04/19/2005 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
April 19, 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
April 19, 2005. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Is/and Independent on April 13,
2005.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmember's Whitesides, Pielstick, Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady,
Walker, and Haase. Councilmember Meyer was absent. 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 the following:
. Thanked students at Grand Island Christian School, Westlawn Elementary School, Multi-
Cultural Leaders, First Baptist Church, Heartland Lutheran Fund Raiser
. Challenged everyone to notice the progress in the Community - Central Community
College Hike/Bike Trail, Stolley Park Road concrete replacement, and dirt work going on
in the community
. Urged all citizens to enjoy this time of the year
. Arbor Day - City Hall will be open - Mayor encouraged everyone to plant a tree
. One year ago Noah Boye and Eric Knott died in Iraq serving our country, the Mayor
encouraged all to remember those who have given their lives and those still serving our
country
. This Sunday, April 24, 2005 Walk of Support convening at City Hall to recognize those
serving our country
Presentation of Railroad Corridor Safety Study. Steve Riehle, Public Works Director reported
that as the community continues to grow and train traffic increases, concern with rail crossing
safety and delays increase. Mr. Riehle introduced Randy EI Dorado and Rick Haden representing
Kirkham Michael and Associates who had been hired to conduct a Railroad Corridor Study for
the City.
Mr. EI Dorado stated that Grand Island has the Union Pacific Railroad with 18 crossings
including 4 grade separations (underpass or overpass) and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Railroad with 16 crossings including 8 grade separations.
The following key study issues were presented:
. Impacts to Community - delay at crossings, risk for accidents, train noise
. Engage Public Dialogue - stimulate community input, educate citizens, build community
support
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, April 19, 2005
. High Delay Leads to High Risk Behaviors - driving around gate arms, pedestrians
trespassing
. Emergency Vehicle Response - Fire/Rescue, Police
. Build on Comprehensive Plan - transportation network connectivity, economic vitality
. Railroad Relocation
. Grade Separations
. At-Grade Crossings Improvements
Mr. Haden presented the project approach with regards to data collection/compilation,
comprehensive transportation plan, UPRR track relocation, alternative grade separations, grade
separation screening, public involvement, and quiet zones.
Mr. EI Dorado commented on the importance of involving the general public in this study. The
first public kick-off meeting would be held May 12, 2005 at Walnut Middle School, with focus
meetings to follow on June 16th and August 25th. Reviewed was the schedule of the study with
completion of the final report to be presented to Council on November 15,2005.
Discussion was held with regards to the downtown area and the train noise. Mentioned were the
way-side horns that were being used in Gering, Nebraska for the past 8 years and other
communities. It was suggested that the study include the feasibility of another line by the Platte
Generating Power Plant for coal delivery. Federal funding was discussed along with funds
available from the Department of Roads. County involvement was mentioned and encouraged.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk