04/02/2002 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
April 2, 2002
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 2, 2002. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on March 27,
2002.
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 Marlan Ferguson,
City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Public Works Director Steve Riehle, City Attorney Charlie Cuypers
and Finance Director David Springer.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was said.
Presentation by Tobacco Free Hall County. Susan Haecker, Chairwoman for Tobacco Free Hall
County spoke concerning second hand smoke and requested the City Council to establish a
policy banning smoking in or within 20' of the entrance to any municipal building, city vehicle,
or parks where youth play ball. Ms. Haecker explained LB-1292 passed by the State Legislature.
Collette Shaughnessy representing Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism introduced the
IMPROV Team, students associated with Youth Leadership Tomorrow. The IMPROV Team
performed a skit regarding the use of tobacco. Bill Gavers, Boys Tennis and Basketball Coach
spoke about children and the effects of smoking and tobacco use. Jason Meis, Anna Speed, Barb
Zaruba and Jason Harper spoke in support of the smoking ban. Discussion was held concerning
the enforcement of this policy in the parks. John Luna, 712 East 8th Street spoke concerning the
negative effects of smoking and commended the youth for their efforts.
Presentation of Police Department's Annual Report. Police Chief Kyle Hetrick presented the
2001 Police Department Annual Report. Briefly reviewed were the accomplishments and
activities of the Grand Island Police Department. Statistics and financial summaries were
mentioned. Special features of the department were highlighted which included, Military
Service, Retirees, Gang Investigation Unit, Honor Guard, Special Weapons and Tactics, Central
Nebraska Drug Court, Kids, Cops, Counselors, and Character, National Night Out and others.
Discussion Regarding Community Policing. Police Chief Kyle Hetrick reviewed "Community
Orientated Policing". Mentioned were the strategies that had been implemented within the Grand
Island Police Department and the community. Highlighted were the current programs,
partnerships and internal changes that were being done within the department. John Luna, 712
East 8th Street spoke in favor of "Community Orientated Policing" and encouraged community
involvement. George Solt, 3523 East Seedling Mile Road spoke about what the Police
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, April 2, 2002
Department does that the people in the community do not see because of confidentiality. Mr. Solt
complemented the Officer's and the department.
Presentation of Northwest Traffic Improvement Study. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director
reported that safety concerns on Manchester, Mansfield and Cannon Roads near Westridge
Middle School had been expressed by the Northwest Neighborhood Association with
recommendations of extending Independence Avenue from Manchester to 13th Street as a
solution.
Olsson Associates presented an overview of the Northwest Area Traffic Study. The following
recommendations were presented:
Extend Independence Avenue from Manchester Road to 13th Street
Extend Shanna Street to Independence Avenue
Extend Lariat Lane to Shanna Street
Build School Drive from Independence Avenue (Loop Drive Desirable)
Construct a Complete Sidewalk System Around Westridge Middle School
Improve Cannon Road from Mansfield Road to North Road
Improve Geometries at Cannon Road/Mansfield Road Intersection
Install Crosswalks at:
All Legs at Cannon/Mansfield
West Leg at Manchester/Mansfield
All Legs at Manchester/Independence
Install all Traffic Control Devices per MUTCD Standards
Provide 3-Lane Section (one for exclusive LT Lane) where Collector Streets Intersect
Arterial Streets
Continue Traffic Monitoring Program
Conceptual designs were reviewed along with preliminary costs and assessments for each design.
Council discussed conceptual designs with regards to traffic access and drainage.
Mark Miller, 4246 Vermont Avenue representing the Northwest Neighborhood Association
spoke in support of extending Independence Avenue south.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
'Qa-\)O-L tllW4~
RaN ae Edwards
City Clerk