02/22/2003 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION (RETREAT)
February 22, 2002
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Study Session (Retreat) of the City Council of the City
of Grand Island, Nebraska was conducted at Camp Augustine, 6574 South Locust Street, on
February 22, 2002. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
February 17,2002.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmembers Pielstick, Meyer, Seifert, Larson, Hornady, Whitesides, Haase, Pauly,
Walker and Nickerson. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator MarIan
Ferguson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Public Works Director Steve Riehle, City Attorney Doug
Walker, Community Projects Director Cindy Johnson, Finance Director David Springer, Police
Chief Kyle Hetrick and Utilities Director Gary Mader.
OPENING COMMENTS:
City Administrator MarIan Ferguson welcomed the council and directors. Each councilmember
introduced themselves and told why they ran for office.
Mayor Vavricek emphasized the importance of communication, VISIOn of the council and
positive leadership. Priorities mentioned were: jobs, job incentives, public safety, strong code
compliance, efficiency in budgeting, communication, and shared vision building. Mayor
Vavricek spoke about the last 80 days in office with regards to communication, economic
development and administration issues.
REVIEW OF GOALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
City Administrator MarIan Ferguson reviewed the 2001-2002 Council Goals:
1. Implement a half-cent city sales tax
2. Continue efforts to support fundraising for the Heartland Events Center
3. Solve Grand Island's odor issue
4. Enhance communication between City government, elected officials and the
public
5. Establish long-term plans for community infrastructure, growth and development
6. Address the Health Department's building needs
7. Consider community-policing program
8. Set Zoo Reuse Plan in motion - beginning with a theme playground and train
Discussion was held concerning the accomplishments and ongoing work being done on those
goals.
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Page 2, City Council Study Session (Retreat), February 22, 2003
FINANCIAL REPPORT:
Finance Director David Springer presented an overview of the City's financial condition and
stated that the City of Grand Island was in excellent financial shape compared to other cities in
the state of Nebraska, but now was the time to watch spending. Sales tax receipts were reviewed
with a record high for February.
Revenues and expenditures were discussed. Mr. Springer stated there was no new debt last year
and suggested that new items in the future be paid for in cash. Capital spending was mentioned
as a concern for the Finance Department.
Line item committed projects for 2003 in the amount of $3,867,500 and planned projects in the
amount of $1,580,000 were reviewed along with future year's expenses. Mr. Springer stated that
if items were to be added, something needed to be taken out of the budget.
REVIEW OF ONGOING EFFORTS:
City Administrator Marian Ferguson reviewed ongoing efforts with regards to sales tax,
multicultural needs, business improvement districts, economic development, code compliance
and annexation.
The sales tax issue was discussed with regards to the May 2004 election. Discussed was
infrastructure, such as water, sewer and street improvement districts, sidewalks, public safety,
etc.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Police Chief Kyle Hetrick presented a power point presentation with regards to ongoing
programs within the Police Department. Reviewed were bicycle patrol, traffic enforcement unit,
community service officers, school resource officers, honor guard, Special Weapons and Tactics
(SWAT), canine unit (proposed), community policing, technology, and public safety center.
LUNCH WITH HALL COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
The following Hall County Board Supervisors were present for the Joint City/County Special
Study Session: Robert Rye, Jim Eriksen, Pamela Lancaster, Bud Jeffries, Bob Humiston, Scott
Arnold and Maria Connelly County Clerk.
HEARTLAND EVENTS CENTER UPDATE:
Hugh Miner presented an update on the Heartland Events Center. Money raised was currently at
$19.25 million. Costs included: building $21.5 million, equipment $2,637,500 and other fees
$862,500 for a total of $25 million. Not included in this price was $10 million in infrastructure
which would be provided by Fonner Park.
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Page 3, City Council Study Session (Retreat), February 22,2003
HOMELAND SECURITY:
City Administrator MarIan Feguson and Police Chief Kyle Hetrick updated the City Council and
County Board on Homeland Security with regards to smallpox and bio-terrorism.
PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER (JAIL)!JOINT PROJECTS:
County Board Chair Pam Lancaster updated both Boards on the public safety center (jail) issue.
Bonding would more than likely have to take place. Construction of the facility would take
approximately 5 to 7 years to complete. Avenues other than bonding were being looked at to
cover the $20 million project, such as a private/public jail with a lease purchase agreement.
Location of the jail was discussed. Approximately 50 to 75 acres of land would be required.
Several options were being looked at, but no decision had been made.
Cindy Johnson, Community Projects Director updated the Boards on GITV Channel 56.
Discussion was had regarding the problems of the transmitter and the tower. An alternate site for
the tower was recommended by the Emergency Management Director. Approximately $40,000
was needed for a new transmitter. The City will keep the County informed on developments with
the tower and transmitter.
Police Chief Kyle Hetrick reviewed the Spillman Mobile Data project. Discussed were the hold
ups, grant money, and problems associated with this project. Mr. Hetrick reported that the
Spillman software had been up and running since December 5,2001.
William Bennett, representing Abacus Business System presented a power point presentation
with regards to the Spillman software. Mentioned were grants available through Homeland
Security. Discussion was had with regards to when this system would be up and running. It was
hoped to have these units in all patrol cars by April 1, 2003.
MAJOR COUNTY PROJECTS:
Pam Lancaster, Chair of the Hall County Board of Supervisors reviewed the following Major
County Projects: total county road plan, which included a master transportation plan; Assessor
plan to work on Board of Equalization protests; information technology; and the Central District
Health Department's new building.
UTILITIES UPDATE:
Utilities Director Gary Mader updated the Council on utility generation, economic impact and
water conservation/Platte River issues. Baseload capacity was discussed with regards to OPPD,
Hastings MNPP, and NPPD.
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT UPDATE:
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Page 4, City Council Study Session (Retreat), February 22, 2003
Cindy Johnson, Community Projects Director updated the Council on the Business Improvement
Districts. Discussed were assessments, budgets, business recruitment and retention. Mentioned
were BID #3 and #4 eventually merging to work on events and a possible new business district
along 2nd Street. Ms. Johnson stated that the life of business improvement districts were
generally 5 to 10 years. Updated were Community Redevelopment Authority activities.
CAPP EXTENSION OF SERVICE:
Public Works Director Steve Riehle updated the Council for the city services to CAAP Energy
Park. Discussion was held with regards to sewer and water outside the city limits. It was
mentioned that typically the City does not extend sewer and water beyond the city limits without
annexing the area.
WRAP UP AND FURTHER DIRECTION OF COUNCIL:
Mayor Vavricek asked for suggestions. Councilmember Walker commented on the possibility of
having other sessions like these that could be held throughout the year. Mayor Vavricek
commented on having a mini-retreat down the road in May. Also mentioned were
communications efforts such as the web-site.
Senior Councilmember Seifert discussed past retreats and projects as they relate to the progress
of Grand Island and its reputation. Mr. Seifert suggested that we have no new priorities, but take
care of the ones we have been working on. Mentioned was long-term planning such as: public
safety, community growth and needs, and keeping an eye on the future while taking care of
today.
Discussion was held on joint ventures and communication with the County.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk