08/10/2010 MinutesCITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
August 10, 2010
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 August 10, 2010. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island Independent
on August 4, 2010.
Mayor Hornady called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following City Councilmember's
were present: Meyer, Niemann, Gilbert, Haase, Carney, Dugan, Ramsey, Zapata, Nickerson, and
Gericke. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator Jeff Pederson, City Clerk
RaNae Edwards, City Attorney Dale Shotkoski, Finance Director Mary Lou Brown, and Public
Works Director Steve Riehle.
INVOCATION was given by Mayor Hornady followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Hornady introduced CYC member Ava Mackey and
board member Liz Mayfield. Introduced was Boy Scout Troop #14 from St. Paul's Lutheran
Church.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS:
Recognition of Pat Larson, GIS Specialist for Special Achievement Award at the Annual Esri
International User Conference. Mayor Hornady and the City Council recognized Pat Larson, GIS
Specialist for the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award. Finance Director Mary Lou Brown
stated he received this award at the 30th annual Esri International User Conference. Grand Island
was one of only 87 recipients from within the United States and 57 winners from outside the
United States selected to receive the award from more than 300,000 eligible organizations
worldwide. Mr. Larson was present to receive the recognition.
Recognition of Life Saving Efforts. Mayor Hornady and the City Council along with Fire Chief
Troy Hughes recognized the life saving efforts of Stacia Rice by presenting her with a
Commendation Award for her heroism shown on May 10, 2010 in which her efforts to clear the
airway saved the life of Maycee Mazanec. Stacia Rice and the Mazanec family were present for
the presentation.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearin ogLn Request from GI Hospitality, Inc. dba Hospitality, 805 Allen Drive for a Class
"I" Liquor License. RaNae Edwards, City Clerk reported that an application for a Class "I"
Liquor License had been received from GI Hospitality, Inc. dba GI Hospitality, 805 Allen Drive.
Ms. Edwards presented the following exhibits for the record: application submitted to the Liquor
Control Commission and received by the City on July 21, 2010; notice to the general public of
date, time, and place of hearing published on July 31, 2010; notice to the applicant of date, time,
and place of hearing mailed on July 21, 2010; along with Chapter 4 of the City Code. Staff
recommended approval. No public testimony was heard.
Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting August 10, 2010
Public Hearing, on Acquisition of Sanitary Sewer Easement in Lot One (1) of McGovern
Subdivision - 2530 North Diers Avenue (James E. & Carole M. Kimbrough). Steve Riehle,
Public Works Director reported that acquisition of a sanitary sewer easement located in Lot One
(1) of McGovern Subdivision - 2530 North Diers Avenue was needed in order for construction,
operation, maintenance, extension, repair, replacement, and removal of the private sanitary sewer
service within the easement. Staff recommended approval. No Public testimony was heard.
Public Hearing for Neighborhood Stabilization Program Property Purchase Located at 201 West
17th Street. Joni Kuzma, Community Development administrator reported that the City had
received $190,000 from the Department of Economic Development for the purchase, demolition
and construction of properties on 17th Street. The structures will be demolished and the property
redeveloped by anon-profit housing developer. Staff recommended approval. No public
testimony was heard.
ORDINANCES:
#9266 -Consideration of Annexation Request of a Tract of Land Being Platted as Lake
Heritage Second Subdivision Located at the Southeast Corner of U.S. Highway 34 and
Blaine Street (Second Reading)
This item related to the Public Hearing held on July 27, 2010. This was the second of three
readings.
Motion by Meyer, second by Niemann to approve Ordinance #9266 on second reading. Upon
roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Councilmember Gilbert moved "that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by title
on three different days are suspended and that ordinance numbered:
#9266 - Consideration of Conveyance of Property Located at 201 West 17th Street
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 this ordinance on second reading and then upon final
passage and call for a roll call vote on each reading and then upon final passage."
Councilmember Nickerson second the motion. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion
adopted.
Joni Kuzma, Community Development Administrator reported that the City purchased the
structures and property at 201 West 17th Street for $33,660 as part of the Neighborhood
Stabilization Program using Community Development Block Grant funds. The Housing
Development Corporation, in compliance with the contract between the City and the Nebraska
Department of Economic Development would build a new single-family home on this property.
Motion by Meyer, second by Ramsey to approve Ordinance #9266.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9266 on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting, August 10, 2010
City Clerk: Ordinance #9266 on final passage. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on final passage, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor Hornady: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon final passage,
Ordinance #9266 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by law.
CONSENT AGENDA: Consent agenda item G-9 was pulled for further discussion. Motion by
Zapata, second by Nickerson to approve the Consent Agenda excluding item G-9. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approving Minutes of July 27, 2010 City Council Regular Meeting_
Approving Minutes of August 3 and 5 2010 City Council Special (Budget) Meetings
Approving Request of Former Park Exposition and Events Center Inc for Ratification of
Election of Board of Directors.
