Grand Island City Council Study Session - November 12, 2024

The Grand Island City Council held a study session on November 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered four agenda items: the Railside Festoon Lighting schedule, two LB840 loan matters from the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Camp Augustine Master Plan, and a proposed Federal and State Conflict of Interest Policy. Additionally, the council introduced new managers for the Heartland Events Center from VenueWorks.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Festoon Lighting: Lori (last name not given), a downtown walker, requested the festoon lights remain on until daylight for safety and ambiance, noting they had been turned off earlier than before (likely after 2:00 AM). She stated the lights were beneficial for security and visibility of early-morning activity.
• Zabuni Coffee (5B): Labon Jaguna, co-owner of Zabuni Specialty Coffee, was present to answer questions. He did not make a statement but was available to clarify the business's challenges. The EDC representative, Mary Burley, explained that the business had been a successful startup catalyst but could not meet later benchmarks due to COVID.
• Camp Augustine (5C): Jerry Pools, a resident, spoke against the proposed master plan, calling it “overbuilt” and suggested reducing RV pads by 75%, combining three lakes into one, and adding more trees. He also alleged that portions of the plan were AI-generated, citing an AI detector that flagged 82–95% of text on random pages. He urged the council to scrutinize the plan carefully.
• Camp Augustine (continued): Melissa Delate, CEO of Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, and Dave Kline, former Boy Scouts executive, spoke in favor. Delate emphasized the need for a concrete plan to attract private and state funding, noting statewide funder interest. Kline highlighted community support and the potential for private fundraising.

Discussion Items

• 5A. Railside Festoon Lighting Schedule: Council discussed the current 2:00 AM shut-off, which was set to extend bulb life (LED bulbs rated 25,000 hours, initial cost ~$114,000). Councilmember Nickerson explained he originally requested the earlier time to reduce bulb wear. Councilmember Pollock asked for the study session to ensure full information. Councilmember Lanfear supported all-night lighting for safety. Councilmember Hazi suggested a split schedule (e.g., off 2–5 AM then back on) using new programmable controls. Staff confirmed the lights can be set in one-minute increments, and no noise/light complaints from downtown residents had been received. No formal vote; the matter will likely be handled by the Railside Business Improvement District (BID) at its November 20 meeting.
• 5B. Grand Island Economic Development Corporation LB840 Loans:
  • Zabuni Coffee: Mary Burley presented a request to terminate Zabuni’s LB840 contract and forgive the remaining repayment obligation of $31,000 (second-year disbursement). The business received $48,333 in total disbursements after meeting 2019 and 2020 benchmarks but failed in 2021 and 2022 due to COVID. Council members expressed gratitude for Zabuni’s role in revitalizing the former Sears building. City attorney Carrie Fisk explained the complex forgiveness terms; the matter will return as an action item requiring a vote.
  • GIX Logistics: Burley presented an amendment to GIX’s 2023 LB840 contract, shifting funds from job creation to job training (approx. $400,000 for courses) because of economic slowdown and AI advancements. Jim Perney, president of GIX, explained the need to upskill current employees for retention and wage growth. Councilmember Nickerson questioned the high cost of proposed training compared to local community college alternatives. Councilmember Hawse supported flexibility due to unforeseen economic changes. Councilmember Stelk noted the changing business landscape. No vote; a formal action item will come later.
• 5C. Camp Augustine Master Plan Discussion: Laura McAloon, city administrator, asked for council direction on whether to adopt the master plan and pursue grants. The plan, presented earlier by John Royster, includes phased development of RV hookups, trails, a kayak/fishing pond, pedestrian bridges to Mormon Island, and an education center—total estimated cost $45 million. Council consensus was supportive but cautious. Councilmember Connolly suggested starting with infrastructure (sewer, water, electric) to enable early public use. Councilmember Nickerson called for a logical development step plan before pursuing grants. Councilmember Sheard and others agreed to formally adopt the master plan to aid grant applications and fundraising. Councilmember Lanfear emphasized avoiding a $45 million debt burden. Staff indicated that a resolution to adopt the plan and a prioritization list would be brought back. Private fundraising and state partnership were discussed as key to financing.
• 5D. Federal and State Conflict of Interest Requirements: City attorney Carrie Fisk presented a proposed written conflict of interest policy required by new federal regulations (436 pages). The policy would apply to all city employees, officials, council members, contractors, and sub-awardees. Key changes include requiring disclosure of organizational conflicts, covering “perceived” conflicts, and allowing discipline (including for council members) for violations. Councilmember Hawse expressed concern about the policy’s complexity and the definition of “ex parte communication.” Sheard asked about accidental violations and the need for training. Fisk noted that the current policy is minimal and that the state Accountability and Disclosure Commission can provide advisory opinions. This item will return for formal adoption.

Key Outcomes

• Festoon Lighting: No formal decision; the Railside BID will discuss the schedule at its November 20 meeting. Council expressed willingness to consider a split schedule to accommodate both safety and bulb life.
• LB840 Loans: Both the Zabuni Coffee termination/forgiveness request and the GIX Logistics amendment will come before the council as action items at a future regular meeting. No vote taken.
• Camp Augustine Master Plan: Council agreed to bring forward a resolution to formally adopt the master plan. Staff will develop a prioritized implementation list and begin applying for grants, including the Community and Civic Center Financing (CCCF) grant (up to $2 million with a 1:1 city match). Council directed staff to focus on infrastructure first.
• Conflict of Interest Policy: The policy will be presented for adoption at a later council meeting. Council members requested clearer explanations and training to ensure compliance.