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Record of Proceedings

Grand Island City Council Study Session on FY2026 Budget - July 29, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, July 29, 2025
BodyGrand Island, Nebraska
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 29, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:50

Welcome to our meeting.

0:52

The date is July 29, 2025.

0:56

The time is 602 p.m.

0:59

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

1:02

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

1:07

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

1:14

Please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:20

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:29

Underground.

1:40

Council President Shearden.

1:41

Present.

1:42

Councilmember Selk.

1:43

Present.

1:43

Councilmember Conley.

1:45

Present.

1:45

Councilmember Nickerson.

1:47

Present.

1:47

Councilmember Brown.

1:49

Present.

1:49

Councilmember Hazi.

1:50

Present.

1:51

Councilmember Mendoza.

1:52

Present.

1:53

Councilmember O'Neill.

1:54

Present.

1:54

Councilmember Pollock.

1:56

Present.

1:56

Councilmember Lanfear.

1:58

Present.

1:58

And Mayor Steele.

1:59

Present.

2:00

Also present.

2:01

Are Jill Grenier, the City Clerk, Laura McAlloon, the City Administrator, Patrick Brown, the Assistant City Administrator and Chief Financial Officer, Kerry Fisk, the City Attorney, and Keith Kurtz, the public works director.

2:18

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

2:26

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.

2:45

No one has come forward, so we shall continue.

2:50

The next item on our agenda is 5A, fiscal year 26 contract and funding request for Grow Grand Island.

3:02

Good evening.

3:03

Please state your name for the record.

3:05

Anya Brown, 611 Sandalwood Drive, uh Chair of Grow Grand Island.

3:10

First of all, thank you for giving us your attention tonight.

3:13

I saw the agenda, and you have what could be a pretty full night, so we will do our best to be very concise to the point.

4:03

Obviously, we were established in 2016 out of a visioning effort.

4:08

We've had a contract for the last nine years with the city for a $500,000 allocation.

4:14

And we also have other funding from private investments grants in kind, partnership leveraging of the sort.

5:00

Uh number two, promote entertainment, agricultural and livestock shows, trade shows, and similar events that will attract visitors.

5:05

Number three, the ongoing enhancement and development of recreation and athletic facilities such as hike, bike and recreation trails, ball fields, and other community activity needs, and for investing community development projects and activities that stimulate progress and growth for Grand Island.

5:22

Obviously, Grow Grand Island works heavily in probably number two and number four.

5:32

Whoops, I just had it up there.

5:33

Our mission cultivate bold ideas by planning, partnering, and doing.

5:37

I put a graphic up here power of leverage, because that's something we have learned over our nine years, the power of leveraging.

5:48

We have an executive committee made up of these people.

5:53

The core partners are the Chamber and EDC tourism.

5:57

We have their presidents plus what one representative from their board.

6:02

Additional partners include the Fawner Campus CEO and a board representative, and most recently, the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation CEO.

6:11

We have five at-large business and community members, two liaisons from Hall County Commissioners, and that is currently Ron Peterson, who's here tonight, thank you, and Pam Lancaster, and then we have three liaisons from the city, two from City Council, which are Mark Stelk and Chuck Housey, and then one from administration is uh Patrick Brown.

6:37

Uh just a quick by the numbers uh to date we've completed 26 projects, have four projects in progress, but I wanted to pay more attention to the bottom row, and I was kind of hard to read, but um of those completed and in progress projects, excluding Conestoga Marketplace and Epic Discovery Center, uh they total 6.5 million dollars.

7:01

GGI funded 2.3 million of that, which means that we were leveraging other funding sources to the tune of 4.2 million dollars.

7:13

Um, in your packet, I would have given you a list of all of those Grow Grand Island projects that are completed or in progress, and it shows each of the grant amounts and the leveraged amounts.