#2010-209 -Approving Neighborhood Stabilization Program Purchase of Property Located at
201 West 17th Street.
#2010-210 -Approving the Discontinuation ofthe Joint Marketing_Agreement between the City
of Grand Island and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD~
#2010-211 -Approving Contract with HDR En in~g, Inc of Lincoln Nebraska for Uranium
Removal System Design and Specifications.
#2010-212 -Approving Nebraska Power Association Mutual Aid Agreement Among Nebraska
Utilities.
#2010-213 -Approving Acquisition of Sanitary Sewer Utilities Easement in Lot (1) of
McGovern Subdivision - 2530 North Diers Avenue (James E. & Carole M. Kimbrough).
#2010-215 - Approving_Change Order No. 1 with Gary Smith Construction Co. of for Asphalt
Maintenance Project 2010-AC-1 for an Increase of $39,051.89 and a Revised Contract Amount
of $843,870.57.
#2010-216 -Approving Bid Award for 2010-MH REHAB-1 Sanitary Sewer Manhole
Rehabilitation Project with Midlands Contracting, Inc. of Kearney Nebraska in an Amount of
$186,868.25.
#2010-217 -Approving Certificate of Final Completion for En ing Bering Services for the
Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems Comprehensive Plan Update for the City of
Grand Island with CH2M Hill, Inc. of Englewood, Colorado.
#2010-218 -Approving Renewal of Contract with MUNIS.
#2010-219 -Approving Contract for EAP Services with Family Resources of Greater Nebraska
from Grand Island, Nebraska.
Page 4, City Council Regular Meeting August 1Q 2010
#2010-214 - Ap rp owing Restricted Parking on College Street from Custer Street to Existing No
Parkin Area. Public Works Director Steve Riehle reported the no parking on Custer Street
would be daily from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Traffic study was mentioned along with safety issues.
The number of parking stalls along this street was 12.
Motion by Carney, second by Niemann to approve Resolution #2010-214. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmember's Meyer, Niemann, Gilbert, Carney, Dugan, Ramsey, Zapata, Nickerson, and
Gericke voted aye. Councilmember Haase voted no. Motion adopted.
REQUESTS AND REFERRALS:
Consideration of Amendment to Former Park Conditional Use Permit for Primitive Pads at the
Former R.V. Park for the 2010 State Fair. Craig Lewis, Building Department Director reported
that the Nebraska State Fair board wanted to amend the conditions of the approved Conditional
Use Permit for the recreational vehicle camper site located at 915 East Former Park Road.
Requested was permission to allow pads for the RV Park to remain primitive through the 2010
State Fair. Staff recommended approval to permit camper sites with the condition that sites
without utility services would only be utilized during the 2010 State Fair event from August 27,
2010 to September 6, 2010.
Discussion was held regarding health hazards, concrete pads, utilities, mud and dust. Mr. Lewis
explained the buffer zone to the north along with time frame for completion of the RV Park
scheduled for 2014.
Motion by Meyer, second by Niemann to approve the request from the Nebraska State Fair board
to allow pads for the RV Park to remain primitive through the 2010 State Fair from August 27,
2010 to September 6, 2010. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
RESOLUTIONS:
#2010-220 -Consideration of Request from GI Hospitality, Inc. dba GI Hospitality 805 Allen
Drive for a Class "I" Liquor License and Liquor Manager Designation for Demi Menke
Doniphan, Nebraska. This item relates to the aforementioned Public Hearing.
Motion by Ramsey, second by Gericke to approve Resolution #2010-220 contingent upon final
inspections and Ms. Menke completing a state approved alcohol server/seller program. Upon roll
call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Dugan, second by Zapata to approve the Claims for the period of July 28, 2010
through August 10, 2010, for a total amount of $2,395,898.00. Unanimously approved.
Motion by Dugan, second by Zapata to approve the Claims for the Period of July 28, 2010
through August 10, 2010 for the Veterans Athletic Field Complex for a total amount of
$19,513.80. Unanimously approved.
Page 5, City Council Regular Meeting August 10, 2010
Motion by Dugan, second by Zapata to approve the Claims for the Period of July 14, 2010
through August 10, 2010 for the State Fair Recreation Building for a total amount of $852.78.
Unanimously approved.
Council continued the review and discussion of the FY 2010/2011 City Single Budget.
QUARTILE 4 PROGRAMS:
Island Oasis Water Park (Admissions):
Q. FTE numbers have been corrected.
A. No visible impact.
Island Oasis Water Park (Concessions
Q. FTE numbers have been correction.
A. No change.
Interments:
Q. How was it determined that the early closing would occur on Saturday afternoon versus
another day and time?
