Grand Island City Council Regular Meeting - October 8, 2024
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Grand Island City Council Regular Meeting - October 8, 2024
The Grand Island City Council met on October 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included presentations, a board of equalization, consent agenda, public hearing, resolutions, and ordinances. Notable items included recognition of a 40-year employee, a master plan for Camp Augustine, and a resolution to enter a management agreement with VenuWorks for the Heartland Event Center.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of the September 24, 2024 meeting.
- Approved payment of claims totaling $4,608,637.56.
- Approved proposals and bid awards for various projects (items 8c through 8p), with item 8M (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant) pulled and amended to increase the grant amount from $1,558 to $1,958.45, then approved.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jay Vavracek (former mayor) spoke during the VenuWorks resolution. He expressed opposition to the management agreement, citing lack of community discussion, financial risk to taxpayers, and the unresolved status of the lodging tax. He urged the council to postpone the decision.
- Carla Chavez (Habitat for Humanity) spoke during the CDBG contract amendment, explaining the program's purpose and the need for an extension due to COVID-19 delays and administrative hurdles.
Discussion Items
- Recognition of Jodi Halm: The council recognized Jodi Halm for 40 years of service with the City of Grand Island Finance Department. Mayor Steele and Finance Director Matthew Gleason offered remarks.
- Food & Beverage Tax Oversight Committee 2024 Annual Report: Chair Ron DuPay reported that the city has collected over $21 million in food and beverage tax since 2016, with over $3 million collected in the last fiscal year. Disbursements included $10 million for parks and facilities, $3.2 million for Grow Grand Island, and $3.1 million for state fair payments. The committee confirmed all funds were compliant with city ordinances.
- Camp Augustine Master Plan Presentation: John Royster (Big Muddy Workshop) presented the master plan for the 600-acre site, which includes RV camping (104 pads), an outdoor education center, nature play, pedestrian bridges, and event spaces. Estimated development cost is $45 million, to be phased. Mayor Steele expressed strong support, emphasizing the need for local fundraising and the goal of partnering with Nebraska Game and Parks.
- VenuWorks Management Agreement (Resolution 10A): Steve Peters (CEO) and Tom Richter (Regional VP) presented the proposal for managing the Heartland Event Center. The agreement includes a five-year term, $6,000 monthly management fee, plus commissions on food/beverage and ticket sales, and a $300,000 investment in food service upgrades. Council members discussed financial risks, the need for community input, and the transition from Fonner Park management. Councilmember Hawsey expressed concerns about the shift in financial risk and lack of prior council discussion. Councilmember Sheard supported the proposal, citing VenuWorks' expertise. The resolution was adopted.
- Fee Schedule (Resolution 10B): Approved the FY2024/2025 fee schedule, which includes updates to public records request fees.
- CDBG Contract Amendment (Resolution 10C): Approved an amendment to extend the contract with Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity for an owner-occupied rehabilitation program. The program has $128,000 in CDBG funds, with about $100,000 available for repairs. Three applicants are currently in process.
- Ordinance 9992: Approved assessments for the South Locust Business Improvement District, totaling $104,617 based on front footage.
- Ordinance 9993: Amended city code to clarify the Good Life District Occupation Tax applies to all taxable transactions within the program area, including online and out-of-district purchases.
- Ordinance 9994: Created a consolidated tax oversight committee by merging the Food and Beverage Occupation Tax Oversight Committee and the Citizens Advisory Review Committee. The new committee will have seven voting members and meet at least quarterly.
Key Outcomes
- Board of Equalization: Approved special assessments for the South Locust Business Improvement District.
- Consent Agenda: Approved with amendment to item 8M.
- Resolution 10A (VenuWorks): Adopted (motion carried). The management agreement will commence with a transition period; the city will provide lodging tax as a backstop through 2025.
- Resolution 10B (Fee Schedule): Adopted.
- Resolution 10C (CDBG Habitat for Humanity): Adopted.
- Ordinances 9992, 9993, 9994: All passed.
- Executive Session: The council entered executive session at 9:28 PM to discuss collective bargaining and a prospective real estate purchase.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to our meeting. The date is October 8, 2024. The time is 7 p.m. This is an open meeting of the Grand Island City Council. The City of Grand Island abides by the Open Meetings Act in conducting business. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is displayed in the back of this room as required by state law. The City Council may vote to go into closed session on any agenda item as allowed by state law. I now ask the you stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Councilmember Mendoza present. Councilmember Kaczynski present. Councilmember Hazie. Present. Councilmember Shearden. Present. Councilmember Pollack. Councilmember Fitzkey. Present. Council President Stelk. Present. Councilmember Nickerson. Present. Councilmember Lanfear. Yeah, here. Councilmember Conley. Present. And Mayor Steele. Present. Also present are Jill Grenier, the City Clerk, Laura McAloon, the City Administrator, Patrick Brown, the Assistant City Administrator, CFO. Carrie Fisk, the city attorney will join us shortly. Keith Kurtz, the public works director, and Matthew Gleason, the finance director. Individuals who have appropriate items for city council consideration should complete the request for future agenda items form located at the information booth. If the issue can be handled administratively without council action, notification will be provided. If the item is scheduled for a meeting or study session, notification of the date will be given. A sign-up sheet was available in the lobby for individuals wishing to provide input on any of tonight's agenda items. If you did not sign up to speak on an agenda item, please come forward, state your name, and the agenda topic on which you will be speaking. No one has come forward, so we shall continue. Jody Holm, would you please meet me and uh Jill Grenier, the city clerk down at the front podium, please? I'm supposed to have a microphone, but the battery is dead. I'm not yelling at you. The city couldn't operate without people like you. And I want to tell the folks gathered here and those who are watching tonight about you on October 1, 1984. You were hired with the CERT City as a cashier one. On March 30, 1987, you murder you moved to Clerk 3 Customer Service. On February 1, 1989, you became utility clerk three. And on August 1, 1992, accounting clerk two to honor your service to the city of Grant. Oh, I have to ask, who was the mayor when you you were hired? You remember? Bill Wright.
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