09/09/2025 Minutes CITY OF
GRANDIt `ISLAND
City Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers
City Hall
100 East First Street
September 9, 2025
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Roger Steele called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
The following City Officials were present, City Clerk Jill Granere, Assistant City
Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown, City Attorney Kari Fisk and Public Works Director Keith
Kurz.
The following City Council Members were present: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley,
Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick
and Doug Lanfear.
4. SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
5. RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS
6. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
ADJOURN TO BOARD OF EQUALIZATION: Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Jack
Sheard to adjourn to Board of Equalization. Motion adopted.
6.a)#2025-BE-1 - Consideration of Determining Benefits for Railside Business
Improvement District Reductions
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Resolution
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported that the City Council, in its capacity as
the Board of Equalization, was required to determine the benefits of the District and take action
on the assessments as provided for in the associated Ordinance. 11 property owners filed proper
documentation with the Finance Department for the 30% eligible reduction. The approved
reductions equal $1,037.39, reducing the request to $150,440.79.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Chuck Haase to approve #2025-BE-1 - Consideration of
Determining Benefits for Railside Business Improvement District Reductions. Roll Call: Ayes:
Page 2 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
Jack Sheard, Jason Conley, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike
Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Abstain: Mark Stelk and Mitchell Nickerson. Motion adopted.
6.b) #2025-BE-2-Consideration of Determining Benefits for Railside Business
Improvement District
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Resolution
This item was related to the aforementioned 6.a.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Brown to approve #2025-BE-2 - Consideration of
Determining Benefits for Railside Business Improvement District Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard,
Jason Conley, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and
Doug Lanfear. Abstain: Mark Stelk and Mitchell Nickerson. Motion adopted.
6.c)#2025-BE-3 Consideration of Determining Benefits for 4th Street Business
Improvement District Reductions
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2025-2026 4th St Reduction List
Resolution
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported that the City Council, in its capacity
was the Board of Equalization, was required to determine the benefits of the District and take
action on the assessments as provided for in the associated Ordinance. The assessment for owner-
occupied properties was originally based on 100% of the assessed value. 5 property owners filed
proper documentation with the Finance Department for the 30% eligible reduction. The approved
reductions equal $575.90, reducing the request to $39,424.10. The BID pays the City a fee of
$2,200 for accounting services.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Chuck Haase to approve #2025-BE-3 - Consideration of
Determining Benefits for 4th Street Business Improvement District Reductions. Roll Call: Ayes:
Jack Sheard,Mark Stelk,Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase,Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
6.d) #2025-BE-4 - Consideration of Determining Benefits for 4th Street Business
Improvement District
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Resolution
This item was related to the aforementioned 6.c.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Brown to approve #2025-BE-4 - Consideration of
Determining Benefits for 4th Street Business Improvement District. Roll Call:Ayes: Jack Sheard,
Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza,
Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Page 3 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
6.e) ##22025-131,5 -Consideration of Determining_Benefits for Former Park Business
Improvement District
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Resolution
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported that the Fonner Park BID Board met on
August 11, 2025 and approved the 2025-2026 budget which provided special assessments in the
amount of$53,202.
Motion by Doug Brown, second by Mark Stelk to approve #2025-BE-5 - Consideration of
Determining Benefits for Fonner Park Business Improvement District. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Ryan O'Neill to
return to Regular Session. Motion adopted.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve CONSENT AGENDA excluding
item 7.h, 7.r. and 7.u. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell
Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase,Maggie Mendoza,Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug
Lanfear. Motion adopted.
7.a) Approving Minutes of the August 19, 2025 City Council Study Session.
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Minutes
7.b) Approving Minutes of the August 19, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting.
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Minutes
7.c) Approving Minutes of the August 21, 2025 City Council Study Session(Budget).
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Minutes
7.d) Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of August 20, 2025 through
September 9, 2025 in the total amount of$7,020,593.37.
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Claims
7.e)Approving Re-Appointment to the Tree Board
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7.1)Approving Re-Appointments and Appointment to the Building Code Advisory
Board.
