01/19/2010 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
January 19, 2010
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
January 19, 2010. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on January
13, 2010.
Council President Gilbert called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following
Councilmember's were present: Gericke, Nickerson, Ramsey, Dugan, Carney, Haase, Gilbert,
Niemann, and Meyer. Mayor Hornady and Councilmember Zapata were absent. The following
City Officials were present: City Administrator Jeff Pederson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, City
Attorney Dale Shotkoski, Public Works Director Steve Riehle, and Finance Director Mary Lou
Brown.
INVOCATION was given by Council President Gilbert followed by the PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Council President Gilbert introduced CYC members Steven
Bartz and Konnor Davis. Council President Gilbert congratulated Don Dunn, 2009 Independent
Man of the Year and Dori Bush 2009 Independent Woman of the Year.
Discussion of Future Use of City Owned Property Located at 2204 Bellwood Drive Know as the
Racquet Center. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Paustian reported that the City of Grand
Island acquired the Racquet Center in 1984 for back taxes owed, approximately $30,000.00.
Parks and Recreation Department Administrative offices were located there until 1993 when the
new City Hall opened. In 1997 proposals were received for the operation of the Racquet Center.
Scott Norton, owner of the HealthPlex Fitness Center was offered a contract to operate the
Racquet Center in 1997 and has continued to do so since that time. The current contract would
expire in May of this year.
Mr. Paustian commented on the changes over the years allowing soccer field at the west end of
the facility. Because of the construction of the new City/State Fair building, it had been
determined it was in the best interest of the City to not allow soccer to continue in the Racquet
Center.
Representatives of the Grand Island Tennis Association had approached the City about the
opportunity to submit a proposal to take over the management of the Racquet Center.
Parks & Recreation Department wanted direction from council. The following three options were
presented:
1. Lease the facility based on its best use and offer
2. Lease the facility to be used as a sports complex
3. Sell the building outright
Page 2, City Council Study Session, January 19, 2010
The following people spoke with regards to the Racquet Center:
• Mark Galvan, 584 East 20`h Street
• Cheri Schmidt, 25 Lillian Lane, Doniphan
• Matt Westfall, 2003 West Division
• Phil Maltzahn, 1 Ponderosa Drive
• Nick Petrick, 3019 West State Street
• Jill Bernal, 2019 West Louise Street
• Deb Phillips, 1614 West Division
• Jolene Wojcik, 2324 Stagecoach Road
• Greg Logston, 1037 Sun Valley
• Bill Marshall, 1112 Grand Avenue
Discussion was held regarding the revenue from the Racquet Center. Mr. Paustian stated since
Mr. Norton has had the lease, there were no revenue streams or expenses. Disrepair and upkeep
of the building were mentioned. Comments were made concerning the lease and responsibility of
maintaining the building. Mentioned was the current budget situation for the City and not being
able to put money into this building.
Quality of life issues were mentioned. Discussed was whether the Tennis Association would be
able to buy the building. Matt Westfield and Phil Maltzahn stated currently they didn't have the
money to buy it, but would bring back a financial plan and proposal for a long term lease. The
Tennis Association would not ask the council for additional money if they were granted a lease.
Comments were made concerning other options such as partnership with the school system,
Tennis Association, and City. Usage of the building was discussed relative to other sports. Matt
Westfield stated the Tennis Association would be able to use 100% of the building due to the
increased interest of tennis.
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Jeff Pederson, City Administrator explained the process for a Request for Proposal (RFP).
Proposals received would be reviewed and a recommendation made to council.
Chad Nabity, Regional Planning Director answered questions regarding this building being in a
blighted and substandard area, TIF financing, and value of the property.
Council President Gilbert stated it looked like the council was in agreement to go forward with
formal presentations and possible RFP's. City Attorney Dale Shotkoski commented on the
previous RFP process and sale of the building. Explained was that Council could write the terms
of the proposal. Concerns were given regarding receiving presentations before the RFP process
took place.
Presentation of Program Prioritization. City Administrator Jeff Pederson reported that in order to
access the fiscal health and wellness of the City, a Financial Trend Monitoring System (FTMS)
was implemented in 2008. FTMS information had strengthened the ability of City administration
to identify, forecast, and illustrate key factors of spending at present/projected levels.
Page 3, City Council Study Session, January 19, 2010
Program Prioritization was a new approach to making decisions which was necessitated by the
revenue reduction and how to allocate resources. A PowerPoint was presented to update council
on steps taken. The following steps were presented for a successful prioritization:
1. Determine Results
2. Clarify Result Defmitions
3. Identify Programs and Services
4. Value programs Based on Results
5. Allocate Resources Based on Priorities
Mr. Pederson stated this program would be presented at the City Council Retreat on March 6,
2010. Discussion was held regarding the governance within the city departments and programs.
Budget preparation was discussed for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Revenue shortfalls were
discussed regarding program prioritization. Mr. Pederson stated the Capital Improvement
Projects were not a part of this program.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
R~~ ~~,r~
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk