08/10/2004 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
August 10, 2004
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 August 10,2004. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
August 4, 2004.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmembers Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, Gilbert, Nicerkson, Cornelius, Pauly,
Hornady, Walker, and Haase. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator
Gary Greer, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Finance Director David Springer, Public Works
Director Steve Riehle, and City Attorney Doug Walker.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was said followed by the INVOCATION given by Associate
Pastor Allan Davis, Independent Bethel Baptist Church, 1223 East 6th Street.
RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS: One individual reserved time to speak on
agenda items.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS:
Recognition of Gary Mader for 30 Years of Service with the City. The Mayor and City Council
recognized Utilities Director Gary Mader for 30 years of service with the City. Human
Resources Director Brenda Sutherland commented on Mr. Mader's service. Mr. Mader was
present to receive the recognition certificate.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearing on Proposed FY 2004-2005 City Single Budget. City Administrator Gary Greer
gave an overview of the 2004-2005 Budget. Mentioned was that Grand Island was a vibrant,
dynamic community that was experiencing growth in several areas, the May 11, 2004 Election
increasing the sales tax by 1/2%, and organizational changes in the administrative area
eliminating the Community Projects Department and creating a Public Information Department.
Mr. Greer stated that overall it appeared that the financial health of Grand Island would continue
to be strong for the next year.
Fiscal Summary:
Mr. Greer stated the total 2004-05 budget was project to be $116,466,078. This was $15,685,911
or 11.9% less than what was proposed in the 2003-04 budget.
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Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, August lO, 2004
Property Taxes:
The proposed property tax requirement for the 2004-05 budget year was $4,573,903 or 30.69%
less than the 2004-04 requirement of $6,599,570. The City of Grand Island certified valuation for
2004 was estimated at $1,829,562,627, which would propose a property tax levy for the 2004-05
budget year at $.25 per $100 of valuation, approximately $.12154 less than the 2003-04 levy.
User Fees:
Mentioned was the User Fee schedule that was approved at the July 27, 2004 City Council
meeting which would assure property revenue for the departments for their services. Jackrabbit
Run Golf Course fees had been increased slightly. The comprehensive study of rates for the
Electric Department was mentioned as the costs had risen significantly due to the cost of raw
materials and federal regulation.
Compensation:
The following salary adjustments were included in the 2004-05 budget:
Non Union Employees 3%
IBEW 2.5%
FOP 3.5%
AFSCME 2.5%
IAFF 1.35% (average)
Benefits:
Two notable changes in benefits for the City employees were presented:
. Increase employee and employer health insurance premiums 10% - employees
would experience increased out of pocket costs to further contain cost
. Proposed increase for life insurance coverage from $30,000 to $50,000 per
employee - cost would be approximately $14,000
Staffing:
Mr. Greer stated that there would be a a.55 decrease in FTE's for the 2004-05 budget year.
Cash Balance:
Mr. Greer stated that it was extremely important to maintain cash balances in the City budget to
assure cash flow strength, promote prudent spending and to have adequate reserves in case of an
emergency. The 2005-05 budget included $32,346,567 in cash balance in all funds and
$5,909,327 in the general fund.
Notable Projects/Expenditures:
The following list of notable projects and expenditures were presented:
. $750,000 for economic development activities as determined by the Cities LB 840 plan
. Bond payments for the Heartland Events Center
. 2 unmarked ($38,000),6 marked ($156,000) Police vehicles along with 2 motorcycles to
replace law enforcement units
. $244,051 in the Police Department budget to continue to contract with the County for use
of the computerized law enforcement management system
. A replacement vehicle for the Engineering Department in the amount of $20,000
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Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting, August 10,2004
. The Street Department construction of a salt storage facility for $110,000, the
replacement of a snow blower $46,000, and backhoe $85,000
. Library will continue the automation system enhancement program for $35,000
. Parks Department planned to purchase a replacement mower for $17,500 and a Utility
Truck for $15,500
. Cemetery would replace a 3/4 ton Pickup for $28,000
. Public Information equipment upgrade for GITV $20,000 and City's website for $65,000
. A 3 year program to update the City's information network for $30,000
. Street Department planning to pave Claude Road for $210,000 and engineering costs for
replacing the Wood River Bridge at Blaine Street for $45,000
. $100,000 for the replacement of carpet at City Hall and $210,000 for upgrade of the
Grand Generation Center
. Street related bonded projects: South Locust bridges 4125R, $1,095,000; 4120R,
$1,060,000; and annual paving projects, $400,000. 75% of this cost will be reimbursed by
the State of Nebraska
. $50,000 for annual sidewalk projects
. Continued funding of the CAAP land development project for $500,000; $625,000 for
various Hike/Bike trails, and $100,000 for the Stolley Park Arboretum
. Fire Station #1, Fire Training Facility, Law Enforcement Center, and Library projects
initial stages of site acquisition & clearing $1,900,000; planning & design $399,000, and
construction $1,500,000 (112% sales tax capital projects)
. Solid Waste Transfer Station to add a truck storage bay for $90,000 and improve the
main building for $20,000
. $450,000 to replace compactor at the Landfill
. Electric Department upgrade of electrical system by investing $100,000 to increase
capacity of two sections of the 115kV transmission line to meet load growth and engage
in substation modifications for a total of $300,000
. Building improvements at the newly acquired Thompson building for $200,000 and coal
handling improvements to enhance operations, improve fire protection, and assure
compliance with applicable laws for $400,000
. Two replacement pick-ups for $25,000 and $35,000 for electrical operations and dispatch
center
. Integrated Resources Planning and Rate Study to determine possible electrical rate
changes for $30,000
. Expansion of electrical distribution substations E (north of the Swift facility) and F (north
of Menard's) for $200,000
. Water Department - $30,000 for a used dump truck and new electrical switchgear at the
well field pumping station for $100,000
. $620,000 for trunk line expansion for the Water Department and $250,000 for the Rogers
pumping station expansion
. Sewer Department - $30,000 compost spreader, $65,000 two replacement loaders,
$70,000 compost spreader truck, and $30,000 replace pick-up
Mr. Greer thanked the Department Directors and staff for the hard work in construction of the
2004-05 Budget.