A. Will close as noon on Saturdays.
Parks & Recreation Director Steve Paustian answered questions concerning the cemetery
operation with the number of employees available regarding Saturday burials. Fee schedule
changes were mentioned with an increase of $150.00 for burials on Saturday after 1:00 p.m.
Lot Sales:
Q. How was it determined that the early closing would occur on Saturday afternoon versus
another day and time?
A. Will close as noon on Saturdays.
GITV Community Awareness/Technology Outreach:
Q. Same question as before regarding the graphics template package.
A. Same answer as before.
FlPetinnc•
Q. The narrative states that this only includes the November election. Why is there no
budget for the potential ballot for Lincoln Pool? We have budgeted for the bond so we should
budget for the costs to get the bond approved as well.
A. Election Costs cover the costs to the County for an election. This expense reduction is
based on the assumption that there is only the November 2010 election during the 2011 fiscal
year.
Discussion was held concerning the bond which could be removed from the CIP budget.
Motion by Carney, second by Gilbert to remove Lincoln Pool Bond from the CIP budget. Upon
roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Page 6, City Council Regular Meeting August 10, 2010
Legal Advisement to Council, Administration, Departments:
Q. This does not seem to be a quartile 4 program.
A. Scoring would be looked out for next year.
Fire Public Education:
Q. The FTE is declining; why does the personnel services expense increase?
A. This program will see a significant reduction in spending for 2010-2011 due to the smoke
detector program for mobile homes being completed in 2010. No major prevention/life safety
projects will be occurring during this budge cycle.
OTHER PROGRAMS:
City Administrator:
Q. Why are operating expenses not being held at the 2010 projected level?
A. An open position in the City Administrator's Office during the 2010 Budget accounts for
the expense reduction in personnel services, which carries over in the 2011 Proposed Budget
through a lower salary step position.
City Administrator Jeff Pederson explained additional money in the amount of $5,000 - $6,000
was in the budget for ICMA's National Citizen's Survey. Timing of the survey and validity were
discussed.
No Pro ram:
Q. By selling offour excess city assets, i.e. training ground, racket center etc., could we save
enough money to keep our police officers and make the streets safer?
A. On-going revenues and on-going expenses would not off-set a one time revenue from
selling assets.
Mr. Pederson stated the City did not have a current plan to sell assets but one was needed.
Discussion was held concerning the timeline in order for this to be part of this year's budget.
Mentioned was one time revenues should to be used for one time expenses.
Motion by Meyer, second by Niemann to hold a Study Session to review City assets. Upon roll
call vote, Councilmember's Gericke, Nickerson, Dugan, Carney, Haase, Niemann, and Meyer
voted aye. Councilmember's Gilbert, Zapata, and Ramsey voted no. Motion adopted.
Copy Paper and Envelopes:
Q. Why is this increasing with the use of computers?
A. No impact.
Comments were made concerning using less paper by using software for saving electronic data.
CRA:
Q. Explain what this program is.
A. Previously answered.
Total City Hall b.~ rg am:
Q. The rent income from the One Stop Building should be increased.
Page 7, City Council Regular Meeting, August 10, 2010
A. Lease would expire in 2011 and further discussion would be held then.
Building Department Director Craig Lewis answered questions regarding the lease. There was no
cost to the City. Future costs to the building for upkeep and repair were discussed.
Council recessed at 8:45 p.m.
Council reconvened at 9:00 p.m.
Capital Improvement Proiects:
Discussion was held regarding funding four Police Officer's. Mr. Pederson answered questions
concerning two versus four Police Officer's and whether the Police budget could sustain the
additional employees. Mr. Pederson stated it would be a major issue in the Program Prioritization
process. Discussion was held regarding the addition of officer's, support staff, training,
equipment, etc. and how that would be funded.
Police Chief Steve Lamken stated all departments were required to reduce their budgets. The
current Police budget before the council was designed with the number of officer's retained.
Comments were made about the Department Director's managing their budgets with the amount
of money approved by Council.
Motion by Niemann, second by Meyer to add two Police Officer's to the current budget based on
a proposal conducted by City Staff. Upon roll call vote, Councilmember's Gericke, Zapata,
Ramsey, Dugan, Carney, Haase, Gilbert, Niemann, and Meyer voted aye. Councilmember
Nickerson voted no. Motion adopted.
Discussion was held concerning selling back unused sick leave. Human Resources Director
Brenda Sutherland stated it was not a comparable practice within negotiations. The amount of
this would be brought back to Council at the next meeting.
Dues and licenses for City employees were brought up. Ms. Sutherland stated some positions
were required to have licenses. Mr. Pederson stated professional development was essential for
City employees. This amount would be brought back to Council at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
S?~1~. ~,~.e,
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk