Grand Island City Council Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Grand Island City Council met on March 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss a variety of items including recognition of the state champion girls bowling team, a presentation from the Central District Health Department, consent agenda items, multiple public hearings, and several resolutions and ordinances. The meeting lasted until approximately 10:13 p.m. after an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items 7A through 7O) was approved by motion, with the exceptions of items 7B (payment of claims) and 7I (microTIF application), which were pulled for separate consideration. Councilmember Nickerson removed item 7B.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jerry Pools spoke against the use of tax increment financing (TIF), citing rising costs, school funding impacts, and a 2016 article criticizing the council for not negotiating shorter TIF terms. He also expressed concern about bending rules, referencing the earlier debate on the Humane Society payment.
• Central Nebraska Humane Society President (name not given) stated that the contract had been negotiated with the city attorney and that they had wanted drop-off language included, but it was not. They felt the city was “beating them up” over the issue.
• Ashley Meister, Executive Director of the Humane Society, explained the process for public drop-offs and reclaim fees, and noted that the police department determines whether an animal is “placed by the city” by issuing an L-number.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Grand Island Senior High Girls Bowling Team: The team was recognized for winning the state championship in February 2026. Coaches Brad Ernest (head) and assistants Paul Lee and Brittany Baker were also honored. Councilmember Nickerson noted the team’s four-year finals streak.
• Central District Health Department Presentation: Teresa Anderson and Lisa Falcon presented on the department’s national accreditation (received February 18, 2026), noting that only 13–14% of health departments nationwide are accredited. They also discussed the Rural Health Transformation Project, with $1.8 million potential per year for five years, and two awarded grants: $233,000/year for five years for a strategic national stockpile, and $147,000 for an oral health grant to hire a dental hygienist. Councilmember Hawsey praised the department’s work.
• 7B – Payment of Claims: Councilmember Hawsey moved to amend the claims to remove a $25,000 monthly payment to the Central Nebraska Humane Society, arguing the payment was due 52 days early and violated the contract’s “in arrears” provision. After debate, the amendment failed on a 4-4 tie vote (mayor’s negative vote did not count). The original claims were then approved.
• 7I – MicroTIF Application (Horizon Builders): Chad Nabity explained the microTIF program for vacant lots. Four applications were approved (total of seven ever). The motion to approve passed.
• 8A – Zoning Change (Shady Bend Road): 22 acres from TA to M1 Light Manufacturing, consistent with the future land use map. Approved.
• 8B – Zoning Change (Gun Barrel Road): 37 acres from TA to LR (large lot residential), allowing up to four lots. Approved.
• 8C – Site-Specific Redevelopment Plan for Sterling Apartments (TIF): A $20.5 million project with 120 units, requesting $4 million in TIF. Bruce Schreiner presented the “but for” analysis, showing a 6.8% cap rate with TIF versus 5% without. Councilmember Hawsey and Nickerson supported the project, noting the need for housing and the developer’s readiness. The motion to approve Resolution 2026-72 passed.
• 8D – Conditional Use Permit for Telecommunications Tower: Replacement of a 100-foot monopole at Stuhr Museum. Approved.
• 9A – Rider Baseball Field Renovations Change Order #1: $520.35 credit, new contract total $3,746,120.35. Approved.
• 9B – Island Oasis Improvements Change Order #1: Total change order $440,778, including a $165,000 cave feature for mini golf. Councilmember Nickerson questioned the cost, but after discussion (including that the project has a budget contingency of about $1.4 million), the motion to approve passed.
• 9C – Purchase of Trojan UV System: $1.1 million plus single-source designation for future parts. Approved.
• 9D – Central Nebraska Humane Society January Shelter Billing: Councilmember Hawsey moved to amend the amount to $6,058.28 (excluding public drop-offs), arguing the contract only covers animals “placed by the city.” After extensive debate, the amendment failed. The original billing amount was approved.
• 9E – Railside BID Speaker System: $50,000 from Keno funds, with total project cost $135,000. Approved.
• 9F – Bookmobile Purchase: Catie Swan presented the request, noting $100,000 from the library foundation and a potential grant. The motion to approve passed.
• 10A – Ordinance Amending Civil Service Rules: A minor amendment to incorporate civil service rules by reference. Approved.
• 11A – Executive Session: Motion to enter executive session to discuss real estate negotiations. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Amendment to remove $25,000 from Humane Society payment (7B): Failed on a 4-4 tie vote. The original claims were then approved.
• Amendment to reduce January billing to the Humane Society (9D): Failed. The full billing was approved.
• All other motions and resolutions passed (full council approval, with Councilmembers Mendoza and Pollock absent).
• Next Steps: The Humane Society billing issue is expected to be discussed further at an animal control meeting on April 30, 2026. The bookmobile will be ordered, with delivery expected in December 2026. The Island Oasis project is on track for a July 2026 opening of phase one.