03/22/2005 Minutes
I
I
I
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
March 22, 2005
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 March 22,2005. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
March 16,2005.
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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was said followed by the INVOCATION given by Pastor Gary
Schulte, Evangelical Free Church, 2609 South Blaine Street.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Vavricek listed the City Council Goals for 2005-2006 as
discussed at the Council Retreat. Mentioned was the Cities Conference that was held in
Washington, D.C. which was attended by Mayor Jay Vavricek, City Administrator Gary Greer,
and Councilmember Carole Cornelius. Also mentioned was the fact that Grand Island had sent
more care packages to the soldiers in Iraq than any other community as reported by Paul Harvey.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS:
Reco~nition of Robert Holmes. Computer Programmer. Finance Department for 35 Years of
Service with the City. Mayor Vavricek and the City Council recognized Robert Holmes,
Computer Programmer, Finance Department for 35 years of service with the City. Finance
Director David Springer commented on Mr. Holmes service. Mr. Holmes was present for the
recognition.
Proclamation "Child Abuse Prevention Month" April 2005. Mayor Vavricek proclaimed the
month of April, 2005 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month". June Oliphant and Kelli Czarnick-
Co-Chairwomen of the Child Abuse Prevention Month and Blue Ribbon Campaign were present
to receive the proclamation.
Proclamation "Community Development Week" March 28 - April 3. 2005. Mayor Vavricek
proclaimed the week of March 28 - April 3, 2005 as "Community Development Week".
Community Development Specialist Joni Kuzma was present to receive the proclamation.
I
I
I
Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, March 22, 2005
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 3604 South Blaine Street. (H & J
Investments) Gary Mader, Utilities Director reported that acquisition of a utility easement
located at 3604 South Blaine Street was required in order to have access to install, upgrade,
maintain, and repair power appurtenances, including lines and transformers. The easement would
be used to place underground cable and a junction box along the south side of Meadowlark
Estates. No public testimony was heard.
ORDINANCES:
Councilmember Hornady moved to approve Ordinance #8953 on Final Reading. Second by
Cornelius. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
#8953 - Consideration of Annexation of Land Proposed for Platting as Preisendorf
Subdivision Located North of Oklahoma Avenue and East of Washington Street (Final
Reading)
Councilmember Pielstick moved "that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by title
on three different days be suspended and that ordinances numbered:
#8963 - Consideration of Creation of Water Main District No. 449T - North Road and
Faidley Avenue
#8968 - Consideration of Creation of Sanitary Sewer No. 517, Deadwood Subdivision
near Johnstown Road and Arch Avenue
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 final
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.
A brief explanation was given on each Ordinance by Utilities Director Gary Mader and Public
Works Director Steve Riehle.
Motion by Pielstick, second by Meyer to approve Ordinances #8963 and #8968.
City Clerk: Ordinances #8963 and #8968 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of
these ordinances on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion
adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinances #8963 and #8968 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of
these ordinances on fmal passage, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye.
Motion adopted.
I
I
I
Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting, March 22, 2005
President Homady: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon final passage,
Ordinances #8963 and #8968 are declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
CONSENT AGENDA: Items G-4, G-14, and G-17 were pulled for further discussion. Motion by
Homady, second by Gilbert to approve the Consent Agenda excluding Items G-4, G-14, and G-
17. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approving Minutes of March 5, 2005 City Council Special Study Session (Retreat).
Approving Minutes of March 8, 2005 City Council Regular Meeting.
#2005-76 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Preisendorf Subdivision. It was
noted that Priesendorf Plumbing and Hearing, Inc. owner had submitted the final plat for
PreisendorfSubdivision, located on land comprising ofthe NW1I4 NE1I4 of Section 21-11-9 for
the purpose of subdividing it into 2 lots.
#2005-78 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement Located at 3604 South Blaine Street,
South of Highway 34. (H & J Investments)
#2005-79 - Approving Interlocal Cooperative Agreement for High Resolution Orthophotos
Proiect with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Central Platte Natural
Resources District, Kearney, Hastings, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, Lancaster County, and Scottsbluff
County.
#2005-80 - Approving Agreement to Furnish Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment with Troian
Technologies, Inc. in an Amount of$634,110.00.
#2005-81 - Approving Bid A ward for One Tandem Articulating Vibratory Roller for the Street
& Transportation Division with NSC Equipment of Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of
$25,806.00.
#2005-82 - Approving Bid Award for Street Improvement Proiect 2005-P-l; Concrete Paving on
Clause Road for Approximately V-l Mile North of Old Highway 30 with The Diamond
Engineering Company of Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of $139,623.85.
#2005-83 - Approving Agreement for On-Call Engineering Consulting Services for Waste
Water Division with CH2M Hill or Denver, Colorado.