Page 4 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
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Memorandum
7.g) #2025-288 -Approving Stryker Cot Maintenance Agreement.
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1 Year Maintenance Contract
3 Year Maintenance Contract
Resolution
In an amount of$61,776.00.
7.h) #2025-289 -Approving Update to the City's Waiver Fine Schedule.
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Resolution
Waiver Fine Schedule
Assistant City Attorney Stacy Nonhof presented the Nebraska Legislature adopted LB530 and
made changes to the fine amounts for speeding. To be waiverable offenses, City Code fines must
match State fines. It had been decades since the Legislature had updated these fines. City staff
concur that these changes needed to take place and ask that the new Waiver Fine Schedule be
adopted to increase the fine amounts for speeding to match State Statute.
Gerald Poels spoke in regards to fees and making changes. Ms. Nonhof explained the fees
would have to be changed at the Legislature level.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve 7.h)#2025-289 -Approving Update
to the City's Waiver Fine Schedule. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley,
Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick,
Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
7.i) #2025-290 -Approving the Re-establishment of Connection Fees for Subdivided
Lots in Platte Valley Industrial Park East; Sanitary Sewer District No. 527T.
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Assessment Exhibits
Resolution
7.j) ##2025-291 - Approving Certificate of Final Completion and Scheduling the Board
of Equalization for Sidewalk Repair at 928 E Oklahoma Avenue
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Exhibit
Engineer Certificate of Final Completion
Resolution
7.k) #2025-292 - Approving Temporary Construction Easement for South Locust Street
Improvements-Fonner Park Road to 2nd Street; Project No. 2021-P-6 (Garcia and STSM, LLC).
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Garcia TE Exhibit
Page 5 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
STSM, LLC TE Exhibit
Resolution
7.1)#2025-293 -Approving Agreement with NDOT-Intermodal Planning Division for the
Grand Island Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GIAMPO) for the 2026 Fiscal Year
TRANSIT, Section 5305, Transportation Planning Program.
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FY2026 Agreement
Resolution
7.m) #2025-294 - Approving Bid Award for Non-Hazardous Glycerin-Based Carbon
Source- FY2026.
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Agreement
Resolution
With Momar, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia in an amount of$3.34 per gallon.
7.n) #2025-295- Approving Change Order No. 2 for Claude Road- 13th Street to State
Street; Project No. 2022-P-4.
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Change Order No. 2
Resolution
With Diamond Engineering for an increased amount of$119,986.82 for a revised total amount
of$4,488,420.97.
7.o) #2025-296- Approving Change Order No. 1 for Independence Avenue- Capital
Avenue to Manchester Road; Project No. 2023-P-10.
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Change Order No. 1
Resolution
With Diamond Engineering Company in an increased amount of$78,506.35 in a revised total
amount of$3,458,540.50.
7.p) #2025-297 -Approving Temporary Lease for Dedicated Parking Stalls in the Public
Parking Lot at Wheeler Avenue and 1st Street-RW Sorensen Construction.
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Lease Agreement
Resolution
Exhibit
7.q) #2025-298 - Awarding Contract for Network Integration Transmission Service
Study.
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RFP
Page 6 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
Proposal
Contract
Resolution
With GDS Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed$110,000.00.
7.r) #2025-299 - Awarding Land Lease for Digital Infrastructure.
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Pictures
Contract
Resolution
Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported the Utility property North of JBS would be most optimal
location. Additionally, Utility staff visited area data center facilities to analyze aesthetics, sound
frequency, and sound dampening options. Additionally, with the help of the Legal Depaitiiient,
the Utility looked into sound thresholds that were set as suitable in other jurisdictions in the
United States. A Request for Proposals was advertised on June 20th, 2025, asking for lease
offerings, land area required, and sound dampening measures/thresholds being offered. Fortitude
Mining will build a data center enclosed in a building and conform to the decibel thresholds
established. The annual fixed rent would be $18,000.00 with an escalator of three percent
annually.
Motion by Mitchell Nickerson, second by Jack Sheard to approve 7.r. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
7.$) #2025-300 -Approving Bid Award-Boiler Inspection and Repair- Fall 2025.
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Contract
Resolution
With Locke AMI, LLC of Olathe, Kansas in an amount of$129,092.00.
7.t) #2025-301 -Approving Bid Award- Substation Transformer Maintenance -Fall
2025.
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Contract
Resolution
With Transfluid Services Inc., of Houston, Texas in an amount of$349,950.00.
7.u)#2025-302-Approving Engineering Services for Burdick Station Generation Project.
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Contract
Resolution
Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported the City of Grand Island operated a diverse portfolio of
Page 7 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
generation resources within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) to meet customer capacity
requirements. As these generation assets age and environmental regulations evolve, Utility
Engineers had evaluated options to ensure the most reliable and cost-effective generation mix for
the community. The first phase of this project would focus on: Developing a project budget and
timeline. Evaluating and recommending the most suitable generation technology. The selected
engineering firm may also be considered for subsequent project phases, including: Specification
development. Site and facility design. Construction management. Document control and project
closeout. Burns & McDonnell of Kansas City, Missouri had been chosen in an amount of
$120,000.00.
Gerald Poels spoke in regards to funding the project in the future.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve 7.u) #2025-302 - Approving
Engineering Services for Burdick Station Generation Project. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard,Mark
Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan
O'Neill, Mike Paulick, Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
7.v) #2025-303 -Approving Revisions to Personnel Rules and Regulations.
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Personnel Rules and Regulations 2025
Resolution
7.w) #2025-304 - Approving Purchase of Equipment and Storage Solutions through
Midwest Storage Solutions.
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MSS - GIPD Swat
MSS - GIPD SWAT Final Proposal
Spacesaver Contract
Spacesaver- Sourcewell Contract
Sourcewell Solicitation Process
RFP and Addendum-Physical Storage
Proof of Publication-Physical Storage
Proposal Opening Record-Physical Storage
Property Evaluation-Physical Storage
Board Resolutions
Midwest Stor Sol (Auth AC-City of Grand Island NE-Sourcewell)
Resolution
From Midwest Storage Solutions in an amount of$115,992.45.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a) Public Hearing on Acquisition of Public Right-of-Way and Permanent Easement for
South Locust Street Improvements- Former Park Road to 2nd Street; Project No. 2021-P-6
(Garcia and STSM, LLC)
Page 8 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
#2025-305 -Approving Acquisition of Public Right-of-Way and Permanent Easement for
South Locust Street Improvements- Fonner Park Road to 2nd Street; Project No. 2021-P-
6 (Garcia and STSM, LLC)
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Garcia ROW Exhibit
Garcia PE Exhibit
STSM, LLC ROW Exhibit
Resolution
Public Works Director Keith Kurz reported Public right-of-way and permanent easement was
needed to accommodate the reconstruction of South Locust Street from Fonner Park Road to 2nd
Street. Payment to the affected property owners totals $9,310.00. No public testimony was heard.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Brown to approve#2025-305 -Approving Acquisition
of Public Right-of-Way and Permanent Easement for South Locust Street Improvements-Fonner
Park Road to 2nd Street; Project No. 2021-P-6 (Garcia and STSM, LLC). Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
8.b) Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement - 1810 Union Rd (A 0 M
Machining,LLC)
#2025-306 -Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement - 1810 Union Rd(A 0 M
Machining, LLC)
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Resolution
Map
Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported A 0 M Machining, LLC had requested a new electric
service for their new shop located at 1810 Union Road. The proposed easement tract would allow
the Department to install, access, operate, and maintain electrical infrastructure at this location.
No public testimony was heard.