7:27

Um but what we wanted to do tonight instead of me talking in depth about those things that are in your packet, just wanted to put a highlight on a few projects tonight, and then I'll come back after the presenters have talked about those projects and wrap things up.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development█████████████████████████████████████37%
Public Safety██████████████████████22%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Public Finance█████5%
Youth Programs████4%
Community Engagement████4%
Tourism Management███3%
Fiscal Sustainability███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Grand Island City Council Study Session on FY2026 Budget - July 29, 2025

This study session, held on July 29, 2025, at 6:02 PM, involved presentations and discussions on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget requests from six entities: Grow Grand Island, the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC), the Library, Community Development, the Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA), and the Police Department. No formal votes were taken, but council members provided feedback and direction on funding requests and contract terms.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jay Vavracik (former mayor) spoke in support of Grow Grand Island, urging protection of the food and beverage tax integrity and suggesting that future contracts include a city council approval step for projects.
  • Chris Kulak (Fauner Park/GILKA) emphasized that Grow Grand Island funding is critical to subsidize livestock shows, noting that without it, Fauner Park cannot compete with other states' subsidized venues. He warned that GILKA is a “dying entity” and that the park’s business plan needs continued support.

Discussion Items

FY26 Contract and Funding Request from Grow Grand Island

  • Anya Brown (Chair, Grow Grand Island) presented the request for a $500,000 annual allocation (same as previous). She highlighted leverage: $6.5 million in total project costs funded with $2.3 million from GGI, leveraging $4.2 million. Specific projects showcased: Olympic bunker trap at Heartland Shooting Park (unique within 10 hours); event incentive fund yields high ROI (e.g., Nebraska Coaches Association event had $4.2 million direct spending); and Wayne State Career Scholars internship program bringing 15 interns.
  • Tom Bush (Shooting Park manager) noted the bunker trap attracts shooters from across the U.S. and could host a Senior Open in 2027/28.
  • Brad Melama (Tourism director) reported $13.7 million combined state/local taxes from tourism in Hall County (2023 data).
  • Emily Laudenklas (Chamber workforce director) described the internship program as a talent retention strategy.
  • Council members Hawsey and Stelk strongly supported the $500,000 request, with Stelk advocating for a 4- or 5-year contract and annual $50,000 increase. Nickerson supported funding but cautioned against long-term contracts due to potential leadership changes. O'Neill liked longer terms for planning certainty. Sheard appreciated the city’s representation on the board.
  • Contract discussion: The request was for a two-year contract with a review and renewal for two more years. Council generally favored longer terms; staff will consider options.

FY26 Contract and LB840 Budget Request from GIAEDC

  • Mary Burley (President, GIAEDC) presented a request for $335,000 in operating dollars (down $20,000 from FY25). Reported accomplishments: 1,100 new jobs since inception, 243 in last 10 years. Active projects including GIX Logistics amended to job training, Build Grand Island housing program (24 owner-occupied homes, 22 rentals, 22 lots), Vermeer High Plains (infrastructure, no TIF), YWCA child care expansion, My Town influencer campaign, and Here Grand Island concert series (averaging 3,100 adults per Friday).
  • Council Nickerson praised the efficiencies of merging EDC and Chamber operations and the use of infrastructure investment as an “easy button” to avoid TIF. He asked about a workforce housing project that uses Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund dollars for income-qualified rents for 10 years.
  • O'Neill asked about Placer AI data software, shared with GGI and the city.
  • Mayor Steele noted that all LB840 grants require city council approval, ensuring accountability.

FY2026 Library Budget Proposal

  • Celine Swan (Library Director) requested 2 additional FTEs (cost $82,827 in wages) and 5 part-time library assistants (80 hours total) to add Saturday/evening hours (from 56 to 60 hours). She cited increased program attendance (400 programs, 15,000 attendees), growing makerspace use, and community demand. The library currently has 21 FTE; target is 23.
  • Council Sheard and Nickerson commended the library’s outreach to underserved populations and the engaged board. Nickerson strongly supported the part-time hires due to lower benefit costs ($40-50k savings per full-time employee). Hawsey questioned volunteer levels (200 volunteers) and the impact of COVID on patron visits (down from 240k to 106k), but noted circulation is recovering. He also asked about the kiosk proposal ($2,000 capital, operating costs minimal).
  • Discussion on the capital request for a kiosk (to be placed at community locations like a sports complex) and a potential outreach van in future.

FY2026 Community Development Budget Proposal

  • Chad Navity (Community Development Director) presented no new FTEs. Personnel services increase 1% for planning, 8.3% for building services (due to recent mechanical inspector hire). Operating expenses up 9.1% ($2,300) due to postage and public notices. Capital: replacing a large format printer (shifted to operating). Building services request includes one new vehicle to replace a 2008 Ford Focus.
  • No questions from council.

