02/15/2005 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
February 15,2005
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
February 15, 2005. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
February 9, 2005.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmember's Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, Gilbert, Nickerson, 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
Mayor Communication: Mayor Vavricek commented on several council members attending the
League of Municipalities conference held in Lincoln, Nebraska the last two days.
Presentation by BKD. LLP Relative to Fiscal Year 20054 Electric and Water Audit Reports.
David Springer, Finance Director introduced Roger Watton from BKD, LLP to give the audit
reports. Mr. Watton stated that these were unqualified opinions and there were no weaknesses
with the internal control. Highlighted was the water fund relative to reserves, capital, and this
being a very stable account. Also mentioned were the electric fund and the pay down of debts.
Rate increase was mentioned as a positive move for the city and a slight reduction in revenues
before the rates took affect. Mr. Springer commented on the rate increase being implemented due
to the cost of coal.
Presentation of Proposed Code Amendments and Adoption of the 2003 Addition of the
International Building Codes and International Fire Codes. Craig Lewis, Building Department
Director reported that for generations the City of Grand Island had adopted and enforced codes
which regulate the construction of buildings within the Grand Island jurisdictional area. The City
currently has adopted and enforced the 1997 Uniform Building code. Mentioned was the
Building Code Advisory Board.
Mr. Lewis stated the City of Grand Island's Building Code Advisory Board had reviewed the
2003 International Building Code and the 2003 International Residential Code and recommended
adoption with the revisions outlined in Chapter 8 of the City Code.
Some of the changes to the code were fire sprinkler systems, exits of buildings, energy code
efficiencies (which will be brought back at a later date for Council approval), and residential
code.
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, February 15,2005
Fred Hotz, Fire Prevention Division Chief reported that internationally, code officials recognized
the need for a modem, up-to-date fire code addressing conditions hazardous to life and property
from fire, explosion, handling, or use of hazardous materials and the use and occupancy of
buildings and premises. He stated the International Fire Code 2003 edition was designed to meet
those needs.
Mr. Hotz stated the City currently had adopted and enforced the 1991 Uniform Fire Code which
in many respects was outdated. He stated it was important to adopt and enforce the International
Fire Code (IFC) which safeguards the public health and safety of the community. Mr. Hotz
emphasized the importance of working the fire code and building codes together. Local codes
could be more restrictive than the State codes.
Discussion was held with regards to the changes III code that would affect downtown
redevelopment.
Discussion Concerning Changes to the Grand Island City Code. Doug Walker, City Attorney
reported that during the course of the last several months, city staff had noticed that a number of
existing code sections were outdated and either needed to be revised or removed from the City
Code. This process would be done periodically throughout the year when the need arised.
The following was presented proposing changes to the City Code:
Chapter 2 - Administration
. Delete references to the Community Projects Director, Community Development
Division, Downtown Development Division, and Community Projects Department
. Reinstate that the City Administrator will designate a person to serve as the director and
ex-officio secretary of the Community Redevelopment Authority
Councilmember Gilbert thanked the Chamber of Commerce for administrating the CRA and
encouraged a strong community participation on the board.
Chapter 13 - Downtown and Business Improvement Districts
. Delete references to the Community Projects Department Director and the Downtown
Development Division
. Delete the sentence waiving the residential parking permit fee and change location of
where an application is made to the Police Department
Chapter 20 - Miscellaneous Offenses
. Remove Section 2 and add Section 20-19 relative to volume control changing distance
from 50 feet to 100 feet from the source
Discussion was held with regards to enforcement being subjective. Mr. Walker stated disturbing
the peace ordinances would also be used. Police Chief Kyle Hetrick commented on having the
tools to be able to enforce these ordinances and felt these changes would allow the Police
Department to use discretion and enhance enforcement.
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Page 3, City Council Study Session, February 15,2005
Tarl Carpenter, 1203 West 1 st Street spoke in support.
Chapter 22 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic
. Change parking Ordinance prohibiting people from parking in one location upon the city
street or on any public free parking lot from 24 hours to 72 hours
Discussion was held on the overly restrictive 24 hour parking regulations that had been on the
books for several years and the need to update them. Chief Hetrick explained the process of
enforcement as ticket-ticket-tow and that enforcement was done through the Code Enforcement
Division of the Police Department. Also mentioned was the vacation house check service which
the Police Department provided. Public Works Director Steve Riehle commented on odd - even
parking during snow emergency which would add two days for snow removal.
Gerald Spencer, 320 East 21st Street, Tarl Carpenter, 1203 West 1st Street, and Michael Davis,
1123 West 1 st Street spoke in support.
Chapter 27 - Procurement
. Delete provision against disclosing the identity of offerers when the city seeks sealed
proposals
. Name and address of the offerers would be open for public inspection
. All proposals would be open for public inspection after the award of the contract
Chapter 34 - Telecommunications and Public Transportation
. Delete all code sections relating to taxi cab companies and taxi cab driver permits
Department of Health References
. Delete references to the Grand Island-Hall County Health Department throughout City
Code and insert the Central District Health Department
. Delete references relating to the Health Department in the fee schedule
Councilmember Pielstick recommended that these changes be brought back to Council as soon
as possible for approval.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
QD~ ffi~
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk