding mile, which was to encourage
communities to continue with the idea concrete highways. As a demonstration for this project, this
one-mile stretch of highway was built and was the first highway in Nebraska and the second one in
the nation.
Councilmember Larson stated that the original highway when built, was 16' wide when all others
were 10' wide. Don Anderson was introduced and spoke regarding the National Lincoln Highway
Association. Mr. Anderson requested that the Council close Seedling Mile Road as this is the last
road of its kind in the nation and the plans are to put it on the National Registry of Historic Places.
He also stated that his wife wrote a book with regards to Seedling Mile Road. Mr. Anderson stated
that he has visited with the five owners along this road and they are supportive of this proposal.
Mr. Riehle requested that Council act on closing this mile of highway at their next regular meeting.
Glendae Reiss, 910 North Boggs, spoke in support of retaining the history of this highway.
Presentation Relative to Parks and Recreation Proiects and Activities. Steve Paustain, Parks and
Recreation Director, updated the Council on the following projects:
1.
Shoemaker Hike/Bike Trail: Funds are available for 80% of the project and it is
projected to be completed this fall or early spring 2002.
Southwest Neighborhood Park: Land has been acquired and a park name has been
chosen. Construction will start mid-summer.
Skate Park: This park is moving ahead with a change from concrete to concrete slab
with wood frame and covering specifically for skating. Completion is scheduled for
this summer. This park is located at the west end of Pier Park.
Wading Pools: Bids have been received and approved by Council. Pools would be
available through the summer months at two of the locations.
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, April 3, 2001
5.
Sucks Lake & Chevron Property: Acquisition of land has been completed for
Chevron Property, which is designed for greenhouse and maintenance buildings. This
property is along the Beltline Hike/Bike Trail. Sucks Lake will be used as a park and
fishing area.
Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant (CHAAP): The shooting sports facility at
CHAAP is moving ahead. Reapplying for a grant will come before the Council at the
next meeting. Camping opportunities are included.
Asphalt Work at Fonner Park Softball Complexes: Weather permitting, this project
will be completed before the softball season.
Soccer Complex at Webb Road: A contract has been let and will start this week
weather permitting. Plans and specifications are out and have been budgeted in the
amount of $200,000.
Stolley Park Soccer Field: Grass is in need of care from over use. It is planned to
move these games to another location to work on the field.
Ryder Park: Bleacher cover has been completed.
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10.
Update on Solid Waste Division. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director and Larry Price, Solid Waste
Superintendent, presented an update of division operations for the Solid Waste Division. Market
conditions, historical trends, tipping fees, facility operations, finances and collection/haulers were
reviewed.
The following goals were suggested:
1. Develop 5, 10,20 and 30 Year Solid Waste Management Plans
2. Investigate New Waste Disposal Technologies
3. Maintain High Standards of Operations
Tonnage versus cubic yards was discussed as were the benefits of both. Also discussed was the
benefit of two haulers in Grand Island and the advantages of competition.
Betty Curtis, Clean Community System, 205 North Wheeler, stated that in the year 2004 we will not
be able to dispose of computers, microwaves, refrigerators, etc. in the landfill. Also mentioned was
the waste oil disposal and the support of finding alternatives for these needs.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Qf\~~
RaN ae Edwards
City Clerk