11/16/2004 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
November 16, 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 16, 2004. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
November 10, 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, Pauly,
Homady, Walker, and Haase. 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:
· Police Officer Steve Rathman's convalescence at St. Francis and the Coin Drive on his
behalf from a hit and run motor vehicle accident.
· Homecoming for LCpl Marcus Martinez on Friday, November 19,2004 at Central Plains
Chapter of the Red Cross.
· Saturday, November 20, 2004 Fine Arts Performance at College Park.
· Recognized Councilmember Bob Meyer, Fred Whitesides, and Don Pauly who served in
the Armed Forces.
Presentation of Aquatic Study: Steve Paustian, Parks and Recreation Director reported that in
June, 2004 the City Council entered into an agreement with The C. T. Brannon Corporation of
Tyler, Texas to prepare a study of aquatic facilities in Grand Island. Mr. Paustian introduced
Calvin "Terry" Brannon, Aquatic Consultant with The C.T. Brannon Corporation.
Mr. Brannon complemented the City on the water park and that the City was on the leading edge
of these types of facilities. Presented were the findings of the study. The study was broken down
into the following phases:
· Facility Inventory
· Public Participation
· Needs Assessment
· Construction Methods
· None Construction Methods
The following specific needs were presented and discussed:
Lincoln Pool - pool is obsolete in its design and poorly attended, but has broad community
support in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Recommended keeping open thru 2005, replace with
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, November 16,2004
modem pool, add the following features: shade, play features, children's play, zero entry, new
bath house.
Island Oasis - recommended an ambitious ten year plan with new features, remove outdated
features, and expand. Expansion ideas included addition of a children's water park with
children's themes, a thrill ride called a Master Blaster, a roller coaster tube slide, additional
restroom facilities, addition of a large group pavilion, multi-level play area, add bowl slide, and a
lagoon pool suitable for median to older adults.
Capital Heights - recommended immediate creation of a joint facilities committee to advance the
idea of a common facility for housing recreation needs in addition to therapeutic, leisure, and
competition aquatics. Recommended the facility be furnished with two or more indoor pools and
an outdoor leisure pool.
L.E. Ray Lake - recommended swimming be suspended and the facility be developed as a
recreational area with RV camping, pad camping, picnicking, walking trails, and fishing and
boating. Recommended construction of an improved boat ramp and parking area for vehicles
with boat trailers.
Pier Park. Grace Abbott Park. Stolley Park and Lincoln Park - recommended gradually
converting the shallow, splash-wading pools to non-ponded splash play-grounds with appropriate
interactive fountains and play platforms over the next 10 to 12 years.
Non-Structural Issues - recommendations to the staff on day-to-day management of the pools,
especially with regard to marketing.
Discussed was the top priority of C.T. Brannon to fix Lincoln Pool with regards to the cloudy
water caused by the filtration system. Neighborhood pools were discussed. Typically pools do
not make money, but are a benefit to the citizens of the City.
Mr. Paustian commented that this issue would be brought back to Council for a decision of
whether or not to follow this study and continue with a program for improving the aquatic
facilities within the City.
Presentation of One and Five Year Plan for Sidewalk Installation: Steve Riehle, Public Works
Director reported that City staff reviewed maps using the Geographic Information System that
showed areas having sidewalks and areas lacking sidewalks. The review concentrated on
pedestrian traffic generators, in fill gaps, and walks along busy streets.
Mr. Riehle stated staff could administer approximately 25,000 feet of sidewalk each year or
approximately 150 properties. With 619,041 feet of sidewalk remaining, it would take 20 to 25
additional years to complete.
Reviewed were the major areas for sidewalk in the One and Five Year Plan. Mr. Riehle stated
the intent was to bring this issue to a future council meeting for the approval of the proposed
2005 and 2006 Sidewalk Plan. It was the consensus of Council to bring back the 2005 and 2006
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Page 3, City Council Study Session, November 16,2004
Sidewalk Plan for Council approval at the November 23, 2004 City Council Regular meeting.
Discussion was held concerning water and sewer services and widening Capital Avenue and the
installation of sidewalks. It was recommended that a sidewalk on one side of the street in all
areas of Grand Island be encouraged.
City Administrator Gary Greer recommended giving residents six months instead of one year to
put in their sidewalks. Several Councilmembers commented against shortening the time frame.
Also discussed was the cost of sidewalks which was between $8.00 - $10.00 per running foot if
installed by a contractor and half that cost if the homeowner did the work themselves. Chad
Nabity, Regional Planning Director commented on the size of lots. It was suggested that Public
Works send letters to those homeowners a year or two in advance to let them know when
sidewalks would be required. Craig Lewis, Building Department Director commented that
regulations required new construction to put in sidewalks.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk