11/02/2004 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
November 2,2004
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
November 2,2004. Notice ofthe meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on October
27,2004.
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, Hornady,
Walker, and Haase. Councilmember Pauly was absent. The following City Officials were
present: City Administrator Gary Greer, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Public Works Director
Steve Riehle, Finance Director David Springer, and City Attorney Doug Walker
Mayor Communication: Mayor Vavricek commented on the following:
1.
Acknowledged Gary Greer for his work on the Wood River Diversion flood plain
maps
Acknowledged Police Department for 100% employee donation to the United Way
Grand Island Fire Prevention Week
Acknowledged Case New Holland improvements
International Visitors
Press release regarding Public Facilities Corporation
2.
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6.
Discussion Concerning Code Compliance Proposal: Police Chief Kyle Hetrick reported that at
the request of City Administration, the Police Department had submitted a proposal concerning
increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of code enforcement for the City of Grand Island.
Introduced were Captain Robert Falldorf and Sergeant Dennis Osterman.
Proposed was transferring the code compliance duties to the Grand Island Police Department and
incorporating those duties within the present job description of the GIPD Community Service
Officer (CSO). Chief Hetrick explained the duties of the CSO's. After studying the costs and
methodology of the existing code compliance apparatus, the study showed that the Police
Department could hire 3 to 4 part-time CSO's, double the hours of enforcement to include
scheduling their hours during evenings and weekends, for less money than was presently being
paid.
Presented was an analysis of cost comparisons and savings with regards to the number of CSO's
hired. Training and recruitment was discussed. Chief Hetrick stated with Council approval, two
months would be sufficient time to transfer the code compliance duties to the Police Department.
Chief Hetrick recommended hiring 3 addition CSO' s and buying two additional vehicles if Code
Compliance was moved to the Police Department.
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, November 2, 2004
Council discussion was held with regards to contacting violators in person, having more than one
person working code compliance, an educational approach, communication, efficiency, and cost
effectiveness. Council requested this item be brought back to a regular council meeting for
approval.
Gene Dominick, 221 East First Street spoke in support.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7;32 p.m.
PDlU- U2w~
City Clerk
RaNae Edwards