Motion by Doug Brown, second by Jack Sheard to approve#2025-306 -Approving Acquisition
of Utility Easement- 1810 Union Rd(A 0 M Machining, LLC). Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard,
Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza,
Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
9.) RESOLUTIONS
9.a)#2025-307 - Approving RFP Contract for Public Baseball Entertainment at Ryder
Park Legion Field
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Diamond League Baseball Proposal
Agreement
Resolution
Page 9 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
Parks and Recreation Director Todd McCoy reported on February 22, 2025 the City advertised a
Request for Proposals (RFP) from amateur, semi-professional, and professional baseball
organizations to provide public baseball entertainment at the Ryder Park Legion Field. The
proposal from National Sports Service (NSS) of Lawrence, Kansas (Diamond League Baseball)
was recommended. NSS proposed operating a Diamond League Baseball team in Grand Island.
The Grand Island Diamond League team would play approximately 60 games(30 home,30 away)
between the end of May and the end of July, with League playoffs anticipated for completion
during the first week of August. The NSS proposal recommended an initial term lease of five
years to host games at the Ryder Park Baseball Field.NSS proposal would schedule games around
the existing American Legion Baseball program.
Matt Perry with Diamond League Baseball spoke in favor.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Doug Brown to approve#2025-307-Approving RFP Contract
for Public Baseball Entertainment at Ryder Park Legion Field. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard,
Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza,
Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
9.b) #2025-308 -Approval of LB840 Grant for Business Blueprint Workshop
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Application
2025 Skill Trade Cohort Plan 1
Resume
Presentation
Resolution
Economic Development Corporation President Mary Berlie reported in 2024, Grand Island was
awarded a National League of Cities (NLC) Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant in the
amount of$20,000. This funding laid the foundation for an innovative pilot program designed to
empower aspiring entrepreneurs living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. In
partnership with the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC) and
Central Community College Entrepreneurial Center (CCC-EC), they launched the Grand Island
Community Kitchen Pilot Program and targeted entrepreneurs in the cottage food industry,
providing them with business knowledge and financial resources needed to grow their small
businesses. Based on the tremendous success of the Community Kitchen Pilot Program,the City,
GIAEDC and CCC-EC wish to continue their partnership and expand the business development
workshop model to High-Wage, High-Skill, High-Demand (H3) industries. Many of the same
business foundations would be taught with a flare to the trades industries. After successful
completion of a 6-week workshop,participants would be eligible for a$3,000 LB840 grant to be
used towards equipment, software, marketing, business rent, professional services, etc. The
Business Blueprint - Trades Program seeks LB840 funding of up to $105,000 for programs
offered to grant recipients during 2025 and 2026 calendar years. The program intends to provide
up to 30 grants of$3000 each to LB840 Eligible Business participants who successfully complete
the 6 week workshop education program.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Doug Brown to approve #2025-308 - Approval of LB840
Grant for Business Blueprint Workshop.Roll Call:Ayes: Jack Sheard,Mark Stelk,Jason Conley,
Page 10 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick
and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
9.c)#2025-309-Approving Contract Amendment 2 with Hwy 281 Woodsonia LLC for
Conestoga Marketplace
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Second Amendment to Redevelopment Contract
Resolution
Community Development Director Chad Nabity reported Woodsonia, the Grand Island
Community Redevelopment Authority and the City of Grand Island entered into a redevelopment
contract on February 28, 2023 that required the CRA to issue bonds for tax increment financing
and the enhanced employment area occupation tax generated by this project. An amendment to
that contract was approved by the Grand Island City Council on March 12, 2024. The approved
contract as amended specifies the total bonded indebtedness for both Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) and for the Enhance Employment Area (EEA) Occupation tax. This proposed amendment
does not change the bond amounts for either the TIF or EEA. It clarified that if one of the series
of bonds to be issued was paid off prior to the end of the approved TIF or EEA that any remaining
payments can waterfall over into payments on the remaining bonds in that series. for the full
payout of the anticipated TIF needed to service all of the TIF bonds.No changes were being made
to the value of the bonds to be issued.This contract amendment insured that payment can be made
if one of TIF bonds was paid out before the expiration or full payout of the remaining bonds. The
original contract was approved by the City, the CRA and Woodsonia so this amendment to
provide clarification required approval by all three entities.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Chuck Haase to approve #2025-309- Approving Contract
Amendment 2 with Hwy 281 Woodsonia LLC for Conestoga Marketplace. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick. Noes: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
9.d) #2025-310 -Approving FY 2025-2026 Annual Budget for South Locust Business
Improvement District and setting Date for Board of Equalization
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South Locust BID 2025-2026 Approved Budget
Resolution
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported South Locust BID approved their
budget on August 28, 2025 and voted to spend down part of their reserves in the amount of
$78,868 for a total appropriation of$180,010. The budgeted assessments of$104,617 would be
charged to property owners in the district based on their front footage.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Mike Paulick to approve #2025-310 - Approving FY 2025-
2026 Annual Budget for South Locust Business Improvement District and setting Date for Board
of Equalization. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson,
Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear.
