01/17/2006 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
January 17, 2006
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 17, 2006. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Is/and Independent on January
11, 2006.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmember's Meyer, Pielstick, Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly, Hornady,
Walker, and Haase. Councilmember Whitesides was 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 Councilmember Mitch Nickerson followed by the PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Vavricek commented on the following:
. "With One Voice" Concert held in Grand Island over the week-end
. Public Works had made an installation of flashing warning lights near Walnut, Howard,
and Stolley Park schools
. January 28, 2006 City Council Retreat
. January 31,2006 Study Session for Waste Water Treatment Plant issues.
Presentation of Alternative Fuel Report. Assistant to the City Administrator Paul Briseno
reported on an Alternative Fuel Report as requested by the Mayor. A PowerPoint presentation
was given explaining Alternative fuels ElO, E85, and Biodiesel. Environmental impact was
presented along with the benefits of using ethanol fuels. Fuel flex vehicles were discussed.
Mr. Briseno stated that according to Public Works and Fleet Services all diesel will be switched
to a blend ofB4 by this spring and will continue to purchase this blend till the winter months.
It was recommended that the City of Grand Island utilize alternative fuels and obtain fuel flex
vehicles when possible. The utilization of alternative fuels would provide optimal operation and
longevity ofthe municipal fleet and enhance the future environment of our city.
The following recommendations were made:
Recommendation 1:
Mandate all post-1986 vehicles within the municipal owned fleet utilize only ElO.
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, January 17, 2006
Recommendation 2:
Require departments to purchase Fuel Flex Vehicles when available. Fuel Flex Vehicles must
meet the requirements of the application.
Recommendation 3:
Mandate that all summer blends of on/off road diesel fuel contain a biodiesel splash blend of 4%
but not greater than 5%.
Dale Roberts, 593 East 20th Street spoke in support of alternative fuels. Mr. Roberts explained
his personal experience with using biodiesel since 1992.
Comments were made by several Councilmember's encouraging the city to use alternative fuels.
A resolution will be brought back to Council at the January 24,2006 meeting.
Request by Connie Van Wie to Discuss Pool Facilities. Connie Van Wie presented information
on the lack of competitive pool facilities in the city. Ms. Van Wie stated the cost ofa competitive
community indoor facility from Grand Haeven, MI population 25,000 was $5 million. The
Norfolk competitive swimming pool cost $1.6 million.
Wellness centers were mentioned which offer swimming, exercise, and areas for sporting events
for people of all ages. Ms. Van Wie encouraged the Council to move forward with a competitive
swimming pool.
Irene Abernethy spoke in support of a competitive swimming pool. Mentioned were the other
facilities in Grand Island which offered sporting events but no competitive swimming.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
QJ\CALW.~
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk