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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Grand Island City Council Regular Meeting - January 28, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, January 28, 2025

BodyGrand Island, Nebraska

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, January 28, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:29:31

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:12

Welcome to our meeting.

0:14

The date is January 28, 2025.

0:19

The time is 7 p.m.

0:22

This is an open meeting of the Grand Island City Council.

0:26

The City of Grand Island abides by the Open Meeting Meetings Act in conducting business.

0:31

A copy of the Open Meetings Act is displayed in the back of this room as required by state law.

0:38

The City Council may vote to go into closed session on any agenda item as allowed by state law.

0:48

Now I ask you to stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:56

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

1:04

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:15

The city clerk will now perform roll call.

1:19

Councilmember Sheard will be absent.

1:21

Councilmember Stelk.

1:22

Present.

1:22

Councilmember Conley.

1:24

Present.

1:24

Councilmember Nickerson.

1:26

Present.

1:26

Councilmember Brown.

1:28

Present.

1:28

Councilmember Housey.

1:30

Present.

1:30

Councilmember Ben Noza present.

1:32

Councilmember O'Neill.

1:34

Present.

1:34

Councilmember Pollock will be absent.

1:36

Councilmember Lanfear?

1:38

Present.

1:38

And Mayor Steele.

1:40

Present.

1:41

Also present are the City Clerk, Jill Grenier, the City Administrator, Laura McAlloon, the Finance Director, Matthew Gleason, the City Attorney, Carrie Fisk, the Public Works Director, Keith Kurtz, and the Assistant City Administrator, CFO, Patrick Brown.

2:06

Individuals who have appropriate items for City Council consideration should complete the request for future agenda items form located at the information booth.

2:17

If the issue can be handled administratively without council action, notification will be provided.

2:25

If the item is scheduled for a meeting or study session, notification of the date will be given.

2:33

Do council members wish to remove any item from tonight's consent agenda.

2:40

Mr.

2:41

Lanfear.

2:42

I would like to remove 7e.

2:52

7E is removed.

3:01

A sign-up sheet was available in the lobby for individuals wishing to provide input on any of tonight's agenda items.

3:09

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.

3:30

7E, please.

3:32

Thank you.

3:58

Hearing no one else, we will continue with our agenda.

4:07

The first item on our agenda is recognition of Sergeant Michael Nelson for 25 years of service with the City of Grand Island.

4:19

Tonight we come together and celebrate a remarkable milestone in the career of one of Grand Island's finest, Sergeant Mike Nelson.

4:30

Mike began his journey with us on January 24, 2000, and his career has been marked by dedication, excellence, and integrity.

4:41

Sergeant Nelson, since your promotion to sergeant in July of 2022, you've continued to lead by example, embodying the very best of what it means to serve our community.

4:54

As Captain Jim During aptly put it, your work standard is higher than your considerable stature.

5:03

Whether it's analyzing complex problems or tackling day-to-day challenges, you approach everything with patience, a positive attitude, and a steadfast focus.

5:16

And while we've learned swimming may not be your strong suit, thanks to your time with the TRT.

5:24

It is clear that you, your ability to dive into challenges and lead with purpose is second to none.

5:31

Sergeant Nelson, on our behalf, the city of Grand Island thanks you for 25 incredible years of service, and your dedication has made our city safer.

5:43

And we look forward to the next chapter of your outstanding career.

5:48

At this time, the city clerk, Mrs.

5:51

Grenier, and I would like to present you with a certificate of appreciation and a pen from the city of Grand Island.

5:58

Mrs.

5:58

Grenier.

6:25

Sergeant Nelson, this is your certificate for 25 years of service, and it states we hereby express our sincere appreciation to Michael Nelson for your loyalty, diligence, and dedicated service during your tenure with the city of Grand Island, signed by your chief Kevin Denny, and by me as mayor.

6:49

Congratulations, sir.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural███████████████15%

Zoning And Land Use██████████████14%

Arts And Culture███████████11%

Public Engagement███████████11%

Airport Management█████████9%

Public Private Partnerships███████7%

Affordable Housing███████7%

Public Safety████4%

Public Finance████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Grand Island City Council Regular Meeting - January 28, 2025

The Grand Island City Council held a regular meeting on January 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included recognitions, a library report, a consent agenda with 19 items, public hearings, resolutions, ordinances, and two executive sessions. Key topics included hiring a lobbyist to protect the Good Life District, approval of the 2025 Comprehensive Development Plan, and creation of a Public Art Commission.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent agenda (items 7a through 7s) with the exception of item 7e (Lobbyist Services), which was removed for separate discussion. The consent agenda included routine approvals such as minutes, claims totaling $8,433,491.41, appointments, bid awards, and contracts.

Public Comments & Testimony

Jerry Pools spoke against the lobbyist contract during the discussion of item 7e, arguing that the Good Life District legislation is not self-evidently good and that the city should rely on its state senator rather than a paid lobbyist. He also opposed the use of TIF (tax increment financing) during the public hearing on the Comprehensive Development Plan, stating he hoped no further TIF projects would come before the council.
Gerald Pools (identified as the same speaker) reiterated opposition to TIF during the Comprehensive Plan hearing, questioning the need for 3,000 housing units and expressing hope no further TIF projects would be approved.

