07/19/2005 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
July 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
July 19, 2005. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on July 13,
2005.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmembers Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, Nickerson, Pauly, Hornady, Walker, and
Haase. Councilmember's Gilbert and Cornelius were absent: The following City Officials were
present: City Administrator Gary Greer, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Finance Director David
Springer, City Attorney Doug Walker, and Public Works Director Steve Riehle.
INVOCATION was given by Pastor Mike Reiners, Peace Lutheran Church, 4018 Zola Lane
followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Review of 2005-2006 Fee Schedule, FTE (Full Time Equivalent) Schedule, and Funding for
Outside Agencies. Finance Director David Springer reported that many steps had been taken to
prepare for the 2005-2006 City Budget. Mr. Springer explained the budget process and dates of
when the budget would be brought forth to Council for final decision.
2005-2006 FEE SCHEDULE:
The Mayor and Council reviewed the following departments 2005-2006 user fee requests:
Fire Department Ambulance Division
Paramedic Service Rates Water Park
Golf Course Planning Department
Police Department Public Works Department
Wastewater Treatment Utility Service Fees
FTE (FULL TIME EQUIVALENT):
Mr. Springer reported that City Administration challenged Departments to only make changes in
personnel when they were overwhelmingly justified, responded to Federal/State mandates,
enhanced efficiency, or were connected to a revenue stream. It was noted that there would be a
4.695 increase in FTE's for an estimated amount of$77,305 for the 2005-2006 Budget Year. The
following requests were made:
Finance Less: Accounting Clerk
Public Safety Plans Examiner
Public Works Senior Engineering Tech.
Heartland Shooting Range Seasonal Parks Worker
(1.00)
1.00
1.00
.500
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, July 19,2005
OUTSIDE AGENCY FUNDING REQUESTS:
Mr. Springer reported that the following agencies had requested the following amounts:
Organization
. Community Humanitarian Resource Center
. Convention and Visitors Bureau
. Council for International Visitors
. Crisis Center
. G.!. Dive and Rescue Team - Trailer
. Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
. Senior Citizens Industries, Inc.
. Multicultural Coalition
. Fishing Derby
. Kaufman-Cummings Park
. Grand Theatre Foundation, Inc.
. Central Nebraska Humane Society
. Central Nebraska Health Department
. Clean Community Systems
Request Recommended
$15,000 $4,500
$20,000 $10,000
$1,000 $1,000
$13,000 $12,000
$2,769.00 ----------
$10,000 $10,000
$15,000 $15,000
$10,000 $10,000
$2,000 $2,000
$2,000 ---------
$10,000 ---------
$162,000 $157,500
$135,000 $135,000
$20,000 $20,000
No requests were submitted from:
. Family Violence Coalition of Central NE
Renee' Seifert, Grand Island/Hall County Convention Visitors Bureau commented on the
Heartland Events Center marketing campaign and asked for a reconsideration of their $20,000
request instead of the $10,000 recommended by City staff.
Marvin Anderson, President of Hope Harbor, Cindy Preisendorf, and Marie de Martinez spoke
about their services and new location expenses. Requested $15,000 to care for 55 homeless
clients and many more they had to turn away last year.
Lois Stienike, Senior Citizens Industries, Inc. commented on the services they provided to the
elderly. Thanked the City for their support and encouraged the same amount as last year
($15,000). This money goes towards maintenance, insurance, food, etc.
Carol Roepke, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) commented on the many services
they provided. Ms. Roekpe requested the same amount as last year ($10,000).
Councilmember Pauly asked whether the Finance Department had in depth reports for each of
these agencies. Mr. Springer stated they did and council could get copies.
Steve Horn, Grand Island Dive and Rescue requested $2,769.
Jim Berglund, BID #5 spoke with regards to Kaufman-Cummings Park request of $10,000.
Discussion was had concerning a stage area, seating, and projects with no water fountains.
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Page 3, City Council Study Session, July 19,2005
Craig Hand, Grand Theatre Foundation, Inc. remarked on the progress of the Grand Theatre.
Movies had been shown for the last two months. Their request was to cover the recurring
expenses and insurance in the amount of $10,000. All services were provided by volunteers.
Teresa Anderson, Central Nebraska Health Department thanked the City Council for their
continued support.
Brad Driml, Central Nebraska Humane Society explained the increase of their request was due to
increased expenses and boarding's. Their request was for $162,000. Discussion was held
regarding their fund raising projects which go towards their operation. The Humane Society had
increased their hours and on-call hours. Explained were the steps they had taken place to save
money. Jessica Kort, Treasurer of the Humane Society mentioned that some donations were
restricted funds.
Odalys Perez, Multicultural Coalition thanked the City for their support. Paul Briseno, Board
Member explained that the $10,000 would be spent for operations.
Councilmember Pielstick, Whitesides, and Meyer requested that the City Council not support the
Fishing Derby in the amount of $2,000 because this year it was sponsored by a beer company.
Councilmember Meyer suggested this $2,000 be given to the Dive Rescue Team.
Councilmember Pauly stated he would hate to see this event be discontinued and would like to
see the City support it in some way with conditions. Councilmember Nickerson requested that
we get more information concerning this request.
Councilmember Nickerson recommended supporting the downtown projects through the Grand
Theatre Foundation and Kaufman-Cummings Park. Councilmember Haase questioned if CRA
could help these projects. Gary Greer, City Administrator commented that these were within the
downtown area and could possibly be eligible.
Councilmember Pielstick and Whitesides commented on Hope Harbor and encouraged as much
support as possible from the City. Councilmember Whitesides stated he had a problem of
supporting the Convention Bureau if they were going to use the money to help a private
organization in their marketing.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
D~\\~ W~
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk