10/28/2025 Minutes CI"IY OF
GRAND�E�ISLAND
City Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers
City Hall
100 East First Street
October 28, 2025
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Roger G. 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 Attorney Stacy
Nonhof 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 and Doug
Lanfear. Mike Paulick was absent.
4. SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
5. RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve CONSENT AGENDA excluding e,
i, r and s. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug
Brown, Chuck Haase,Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick.
Motion adopted.
6.a)Approving Minutes of the October 14, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting.
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Minutes
6.b) Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of October 15, 2025 through October
28, 2025 in the total amount of$7,804,877.58.
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Claims
6.c) Approving Request from Kimberly Gleason for Liquor Manager Designation with
Walmart, 3501 S Locust St Grand Island,Nebraska.
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Police Report
Page 2 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting October 28,2025
6.d) #2025-362 -Approving City Council Meeting Schedule for 2026.
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Proposed City Council Meetings
Resolution
6.e) #2025-363 -Approving of Memorandum of Understanding between the City Of
Grand Island and the International Association of Firefighters, Local No. 647
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MOU
Resolution
Human Resource Director Aaron Schmid reported the City and International Association of
Firefighters Local 647 (IAFF) had an active collective bargaining agreement effective October 1,
2023 through September 30, 2026. The agreement currently provided for a 24-hour on/ 48-hour
off rotation under the standard 56-hour work week with Kelly Day adjustments. At the request of
the Fire Department and IAFF, both parties had negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU)to pilot a modified schedule consisting of 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off duty.
The MOU was experimental in nature and would remain in effect through September 30, 2026,
unless terminated earlier by either party with 30 days' written notice.
Discussion was held on fatigue and family time. Zach Zoul with the fire department stated it was
a majority vote by the members in favor of this MOU.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Mitchell Nickerson to approve 6.e) #2025-363 - Approving
of Memorandum of Understanding between the City Of Grand Island and the International
Association of Firefighters, Local No. 647. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason
Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Doug
Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
6.f)#2025-364 -Approving Amendment to Sub-Recipient Agreement with the YMCA.
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YMCA Amendment#1
Resolution
For an additional $10,629.29 for a total amount of$50,496.00.
6.g) #2025-365 -Approving Change Order No. 1 for Cedar Hills Trail Construction.
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Change Order No. 1
Resolution
For an increased amount of$455.00 for a revised total of$198,754.50.
6.h) #2025-366 -Approving Purchase of a 72"Mower for Parks Division.
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Page 3 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting October 28,2025
Sourcewell Contract
Resolution
From Midwest Turf and Irrigation of Omaha, Nebraska in an amount of$42,389.72.
6.i)#2025-367 -Approval of Heartland Public Shooting Park Capital Project Hornady
Reimbursement
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Resolution
Parks and Recreation Director Todd McCoy reported Hornady would manage the HPSP capital
projects by purchasing materials and hiring contactors to complete each project. City
Administration was requesting that City Council approve reimbursement to Hornady for expenses
related to the capital projects. The City Finance Department would review eligible
reimbursements and would be limited to the amount approved in the City budget.
Discussion was held making sure that the projects would be tax exempt.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Doug Lanfear to approve 6.i) #2025-367 - Approval of
Heartland Public Shooting Park Capital Project Hornady Reimbursement. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack
Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie
Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
6.j) #2025-368 - Approving Purchase of a Bobcat Compact Loader for Cemetery
Division.
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State Contract
Resolution
From Central Nebraska Bobcat of Grand Island, Nebraska in an amount of$69,392.11.
6.k) #2025-369 -Approving Purchase of One (1) Sewer Camera with Sonde & Steerable
Pipe Transporter, and Backup Camera.
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Compact Pipe Ranger Transporter Photo
Sole Source Letter - Municipal Pipe Tool
Resolution
From Municipal Pipe Tool Company, LLC of Hudson, Iowa in an amount of$59,390.00.
6.1) #2025-370 -Approving Skid Steer Buy-Back for Streets Division.
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Skid Steer/Compact Track Loader picture
Resolution
From Central Nebraska Bobcat of Grand Island, Nebraska in an amount of$26,800.00 for two.
Page 4 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting October 28,2025
6.m) #2025-371 - Approving Purchase of a new 10 CY Dump Truck for the Streets
Division of the Public Works Department.
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Unit 225 Pictures
Resolution
From Hansen International of Grand Island,Nebraska in an amount of$171,152.82.
6.n) #2025-372 -Approving Purchase of a new Salt Truck for the Streets Division of the
Public Works Department.
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Unit 227 Pictures
Resolution
From Hansen International of Grand Island,Nebraska in an amount of$145,948.81.
6.o) #2025-373 - Approving Amendment No. 2 to Engineering Consulting Services for
13th Street/Diers Avenue Improvements; Project No. 2026-P-2.
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Amendment No. 2
Resolution
With Olsson,Inc. of Grand Island,Nebraska for an increased amount of$262,700.00 for a revised
total amount of$1,490,400.00.
6.p) #2025-374 - Approving Amendment No. 1 to Engineering Consulting Services for
Stolley Park Road; South Locust Street to Stuhr Road Paving Improvements; Project No. 2024-
P-4.
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Amendment No. 1
Resolution
With Olsson, Inc. of Grand Island,Nebraska for an increased amount of$580,000.00 for a
revised total amount of$907,600.00.
6.q) #2025-375 - Approving PGS Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) Groundwater
Services -Task 28.
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Task 28
Resolution
6.r) #2025-376 -Approving Golf Management Contract
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Landscapes Unlimited Agreement
Resolution
Park and Recreation Director Todd McCoy reported Landscapes Unlimited was completing their
Page 5 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting October 28,2025
five year contract with the City to manage JackRabbit Run Golf Course. The City sent out Request
for Proposals (RFP) and received only one proposal. The agreement to move forward with
Landscapes Unlimited as they would like to manage JackRabbit Run for the next five years.
Discussion was held on how the revenue was the past five years and the goals for the next five
years. Justin with Landscapes Unlimited reported they now have a capital fleet program and high
level expenses were now in the budget and paid for through operations which would be
substantial.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Lanfear to approve 6.r) #2025-376 - Approving Golf
Management Contract. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell
Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill, Doug Lanfear. Absent:
Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
6.$)#2025-377 -Approving VenuWorks/Heartland Event Center Operations Funding
Request
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VenuWorks Funding Request
Resolution
Kyler Tarwater reported for fiscal year 2026, VenuWorks was currently requesting $200,000 for
operations of the Heartland Events Center per our contractual agreement. Furthermore,in helping
to keep pace with operational costs, City Administration were proposing to set up monthly
payments to the co-owned operating account not to exceed $500,000 for FY2026. The proposal
was for $30,000 monthly starting December 2025 and ending September 2026 (10 total
payments).
Discussion was held on revenue and unexpected expenses and losses. Discussion was held
regarding the State Fair and anticipated return wasn't what they expected. Mr. Tarwater reported
on future events and positive expected revenues.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Chuck Haase to approve 6.$) #2025-377 - Approving
VenuWorks/Heartland Event Center Operations Funding Request. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard,
Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza,
Ryan O'Neill, Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
7. RESOLUTIONS
7.a) #2025-378 -Approving Amendment No. 3 to Engineering Consulting Services for
State Street/Diers Avenue Improvements; Project No. 2026-P-1
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Amendment No. 3
Resolution
Public Works Director Keith Kurz reported this project was part of the overall Claude Road/Diers
Avenue improvements of several roadways in the City of Grand Island. It was anticipated that
these projects would occur over several years at a pace dictated by budgets, development growth
Page 6 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting October 28,2025
and need. A Claude Road extension from just north of Faidley Avenue to State Street, which had
been completed, was the major focus of this project. This roadway was built with plans to build
several connections to Diers Avenue guided by an existing City of Grand Island concept plan.
This project allowed for improvements to the Diers Avenue corridor intended to control access
and improve traffic performance and safety. These Diers Avenue improvements were the second
component to this project. Also associated with this project was the potential for improvements
to the Highway 281 and 30 corridors adjacent to the other project areas. These improvements
would focus on creating north and southbound left-turn lane offsets as well as right turn lanes to
exit from the highway. This portion of the project would involve potential application of NDOT
safety funds and would involve coordination with NDOT throughout the project. With the
construction of Claude Road; Faidley Avenue to State Street complete it was now time to address
the State Street/Diers Avenue improvements with Amendment No. 3 to the original agreement
with Olsson, Inc. Amendment No. 3, in the amount of$310,800.00 would allow for additional
topographic survey,final roadway design on State Street from Claude Road to Webb Road,utility
coordination, right-of-way acquisition, public involvement/project coordination, and bid phase
services. This amendment would result in a revised agreement amount of$1,801,200.00.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Doug Brown to approve#2025-378 -Approving Amendment
No. 3 to Engineering Consulting Services for State Street/Diers Avenue Improvements; Project
No.2026-P-1.Roll Call:Ayes: Jack Sheard,Mark Stelk,Jason Conley,Mitchell Nickerson,Doug
Brown, Chuck Haase,Maggie Mendoza,Ryan O'Neill and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick.
