10/19/2004 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
October 19,2004
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
October 19, 2004. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on October
13,2004.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmembers Meyer, Pielstick, Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady,
Walker, and Haase. Councilmember Whitesides was absent. The following City Officials were
present: City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Finance Director David Springer, and City Attorney Doug
Walker
Discussion Concerning Public Building Commission: City Attorney Doug Walker reported that
to facilitate the construction of the one-half cent sales tax projects which included an addition to
the City Library, Fire Station #1, and a Law Enforcement Facility, the City was proposing that a
non-profit corporation be established.
It was recommended that the City establish the Grand Island Facilities Corporation. This non-
profit corporation would be authorized to issue tax exempt bonds to construct facilities and be
authorized to do lease purchase arrangements with the City of Grand Island.
Mr. Walker stated the following advantages of a non-profit corporation:
1. A subsequent vote of the people would not be required to issue tax exempt bonds.
The ballot language approved on May 11, 2004 specifically included the Library
Expansion, Fire Station #1, and Law Enforcement Center projects.
2. The non-profit corporation would have greater flexibility in contractual
arrangements with contractors and other professionals for construction of the
facilities. It would enhance the City's ability to contain costs by using a
designlbuild process instead of the design/bidlbuild process.
Mr. Walker explained the by-laws and articles of corporation. Discussion was held concerning
the terms of the board members, number of board members, and their responsibilities. It was
stated that there would be no compensation to the board members. Mayor Vavricek commented
on the scope of the Public Building Commission. Explained was the concept of design/build
versus design/bidlbuild.
Lewis Kent, 624 East Meves spoke in support and requested Council use caution on each project.
Update on Library Facilitv Renovation/Expansion Proiect: Michael Kneale, President of the
Library Board of Trustees updated the Mayor and City Council on the Library Facility
Page 2, City Council Study Session, October 19,2004
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Renovation/Expansion Project. Several members of the Library Board and Board of Directors
were present for the presentation.
The Library Facility Committee had established three major objectives for its work: 1) Architect
selection; 2) Development of a building program; and 3) Overview throughout design,
construction, and post-construction.
The following list was presented of the Library Project Milestone Review and Projections:
1997
2000
2000
2001
2001
2002
2003
OS/2004
OS/2004
I 11/2004
12/2004
01/2005
07/2005
09/2005
12/2006
Library Strategic Plan identified need for future expansion of library facilities
Building Consultant David Smith produced initial "Space Needs and Alternatives
Study"
Community Survey conducted to gauge use of and interest in library services
Library Feasibility Committee formed with citizen representation to determine
feasibility of expanding library facilities
Clark Enersen Partners' Phase I Feasibility Study concluded
Short term renovations concluded to provide computer lab and study room
services
Library Board held monthly post-renovation public meetings to update plans for
future expansion
1/2% Sales Tax issue approved with library project included
David Smith issued final Space Needs and Alternatives Study report with updated
findings
RFP issuance
City Council approval of architect
Library Building Program document approval and work commences with
architect
Conclusion of Design phase of project
Construction documents finalized and construction commences
Construction completed
Mr. Kneale stated that Mr. Fosselman would be the project director throughout design,
construction and post-construction of the library expansion project. Discussion was held
concerning acquiring property to the west of the library for parking.
Library Director Steve Fosselman commented on a list of people who had helped out since the
inspection of the library expansion project. Mr. Fosselman stated a community survey would be
conducted in the near future.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Qof'leu- ffi~
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City Clerk
RaNae Edwards