11/18/2003 Minutes (2)
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
November 18,2003
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Regular Meeting 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 November 18,2003. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent
on November 12,2003.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmembers Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly,
Hornady, Walker and Haase. The following City Officials were present: Interim City
Administrator David Springer, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Public Works Director Steve Riehle,
and City Attorney Doug Walker.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was said followed by the INVOCATION given by Pastor Nancy
Lambert, Trinity United Methodist Church, 511 North Elm Street.
RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS: Four individuals reserved time to speak
on agenda items.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Vavricek commented on the recruiting process for the
City Administrator's position. Interviews were scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2003 for
two of the candidates. Also mentioned was the newspaper article concerning the Lincoln Pool.
Mayor Vavricek stated that this was just one of many projects to be looked at and it was not the
intent of the City to close it.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS:
Proclamation "American Education Week" November 16-22,2003. Mayor Vavricek proclaimed
the week of November 16-22,2003 as "American Education Week". Loretta Green and several
students from Gates Elementary School were present to receive the proclamation.
Proclamation "Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Day" Everyday of the Year. Mayor
Vavricek proclaimed everyday as "Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Day". William
Weese representing the Amvets Post 15 and Wendell McMurrain representing the United
Veteran's Against Child abuse were present to receive the proclamation.
Proclamation "Adoption Awareness Month" November, 2003. Mayor Vavricek proclaimed the
month of November 2003 as "Adoption Awareness Month".
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Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, November 18, 2003
Proclamation "National Children's Book Week" November 17-23, 2003. Mayor Vavricek
proclaimed the week of November 17-23, 2003 as "National Children's Book Week". Mary
V onSeggren from the library was present to receive the proclamation.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION: Motion by Pielstick, second by Hornady, carried unanimously
to adjourn to the Board of Equalization.
#2003-BE-2l - Determining Assessments for Sanitary Sewer District No. 505. Steve Riehle,
Public Works Director reported that the Certificate of Final Completion for Sanitary Sewer
District No. 505 was approved by Council on October 28,2003. The contract for Sanitary Sewer
District 505 was awarded to The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island, Nebraska on
April 17, 2003. Work commenced on June 6, 2003 and was completed on August 18, 2003. This
project was completed on schedule and at a construction cost of $ 84,231.27. The total cost of the
project, including contract administration was $ 93,603.33. All costs for this District would be
assessed to the benefiting properties.
Motion by Pielstick, second by Cornelius, carried unanimously to approve Resolution #2003-
BE-2l. Motion adopted.
#2003-BE-22 - Determining Benefits for Sanitary Sewer District No. 508. Steve Riehle, Public
Works Director reported that the Certificate of Final Completion for Sanitary Sewer District No.
508 was approved by Council on October 28,2003. The contract for Sanitary Sewer District 508
was awarded to The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island, Nebraska on April 17,
2003. Work commenced on May 23, 2003 and was completed on June 24, 2003. This project
was completed on schedule and at a construction cost of $ 23,739.39. The total cost of the
project, including contract administration is $ 30,295.07. All costs for this District would be
assessed to the benefiting properties.
Motion by Pielstick, second by Cornelius, carried unanimously to approve Resolution #2003-
BE-22. Motion adopted.
#2003-BE-23 - Determining Benefits for Street Improvement District No. 1239. Steve Riehle,
Public Works Director reported that the Certificate of Final Completion was approved by
Council on October 28, 2003. The contract for Street Improvement District No. 1239 was
awarded to Gehring Construction and Ready Mix Company, Inc. of Columbus, Nebraska on
March 18,2003. Work commenced on June 17,2003 and was completed on September 30,2003.
This project was completed on schedule and at a construction cost of $ 632,267.25. The total cost
of the project, including Engineering and contract administration is $ 695,493.98. All costs for
this District would be assessed to the benefiting properties.
Motion by Pielstick, second by Cornelius, carried unanimously to approve Resolution #2003-
BE-23. Motion adopted.
#2003-BE-24 - Determining Correction of Benefits for Business Improvement District No.5.