Motion adopted.
7.b)#2025-379 -Approving Bid Award for Island Oasis Water Park Improvements
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Contract
Resolution
Parks and Recreation Director Todd McCoy reported on September 27, 2025 the Parks and
Recreation Department advertised for bids to Renovate Island Oasis. Two(2)bids were received.
The lowest bid was submitted by Scheele-Kayton Construction of Lincoln, Nebraska in an
amount of$13,196,820.00.
Discussion was held on completion date and would be an 18-month project, and they have
requested for the contractors to not impact the swimming this summer.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Mitchell Nickerson to approve #2025-379 - Approving Bid
Award for Island Oasis Water Park Improvements. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk,
Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill
and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
8.) ORDINANCES
8.a) #10,043 - Consideration of Amending Grand Island City Code Sections 2-18 & 2-21
Relative to City Council& Mayor Compensation
Page 7 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting October 28,2025
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Ordinance
Human Resource Director Aaron Schmid reported as part of the 2025 wage survey, Council
compensation was reviewed against comparable municipalities. The survey results indicated that
the midpoint compensation level should be adjusted to $10,390.00 annually. By law, any change
in Council compensation becomes effective with the seating of the next City Council at the first
regular meeting in December. In addition, Nebraska statutes provided that the filing fee for
candidates is based on the salary in effect as of November 30 of the year preceding the election.
Administration recommends amending Council compensation to $10,390.00 annually, plus a 3%
cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Midwest, Size
Class B/C (population 2.5 million or less), as published July 15, 2025. This adjustment brings the
recommended compensation to $10,701.00 annually. Because elected officials were typically
reticent to address their own pay on a routine basis,but the City needed to provide adequate review
of their compensation to ensure interested citizens were willing and financially able to serve the
public.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Ryan O'Neill to suspend the rules 8.a) #10,043 -
Consideration of Amending Grand Island City Code Sections 2-18 & 2-21 Relative to City
Council & Mayor Compensation. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley,
Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill and Doug
Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve 8.a) #10,043 - Consideration of
Amending Grand Island City Code Sections 2-18 & 2-21 Relative to City Council & Mayor
Compensation. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson,
Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike
Paulick. Motion adopted.
8.b) #10,044 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance
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Ordinance
Human Resource Director Aaron Schmid reported the proposed amendment to the Salary
Ordinance reflected the terms of the recently negotiated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
between the City of Grand Island and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local
No. 647. Consistent with the approved MOU,this ordinance updates Section V to revise the hourly
pay ranges for the following classifications: Firefighter/EMT Firefighter/Paramedic Fire Captain
Battalion Chief These updates ensure that the City's pay structure aligns with the compensation
provisions negotiated in the MOU. The ordinance would take effect January 11, 2026, coinciding
with the implementation of the new schedule and pay structure outlined in the agreement.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Brown to suspend the rules 8.a) #10,044 -
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 and
Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
Page 8 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting October 28,2025
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Doug Brown to approve 8.a) #10,044 - 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 and Doug Lanfear.
Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
8.c) #10,045 - Consideration of Approving the Amendment to the Grand Island
Firefighters' Retirement System Plan and Trust
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Grand Island Firefighters Amendment (2025)
Ordinance
Human Resource Director Aaron Schmid reported qualified retirement plans must operate in
accordance with current legal and regulatory requirements. The amendment updates the City's
Firefighters' Retirement System Plan and Trust to align with recent changes in Nebraska law and
to maintain compliance with Internal Revenue Code requirements. Specifically, the amendment
increases employee (firefighter) contribution rates from 6.5% to 12.7% between 2024 and 2026
and increases City contributions from 13% to 15% over the same period. It also provides
contribution offsets for participants covered under an absolute coverage group, authorizes partial
lump-sum benefit payments beginning October 1, 2025, and allows for pooled investment
arrangements with other first-class city firefighter plans under the oversight of the Nebraska
Investment Council. These updates ensure the plan remains financially sustainable,compliant with
statutory provisions, and responsive to the long-term retirement needs of both firefighters and the
City.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Lanfear to suspend the rules 8.c) #10,045 -
Consideration of Approving the Amendment to the Grand Island Firefighters' Retirement System
Plan and Trust. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson,
Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike
Paulick. Motion adopted.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Doug Lanfear to approve 8.c) #10,045 - Consideration of
Approving the Amendment to the Grand Island Firefighters' Retirement System Plan and Trust.
Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown,
Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza,Ryan O'Neill and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion
adopted.
8.d) 10,046 - Consideration of Approving the Amendment to the Grand Island Police
Officers' Retirement System Plan and Trust
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Grand Island-Police Retirement Plan -Amendment(2025)
Ordinance
Human Resource Director Aaron Schmid reported the proposed 2025 Amendment updates the
Police Officers' Retirement System Plan and Trust to reflect revised employee contribution rates
Page 9 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting October 28,2025
and confirm continued compliance with applicable state and federal requirements. Specifically,
the amendment increases the mandatory employee contribution rate for police officers from seven
percent (7%) to nine percent (9%) of salary, effective October 1, 2025. The amendment also
maintains the City's designation to treat employee contributions as "employer pick-up"
contributions under Internal Revenue Code Section 414(h), allowing such amounts to be treated
as employer contributions for tax purposes. These updates ensure the plan remains consistent
with Nebraska law and current administrative practices, and they parallel contribution
adjustments made to the Firefighters' Retirement System Plan earlier this year.
Gerald Poels spoke in regards to the employee and employer contributions.
Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Doug Lanfear to suspend the rules 8.d) #10,046 -
Consideration of Approving the Amendment to the Grand Island Police Officers' Retirement
System Plan and Trust. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell
Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill and Doug Lanfear.
Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Jack Sheard to approve 8.d) #10,046 - Consideration of
Approving the Amendment to the Grand Island Police Officers' Retirement System Plan and
Trust.Roll Call:Ayes: Jack Sheard,Mark Stelk,Jason Conley,Mitchell Nickerson,Doug Brown,
Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza,Ryan O'Neill and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion
adopted.
8.e) #10,047-Amendment to Authorize Financing for Solid Waste
Improvements/Expansion through Public Markets
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Ordinance
Assistant City Attorney Stacy Nonhof reported the current Transfer Station was designed and
built by Hall County in the early 1980s. The City took over operation of the facility in the early
1990s. The facility had served the community well,but its design capacity was considerably less
than the current tonnage that was moving through the facility on a daily basis. The proposed
facility would allow for more efficient operation and have a higher tonnage capacity to serve the
community into the future. An example of improving operational efficiency was that the project
would allow for both inbound and outbound scales in it's operation. This would increase customer
satisfaction and improve safety. Currently both inbound and outbound traffic use one scale and
vehicles coming and going take turns using the scale. During peak operations, vehicles queue
onto Old Potash Highway, at times over 1/4 mile long, waiting their turn to enter into the facility.
The proposed site plan would improve the customers experience while increasing efficiency in
the whole process. Also, the Landfill's Cell 4 was ready to be developed at this time in an effort
to remove stormwater pumps and allow for more efficient landfilling operations. Administration
was recommending changing up to and not to exceed$9,000,00 financing authorization ordinance
passed August 19th to $9,900,000 due to higher construction costs and to keep it as a bank
qualified loan.
Motion by Chuck Haase, second by Ryan O'Neill to suspend the rules 8.d)#10,047-Amendment
Page 10 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting October 28,2025
to Authorize Financing for Solid Waste Improvements/Expansion through Public Markets. Roll
Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck
Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion
adopted.
Motion by Doug Brown, second by Chuck Haase to approve 8.d) #10,047- Amendment to
Authorize Financing for Solid Waste Improvements/Expansion through Public Markets. Roll
Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck
Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion
adopted.
9.a) Executive Session to Discuss Union Negotiations
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Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Ryan O'Neill to adjourn to executive session 9.a) Executive
Session to Discuss Union Negotiations. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley,
Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill and Doug
Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
Adjourn to executive session at 8:20 p.m.
Motion by Doug Brown, second by Jason Consley to return to regular session 9.a) Executive
Session to Discuss Union Negotiations. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley,
Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Maggie Mendoza, Ryan O'Neill and Doug
Lanfear. Absent: Mike Paulick. Motion adopted.
Returned to regular session at 8:46 p.m.
10). ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
Ci Clerk
Jill Granere