Grand Island City Council Regular Meeting - October 22, 2024

The Grand Island City Council held a regular meeting on October 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting addressed a consent agenda, several public hearings, resolutions, and ordinances. Key actions included approval of a new P25 radio system, a redevelopment plan for infrastructure at a former defense site, zoning changes, and a street vacation for courthouse expansion. Councilmember Mendoza and Councilmember Conley were absent.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (items 6A through 6W) with the exception of item 6X, which was pulled for discussion. Items included:
  • Approval of minutes from October 8, 2024.
  • Payment of claims totaling $7,392,918.14 for October 9–22, 2024.
  • Liquor manager designation for Sam's Club.
  • Appointment and reappointment to the Regional Planning Commission.
  • Approval of the 2025 City Council meeting schedule.
  • Various contracts, purchases, and bid awards for public works, parks, and utilities.
  • Final plats for Ostermeier Acres (1 lot, 3.00 ac.) and FRF Third Subdivision (2 lots, 0.53 ac.).
  • Contracts for plumbing exams, small cell node license renewal, budgeting software, and a community project fund award.
  • Purchase of vehicles and equipment including a one-ton pickup, landfill compactor, skid steer, sewer cleaner truck, asphalt reclaiming machine, loader, mowers, and a P25 radio system (separately considered).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Hometown Heroes Banner Program (Resolution 2024-282): Several community members spoke in support of expanding the military banner tribute program to 77 additional poles. Speakers included Holly S. (committee member), Tina Brooks (daughter of a board member), and Steve Munoz (father of a serving soldier). They described the program’s success, emotional impact, and desire to honor more veterans. No opposition was voiced.
• Other items: No public testimony was offered on the conditional use permit for a car dealership, the redevelopment plan, zoning changes, or utility easement acquisition.

Discussion Items

• P25 Radio System (Consent Item 6X – Resolution 2024-278): Chief Rosenlund provided an update on the $3 million project funded by a FEMA grant covering 75% of costs. The city and county will split the remaining 25% (approximately 12.5% each). The project includes two tower locations (county tower north of Alda and city hall), nine dispatch consoles, and connection to the statewide radio system (OCIO). The timeline to install equipment is about 18 months after contract signing. The system will improve coverage in Hall County and allow tower sharing with other agencies. Councilmember Nickerson praised the progress.
• Redevelopment Plan for CRA Areas 20, 22, 25 (7B – Resolution 2024-280): Chad Nabity presented the redevelopment plan to extend municipal sewer, water, and utility infrastructure to a formerly used defense site (Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant). The plan enables application for LB600 grant funding. The sewer extension is the priority; the grant would cover $1.8 million of the $2.2 million estimated cost, with a $447,000 match from Hornady Manufacturing. Councilmembers noted the importance of redeveloping the CAP land and the need for infrastructure to spur economic growth.
• Zoning Change – Pleasant View (7C – Ordinance 9995): The request to rezone 14 lots from R1 and R2 to R3 (medium density residential) was discussed. The property is just north of Fonner Park and has been undeveloped for years. Developer plans to build single-family homes on the lots. Councilmember Gazinski expressed concerns from neighbors about traffic flow and density, and voted no. Other members supported the change as a beneficial infill project. The motion passed 8-1 (Gazinski dissenting).
• Zoning Change – Kramer’s Subdivision (7D – Ordinance 9996): Zoning change from M2 (heavy manufacturing) to B2 (general business) for three parcels. This allows rebuilding of a house in a zone that prohibits residential use, and provides a buffer between the Kramer salvage yard and nearby homes. The Planning Commission recommended approval. Approved unanimously.
• Hometown Heroes Pole Attachment (8A – Resolution 2024-282): Presentation by the committee highlighted the success of the program on Capitol Avenue, with 51 banners installed and hundreds of positive community reactions. The expansion adds 77 poles (many aluminum capable of holding two banners) on Webb and Broadwell roads, allowing up to 205 total banners. The city will enter into an agreement with Hometown Heroes for the attachments. Councilmembers expressed strong support and gratitude.
• LB600 Grant Application (8B – Resolution 2024-283): Application for a $1.8 million grant for sewer infrastructure to serve the CAP redevelopment. The city will use grant funds and be reimbursed; Hornady Manufacturing will reimburse the city for the matching portion. Approved unanimously.
• Municipal Advisory Services Agreement (8C – Resolution 2024-284): Selection of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC as the city’s municipal advisor, replacing a previous firm. Agreement includes a $75,000 annual retainer and transaction fees capped at $100,000. The advisor will assist with bond structuring, rating, and financing for upcoming projects (e.g., Good Life District). Councilmembers discussed the value of the retainer versus transaction fees, and the municipal advisor’s fiduciary duty. Approved unanimously.
• Property Transfer for Elks Building (9A – Ordinance 9997): Authorized transfer of a 12’ x 60’ portion of city-owned parking lot to SNH Holdings for construction of an elevator tower and handicap ramps at the Elks Building redevelopment at 205 W. 1st Street. The transfer aligns with a previously approved redevelopment plan. Approved unanimously.
• Vacation of Pine Street (9B – Ordinance 9998): Consideration to vacate Pine Street from 1st Street to Court Street to facilitate expansion of the Hall County Courthouse. The city will retain a utility easement. A traffic study found no significant impacts, and a gate will control access to the vacated area. Councilmember Gazinski and Councilmember Fitzkey raised concerns about lack of public support and the need for a permanent barrier rather than a gate. After clarification that the county will secure the site and the property splits to adjacent landowners (county owns both sides), the ordinance passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (items 6A–6W) with item 6X pulled.
• Approved Resolution 2024-278 (P25 radio system purchase from Motorola Solutions). The project is funded 75% by FEMA grant, 12.5% each by city and county.
• Approved Resolution 2024-279 (conditional use permit for car dealership at 322 E. 2nd St.) with conditions.
• Approved Resolution 2024-280 (redevelopment plan for CRA areas 20, 22, 25 to extend sewer/water infrastructure).
• Approved Ordinance 9995 (zoning change to R3 for Pleasant View 16th and 14th subdivisions). Vote: 8-1 (Gazinski opposed).
• Approved Ordinance 9996 (zoning change from M2 to B2 for Kramer's and Grandpa’s Acres subdivisions).
• Approved Resolution 2024-281 (utility easement acquisition at 1480 N. Diers Ave).
• Approved Resolution 2024-282 (additional pole attachment agreement with Hometown Heroes).
• Approved Resolution 2024-283 (municipality infrastructure aid program application for LB600 grant).
• Approved Resolution 2024-284 (municipal advisory services agreement with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC).
• Approved Ordinance 9997 (transfer of city property to SNH Holdings for Elks Building redevelopment).
• Approved Ordinance 9998 (vacation of Pine Street right-of-way for courthouse expansion).