Jean Goss, Executive Assistant reported that in October, invoices were mailed to Downtown
property owners in Business Improvement District #5 detailing the assessments for 2003-2004.
During conversations with property owners, it was discovered that four invoices were based on
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Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting, November 18,2003
incorrect valuation figures. It was appropriate that the property owners for these four properties
be assessed the correct amount, based on cOf!"ected valuation figures.
Motion by Cornelius, second by Hornady, carried unanimously to approve Resolution #2003-
BE-24. Motion adopted.
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: Motion by Pielstick, second by Hornady, carried
unanimously to return to Regular Session.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearing on Request of Union Pacific Railroad for a Conditional Use Permit for a Skid-
Mounted Shed Located at 121912 North Front Street. Craig Lewis, Building Department Director
reported that Brian Symons representing The Forrester Group on behalf of the Union Pacific
Railroad, Kansas City, Missouri, had submitted an application with the City Clerk's Office to
extend their Conditional Use Permit for an additional two years to allow use of a 10' x 12' skid-
mounted shed with electrical service located at 1219 1/2 North Front Street. This request was for
use during a US EP A-mandated remediation project. The system was currently not operating, but
start-up would begin in May 2004 with operation planned for one year. The equipment would be
removed following the one year operation and shut down verification. No public testimony was
heard.
Public Hearing on Request of Randv & Marianne Rapien for a Conditional use Permit for a
Dealer Used Car Lot Located at 215 Willow Street. Craig Lewis, Building Department Director
reported that Randy and Marianne Rapien, 215 Willow Street had submitted a request for a
Conditional Use Permit to allow for the continued operation of a used car establishment at 215
Willow Street. The City Council earlier this year amended the City Code to require that existing
vehicle sales establishments without improved hard surfaced lots receive approval in the form of
a Conditional Use Permit from the City Council. Section 36-49(A) allows for a waiver approved
by the City Council for businesses that were operating at the same location prior to March 9,
1999. This request appeared to be in compliance with the established City Code, with the
exception of landscaping as required by the Subdivision agreements. Landscaping was to be
installed adjacent to Highway #30 and was complete except for some additional plantings
scheduled to be installed by May 1 st, 2004. The application included both lots 1 and 2 of
Rapien's subdivision, but only lot 1 should be considered in this request as lot 2 had not been
improved or utilized as a used car lot. Approval of lot 1 with the condition that the landscaping
be completed by May 1 2004 was recommended. Randy Rapien, 215 Willow Street spoke in
support. No further public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 524 South Webb Road. (RE. and
Bev J. Burhoop) Gary Mader, Utilities Department Director reported that acquisition of a utility
easement located at 524 South Webb Road, was required in order to have access to install,
upgrade, maintain, and repair power appurtenances. This easement would be used to locate a
new transformer. No public testimony was heard.
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Page 4, City Council Regular Meeting, November 18, 2003
Public Hearing on Changes to the Grand Island Zoning Map for Property Proposed for Platting
as EI Huerto Subdivision Located South of Capital Avenue and East of St. Paul Road from T A
Transitional Agricultural to RD Residential Development. Chad Nabity, Regional Planning
Director reported that Ward F. Hoppe, as the owner was requesting a change of zoning for
property located south of Capital Avenue and east of Saint Paul Road. This application proposed
to change the zoning from T A Transitional Agricultural to RD Residential Development. This
change was in conformance with the Grand Island Comprehensive Plan. The applicant for the
RD zone was required to submit both the preliminary and final plat to the Planning Commission
and City Council for approval with the application to rezone the property. Approval to rezone the
property was predicated upon approval of the development concept displayed on the preliminary
and final plats. The Regional Planning Commission at their regular meeting held October 1, 2003
voted to approve and recommend the Grand Island City Council approve this amendment to the
Grand Island Zoning Map with 8 members voting in favor and 2 members voting against. The
Regional Planning Commission split a vote on approval of the preliminary and final plats with a
5 members voting in favor of approval and 5 members voting against approval. Fred Hoppe
developer of this property from Lincoln, Nebraska spoke in support commenting on the width of
the streets. Bill Weese, 917 East 13th Street spoke in opposition with concerns of access on
narrow streets for public safety. No further public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Purchase of Yeager Property Located at 30000 East Bismark Road Adjoining
to the South Side of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Carole Yeager) Steve Riehle, Public
Works Department Director reported that Carole Yeager owned the property south of the Grand
Island Wastewater Treatment Plant and had offered to sell this property to the City for the
assessed value. The City's consultant for the wastewater treatment plant had recommended that
the city purchase properties that adjoin the wastewater treatment plant as they become available
to help create a buffer zone around the facility. The proposed property included a gravel pit and a
dwelling house. The property was also adjacent to the east side of the Kennel Club property. The
Kennel Club Property was referred to the planning commission at the last City Council meeting
for a recommendation on annexation. No public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 2903 East Highwav 30. (James &
Donna Allen) Gary Mader, Utilities Department Director reported that acquisition of a utility
easement located at 2903 East Highway 30, was required in order to have access to install,
upgrade, maintain, and repair power appurtenances. This easement would be used to relocate an
overhead primary line to feed lots five and six. No public testimony was heard.