Discussion Items

Recognition of Sergeant Michael Nelson – The mayor and city clerk presented a certificate for 25 years of service. Sergeant Nelson thanked his family and colleagues, citing a speech by Coach Jim Valvano on never giving up.
Grand Island Public Library Annual Report – Cinda Swan reported that circulation numbers are up, audio and ebooks are growing, and the library received Gold Certification from the Nebraska Library Commission (a five-year certification). The library foundation increased support from $22,000 to $25,000. Programs for children and adults remain popular.
Lobbyist Services (Item 7e) – Patrick Brown explained the city administration’s recommendation to hire a lobbyist for $3,000 per month (not to exceed $30,000/year) to protect the Good Life District program, which faces possible repeal due to state budget concerns and lobbying by a developer. Council members debated the need: Jerry Pools opposed, calling it a waste of money; Councilman Hawsey supported, citing the value of institutional knowledge and term limits; Councilman Lanfear opposed, arguing the city should use its own state senator and mayor; Councilman Stelk strongly supported, calling the Good Life District a game-changer; Councilman Nickerson asked about effectiveness and learned that the lobbyist (former state senator Tony Rogert) has relationships with the revenue committee and will coordinate with the League of Nebraska Municipalities. The council voted to approve the contract.
Public Hearings –
- 8a Class C liquor license for SpringHill Suites by Marriott was approved after a public hearing with no comments.
- 8b-8c Utility easement acquisitions for Innate 8, LLC and Island Grand Rentals were approved after public hearings with no comments.
- 8d Redevelopment plan amendment for CRA Area #2 (Dunnstar Holdings LLC) – Chad Nabity and Zach Butts presented a proposal for workforce housing (three-plex and four-plex) on vacant lots near Knott Avenue and Lake Street. The project would use TIF to reduce rent by about $250/month. Councilman Hawsey supported but noted TIF per unit is approaching $48,000; Councilman Nickerson supported, noting the private-to-public investment ratio is about 3.59:1 (just below his preferred 4:1); Councilman Lanfear opposed all TIF projects. The motion passed.
- 8e 2025 Comprehensive Development Plan – Chad Nabity and John Shepherd presented the plan, a full update after 20 years. It includes 16 chapters covering land use, housing, transportation, parks, public safety, and more. The plan was shaped by community engagement and aims to guide growth and zoning. Councilman Hawsey asked about housing redevelopment vs. new construction and congestion issues. The motion to approve passed.
Resolution 9a – Essential Air Service Letter of Support – Airport Director Mike Olson reported that Allegiant will increase to four weekly round trips to Phoenix-Mesa, and American Airlines offers twice-daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth. Enplanements reached nearly 68,000. The council approved the letter of support.
Resolution 9b – Update of Designated Depositories List – Finance Director Matt Gleason presented a revised list removing banks no longer needed and updating name changes. He deferred adding five new banks to a future meeting. Approved.
Ordinance 10,007 – Establishment of a Public Art Commission – City Attorney Carrie Fisk explained the commission would advise on public art donations and placements, modeled on Omaha’s commission. Councilman Nickerson and Hawsey asked about the commission’s authority and reporting; it will recommend to the council on artistic merit and acceptance. Approved.
Ordinances 10,008 and 10,009 – Amendments to Mechanical and Plumbing Codes – These updates adopt refrigeration standards, streamline licensing exams (allowing chief building official approval instead of quarterly board meetings), and add license reciprocity. Approved.

Key Outcomes

Approved: Consent agenda (except 7e), liquor license for SpringHill Suites, utility easements (two items), CRA area #2 redevelopment plan, 2025 Comprehensive Development Plan, letter of support for Essential Air Service, updated depositories list, Public Art Commission ordinance, and mechanical/plumbing code amendments.
Approved: Lobbyist services contract for $3,000/month (not to exceed $30,000) to protect the Good Life District.
Votes: All motions passed with majority support; no roll-call votes were taken (motions appeared voice votes).
Executive Session: The council voted to enter executive session at 9:28 PM to discuss strategy for real estate negotiations (two items). No action was taken in open session.
Next Steps: The airport will announce expanded service; staff will bring back the full depositories list in February; the Public Art Commission will be established; code updates for licensing take effect upon publication.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome to our meeting. The date is January 28, 2025. 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 Meeting 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. Now I ask you to stand and join us 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. The city clerk will now perform roll call. Councilmember Sheard will be absent. Councilmember Stelk. Present. Councilmember Conley. Present. Councilmember Nickerson. Present. Councilmember Brown. Present. Councilmember Housey. Present. Councilmember Ben Noza present. Councilmember O'Neill. Present. Councilmember Pollock will be absent. Councilmember Lanfear? Present. And Mayor Steele. Present. Also present are the City Clerk, Jill Grenier, the City Administrator, Laura McAlloon, the Finance Director, Matthew Gleason, the City Attorney, Carrie Fisk, the Public Works Director, Keith Kurtz, and the Assistant City Administrator, CFO, Patrick Brown. 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. Do council members wish to remove any item from tonight's consent agenda. Mr. Lanfear. I would like to remove 7e. 7E is removed. 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. 7E, please. Thank you. Hearing no one else, we will continue with our agenda. The first item on our agenda is recognition of Sergeant Michael Nelson for 25 years of service with the City of Grand Island. Tonight we come together and celebrate a remarkable milestone in the career of one of Grand Island's finest, Sergeant Mike Nelson. Mike began his journey with us on January 24, 2000, and his career has been marked by dedication, excellence, and integrity. Sergeant Nelson, since your promotion to sergeant in July of 2022, you've continued to lead by example, embodying the very best of what it means to serve our community. As Captain Jim During aptly put it, your work standard is higher than your considerable stature. Whether it's analyzing complex problems or tackling day-to-day challenges, you approach everything with patience, a positive attitude, and a steadfast focus.

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