#2005-84 - Approving Correction to Resolution #2005-62 Regarding Street Improvement
District No. 1255; Independence Avenue, Shanna Street & Lariat Lane. It was noted that the bid
amount of $416,354.66 awarded to A & R Construction Co. of Plainview, Nebraska was
corrected.
#2005-85 - Approving Removal of the Handicap Parking Stall in Front of 522 West I st Street,
Northeast Comer of 1 st Street and Elm Street.
I
I
I
Page 4, City Council Regular Meeting, March 22, 2005
#2005-86 - Approving Change Order No.5 to the Grand Generation Center Renovation and
Expansion Proiect with Starostka GrouP. Inc. of Grand Island. Nebraska for an Increase of
$2.631.50 and an Adiusted Contract Amount of $609.088.75.
#2005-88 - Approving Authorization for Mayor to Execute Development Agreement and Loan
Documents with Standard Iron. Inc. and the Demeules Family Limited Partnership.
#2005-89 - Approving Supplemental Agreement for Overhead Power Line Encroachment and
Crossing Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company in an Amount of$1.500.00.
#2005-91 - Approving Agreement with Grand Island Softball Association.
#2005-92 - Approving Change Order No.1 to the Contract for Heartland Public Shooting Park
with Hooker Brothers Construction of Grand Island. Nebraska for a Decrease of$110.500.00 and
a Revised Contract Amount of $573.650.00.
#2005-93 - Approving Contract for Design and Engineering Services for Island Oasis Expansion
with Olsson Associates of Grand Island. Nebraska in an Amount not to exceed $42.700.00.
#2005-77 - Approving Contract for Property Room. Com with Property Bureau. Inc.
Councilmember Pielstick questioned the advertisement of the auctions. Police Chief Kyle
Hetrick reported that the auctions were published in the Grand Is/and Independent only, due to
cost and that there had been good turnouts at the auctions.
Motion by Pielstick, second by Whitesides to send this issue to a Study Session. Chief Hetrick
commented on storage issues, the benefits of selling over the internet, and the 1 year agreement.
Upon roll call vote, Councilmember's Pielstick and Whitesides voted aye. Councilmember's
Meyer, Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady, Walker, and Haase voted no. Motion
failed.
Motion by Gilbert, second by Nickerson to approve Resolution #2005-77. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmember's Meyer, Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady, Walker, and Haase
voted aye. Councilmember's Pielstick and Whitesides voted no. Motion adopted.
#2005-87 - Approving Contract for Carpet Replacement for Suite 3 with Color Tile & Carpet of
Grand Island. Nebraska in an Amount of $24.459.68. Councilmember Pielstick questioned the 4
week installation of Johnson Cash-Way and their bid being lower than the other two bids
received. Craig Lewis, Building Department Director explained the importance of a 1 week
installation submitted by Color Tile & Carpet.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Hornady to approve Resolution #2005-87. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmember's Meyer, Whitesides, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady, Walker, and Haase
voted aye. Councilmember's Pielstick and Gilbert voted no. Motion adopted.
I
I
I
Page 5, City Council Regular Meeting, March 22, 2005
#2005-90 - Approving Agreement with Northwest Baseball/Softball Association in an Amount
of $2.875.00. Councilmember Pielstick commented on problems at the little league games were
the ball field lights were turned off before the players could leave. Parks & Recreation Director
Steve Paustian stated these concerns should be brought forward to the Association and then to
the Parks & Recreation Department if there were no results.
Motion by Hornady, Second by Cornelius to approve Resolution #2005-90. Upon roll call vote,
all voted aye. Motion adopted.
RESOLUTIONS:
#2005-94 - Approving Acceptance of Site and Need Study and City Administration
Recommendation for Fire Station # 1. Fire Chief Jim Rowell reported that over the last few
months the City had moved forward with plans to replace Fire Station #1. A committee was
formed to manage the process and guide public discussion. This resulted in a Site and Needs
Study being presented by RDG Schutte Wilscam Birge, Inc., BKV Group, and Emergency
Services Consulting, Inc at the March 1, 2005 Study Session.
City recommendation at that meeting was to build one fire station without headquarters at the
Fonner Park location, pay cash for the facility, and to continue to study the need for a fire station
in the northeast portion of the City.
Gwen Reed, 2227 West 7th Street spoke in opposition. Gloria Otradovsky, 822 E. Delaware
spoke in support of a new Fire Station just not at the Dodge Parking lot.
Motion by Meyer, second by Pielstick to approve Resolution #2005-94 using strategy F as
recommended by the consulting firm with the following conditions:
1. Fire Station 1 to be built at the Fonner Park Site.
2. Two years after completion of Fire Station 1 the City build a second Fire Station sharing
the Lions Club Park thus completing strategy F.
Discussion was held with regards to using current Fire Station # 1 as an ambulance only station
until the second station was built. Also discussed were response times.
Motion by Hornady, second by Gilbert to amend the motion to delete the Lions Club Park
location reference. Upon roll call vote, Councilmember's Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly,
and Hornady voted aye. Councilmember's Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, Walker, and Haase
voted no. The Mayor chose not to cast an affirmative vote. Motion failed.
Motion by Whitesides to utilize Fire Station #1 for ambulance only services. Motion died due to
lack of a second.
A lengthy discussion was held with regards to response times, location of Fire Station #1, and
ambulance services at the current Fire Station #1 and Fire Station #2.
I
I
I
Page 6, City Council Regular Meeting, March 22, 2005
Upon roll call vote of the original motion, Councilmember's Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, and
Haase voted yes. Councilmember's Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady, and Walker
voted no. Motion failed.
Motion by Walker, second by Cornelius to approve Resolution #2005-94 as originally presented.
Upon roll call vote, Councilmember's Gilbert, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady, Walker, and Haase
voted aye. Councilmember's Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, and Nickerson voted no. Motion
adopted.
Mayor Vavricek moved, second by Hornady to take a 10 minute recess at 8:35p.m. Motion
adopted.
Council reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
#2005-95 - Approving Acceptance of Site and Need Study and City Administration
Recommendation for Fire Training Center Facility. Fire Chief Jim Rowell introduced Troy
Huges, Training Division Chief who reported that at the March 1, 2005 Study Session City
Administration recommendation was to pursue the property east of Central Community College
for the Fire Training Facility. Mr. Hughes gave a PowerPoint presentation concerning the site
located at Highway 34 and Garland Street, east of Central Community College owned by
Diamond Engineering Company.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the Fire Training site being located east of
Central Community College:
. Steve Was singer, 3104 South Blaine Street
. Barb Faimon, 3805 Stagecoach Circle
. Dennis Carroll, 3019 Brentwood Blvd.
. Joe Black, 805 West 1st Street
. Bill Marsh, 2325 Stagecoach Road
. Judy Boerger, 2405 Lakewood Drive
. Ted Rookstool, 3002 South Blaine Street
. Mike Reilly, 3007 Brentwood Place
. Connie Beckman, 2816 South Blaine Street
. Ron von Behren, 2915 Circle Drive
. Kevin Houtwed, 3120 South Blaine Street
. Cliff Stevenson, 3121 South Garland
. William Feely, 2524 Stagecoach Road
. Penny Skalka, 2805 South Blaine Street
. Dan Cimino, 2905 South Blaine Street
Motion by Nickerson, second by Cornelius to postpone this issue to a study session to be held no
more than 2 months from now.
City Administrator Gary Greer recommended that council make a decision at this meeting so the Fire
Department and city staff could move forward with a business plan.
I
I
I
Page 7, City Council Regular Meeting, March 22,2005
Motion by Hornady, second by Whitesides for the previous question. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye.
Upon roll call vote to postpone this issue to a Study Session, Councilmember's Pielstick, Gilbert,
Nickerson, and Haase voted aye. Councilmember's Meyer, Whitesides, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady, and
Walker voted no. Motion failed.
Motion by Gilbert, second by Cornelius to deny Resolution #2005-95. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmember's Gilbert and Cornelius voted aye. Councilmember's Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick,
Nickerson, Pauly, Hornady, Walker, and Haase voted no. Motion failed.
A lengthy discussion was held with regards to the sites within the study.
Motion by Hornady, second by Whitesides that city staff study all sites recommended by the consultant
with regards to the impact on neighborhoods at each site. This motion was withdrawn.
Motion by Gilbert, second by Pielstick that training site #3 of the Site and Needs Study located on
Highway 30, adjacent to the proposed Public Safety Center be considered a priority for staff to look at.
Upon roll call vote, Councilmember's Whitesides, Pielstick, Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly,
Hornady, and Haase voted aye. Councilmember's Meyer and Walker voted no. Motion adopted.
#2005-96 - Approving Date for Personnel Hearing. City Attorney Doug Walker reported that written
charges of misconduct against Emergency Management Director Howard Maxon had been signed and
filed with the City Clerk as required by Grand Island City Code Section 2-22. Mr. Maxon requested a
hearing as provided for by City Code. Provisions of City Code required that a hearing be established by
resolution and that the hearing take place not less than five days nor more than ten days after the passage
of the resolution. Resolution #2005-96 would establish the date of the hearing for March 29, 2005 at 9:00
a.m.
Motion by Hornady, second by Pielstick to approve Resolution #2005-96. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Motion adopted.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Cornelius, second by Haase to approve the Claims for the period of March 9, 2005 through
March 22,2005, for a total amount of$3,633,338.46. Motion adopted unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10: I 0 p.m.
PJ\OL W~
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk