04/16/2002 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
April 16, 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
16,2002. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on April 10, 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.
Betty Curtis, 205 North Wheeler, representing the Clean Community System invited the Mayor and
City Council to a press conference to be held on April 23, 2002 for the "Trash Bash". Ms. Curtis
introduced Glenda Mason and Brad Fossberg committee members for "Trash Bash" who explained
some of the events for the day of May 4,2002.
Discussion Concerning Central District Health Department Interlocal Agreement. Sonja Simpson,
Health Department Director reported that LB692 was landmark legislation passed by the legislature
in 2001. It allowed for a trust fund to be established from interest from the tobacco settlement funds.
The purpose of the legislation was to establish a public health infrastructure for the state. Nebraska
has 93 counties and only 6 had any kind of a public health department.
The lack of a coordinated public health infrastructure in the state makes it difficult to obtain major
federal funding for public health programs. In addition, the health statistics in the state of Nebraska,
in a number of areas, are low compared to other states. The legislation indicated that district health
departments could be formed and those districts needed to be at least 3 counties and 30,000
population. Grand Island invited several counties to join with their established health department.
Two counties (Hamilton and Merrick) have committed to joining the Grand Island Hall County
Health Department.
The process of formation of the new district health department has had legal counsel by Earl
Alschwede. A group of representatives of the three counties met in January of this year to draw up
the agreement moving the current health department from a city county to a district health
department. All 3 counties have agreed to the language of the agreement. A letter of approval was
issued by the state on January 3,2002 for the formation of the district health department.
The City Administrator had two concerns and recommended changes to the agreement. The first
issue is in regards to the status of the employees. Since they are District employees is was
recommended the District establish their own personnel policy and rules and regulations. By separate
agreement they will be able to continue to be enrolled in the City's Health, Retirement, 457, Long
Term and Life benefits, and the Cafeteria plan. The City would continue to be the fiscal agent. The
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, April 16, 2002
second issue was the make up of the board. Since the majority of the citizens are in Grand Island it
was recommended that three appointed board positions come from within the City of Grand Island.
Those folks would be very much aware of the public health needs and concerns of Grand Island. In
addition the City would be asked to continue funding the programs in addition to Hall County's
contribution, therefore it seemed only right that the City have additional representation on the board.
Councilmember Sorensen requested this item be placed on the May 23, 2002 Regular Council
meeting for action by the Council. Councilmember Murray spoke of concerns with the representation
on the board.
Discussion Concerning Annexation. MarIan Ferguson, City Administrator reported that further study
had been given to the annexation issue since the presentation at the Council Retreat. When people
live, work and play in close proximity to one another, municipalities were created to provide the
services essential for the protection of the health, safety and well being of residents. Many factors
drive annexation of urban and suburban areas adjacent to existing city boundaries. Expansion of
municipalities should not be based on short-term economic analysis but should be based on a long-
term plan to achieve the necessary expansion of services in the most economical manner.
Mr. Ferguson stated annexation of the proposed areas makes sense. It would be the right thing to do
if services were to be provided and growth planned for. Municipalities have historically been charged
with meeting the needs of the expanded community. The City would inherit these areas of the
community at some point. It would be best to acquire and plan for improvements in infrastructure.
Main trunk lines, lift stations, etc were already in place in many areas (paid for by customers at that
time). Extending the infrastructure provides for growth opportunities in these areas. All subsequent
customers benefit from this baseline infrastructure investment.
Mr. Ferguson further stated that municipalities provide for the protection of health, safety and well
being of property owners in areas that were used primarily for residential, industrial, and commercial
purposes, also orderly growth pursuant to land use, building, streets, sidewalks, sanitary sewer, storm
sewer, water, electrical service, parks, libraries, fire protection, and police protection.
Mr. Ferguson reviewed the 15 areas possible for annexation. The following staff recommendations
were gIven:
#1 North St. Paul Road Not recommended at this time
#2 Airport Recommends further consideration
#3 Fairacres Recommends further consideration
#4 East Lakes Recommends further consideration
#5a East Bismark Road Not recommended at this time
#5b Stuhr Road North of Bismark Recommends further consideration
#6 Firethorne Lake Recommends further consideration
#7 Vanosdall Lake Not recommended at this time
#8 South Lakes - East of Blaine - Rainbow Lake Not recommended at this time
#9 Scheel Subdivision Recommends further consideration
#10 South US Highway 281 Recommends further consideration
# 11 Langenheder Street Recommends further consideration
#12 Schroeder and Fireside Subdivisions Recommends further consideration
#13 Stolley Park Road and Engleman RoadNot recommended at this time
#14 Airport Road and North Road Not recommended at this time
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Page 3, City Council Study Session, April 16, 2002
#15
North Webb Road
Not recommended at this time
Mr. Ferguson discussed the timeline for the annexation, which would take approximately 2-3
months. Nine areas of annexation were recommended.
Councilmember Murray suggested that the Council establish some criteria as to which areas need to
be annexed and recommended establishing a committee. Councilmember Larson asked if it was
staffs recommendation to do all nine areas simultaneously. Mr. Ferguson stated that it was staff's
recommendation but it could be done in stages. Charlie Cuyeprs, City Attorney stated that the
process is complicated enough, he would recommend doing them simultaneously. Councilmember
Sorensen questioned public safety issues. Mr. Ferguson stated that they had visited with the Police
and Fire Departments. The Police Department would not be a problem. The Fire Department would
have issues that would need to be looked at regarding water hook-ups and employees.
Councilmember Pielstick asked what the City could do to encourage the people in these areas to
annex. Mr. Ferguson stated that they would be a part of the City and have the benefits that the City
would offer. Also private wells were mentioned as possible problems for the residents.
Councilmember Ward requested a chart of the eastern part of town as to problems in this area before
a decision by Council was made. Discussions with the residents would be imperative.
Councilmember Haase stated concerns regarding the budget. Councilmember Hornady questioned
the age of the houses in the East Lakes area. Craig Lewis, Building Department Director explained
the septic tanks and leech field situations in the area. Councilmember Murray questioned the number
of years it would take to provide services for the 9 areas. Mr. Ferguson stated it was hoped to have
them all done within 5 years.
Bob Kutz, President of Kuester Lake Association spoke in opposition to the annexation of the East
Lakes area and stated his concerns regarding the economics of this plan. John Luna, 712 East 8th
Street, spoke concerning the high water table in the East Lakes area and concerns about
contamination. Cost effectiveness was mentioned. Councilmember Murray requested more cost
details before Council made any decisions.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Qon~ W~}O)~
RaN ae Edwards
City Clerk