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06/17/2003 Minutes I I I OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION June 17, 2003 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 June 17, 2003. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on June 11, 2003. Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Councilmembers Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, Larson, Nickerson, Hornady, and Walker. Councilmembers Seifert, Pauly and Haase were absent. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Marian Ferguson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Public Works Director Steve Riehle, City Attorney Doug Walker and Finance Director David Springer. RESERVES TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS: Fourteen individuals reserved time to speak on agenda items. Mayor's "State of the City Address". Mayor Jay Vavricek addressed the Council stating the City was "strong and sound". Successes in the community in the first six months as Mayor were mentioned: resolving of the Fraternal Order of Police contract, successful bid to serve the Nebraska National Guard Apache facility, the passage of the "Progress for Grand Island", and completion of the Kids Kingdom. Mentioned were the numerous projects to be completed: renovation of South Locust Street from Fonner Park Road to the interstate, Wood River Diversion Flood Control project, completion ofa third Interstate 80 exit, bringing back to life former City Hall and Walnut School, the development of housing and business in the northwest part of Grand Island and the Heartland Events Center. Mayor Vavricek commented on activities in each department, along with staff leadership changes which would bring challenges and opportunities. In closing Mayor Vavricek stated "City government was fiscally strong, sound, resilient, and up to the challenge of service." Discussion Concerning Cooperative Service Field Agreement with the Wildlife Services for Wildlife Damage Control. City Administrator Marian Ferguson reported that this item was pulled from the June 10, 2003 City Council Agenda so further discussion could take place. City Attorney Doug Walker stated the USDA Wildlife Service had proposed a cooperative field agreement with the City of Grand Island to help control the skunk population that had been spreading rabies. The cost of this agreement was $2,500. The agreement was scheduled to take effect as of June 2, 2003 if approved by the City. The agreement would remain in effect until the funds were depleted by the services rendered by the Wildlife Services. The Wildlife Service estimated that the agreement should cover services for the months of June, July and August. I I I Page 2, City Council Study Session, June 17,2003 Ronald Fryda representing the US Department of Ag Wildlife Services was present and informed the Council regarding the rabies problems within Grand Island and Hall County. Discussed was the request of $2,500 to help the efforts to provide services in helping control the rabies population in skunks, possum and raccoons. Councilmember Pielstick questioned Mr. Fryda as to working with Hall County. Currently, Hall County funds $11,200 along with federal funds. Councilmember Meyer asked how many cat rabies cases had been reported. Answer was none. Feral cats were discussed as not being a part of this contract. Councilmember Whitesides questioned the area of Hall County Park as being an area of concern where rabies had been found. Questioned was, can a dog get rabies that has had a rabies shot? Mr. Fryda stated they are pretty well protected, but there was no guarantee. Mr. Ferguson stated trapping was currently being done and the reason it was pulled from the last meeting was the issue of trapping feral cats. Cindy Bishop, Humane Society Shelter Manager stated concerns of how the feral cats would be handled. Also mentioned was the contract that the Humane Society had with the City regarding picking up stray animals. Councilmember Nickerson asked if the Humane Society was against help in eradicating these potential problems. Ms. Bishop stated they were not against the help but were wondering how the procedures would take place. She stated they would like to have something in writing. Bud Jeffries and Dick Hartman representing the Hall County Board spoke in support of the contract and spoke of the professionalism of the Wildlife Services. Councilmember Hornady questioned what happens if a licensed cat is caught in a trap. Mr. Fryda stated that any cat that is caught with a collar or tags would be turned over to the Humane Society. If they do not have tags or collars and are a feral cat he would like to see 10 to 14 days being held by the Humane Society. Councilmember Whitesides discussed the difference of domesticated cats and wild cats. Discussion Concerning Revision to Dog Ordinance. Doug Walker, City Attorney reported that the Animal Advisory Board had received complaints this year about the number of dogs running at large and about the dog bite ordinances. Mr. Walker stated he had been working with the Animal Advisory board to revise the Ordinances to clearly define the requirements for preventing animals to run at large. The Animal Advisory Board was also proposing that changes be made to the potentially dangerous dog ordinances so when these animals bite, the city would be able to take action more quickly in the event that there were further problems with dog bites. Presented were recommended changes to the dog ordinances. Pat Devine Executive Director of the Central Nebraska Humane Society spoke in support of these changes. Jody Nelson, 2521 Commerce Avenue spoke in support also. Discussion was held with regards to dangerous and vicious animals. Councilmember Larson stated he supported a stronger dog ordinance. Councilmember Pielstick and Whitesides I I I Page 3, City Council Study Session, June 17,2003 mentioned concerns about kids in the neighborhoods provoking dogs and letting dogs out of fenced in areas. Review Outside Agencies Funding Request for Fiscal Year 2003-2004. David Springer, Finance Director reported that the City had historically recognized requests for funding from charitable agencies. The following requested were discussed: 2002-2003 Funding Community Humanitarian Resource Center Convention and Visitors Bureau Council for International Visitors Crisis Center Family Violence Coalition of Central NE, Inc. G.!. Dive and Rescue Team - Trailer Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Senior Citizens Industries, Inc. Central Nebraska Humane Society Clean Community Systems $4,500 10,000 1,000 10,200 10,000 9,772 10,000 15,000 150,000 18,000 The following people were present representing the following agencies: 2003-2004 Request $17,400 10,000 1,000 13,000 10,000 10,000 15,000 187,500 18,000 Doyle Holme, Council for International Visitors Renee Seifert, Hall County Convention and Visitors Bureau Jill Hornady, President Central Nebraska Humane Society Jessica Court, Treasurer Central Nebraska Humane Society Pat Devine, Executive Director Central Nebraska Humane Society Cindy Preisendorf, Director Community Humanitarian Resource Center Marilyn Mueller, Director Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Shelly Pointer, Interim Executive Director Crisis Center Earl Umbenhauer, Family Violence Coalition of Central NE, Inc. Lois Stieneke, Director Senior Citizens Industries, Inc. A lengthy discussion was held regarding the Humane Society's request of a 25% increase over last year. Police Chief Kyle Hetrick spoke concerning the cost to the City if we had to supply these services. Review of Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2003-2004. David Springer, Finance Director reported that the fee schedule was normally reviewed at a study session prior to incorporating into the city's annual budget. Mr. Springer stated the User Fee Schedule would be presented to the City Council for adoption on June 24, 2003. Two changes were proposed: Humane Society and Solid Waste Disposal. Discussed were changes to ambulance transportation, labor, and equipment costs. Terry Leslie commented on the funding of long distance transfers. I I I Page 4, City Council Study Session, June 17,2003 Discussion Concerning GIS Computer Systems Technician. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director reported that the Public Works Department had considered dedicating an individual full time to GIS work for the last few years. In the past, consultants had been hired to perform most of the maintenance and updating support of the GIS. Mr. Riehle stated the City computer network continues to grow. As these systems grow, the need for base support was discussed being performed by City staff. A power point presentation was given. Information Technology Manager Carl Hurd was present. David Springer, Finance Director discussed the need for the position and the budgetary impact. Fiscal Year 2003-2004 GIS Budget was projected at $50,000. Councilmember Larson mentioned that this would be his last meeting. He submitted his resignation at the close of the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Qof\~ ~ RaN ae Edwards City Clerk