Motion adopted.
Page 11 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
9.e) #2025-311 Approving Setting the Date for Board of Equalization for Parking
District#3 (Off-street Parking)
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Resolution
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported that the total square footage for Parking
District#3 is 1,639,997. The special assessment charge for the 2024-2025 year to be collected in
2025-2026 fiscal year is$80,032 or$0.0488/square foot.Property owners who have parking within
their property that was open to the public,customers or users of the building can apply for a$/space
credit. This credit could reduce the amount owed for that property or other properties owned by
the same owner within 300 feet down to a minimum of$0. Any excess that cannot be used would
not be paid out to the property owner or credited to other properties more than 300 feet away.
Using the same $15 credit Council provided the prior year, Parking District #3 would have an
estimated credit amount of$10,012, leaving$70,020 of the special assessment amount collectible.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Jason Conley to approve#2025-311 -Approving Setting the
Date for Board of Equalization for Parking District#3 (Off-street Parking). Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard,Jason Conley,Doug Brown,Chuck Haase,Maggie Mendoza,Ryan O'Neill,Mike Paulick
and Doug Lanfear. Abstain: Mitchell Nickerson and Mark Stelk. Motion adopted.
9.f)#2025-312 -Approving FY2025-2026 General Property and Community
Redevelopment Authority(CRA) Tax Request
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Resolution
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported that 2025 Valuations for the City of
Grand Island increased over the 2024 valuation by $378,866,891 or 8.1%. If the City applied the
FY2024-2025 mill levy of 0.275631 to the new valuation of$5,055,209,483, the City's Property
Tax revenue would be $14,060,290, a tax increase of$1,053,760 over the prior year. The City and
Community Redevelopment Authority tax ask for FY2026 was $13,006,530. If the City applied
the FY2024-2025 Property Tax Ask of$12,207,540 to the new valuation there would be no tax
increase, and the mill levy would decrease to 0.015805. CRA property tax ask was $798,990 which
there would be no tax increase. The CRA mill levy would decrease from 0.017086 to 0.015805.
Jay Vavricek spoke in favor.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve #2025-312 - Approving FY2025-
2026 General Property and Community Redevelopment Authority(CRA)Tax Request.Roll Call:
Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase,
Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
9.g)#2025-313 -Approving Downtown Improvement District#2 (Ramp) Property Tax
Request
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Resolution
Page 12 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported that 2025 Valuations for the Downtown
Improvement District #2 (Ramp) increased over the 2024 valuation by $6,784,316 or 7.8%. The
Downtown Improvement District #2 (Ramp) was not requesting an increase in Property Tax
thereby decreasing the mill levy from 0.010470 to 0.009711.The Downtown Improvement District
#2 (Ramp) Property Tax revenue request was $9,090.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Mike Paulick to approve#2025-313 -Approving Downtown
Improvement District #2 (Ramp) Property Tax Request. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Jason
Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike
Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Abstain: Mark Stelk. Motion adopted.
10.) ORDINANCES
10.a) #10,032 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance
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Ordinance
Human Resource Manager Aaron Schmid reported the proposed updates to the salary ordinance
which included the wage adjustments for Fiscal Year 2026. These adjustments included increases
for bargaining unit employees under their respective agreements, as well as non-union
classifications.These wage adjustments had been incorporated into the proposed FY 2026 budget.
In addition to wage adjustments, the ordinance created the following non-union positions and
salary ranges: Budget and Purchasing Manager, Controller, Lead EIC Technician, Operations
Training and Planning Coordinator, and Planner II and removed the following non-union
positions and salary ranges: Administrative Assistant Building—PT, Assistant Finance Director,
Civil Engineer I—Utilities, Civil Engineer II—Utilities, Senior Civil Engineer—Utilities.
Gearld Poels spoke in regards to doing comp plans with local independent companies. Mr. Schmid
explained it was set by State Statute how the comp plans had to be done.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Lanfear to suspend the rules 10.a) #10,032 -
Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance. Roll Call: Ayes: : Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason
Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike
Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Jack Sheard to approve 10.a) #10,032 - Consideration of
Approving Salary Ordinance. Roll Call: Ayes: : Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell
Nickerson,Doug Brown, Chuck Haase,Maggie Mendoza,Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug
Lanfear. Motion adopted.
10.b)#10.033 - Consideration on FY2025-2026 Annual Single Cif Budget and Annual
Appropriations Bill
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FY2025-26 City Budget
Ordinance
Page 13 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported that the following was a comparison of
the fiscal year 2026 proposed budget to the FY2025 adopted budget:
• The FY2026 proposed budget disbursements and transfers was 8.3%or$25,977,290 higher
than the FY2025 adopted budget. The difference was mainly due to using General Fund
excess cash reserves and bond proceeds for several parks' projects, Good Life District
disbursements, and a Grants placeholder(in order to have appropriation authority).
• All Funds Revenue projections for FY2026 increased 1.2% or $3,474,824 over FY2025
budget.
• 2025 Valuations for the City of Grand Island increased over the 2024 valuation by
$378,866,891 or 8.1%. If the City applied the FY2025 mill levy of 0.2781 to the new
valuation of$5,055,209,483, the City's Property Tax revenue would be$14,060,290, a tax
increase of $1,053,760 over the prior year. The City and Community Redevelopment
Authority tax ask for FY2026 is $13,006,530.
• The City was requesting the same property tax ask that was in FY2024-2025. Property Tax
Ask of $12,207,540 to the new valuation decreased the mill levy to 0.241484. CRA
property tax ask was $798,990 which was the same tax ask in the prior year. The CRA mill
levy would decrease from 0.017086 to 0.015805.
• Total Sales Tax revenue was forecasted at $29,720,296 for FY2026. It was a 2.0% or
$582,751 increase over FY2025 budget. The increase was in line with the recent trend in
sales tax for Grand Island but slightly lower than forecasted inflationary data.
• All other revenue sources in the General Fund account for $35,419,984. A decrease over
FY2025 budget of$55,281 or -0.2%. The decrease was in line with the recent trend for
Grand Island.
• A decrease in Transfers FY2026 by $10,468,936 to $15,476,565 over FY2025 was due to
the $9million increase in FY2025 budget. It was now in line with normal transfer amounts
that had been made in the past.
Reviewed were the additional FTE's and reclassifications along with Capital Improvement
Projects.
Reviewed were the Capital Improvement Projects and Equipment Purchases for FY2026:
• Building: $35,000.00
• Electric Utility: $15,735,545.00
• Emergency Management: $607,400.00
• Fire: $2,870,650.00
• Heartland Public Shooting Park: $695,924.00
• Jackrabbit Run Golf Course: $100,000.00
• Library: $140,000.00
• Parks & Recreation: $24,013,000.00
• Parks Capital Equipment: $183,700.00
• Police: $3,329,500.00
• Public Works: $21,256,450.00
Page 14 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
• Solid Waste: $9,798,000.00
• Streets: $1,186,363.85
• Water Utility: $2,130,000.00
Total: $82,081,532.85
Jay Vavricek spoke in favor and complemented Council and City Staff on the budget.
Gerald Poels spoke in opposition to the water park renovation.
Discussion was held on the budget process and complimented Patrick Brown on his hard work and
dedication.
