[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6486034,"mediaKeyId","5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80","parentId",5456307,"title","Votes at a glance: Grand Island City Council actions, July 22, 2025","audioSeconds",8058,"startMs",1208000,"endMs",9266000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80&start=1208&end=9266","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80/thumbnail_1208000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6486034/Grand-Island/Hall-County/Nebraska/Votes-at-a-glance-Grand-Island-City-Council-actions-July-22-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486034-91e7158abc6d69791420170afbe32fcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427856&Signature=ifUWweUNgwDO0UVikL5I~SL8aGswrQlH0ncTdUhOb91rgtQE7iX6UA6B4y9IR4zMuCtyetJ0yrEA4LiXtH-WnCyPu91XQLIi4CwDYSssJIWjxN3E7RNlDEatdY3l7y~brlK9GKUi7KQ2PqDA-glanMZVqvdytMPy3NtfPBgUfhUc42nqqzjxwqkada2~vzZaLqVTuln~ix7Ou0tFr61uGUz38LeV9ieyVp-Ngtx7mfOYFDRlETYRTFYgWJ2FT9Uhdg-pPmiCh-MMvOZ-gkPSjPrHQmkddmw2gQjPRlfzZ80jbV2rB6dE-XLyhsdXB0k1LzarE4d4A1DUQnLC01wnLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Grand Island, NE","date","2025-07-23T13:53:15.017Z","article","The Grand Island City Council voted on multiple motions, resolutions and ordinances during its July 22, 2025 meeting. Below is a concise summary of the formal actions the council took that evening. Items are listed with available motion sponsors and the outcome reported on the record.

Key votes and outcomes

- Consent agenda (items 7A through 7P excluding items 7C, 7I, 7K and 7L): Motion to approve moved by Council President Sheard and seconded by Council member O’Neil. Motion adopted.

- Payment of claims (consent item 7C): Motion to approve payment of claims for the period 07/09/2025 through 07/22/2025 in the total amount of $21,239,574.90. Moved by Council member Nickerson, seconded by Council President Sheard. Motion adopted. Staff identified large recent disbursements for capital projects and bond payments.

- Continuation of Sanitary Sewer District No. 546 (consent item 7I): Staff reported three property-owner protests (about 21% of owners) and recommended proceeding; motion adopted (moved/seconded on record). Council discussed potential CDBG funding that could reduce property-owner assessments.

- Permit: We Are 1 march (consent item 7K): Council approved a request from the group We Are 1 to use sidewalks and cross the state highway at existing crosswalks for a community march. City staff recommended forwarding the request to the state for review because it crosses a state highway. Motion adopted.

- Dodge parking lot sidewalk repairs (consent item 7L): Council approved awarding a contract for sidewalk repairs around the Dodge Street parking lot. Council discussion confirmed tree removals limited to those impacting sidewalk repairs. Motion adopted.

- Fuji Steakhouse, Class C liquor license (public hearing, item 8A): Council approved a Class C liquor license for Fuji Steakhouse after a public hearing and confirmation of required departmental reports. Motion adopted.

- Anderson Kia redevelopment (public hearing, item 8B): Council accepted a site-specific redevelopment plan and a request for tax-increment financing for CRA Area 40 and directed attorneys to prepare contract documents for the CRA. Motion adopted.

- Easement acquisition and vacation items (items 8C, ordinance items 10a and 10b): Council approved acquiring a new ingress/egress easement related to Trinity Heights development and later voted on ordinance first readings to vacate portions of road and utility easements as noted on the agenda. Motions and first readings were adopted as listed on the agenda.

- One-and-six-year street improvement plan (public hearing, item 8D): