Grand Island City Council Meeting - June 9, 2026

This meeting of the Grand Island City Council convened at 7:00 p.m. on June 9, 2026, under the Open Meetings Act. The council recognized state champion track and field athletes, received the annual audit report, approved a consent agenda, debated and approved a $21.5 million loan for lead service line replacement, held public hearings on easement acquisitions, approved zoning changes, and adopted a water rate increase of 8% per year for three years. Councilmember Hazie opposed both the loan and the rate increase, citing concerns about costs to ratepayers.

Recognition & Awards

• The mayor and council presented certificates and city pins to state track and field champions: Celia McCoy (Class A girls 100m and 100m hurdles), Amory Krafka (Class B girls pole vault), and the relay team of Thomas Schneider, Thomas Birch, Braylon Wolfe, and Graham Stava. Coaches Kip Ramsey, Michael Lynn, Brandon Harrington, Dave McNeil, Keith Kester, Kevin Mayfield, and Andrea Mack were also recognized.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda items 7A through 7N with the exception of item 7E (lead service line loan), which was pulled for separate discussion. The motion carried unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Audit Presentation (Item 6B): Tim Lenz of Bergen KDV presented the city’s annual audit. He reported an unmodified (clean) opinion on the city’s financial statements, compliance with the adopted budget, and no findings on federal programs subject to single audit. The city had no internal control deficiencies noted.
• Lead Service Line Replacement Loan (Item 7E): Ryan Schmitz, Public Works Director, requested approval of a second loan from the State Revolving Fund for $21.5 million to continue the lead service line replacement program. He reported that of 895 services vetted, 532 (59.4%) were found to contain lead. To date, 244 services have been replaced (178 by Myers Construction, 66 by city crews). The program aims to replace 250 services per year. Of the $21.5 million requested, only $7.7 million would be repayable (at 0% interest over 30–40 years); the remainder is forgivable. Councilmember Hazie opposed, arguing that the cost ($12,000 per service line) would be passed to all ratepayers via a 25% water rate increase, and that property owners historically bore responsibility. Councilmembers Nickerson and O’Neill supported the program as a health and safety measure. The motion passed.
• Public Hearings (Items 8A & 8B):
  • 8A: Acquisition of permanent easements for the State Street/Deers Avenue improvements. No public testimony was offered. Approved.
  • 8B: Acquisition of easements for the 13th Street Sanitary Sewer Main Extension (Engleman Road to 60th Road), funded 75% by LB 600 state funds. No public testimony. Approved.
• Rezoning – Sterling Estates (Item 9A): Ordinance to rezone Lot 2 of Sterling Estates 9th Subdivision to allow four buildings with 120 units (previously six buildings with 90 units). Approved.
• Water Rate Increase (Item 9B): Ryan Schmitz and consultant John Kraske presented a proposal for 8% annual increases over three years to address capital needs, including the lead service line program, increased administrative costs (up 44%), and declining water usage (down 6% since FY23). The average residential customer would see an increase of $1.94 per month the first year, totaling about $6/month over three years. Grand Island currently has the lowest water rates in the state; even after the increase, it would remain among the lowest. Councilmember Hazie opposed, citing a 60% rise in administrative costs over five years and the burden on fixed-income residents. Councilmember Nickerson supported, noting the small absolute increase ($2/month) and the need to fund critical infrastructure. The motion passed.
• Salary Ordinance (Item 9C): Ordinance to move the newly created water distribution crew chief position from non-union to the IBEW utilities group, aligning with other crew chiefs. Approved.
• Rezoning – 40 Acres West of Highway 281 (Item 9D): Ordinance to rezone 40 acres south of Gunther Road from transitional agriculture to commercial development. Planning commission recommended approval. Council approved the ordinance and the related resolution (2026-139).

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (items 7A–N, minus 7E) – unanimous.
• Approved resolution 2026-143 for $21.5 million State Revolving Fund loan for lead service line replacement – passed (one dissenting vote from Hazie implied).
• Approved resolution 2026-153 for State Street easement acquisition – passed.
• Approved resolution 2026-154 for 13th Street sewer easement acquisition – passed.
• Approved ordinance 9A (Sterling Estates rezoning) – passed.
• Approved ordinance 9B (water rate increase – 8% per year for three years) – passed (Hazie opposed).
• Approved ordinance 9C (salary ordinance) – passed.
• Approved ordinance 10074 and resolution 2026-139 (rezoning 40 acres west of Highway 281) – passed.

The meeting adjourned after completing all agenda items.