Councilmember Nickerson spoke on his request of having a voting meeting on the budget and
council had the opportunity to put in more input.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Brown to suspend the rules 10.b) #10,033 -
Consideration on FY2025-2026 Annual Single City Budget and Annual Appropriations Bill. Roll
Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck
Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Motion by Mitchell Nickerson, second by Jack Sheard to approve 10.b) #10,033 - Consideration
on FY2025-2026 Annual Single City Budget and Annual Appropriations Bill. Roll Call: Ayes:
Jack Sheard,Mark Stelk,Jason Conley,Mitchell Nickerson,Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick. Noes: Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
10.c) #10,034 - Consideration of Approving Assessments for Railside Business
Improvement District
Cover Page
2025-2026 Railside Reduction List
Ordinance
Assistant City Administrator/CFO reported on June 11, 2025, the Railside BID Board met and
approved the 2025-2026 budget that provided for a total special assessment of$151,478.18. 11
property owners filed proper documentation with the Finance Department for the 30% eligible
reduction. The approved reductions equal $1,037.39, reducing the request to $150,440.79.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Brown to suspend the rules 10.c) #10,034 -
Consideration of Approving Assessments for Railside Business Improvement District. Roll Call:
Ayes: Jack Sheard, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Abstain: Mark Stelk. Motion adopted.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Chuck Haase to approve 10.c #10,034 - Consideration of
Approving Assessments for Railside Business Improvement District. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard,Jason Conley,Doug Brown,Chuck Haase,Maggie Mendoza,Ryan O'Neill,Mike Paulick
and Doug Lanfear. Abstain: Mark Stelk and Mitchell Nickerson. Motion adopted.
Page 15 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
10.d) #10,035 - Consideration of Approving Assessments for 4th Street Business
Improvement District
Cover Page
2025-2026 4th St Reduction List
Ordinance
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported the 2025-,2026 budget provided for a
total special assessment of $40,000. 5 property owners filed proper documentation with the
Finance Depatlinent for the 30% eligible reduction. The approved reductions equal $569.69,
reducing the request to$39,430.31.The BID pays the City a fee of$2,200 for accounting services.
Motion by Doug Lanfear, second by Jack Sheard to suspend the rules 10.d) #10,035 -
Consideration of Approving Assessments for 4th Street Business Improvement District. Roll
Call: Ayes Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck
Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Motion by Doug Brown, second by Doug Lanfear to approve 10.d#10,035 - Consideration of
Approving Assessments for 4th Street Business Improvement District. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
10.e)#10,036 - Consideration of Approving Assessments for Former Park Business
Improvement District
Cover Page
Ordinance
Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown reported that the Fonner Park BID Board met
and approved the 2025-2026 budget which provided special assessments in the amount of$53,202.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Ryan O'Neill to suspend the rules 10.e) #10,036 -
Consideration of Approving Assessments for Fonner Park Business Improvement District. Roll
Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck
Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second Mark Stelk by to approve 10.e #10,036 - Consideration of
Approving Assessments for Fonner Park Business Improvement District. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
11). OTHER ITEMS
11.a) Executive Session to Update Council on Threat of Litigation and Possible
Authorization of Settlement Authority
Cover Page
Page 16 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting September 9,2025
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Brown to adjourn to executive session 11.a)Executive
Session to Update Council on Threat of Litigation and Possible Authorization of Settlement
Authority. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug
Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick, Doug Lanfear. Motion
adopted.
Adjourn to executive session at 9:36 p.m.
Motion by Mike Paulick, second by Ryan O'Neill to return to regular session 11.a) Executive
Session to Update Council on Threat of Litigation and Possible Authorization of Settlement
Authority. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug
Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick, Doug Lanfear. Motion
adopted.
Returned to regular session at 10:04 p.m.
Councilmember Sheard made a motion to move to authorize settlement of claims by Mayor and
City Attorney pursuant to the authority requested.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Chuck Haase to approve the motion to move to authorize
settlement of claims by Mayor and City Attorney pursuant to the authority requested. Roll Call:
Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase,
Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick, Doug Lanfear. Motion adopted.
12).ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
9,,,e-
G.
City Clerk
Jill Granere