Grand Island City Council Meeting - May 26, 2026
Grand Island City Council Meeting - May 26, 2026
The Grand Island City Council met on May 26, 2026, with Mayor Steele presiding. Councilmembers Sheard, Stelk, Nickerson, Brown, Mendoza, O'Neill, and Lanfeer were present; Conley, Hazi, and Pollock were absent. City staff included Jill Grinnere (City Clerk), Carrie Fisk (City Attorney), and Keith Kurtz (Public Works Director). The meeting covered a consent agenda, public hearings for liquor licenses, easements, rezoning, and development plans, followed by resolutions on a land option and wastewater rates, and concluded with an executive session on a regulatory matter.
Consent Calendar
- The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, items A through N (motion by Councilmember Sheard, second by Councilmember Lanfear).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Gunther SID Rezoning (7D): Michael Stenson, representing Collaboration Real Estate, spoke in support, describing the project as a Hyatt hotel with retail development. James McGurus, an adjacent property owner, spoke in opposition, citing loss of privacy and a perceived surplus of hotels in the area.
- Sterling Estates Development Plan: Deborah Klein of SG Communities spoke in support of the third-phase expansion comprising 120 units in four 30-unit buildings.
Discussion Items
- Rezoning and Plat for Gunther SID (Ordinance 10074): Staff (Chad Nabity) reviewed the proposal to rezone 40 acres from TA to CD and approve the preliminary/final plat for the SID. Discussion focused on the 107-room Hyatt Studios hotel, private water supply not eligible for TIFF, SID financing, and timeline. Councilmembers questioned market need and long-term viability. The applicant noted the brand's push into mid-level markets and the hotel's proximity to Interstate 80. The ordinance was approved on first reading.
- Amended Development Plan for Sterling Estates (Ordinance 10075): Following the public hearing, the council read the ordinance for first reading; no formal action or vote was taken.
- Camp Augustine Option Agreement (Resolution 2026-140): City Attorney Fisk presented a three-year option to sell the 156-acre Camp Augustine property to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation at appraised value with a 1% deposit. The foundation intends to fund the purchase and future state park development entirely through donor dollars. Council discussed timeline, public access during transition, and that the deposit covers the city's carrying costs. The resolution was approved.
- Wastewater Rate Study (Resolution 2026-141): Consultant John Kraske presented a rate study recommending 4% annual increases for residential customers and 6% for high-strength users for fiscal years 2028, 2029, and 2030, effective October 1, 2027, to fund capital needs including the $100 million South Interceptor Project and an $11 million clarifier. Council discussed the proactive planning vs. waiting for a large spike, comparisons to peer communities, and the necessity of the projects for accommodating growth. The resolution was approved.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved.
- Public hearings 7A (liquor license), 7B (catering designation), and 7C (utility easements for State Street Road Improvement) were each approved via motions.
- Ordinance 10074 (Gunther SID rezoning) approved on first reading.
- Ordinance 10075 (Sterling Estates) read for first reading; no vote taken.
- Resolution 2026-140 (Camp Augustine option) approved.
- Resolution 2026-141 (wastewater rate changes) approved.
- Council adjourned to executive session to discuss a regulatory matter. After returning, they authorized the city attorney to develop and submit a proposed settlement (motion by Councilmember Sheard, second by Councilmember O'Neill, adopted). The meeting was adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
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. The clerk will now perform roll call. Councilmember Sheard. Present. Councilmember Stelk. Present. Councilmember Conley will be absent. Councilmember Nickerson. Present. Councilmember Brown. Present. Councilmember Hazi will be absent. Councilmember Mendoza. Present. Council President O'Neill. Present. Councilmember Pollock will be absent. Councilmember Lanfeer. Very pleased to be here. And Mayor Steele. Present. Also present are Jill Grinnere, the City Clerk. 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, do you wish to remove any of tonight's consent agenda items for further consideration? 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. Yeah. No one has come forward, so we shall continue. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? Mr. Sheard. Thank you. I move we approve the consent agenda items A through N. And Mr. Lanfear. I second the motion. Thank you. Any discussion? Please vote. Motion adopted. We will now take up our public hearings starting with 7A, public hearing request from Kamunga Station LLC, D DBA, Camungba Station 2105, West 2nd Street, Grand Island, Nebraska for a Class C liquor license. Mrs.
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