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01/13/2026 Minutes CITY OF GRAND" ISLAND City Council Meeting Minutes Council Chambers City Hall 100 East First Street January 13, 2026 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 Administrator Patrick Brown, City Clerk Jill Granere, 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, Ryan O'Neill,Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Maggie Mendoza was absent. 4. SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 5. RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS 6. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6.a) Acknowledging All-State Music Honorees from Grand Island Schools Cover Page 7. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve CONSENT AGENDA excluding 7d and 7k. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill,Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 7.a) Approving Minutes of the December 30, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting. Cover Page Minutes 7.b)Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of December 31, 2025 through January 13, 2026 in the total amount of$5,156,821.43. Cover Page Claims Page 2 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 13,2026 7.c) Approving Request from Balz at Prairie Commons, 3568 Innate Lane, Suite A for an Addition to their Class "CK" Liquor License Cover Page 7.d) Notice of Availability of Diversion Program for Minor Traffic Offenses Cover Page City Attorney Kari Fisk reported the City of Grand Island provided an opportunity for certain individuals receiving minor traffic violations to participate in a Safety Training Option Program (STOP) as a diversion program for eligible minor traffic offenses. Individuals who are cited with eligible offenses receive notice, on their citation, that they may be eligible for participation in STOP class. Motion by Mitchell Nickerson, second by Doug Brown to approve 7d. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 7.e) #2026-1 - Approving of Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Grand Island and the Nebraska Public Employees, Local 251 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO Cover Page AFSCME Contract 2025 - 2028 Resolution 7.f)#2026-2 - Approving Extending Library Board Annual Report Deadline Cover Page Resolution 7.g) #2026-3 - Approving Contract for Lobbyist Services Cover Page Contract Resolution 7.h) #2026-4 - Approving Bid Award for Crushed Rock for 2026 Cover Page Dobesh Land Leveling, LLC Agreement Ashland Road Excavating Agreement Resolution 7.i)#2026-5 -Approving Temporary Construction Easement for Stolley Park Road-South Locust Street to Stuhr Road Paving Improvements; Project No. 2024-P-4 (Walker) Cover Page Resolution Temporary Easement Exhibit Page 3 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 13,2026 7.j)#2026-6 -Approving Purchase of One (1) 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 4x4, Crew Cab Pickup with Utility Body for the Streets Division of the Public Works Department Cover Page State of NE Contract Unit 210 Pictures Unit 210 Inspection Resolution 7.k) #2026-7 -Approving a five (5)year contract with the Grand Island Casino Resort for Grand Island Police Officers to work uniformed security. Cover Page Contract Resolution Police Chief Kevin Denney reported the officers have been working periodically overtime uniformed security at the Grand Island Casino Resort. Officers would work uniformed overtime and the Grand Island Police Department would invoice the Casino Resort for this overtime. This contract would allow officers to work, as needed, when staffing allows. The City and the Grand Island Casino Resort had agreed to a 5-year contract for periodic uniformed security being provided by Grand Island Police Officers, at an overtime rate of pay. Conversation was held regarding scheduling and being filled first come first serve basis. Officers would not go from a shift to the casino, nor would they go from the casino to a work shift. Mentioned was making sure there wasn't any"officer burnout". Discussion was held on the reimbursement amount and making sure it had no cost to the city. Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Lanfear to approve 7k. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 7.1) #2026-8 - Approving Final Plat - Jake's Lake Subdivision Cover Page Aerial Map Subdivision Final Application Jake's Lake Subdivision Agreement Resolution 8.) PUBLIC HEARINGS 8.a) Public Hearing on Acquisition of Utility Easement-Highway 281 and Prairie Creek Lane (Restored Properties LLC) #2026-9 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement-Highway 281 and Prairie Creek Lane (Restored Properties LLC) Cover Page Page 4 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 13,2026 Resolution Map Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz reported the Grand Island Utilities Department needed to acquire a twenty (20.0) foot wide utility easement tract in part of Outlot "A", The Sycamores At Prairie Creek, Hall County, Nebraska. Restored Properties, L.L.C. had requested electrical service for their new residential housing development located at U.S. Highway 281 and Prairie Creek Lane. The proposed new easement tract would allow the Department to install, access, operate, and maintain electrical infrastructure at this location. Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Jason Conley to approve #2026-9 - Approving Acquisition of Utility Easement-Highway 281 and Prairie Creek Lane(Restored Properties LLC). Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 8.b) Public Hearing on Acquisition of Public Right-of-Way for Stolley Park Road- South Locust Street to Stuhr Road Paving Improvements; Project No. 2024-P-4 (Walker) #2026-10 - Approving Acquisition of Public Right-of-Way for Stolley Park Road- South Locust Street to Stuhr Road Paving Improvements; Project No. 2024-P-4 (Walker) Cover Page Resolution ROW Exhibit Public Works Director Keith Kurz reported this project was for the improvement of Stolley Park Road from the intersection of South Locust Street to Stuhr Road. The Public Works Department planned to replace the existing asphalt street with a concrete curb and gutter roadway section along with associated sidewalk, traffic control, drainage and all other improvements needed to complete the project. To accommodate such improvements the acquisition of public right-of-way is necessary. All property acquisitions and negotiations were handled by a third party, Midwest ROW of Omaha, Nebraska, who worked with the affected property owner to sign the necessary documents to grant the property. Payment to the affected property owner totals $9,410.00, as detailed on the resolution. Motion by Doug Brown, second by Chuck Haase to approve #2026-10 - Approving Acquisition of Public Right-of-Way for Stolley Park Road- South Locust Street to Stuhr Road Paving Improvements; Project No. 2024-P-4 (Walker). Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 9.) RESOLUTIONS 9.a) #2026-11 -Authorizing Mayor to Execute all Necessary Documents related to Application for Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) Grant Application for Heartland Events Center Ice Rink Chiller Plant Revival Page 5 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 13,2026 Cover Page Letter of Intent Resolution City Administrator Patrick Brown reported the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development had a Civic and Community Center Financing Fund(CCCFF) specifically available to municipalities and tribal governments to support an array of project types that promote economic opportunity and a higher quality of life. This is a competitive grant that had a 1:1 cost share match. The grant schedule included a letter of intent which was due January 15, the full application is due February 15 with an anticipated award date of March 30. To preserve our right to apply for funds, the letter of intent must be submitted this week. If the City wished to pursue this project, this Grant would help make this financially feasible. The total estimated cost was $2,500,000 with a grant request of $1,000,000 from the CCCFF grant with a city match of $1,500,000 to meet the cost share requirements and anticipated total cost of the project. Application for this grant does not guarantee Council would make appropriations for this project in the FY27 budget and the actual development of this project would be contingent upon said appropriations. Discussion was held on budgetary authority being FY2027 and previous hotel occupation tax being used but further discussion needed to be done. Mentioned was the potential for a hockey team and their fees helping pay some of the cost. Mentioned was at this time it was just an application for the grant; this did not guarantee anything and we do not have budgetary authority for it at this time. Kyler Tarwater spoke about some options of an ice rink. Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Chuck Haase to approve #2026-11 - Authorizing Mayor to Execute all Necessary Documents related to Application for Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) Grant Application for Heartland Events Center Ice Rink Chiller Plant Revival. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick. Noes: Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 10.) ORDINANCES 10.a) #10,057 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance Cover Page Ordinance Human Resource Director Aaron Schmid reported the proposed amendment to the Salary Ordinance implements the terms of the recently negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the City of Grand Island and Nebraska Public Employees, Local 251 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO (AFSCME). Consistent with the approved CBA, this ordinance: Amends Section II to revise the hourly pay ranges for AFSCME-represented classifications; Amends Section VII to update provisions related to bilingual pay,meal allowances, and tool allowances; and Amends Section XI to revise longevity pay provisions. These amendments ensure that the City's salary ordinance remained aligned with Page 6 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 13,2026 the compensation and benefit provisions negotiated through collective bargaining. The ordinance was proposed to take effect January 26,2026,which coincided with the implementation of the new CBA and the start of a new pay period. This ordinance incorporates the increase to the Nebraska minimum wage effective January 1, 2026, increasing the minimum wage from thirteen dollars and fifty cents ($13.50) per hour to fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour. Finally, this ordinance adds clarifying language to the Officer referral incentive provisions to specify the treatment of repeat applications. Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Lanfear to suspend the rules 10.a) #10,057 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Mike Paulick to approve 10.a) #10,057 - Consideration of Approving Salary Ordinance. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 10.b) #10-058 - Consideration to Repeal Article 37-II Inter-Jurisdictional Planning Commission Cover Page Letter& Minutes Ordinance City Attorney Kari Fisk reported the IPC was created in 2006 and since that time has met 12 times including in January of 2026. The most recent meeting prior to this was in 2021. The Merrick County Board at their meeting on December 23, 2025, considered the question of whether to continue the IPC or not and voted unanimously to request that the IPC be discontinued. Per section 37-17 of the Grand Island City Code the IPC may be discontinued with a majority vote of both the Grand Island City Council and the Merrick County Board of Supervisors. Motion by Jack Sheard, second by Chuck Haase to suspend the rules 10.b) #10-058 - Consideration to Repeal Article 37-II Inter-Jurisdictional Planning Commission Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. Motion by Doug Brown, second by Ryan O'Neill to approve 10.b) #10-058 - Consideration to Repeal Article 37-II Inter-Jurisdictional Planning Commission. Roll Call: Ayes Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 10.c) #10,059 - Consideration of Sale of Lot One (1) of Jake's Subdivision in Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska Cover Page Agreement Ordinance Map Page 7 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 13,2026 City Attorney Kari Fisk reported the City Council had been asked to approve the creation of Lot One of Jake's Subdivision located in the City of Grand Island, Hall County Nebraska. This additional property was located adjacent to a residence located on Harrison Street between Brach's Lake and the Street. This property had been determined to be excess property owned by the City. The adjacent property owner had proposed the City sell this surplus property for$2,000. This property was not currently used by the City and ownership was not needed to maintain drainage through the area. Zach Butz spoke in favor. Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Doug Lanfear to suspend the rules 10.c) #10,059 - Consideration of Sale of Lot One (1) of Jake's Subdivision in Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska. Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. Motion by Doug Brown, second by Chuck Haase to approve 10.c) #10,059 - Consideration of Sale of Lot One (1) of Jake's Subdivision in Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska. Roll Call: Ayes Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 10.d) #10,060 - Consideration of Sale of a Tract of Land comprising part of miscellaneous tracts in part of the South Half of the Southwest Quarter(S1/2SW1/4) of Section 17, Township 11 North, Range 9 West of the 6th Principal Merandian located in the City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska Cover Page Agreement Ordinance Map City Attorney Kari Fisk reported the City of Grand Island owned and operated Ryder Park. The boundaries of Ryder Park extend east directly abutting the building owned by John Baasch Auger Flighting,Inc.Though the eastern edge of this property had been,historically,used as an alleyway or for storage by Baasch Auger, no alley or roadway was platted. Baasch had asked to purchase this property from the City and this Ordinance serves to facilitate that sale. This property had been identified by the Parks department as unneeded and unused by or for Ryder Park. The Parks Department had identified their primary need was to ensure this property was well maintained, fenced,and that material storage does not occur on City property.The property identified contains a public sewer line servicing only Baasch Auger. This line would, as part of this transaction, be converted to a private sewer line. The utility lines located on this property currently directly abut the buildings owned by Baasch Auger. Baasch had agreed to give the City a public utility easement over the property so long as public utilities remain on the property. It was the intent of Baasch to relocate the utility lines, at Baasch's expense, so that the property could be enclosed and utilized. It was anticipated that the cost to relocate electric lines would exceed$60,0000. The cost savings to the City in the privatization of the sewer line was unknown, but it would reduce expenses related to line maintenance. Because the property was not actively utilized by the City, Page 8 of 7,City Council Regular Meeting January 13,2026 and because of the substantial benefit to the City in the relocation, at Baasch's expense, of the electric lines, the benefit of fencing and enclosing material storage abutting Ryder Park, and the privatization of the sewer line, Baasch had proposed a purchase price of$11,982.50. Zach Butz spoke in favor. Motion by Ryan O'Neill, second by Mike Paulick to suspend the rules 10.d) #10,060 - Consideration of Sale of a Tract of Land comprising part of miscellaneous tracts in part of the South Half of the Southwest Quarter (S1/2SW1/4) of Section 17, Township 11 North, Range 9 West of the 6th Principal Merandian located in the City of Grand Island,Hall County,Nebraska . Roll Call: Ayes: Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase,Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. Motion by Doug Brown, second by Chuck Haase to approve 10.d) #10,060 - Consideration of Sale of a Tract of Land comprising part of miscellaneous tracts in part of the South Half of the Southwest Quarter (S1/2SW1/4) of Section 17, Township 11 North, Range 9 West of the 6th Principal Merandian located in the City of Grand Island, Hall County,Nebraska. Roll Call: Ayes Jack Sheard, Mark Stelk, Jason Conley, Mitchell Nickerson, Doug Brown, Chuck Haase, Ryan O'Neill, Mike Paulick and Doug Lanfear. Absent: Maggie Mendoza. Motion adopted. 11).ADJOURMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Fa( 6rz 11G C ty Clerk Jill Granere