FY2026 CRA Budget Proposal

  • Chad Navity also presented the CRA budget, requesting the same $791,000 as FY25 (no increase). Total CRA revenue estimated at $11 million, with $8.8 million from TIF. The CRA levy is expected to drop due to rising property values. Program funding includes $200,000 for other projects (e.g., Christmas lights, facade grants), $150,000 for land purchase, and committed projects: Elks building ($100,000), Woolworth Building life safety and facade. TIF payments include Husker Harvest Days (three more years) and Conestoga Mall (17 more years).
  • Council Hawsey asked about the “other projects” fund ($200,000); Navity noted no specific projects yet, but a public space on 4th Street is possible. Hawsey suggested lowering to $100,000; Navity said it wouldn’t impact operations but could limit opportunities.
  • Nickerson expressed confidence in the CRA board’s scrutiny.

FY2026 Police Department Budget Proposal

  • Chief Kevin Riley presented a multi-year plan. FY26 requests: 1 additional FTE police officer (fleet/ code support), reclassification of office manager (increase ~$30-35k), plus-three overhire authority, and $2.1 million in new capital (part of $4 million total including carryover). Capital includes 9 patrol vehicles ($1M), radios ($740,000 with $300k grant), ballistic shields, and impound yard improvements.
  • Council Nickerson questioned budgeting officers at step nine (highest step). Chief Riley noted laterals sometimes come in at step nine. Patrick Brown explained vacancy savings average $1 million annually. Nickerson requested analysis on vehicle fleet strategy (buying extra to extend life). Hawsey echoed that, preferring to see methodology. O'Neill supported the plus-three overhire and data analyst position. Stelk asked about gang/drug issues; Riley said focus has reduced problems.
  • Discussion on west substation: minimal operating cost increase, shared with wastewater. Hybrid vehicles are preferred; fleet currently 50 vehicles (34 patrol). Chief Riley expects to reach ~102 officers over 2-3 years.

Key Outcomes

  • Grow Grand Island: Council broadly supports $500,000 annual allocation; staff to explore longer contract terms (4-5 years) and possible incremental increases. No formal vote.
  • GIAEDC: Council expressed support for the $335,000 operating request and the use of LB840. Detailed budget review to continue.
  • Library: Council feedback leans toward supporting the 5 part-time assistants to add hours; 2 FTEs require further budget deliberation. Capital kiosk to be further evaluated with grant opportunities.
  • Community Development: No changes requested; budget as presented.
  • CRA: Council likely to approve the $791,000 request, with possible adjustment to the “other projects” fund. The CRA levy will decrease.
  • Police: Council questions on budgeting method (step nine) and vehicle fleet analysis to be addressed before final budget. Plus-three overhire and one FTE are generally supported, but capital requests will be scrutinized. Chief Riley to provide additional data on fleet cost savings.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome to our meeting. The date is July 29, 2025. The time is 602 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. Please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Underground. Council President Shearden. Present. Councilmember Selk. Present. Councilmember Conley. Present. Councilmember Nickerson. Present. Councilmember Brown. Present. Councilmember Hazi. Present. Councilmember Mendoza. Present. Councilmember O'Neill. Present. Councilmember Pollock. Present. Councilmember Lanfear. Present. And Mayor Steele. Present. Also present. Are Jill Grenier, the City Clerk, Laura McAlloon, the City Administrator, Patrick Brown, the Assistant City Administrator and Chief Financial Officer, Kerry Fisk, the City Attorney, and Keith Kurtz, the public works director. 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. The next item on our agenda is 5A, fiscal year 26 contract and funding request for Grow Grand Island. Good evening. Please state your name for the record. Anya Brown, 611 Sandalwood Drive, uh Chair of Grow Grand Island. First of all, thank you for giving us your attention tonight. I saw the agenda, and you have what could be a pretty full night, so we will do our best to be very concise to the point. Obviously, we were established in 2016 out of a visioning effort. We've had a contract for the last nine years with the city for a $500,000 allocation. And we also have other funding from private investments grants in kind, partnership leveraging of the sort. Uh number two, promote entertainment, agricultural and livestock shows, trade shows, and similar events that will attract visitors. Number three, the ongoing enhancement and development of recreation and athletic facilities such as hike, bike and recreation trails, ball fields, and other community activity needs, and for investing community development projects and activities that stimulate progress and growth for Grand Island. Obviously, Grow Grand Island works heavily in probably number two and number four. Whoops, I just had it up there. Our mission cultivate bold ideas by planning, partnering, and doing.

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