Grand Island's City Council discussed Jan. 27 having city staff look for funding for $23.5 million in projects. (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – Grand Island’s City Council voted 9-0 Jan. 27 to have city staff look for financing for $23.5 million in projects.
City Council Member Mike Paulick was absent from the Jan. 27 meeting.
City Administrator Patrick Brown described four possible financing plans, and recommended a 20-year plan.
Of the $23.5 million, $11 million is for projects at the Heartland Events Center. Renovations to Island Oasis will cost $11.5 million, and refinancing of the Veterans Sports Complex note will cost $1 million.
Heartland Events Center improvements are Chillers ($1.225 million), Boilers ($1,975,045), Arena Lighting ($1,752,079), Sound System ($1,165,200), Vestibule ($974,203), Ice Rink Revival ($2,024,195 possibly less grant of $1 million), and contingency ($932,539).
In another matter, the City Council voted 9-0 to approve a bid from JEO Consulting Group of $108,445 for a study of the Pier Park Lake trail and water quality. According to a memo from Parks and Recreation Director Todd McCoy, the lake’s seawall has experienced settlement and surface irregularities. The lake has experienced recurring algae blooms, elevated turbidity, and odor concerns reported by nearby residents.
In the consent agenda, the City Council approved an agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) for a rail crossing study. NDOT has prepared a program agreement for a study of the current conditions at 17 public rail crossings along 11 miles of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BBNSF) Ravenna subdivision in Grand Island. Federal funds have been obligated for $600,000, with $75,000 being the city’s responsibility and another $75,000 as the responsibility of the railroad.
Also in the consent agenda, the City Council awarded a bid to Diamond Engineering Co. for $3,323,770 for Stolley Park Road-South Locust Stuhr Road paving improvements. Six bids were received, and there were 19 potential bidders. The Public Works Department is proposing to replace the existing asphalt street with a concrete curb and gutter roadway section along with associated sidewalk, traffic control, drainage, and other improvements.
The City Council recognized the Grand Island Senior High School Unified Bowling Team on its state championship.
The City Council did not approve by a 1-8 vote of approving changes to City Code involving electric utility commercial deposits. City Council Member Mark Stelk voted for the motion.