ORDINANCES:
Motion was made by Pielstick, second by Walker, to approve Ordinance #8863 on Final
Reading.
#8863 - Consideration of Annexation of Property Being Platted as Smith Acres
Subdivision, Located North of Capital Avenue and West of Saint Paul Road
I Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
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Page 5, City Council Regular Meeting, November 18, 2003
Councilmember Pielstick made the motion that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read
by title on three different days be suspended and that ordinances numbered:
#8867 - Consideration of Creation of Water Main District No. 446T, Kentish Hills
Subdivision
#8868 - Consideration of Assessments for Sanitary Sewer District No. 505, North of
Highway 30 and West of Stuhr Road
#8869 - Consideration of Assessments for Sanitary Sewer District No. 508, West of
Highway 281 and North of Husker Highway
#8870 - Consideration of Assessments for Street Improvement District No. 1239, Gold
Core Drive in Platte Valley Industrial Park
#8871 - Consideration of Change of Land Use Designation for Property Proposed for
Platting as EI Huerto Subdivision Located South of Capital Avenue and East of St. Paul
Road from T A Transitional Agricultural to RD Residential Development
#8872 - Consideration of Correction of Assessments for Business Improvement District
No.5
#8873 - Consideration of Amendment to Salary Ordinance Relative to Victim Assistance
Unit Coordinator
#8874 - Consideration of Amending Chapter 2 of the Grand Island City Code Relative to
Community Redevelopment Authority
#8875 - Consideration of Amending Chapter 2-61 of the Grand Island City Code
Relative to the Community Development Advisory Board
#8876 - Consideration of Amending Chapter 19-3 of the Grand Island City Code
Relative to the Library Board
be considered for passage on the same day upon reading by number only and that the City Clerk
be permitted to call out the number of these ordinances on first reading and then upon final
passage and call for a roll call vote on each reading and then upon final passage. Councilmember
Homady seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor: Is there anyone in the audience interested in these Ordinances? No public comment was
heard.
Motion was made by Homady, second by Walker to approve Ordinances #8867, #8868, #8869,
#8870, #8872 and #8873.
City Clerk: Ordinances #8867, #8868, #8869, #8870, #8872 and #8873 on first reading. All
those in favor of the passage of these ordinances on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll
call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinances #8867, #8868, #8869, #8870, #8872 and #8873 on final passage. All
those in favor of the passage of these ordinances on final passage, answer roll call vote. Upon
roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
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Page 6, City Council Regular Meeting, November 18, 2003
Mayor: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon final passage, Ordinances
#8867, #8868, #8869, #8870, #8872 and #8873 are declared to be lawfully passed and adopted
upon publication as required by law.
Motion was made by Nickerson to approve Ordinance #8871 for a change of zone, the
preliminary and final plats contingent on the developer resubmitting the plans with the streets
dedicated to the public and built to the minimum (37 foot) Grand Island standard for residential
public street. Second by Pielstick.