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Page 4, City Council Regular Meeting, August 10, 2004
Pat Bell, Executive Director for the Central Nebraska Humane Society requested that the Council
reconsider the original request of $165,000 instead of the proposed $150,000. No further public
comment was received.
ORDINANCES:
Councilmember Pielstick made the motion that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read
by title on three different days be suspended and that ordinance numbered:
#8926 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance
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 fmal
passage and call for a roll call vote on each reading and then upon final passage. Councilmember
Hornady seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor: Is there anyone in the audience interested in this Ordinance? No public comment was
heard.
City Clerk: Ordinance #8926 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #8926 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon final passage, Ordinance
#8926 is declared to be lawfully passed and adopted upon publication as required by law.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Hornady, second by Cornelius, to approve the Consent
Agenda. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approving Minutes of July 27. 2004 City Council Regular Meeting. Councilmember Pauly
abstained.
Approving Re-appointments of Cindy Bennett and Bob Lowewenstein to the Community
Development Advisory Board.
Approving Re-appointment of Jack Rasmussen to Business Improvement District #3 and re-
appointments of Bryon Wheeler. Hugh Miner. and Roy Neneman to Business Improvement
District #4.
Approving Re-appointments of John O'Meara. Donald Skeen. and Steve Grubbs to the Building
Code Advisory Board.
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Page 5, City Council Regular Meeting, August 10,2004
Approving Re-appointments of Dr. Michael I. Horn. Lori Hock. and Joseph W. Cook to the
Library Board.
#2004-188 - Approvin~ Designation of Two Express Parking Zone Parking Spaces on the East
Side of the Downtown Center. 308 North Locust Street.
#2004-189 - Approving Continuation of Street Improvement District No. 1253; Island Circle.
West of Webb Road. in Lacy Subdivision.
#2004-190 - Approving Donation of the Street Department's Old V -Plow to Hall County.
#2004-191 - Approving Agreement with the Nebraska Department of Roads for Improvements
to the Intersection of U.S. Highway 30 and Engleman Road in an Amount to the City of
approximately $53.654.60.
#2004-192 - Approving Agreement for Engineering Consulting Services for Widening Stolley
Park Road. West of U.S. Highway 281 with Olsson Associates in an Amount not to exceed
$71.156.00.
#2004-193 - Approving Bid Award for Street Improvement District 1250; Edna Drive from
North Road West to Mabel Drive with I.LL. Asphalt Pavin~ Company of Grand Island.
Nebraska in an Amount of$27.165.11.
#2004-194 - Approving to Rescind Resolution #2003-272 with Regards to the Final Clarifier
Mechanisms for the Waste Water Treatment Plant. to a Correction Resolution. Public Works
Director Steve Riehle explained that there was an error on Resolution #2004-272 and Resolution
#2004-194 corrected that error.
#2004-195 - Approving Bid Award for Purchase of Liquid Ortho-Polyphosphate for Corrosion
Control- Water Department with CalciQuest. Inc. of Belmont. North Carolina in an Amount not
to exceed $80.820.00.
#2004-196 - Approving Bid Award for 28 Feeder Protection Relays with Wesco Distribution,
Inc. of Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of$81,706.80.
#2004-197 - Approving Phase II - Rogers Pumping Improvement Project with CH2M Hill of
Englewood, Colorado in an Amount not to exceed $138,418.40.
#2004-198 - Approving Annual A~reement with Munis, Inc. for Operating System & Database
Administration Support in an Amount of $16,725.83 and Annual Support Agreement and
License Agreement in an Amount of$61,739.28.
#2004-199 - Approving Contract for Employee Life Insurance Plan with Aetna Life Insurance
Company of Hartford, Connecticut.
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Page 6, City Council Regular Meeting, August to, 2004
#2004-200 - Approving Contract for Police and Fire Pension Administration Consultant with C.
William Joe of Omaha. Nebraska in an Amount not to exceed $12.500.00.
Councilmember Pielstick extended an invitation to everyone for the Grand Generation Center
ground breaking ceremony taking place on Saturday, August 14,2004 at the Grand Generation
Center.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Cornelius, second by Homady, carried unanimously to approve the Claims for the
period of July 28, 2004 through August 10, 2004, for a total amount of $2,679,878.62. Motion
adopted.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
QD~~
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk