Grand Island City Council Regular Meeting, April 8, 2025
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Grand Island City Council Regular Meeting - April 8, 2025
The Grand Island City Council held its regular meeting on April 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Steele opened the meeting with remarks on Nebraska Legislature's LR 17, which advances Camp Augustine toward becoming a state park, thanking Senator Dan Quick for his leadership. The council approved a consent agenda including payments of $2,995,191.49, three liquor licenses, right-of-way acquisitions for street improvements, and several resolutions. A major discussion focused on proposed updates to Chapter 27 Procurement, with council members expressing support for a lower threshold for mayoral contract approval.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of the March 25, 2025 regular meeting.
- Approved payment of claims for March 26 through April 8, 2025, totaling $2,995,191.49.
- Approved Resolution #2025-116: NorthWestern Energy natural gas rate case/settlement agreement.
- Approved Temporary Construction Easements (#2025-117) for South Locust Street improvements.
- Approved request from St. Mary’s Cathedral (#2025-118) for use of city streets and State Highway for the 2025 Divine Mercy Sunday Procession.
- Approved acceptance of Peter Kiewit Foundation grant (#2025-119) for Stolley Park Train Project.
- Approved authorization to contract with Hornady Manufacturing (#2025-120) regarding Municipal Infrastructure Grant.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public spoke during any of the public hearings or agenda items. All hearings were opened and closed without comment.
Discussion Items
- Chapter 27 Procurement Updates (Item 9A): Assistant City Administrator/CFO Patrick Brown presented proposed changes to streamline purchasing. Key changes included reorganizing code, transitioning purchasing agent duties to the CFO, raising formal procurement limits from $30,000 to $50,000 (consistent with state of Nebraska), and authorizing the mayor to approve contracts under the bid limit (originally proposed at $50,000). Councilmember Nickerson expressed strong concerns about transparency, noting that $50,000 in mayoral discretion could lead to misuse, and suggested a $10,000 limit instead. Councilmembers O’Neill and Pollock agreed, with O’Neill noting many purchases fall under $10,000 and that exceeding that threshold would naturally require council oversight. Brown clarified that the $50,000 limit only applies to the need for three quotes, not to contracts; contracts under the new proposed limit would go to the mayor. Councilmember Sheard emphasized the importance of training employees on new procedures. City Administrator Laura McAloon noted that staff consulted departments when drafting the procedures manual, ensuring buy-in. The council did not vote on this item; further revisions are expected before a formal ordinance is brought forward.
Key Outcomes
- Liquor License Approvals: Approved Class "C" liquor licenses for Southeast Crossing LLC dba Boarders Inn and Suites (3333 Ramada Road) and Sajan Baniya dba Everest Indian Kitchen (316 North Pine Street), with liquor manager designations for Larry Roebuck Jr. and Sajan Baniya, respectively. Both passed unanimously.
- Right-of-Way Acquisition: Approved Resolution #2025-123 for acquisition of public right-of-way and permanent easement for South Locust Street improvements (Fonner Park Road to 2nd Street), Project 2021-P-6. Unanimous.
- Hooker Bros. Sand and Gravel Conditional Use Permit: Approved Resolution #2025-112 for a 10-year conditional use permit (down from the requested 20 years) for a sand and gravel operation east of Blaine Street and north of Schimmer Road. The permit includes a condition allowing termination if operations create a negative impact on public health, safety, or welfare. Councilmember Lanfear spoke in support, noting the importance of aggregate for growth. Unanimous.
- GIX Logistics LB 840 Grant: Approved Resolution #2025-124, replacing an unused 2023 grant with a new Job Training Economic Development Program grant for employee training due to industry changes. No additional fiscal impact. Unanimous.
- Dramco Tool Company LB 840 Grant: Approved Resolution #2025-125, granting $160,000 over five years ($120,000 for job creation and $40,000 for training) to support hiring 10 new employees at an average minimum wage of $25/hour, increasing the workforce from 58 to 68. Dramco was praised for its community contributions, including participation in high school apprenticeships and creating a memorial for the Hall County Warriors Memorial. Unanimous.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to our meeting. The date is April 8, 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 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. At this time, I ask that you 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. Council President Sheard. Present. Councilmember Stelk. Present. Councilmember Conley. Present. Councilmember Nickerson. Present. Councilmember Brown. Present. Councilmember Hodsey will be absent. Councilmember Mendoza present. Councilmember O'Neill. Present. Councilmember Pollock. Present. Councilmember Lanfear. And Mayor Steele. Present. Also present are Jill Grenier, the City Clerk. Laura McAloon, the City Administrator. Matthew Gleason, the Finance Director, Patrick Brown, the Assistant City Administrator and Chief Financial Officer. Carrie Fisk, the City Attorney, and Keith Kurtz, the Public Works Director. Before we proceed, I would like to make a couple comments about the Nebraska legislature's LR 17, which concerns Camp Augustine. We at this time are in the early stages of an exciting new era for Grand Island and outdoor recreation in Nebraska. On March 25, the legislature approved LR 17, which is a resolution to approve the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's intention to incorporate Camp Augustine into the state park system. Camp Augustine is now one step closer to opening the door to expanded camping, hiking, and unrivaled access to the Platte River. This is a very big deal, not just for Grand Island, but for the entire state. It means more opportunities for families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience everything our region and city has to offer. I want to sincerely thank the Nebraska legislature for their support and extend a special thank you to Senator Dan Quick. He championed this effort from the very beginning, and it was his leadership and vision that helped make this possible. This is a win for all of us, and it's certainly worth celebrating. Finally, I thank the Grand Island City Council for purchasing Camp Augustine when it became available. Continuing with our agenda, 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. Council members, do you desire to remove any of tonight's consent agenda items for additional discussion? Hearing none, we shall continue. A sign up sheet was available in the lobby for individuals wishing to provide input on any of tonight's agenda items.
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