#8871 - Consideration of Change of Land Use Designation for Property Proposed for
Platting as El Huerto Subdivision Located South of Capital Avenue and East of St. Paul
Road from T A Transitional Agricultural to RD Residential Development
Approving Preliminary Plat for El Huerto Subdivision. It was noted that Ward F Hoppe,
owner, had submitted the preliminary plat for El Huerto, located south of Capital Avenue
and east of Saint Paul Road for the proposed development of 115 lots.
#2003-337 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for El Huerto Subdivision.
It was noted that Ward F Hoppe, owner, had submitted the final plat for El Huerto
Subdivision, located south of Capital Avenue and east of Saint Paul Road for the
proposed development of 46 lots.
Discussion was held with regards to the width of streets, difficulty and inconvenience of narrow
streets for emergency vehicles, costs of homes in this area, city standards for subdivisions and
backyard buffer zones. Developer Fred Hoppe commented on this being an ideal location
because of the schools, water and sewer access.
City Clerk: Ordinance #8871 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, Councilmembers Meyer, Whitesides,
Pielstick, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady, Walker, and Haase voted aye. Councilmember
Gilbert voted no. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #8871 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, Councilmembers Meyer, Whitesides,
Pielstick, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady, Walker, and Haase voted aye. Councilmember
Gilbert voted no. Motion adopted.
Mayor: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon final passage, Ordinance
#8871 is declared to be lawfully passed and adopted upon publication as required by law.
Motion was made by Hornady, second by Cornelius to approve Ordinance #8874.
#8874 - Consideration of Amending Chapter 2 of the Grand Island City Code Relative to
Community Redevelopment Authority
A lengthy discussion was held concerning the residency requirements, 2 mile jurisdiction, role of
the City as it related to the CRA, state statutes, and other boards with similar requirements. Also
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Page 7, City Council Regular Meeting, November 18,2003
discussed were changes to the reference of the Community Projects Department which was to be
deleted and the addition of a City Council liaison.
Tom O'Neill, 802 West Stolley Park Road commented on the discussion by council and
supported the council taking more time to review this issue. John Luna, 712 East 8th Street
supported the residency requirement.
Motion was made by Pielstick, second by Walker to amend the motion to delete the wording in
the ordinance that read "or reside within two (2) miles of the corporate boundaries of the City of
Grand Island". Upon roll call vote, Councilmembers Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, Pauly,
Walker, and Haase voted aye. Councilmembers Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, and Hornady
voted no. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #8874 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, Councilmembers Meyer, Whitesides,
Pielstick, Pauly, Walker, and Haase voted aye. Councilmembers Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius,
and Hornady voted no. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #8874 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, Councilmembers Meyer, Whitesides,
Pielstick, Pauly, Walker, and Haase voted aye. Councilmembers Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius,
and Hornady voted no. Motion adopted.
Mayor: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon final passage, Ordinance
#8874 is declared to be lawfully passed and adopted upon publication as required by law.
Motion was made by Hornady, second by Pielstick to deny Ordinance #8875.
#8875 - Consideration of Amending Chapter 2-61 of the Grand Island City Code
Relative to the Community Development Advisory Board
Discussion was held with regards to studying this Ordinance and Ordinance #8876 at a study
seSSIOn.
#8876 - Consideration of Amending Chapter 19-3 of the Grand Island City Code
Relative to the Library Board
Motion was made by Hornady, second by Pauly to refer Ordinances #8875 and #8876 to a Study
Session. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Motion by Nickerson, second by Cornelius to approve the Request of Randy and Marianne
Rapien for a Conditional Use Permit with the condition that landscaping would be completed by
May 6, 2004. Upon roll call voted, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
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Page 8, City Council Regular Meeting, November 18, 2003
Approving Request of Randy and Marianne Rapien for a Conditional Use Permit for a Dealer
Used Car Lot Located at 215 Willow Street.
