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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Grand Island City Council Meeting Summary - January 13, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, January 13, 2026

BodyGrand Island, Nebraska

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, January 13, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:15:17

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

0:00

Welcome to our meeting.

0:03

It is 7 p.m.

0:05

The date is January 13, 2026.

0:10

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

0:14

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

0:19

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

0:26

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

0:34

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

0:48

And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:00

The clerk will now perform roll call.

1:03

Councilmember Sheardon.

1:05

Present.

1:05

Councilmember Stelk.

1:07

Councilmember Conley.

1:08

Present.

1:09

Councilmember Nickerson.

1:10

Present.

1:11

Councilmember Brown.

1:12

Present.

1:13

Councilmember Hazi.

1:14

Present.

1:14

Councilmember Mendoza will be absent.

1:16

Councilmember O'Neill.

1:18

Present.

1:19

Councilmember Member Pollock.

1:21

Present.

1:22

Councilmember Lanfear.

1:23

Present.

1:24

And Mayor Steele.

1:25

Present.

1:26

Also present are Jill Grinier, the City Clerk, Patrick Brown, the City Administrator, Carrie Fisk, the City Attorney, and Keith Kurtz, the Public Works Director.

1:41

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

1:52

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

2:00

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

2:08

Council members, uh from tonight's consent agenda, items seven D have been removed.

2:19

Do you council members wish to remove any other consent agenda items for further discussion?

2:31

Hearing none, we shall continue.

2:36

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

2:44

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.

3:04

No one has come forward, so we will continue.

3:10

The first item on our agenda is to acknowledge the all-state music honorees from Grand Island schools.

3:20

I think it's important to note that before we move in tonight into tonight's agenda.

3:33

This evening, we are honoring the All-State musicians from Grand Island High Schools in chorus, band, and orchestra.

3:44

These students represent the highest level of musical achievement in our state.

3:51

Reaching this level takes talent, discipline, and countless hours of practice, along with the courage to perform and excel on a very competitive stage.

4:07

And I would add it also takes great young people, great teachers, and great parents.

4:15

Through music, you not only showcase technical skill, but creativity, teamwork, and dedication, and you've brought pride to the entire Grand Island community.

4:34

On behalf of the City of Grand Island, thank you for sharing your talents and for raising the standard of excellence.

4:43

It's my honor tonight to recognize each of you with a certificate and a pin of recognition.

4:52

Mrs.

4:53

Grenier, please join me down front.

5:26

We will start with students from Grand Island Senior High School.

5:31

And would like to note, welcome, Superintendent Fisher.

5:34

I'm glad you're here tonight.

5:40

The first student is Ulysses Acosta for All State Chorus.

5:59

I'll put you on my right, okay.

6:15

At my house, she takes bassoon lessons from my wife, Paige Bergland.

6:27

Congratulations.

7:32

Cadence Skidcombe for All State Chorus.

7:55

Catherine Johnson, Chorus.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Arts And Culture███████████████████████23%

Public Safety████████████████████20%

Procedural█████████████13%

Parks and Recreation████████████12%

Zoning And Land Use████████████12%

Public Engagement██████████10%

Fiscal Sustainability████████8%

Transportation Safety██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Grand Island City Council Meeting Summary - January 13, 2026

The Grand Island City Council convened on January 13, 2026, to recognize local academic and musical achievements, approve routine administrative items, and deliberate on significant financial and infrastructure proposals. The meeting included public hearings for easement acquisitions, a detailed discussion regarding a contract with the Grand Island Casino Resort, and a resolution to apply for a civic center grant. While most items passed unanimously, the casino contract and ice rink grant proposal generated notable debate regarding financial implications, officer workloads, and long-term community priorities.

Consent Calendar

Councilmembers moved and seconded to approve the consent agenda items A through L, with exceptions for items 7D and 7K, which were removed for separate consideration. The motion was adopted unanimously upon roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

Recognition of Students: Superintendent Fisher was welcomed. The City honored All-State musicians from Grand Island Senior High School and Northwest Community Schools, including students from chorus, band, and orchestra. No public opposition or specific testimony was recorded during this segment; the focus was on civic recognition.

