05/15/2001 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
May 15, 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 May
15,2001. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on May 9, 2001.
Mayor Ken Gnadt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present:
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, Public Works Director Steve Riehle, Finance Director David Springer and
City Attorney Charlie Cuypers.
Discussion Regarding Park Facility on the Chevron Property. Steve Paustain, Parks and Recreation
Director, reported that last year the Parks and Recreation Department budgeted $300,000.00 for
parks maintenance. Location was discussed for a parks facility, with the ideal location to be placed at
the Chevron property just recently purchased by the City. This area is close to the Beltline Hike/Bike
Trail, Sucks Lake and Stolley Park. It is proposed that the greenhouse facilities be located on the east
side of this property, which is located east of Harrison Street and south of Oklahoma Street.
Councilmember Pielstick asked if both greenhouses would be located at this location. Mr. Paustain
stated that they would. Councilmember Ward asked about the cost. There has been $300,000.00
budgeted this fiscal year with approximately $200,000.00 to be budgeted in the next fiscal year, for a
total cost to build the facilities around $500,000.00. The Public Works Department would use the
present buildings that the Parks and Recreation Department has been using.
Discussion Regarding Sign Regulations Proposed bv BID #3 for South Locust Business District.
Craig Lewis, Building Department Director, reported that a committee has been meeting with the
South Locust Business Improvement District #3 to discuss sign regulations south of Stolley Park
Road to Highway 34. Several proposed changes were mentioned. Councilmember Larson asked
about the total number of signs being 5 and what would happen if others requested signs. Mr. Lewis
stated that this would be first come first serve. Councilmember Sorensen asked how many businesses
currently have signs that will be affected. Mr. Lewis stated that most of the businesses are affected
but will be grandfather claused in. If the signs are taken down then they will have to meet the new
guidelines. Councilmember Murray and Larson, acknowledged and commended the committees
work on this issue.
Cindy Johnson, Business Improvement District #3 Director, reported that the committee has done a
lot of work on this issue. Contemplate, compare, contrasts and compromise were words that
explained the committees work.
Presentation and Discussion Regarding Sidewalks by City Staff Steve Riehle, Public Works Director
and Craig Lewis, Building Department Director, reported that sidewalk policies have been effect for
some time in the City, the last revision being in 1997. Issues discussed were sidewalks for City-
owned property, subdivisions, school systems, curb and gutter, and gap sidewalks.
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, May 15, 2001
Identified were the school districts and a 1/2 mile radius with regards to gaps in sidewalks. It was
requested that Council direct Mr. Lewis and Mr. Riehle to contact the schools and work with them
regarding sidewalks. With the help of the schools and PTA's, it will give the City an idea of where
the sidewalks should be placed. The Sidewalk Committee, which includes Tom Carlson, Steve
Riehle, Chad Nabity and Craig Lewis, have met with the Seedling Mile School PTA to discuss their
needs.
Deidre Mack, 112 Villa Mar Dee, spoke in support of the sidewalks and mentioned safety concerns
at Seedling Mile School. Stephanie Smith, 528 Holcomb, spoke in support of sidewalks at Starr
School. Buelah Miner, 3205 East Seedling Mile Road; spoke in support. George Solt, 3523 East
Seedling Mile Road; spoke with regards to drainage, homes owned by older people, and possible
lawsuits because of drainage. Mr. Solt stated to avoid these problems the Council needs to look at the
following a.) do not assess the property owners, and b.) use recycled asphalt to extend the shoulders
of Seedling Mile Road 6 to 8 feet. Shelly Anderson, 3712 East Seedling Mile Road and Julio
Ibarra,123 Voss Road; Deb Kober, 204 South Main; Sandra Sims, 3620 East Seedling Mile Road;
and Mary Jane Schroder, 3407 Gregory Avenue, spoke in support of the sidewalks.
Councilmember Whitesides spoke about meeting with residents at Seedling Mile Road and requested
that Steve Riehle, Public Works Director, look into the cost of using recycled asphalt to extend the
shoulders and the cost of widening the road. Mentioned was the possibility of limiting truck traffic
from the school area. Mr. Riehle stated that this area is posted "no trucks" but that enforcing it is a
problem. Councilmember Ward stated that high-speed traffic is a problem on Capital Avenue by
Engleman School. Councilmember Sorensen stated that recycled asphalt would be a good idea to
extend the shoulders of the road. Councilmember Larson mentioned safety issues and felt the Council
needs to act on this soon and needs to do this project right the first time. Councilmember Haase
spoke regarding safety and that curb sidewalks are not a good solution.
Councilmember Murray recommended that staff visit with the other PTA's and come back to
Council with a plan.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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RaN ae Edwards
City Clerk