Motion by Homady, second by Haase, carried unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda,
excluding items G-6, G-9, and G-I0 which had been voted upon earlier. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
Receipt of Official Document - Civil Service Minutes of October 14,2003.
Receipt of Official Document - Tort Claim Filed by Jerry and Pamela Miller.
Approving Minutes of November 4, 2003 City Council Regular Meeting.
Approving Request of Terry Carlson, 647 Swan Lane, for Liquor Manager Designation for
Skagway Discount Department Stores, 1607 South Locust Street.
Approving Request of Union Pacific Railroad for a Conditional Use Permit for a Skid-Mounted
Shed Located at 1219~ North Front Street.
#2003-335 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 524 South Webb Road. (RE.
and Bev J. Burhoop)
#2003-336 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 2903 East Highway 30.
(James and Donna Allen)
#2003-338 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Smith Acres Subdivision. It
was noted that Helen Smith, owner, had submitted the final plat for Smith Acres, located north of
Capital Avenue and west of Saint Paul Road for the proposed development of 1 lot.
#2003-339 - Approying Final Plat and Subdiyision Agreement for Equestrian Meadows
Subdivision. It was noted that Equestrian Meadows LLC, owners, had submitted the final plat for
Equestrian Meadows Subdivision, located south of Stolley Park Road and east of South Locust
Street for the proposed development of 6 lots.
#2003-340 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Pomona Farms Subdivision. It
was noted that Ann Martin and Douglas Axford, owners, had submitted the final plat for Pomona
Farms Subdivision, located north of Quail Lane and west of Pheasant Drive for the proposed
development of 1 lot.
#2003-341 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Stoltenberg Acres
Subdivision. It was noted that Wayne Stoltenberg, owner, had submitted the final plat for
Stoltenberg Acres Subdivision, located north of Airport Road and west of North Road for the
proposed development of 2 lots.
#2003-342 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Westroads Estates Fifth
Subdivision. It was noted that Diane Quandt, Laura & William Boersen, owners, had submitted
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Page 9, City Council Regular Meeting, November 18, 2003
the final plat for Westroads Estates Fifth Subdivision, located south of Husker Highway and west
of Summer Drive for the proposed development of 1 lot.
#2003-343 - Approving Correction of Assessments and Budget Adiustment for Business
Improvement District No.5.
#2003-344 - Approving Request to Move Forward with Implementation of Canine Unit.
#2003-345 - Approving Acquisition of Property Located at 3000 East Bismark Road Adioining
the South Side of the Waste Water Treatment Plant from Carole Yeager.
#2003-346 - Approving Purchase of (3) ~ Ton Trucks for Engineering, Underground and
Storeroom Divisions of the Utilities Department through State Contract with Anderson Ford of
Lincoln, Nebraska in an Amount of $60,570.00.
#2003-347 - Approving Bid Award for Water Extension District 445 and Water Main District
446T with Starostka Group of Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of$142,814.51.
#2003-348 - Approving Contract with Green Leaf Lawn Service of Grand Island, Nebraska for
Parking Ramp in an Amount of $360 per month for the months of April through October, and
$50 per month for the months of November through March, plus the sum of $85 per hour for
snow removal and $15 per hour for additional special maintenance and Downtown Parking
District No.1 in an Amount of $954 per month for the months of April through October, and
$132.50 per month for the months of November through March, plus the sum of $85 per hour for
snow removal and $15 per hour for additional special maintenance.
#2003-349 - Approving Agreement with Kirkham Michael & Associates, Inc. of Omaha,
Nebraska in an Amount not to Exceed $16,600.00.
#2003-350 - Approving Authorization of Business Improvement Board to Administer Funds
Collected for BID #3.
#2003-351 - Approving Authorization of Business Improvement Board to Administer Funds
Collected for BID #4.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Cornelius, second by Haase, carried unanimously to approve the Claims for the period
of November 5,2003 through November 18,2003, for a total amount of $2,244,849.42. Motion
adopted.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Page 10, City Council Regular Meeting, November 18,2003
+<~ W~
RaN ae Edwards
City Clerk