Discussion Items

Contract 7D: Diversion Program for Minor Traffic Offenses
- City Attorney Carrie Fisk presented a motion to approve the notice of availability for the STOP Class diversion program.
- Councilmember Nickerson expressed support for the program, noting it as a beneficial option for minor traffic offenses like speeding that prevents a permanent driving record.
- The motion was adopted to provide public awareness of the program administered by UNK for minor city code violations.
Contract 7K: 2026–2027 Police Officers at Grand Island Casino Resort
- Proposal: To contract with the Grand Island Casino Resort for uniformed police officers to work off-duty security during peak times, including holidays and weekends. The City Attorney confirmed the officers remain under Grand Island Police Department supervision and are not subject to venue policies.
- Financial Structure: City Attorney Fisk clarified the contract allows for a full pass-through of salary and benefits. Councilmember Hawsey initially questioned if the benefit reimbursement was 100% accurate given a 45% estimated benefit cost versus the casino's 20% offer, but was assured payroll provides accurate, up-to-date data ensuring no financial impact or subsidization to the city.
- Safety & Efficacy: Chief Denny reported that 2024 saw 47 calls for service at the location (up from 11 in 2022), and visible officers help mitigate calls and assist on-duty patrol.
- Councilmember Lanfear: Expressed strong support for the visibility and community interaction, citing a personal family member's positive experience with off-duty security.
- Councilmember Hawsey: Expressed opposition to supporting the casino contract, citing concerns about the potential for "subsidizing the casino" and the risk of "overtime burnout" for police officers already facing high workload and budgeted overtime costs of $650,000.
- Councilmember Nickerson: Reassured the council that officer burnout is manageable due to voluntary participation, limits on hours (4–6 hours per shift), and sergeant oversight preventing excessive stacking of shifts.
- Councilmember O'Neill: Noted the morale boost for officers and the value of off-duty income in a context where other overtime opportunities are limited due to being fully staffed.
- Position Summary: Councilmember Hawsey expressed opposition based on financial equity and officer welfare; Councilmembers Lanfear, Nickerson, O'Neill, and Mayor Steele expressed support based on community safety, visibility, and officer morale.
- Outcome: The contract was approved with the stipulation of 100% reimbursement.
Resolution 2026-1-1: Heartland Events Center Ice Rink Grant Application
- Proposal: Authorizing the Mayor to submit a letter of intent for a grant application to finance the revival of the Ice Rink Chiller Plant. The grant offers a one-to-one match up to $1.5 million for a total project cost estimated at $2.5 million. Award decision is expected March 30.
- Positions Supported by:
  - Councilmember Hawsey: Expressed full support, noting that securing 40-50% of a project via grant is a priority under fiscal policy.
  - Councilmember O'Neill: Expressed cautious support, highlighting potential revenue streams (hockey rentals, shows) and clarifying that the current vote does not commit funds or guarantee the grant, leaving final budgetary decisions for the 2027 cycle.
  - City Administrator Patrick Brown: Expressed support for the letter of intent to preserve the opportunity, while noting significant financing challenges and the need to balance this against other large projects like Island OASIS and Veterans Legacy Ballpark.
  - Kyler (Operations): Expressed support for the ice rink as a community service and revenue generator, estimating potential annual revenue between $300,000 and $700,000.
- Positions Opposed by:
  - Councilmember Lanfear: Expressed strong opposition, arguing the $1.5 million investment is not worth the cost compared to essential building upgrades like HVAC or sound systems; suggested funds be allocated elsewhere for livability.
  - City Administrator Patrick Brown: Expressed concern regarding the financing

Meeting Transcript

Welcome to our meeting. It is 7 p.m. The date is January 13, 2026. 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. Now I ask you to stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The clerk will now perform roll call. Councilmember Sheardon. Present. Councilmember Stelk. Councilmember Conley. Present. Councilmember Nickerson. Present. Councilmember Brown. Present. Councilmember Hazi. Present. Councilmember Mendoza will be absent. Councilmember O'Neill. Present. Councilmember Member Pollock. Present. Councilmember Lanfear. Present. And Mayor Steele. Present. Also present are Jill Grinier, the City Clerk, Patrick Brown, the City Administrator, Carrie Fisk, the City Attorney, and Keith Kurtz, the Public Works Director. 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, uh from tonight's consent agenda, items seven D have been removed. Do you council members wish to remove any other consent agenda items for further 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. 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 will continue. The first item on our agenda is to acknowledge the all-state music honorees from Grand Island schools. I think it's important to note that before we move in tonight into tonight's agenda. This evening, we are honoring the All-State musicians from Grand Island High Schools in chorus, band, and orchestra. These students represent the highest level of musical achievement in our state. Reaching this level takes talent, discipline, and countless hours of practice, along with the courage to perform and excel on a very competitive stage. And I would add it also takes great young people, great teachers, and great parents. Through music, you not only showcase technical skill, but creativity, teamwork, and dedication, and you've brought pride to the entire Grand Island community. On behalf of the City of Grand Island, thank you for sharing your talents and for raising the standard of excellence. It's my honor tonight to recognize each of you with a certificate and a pin of recognition. Mrs.

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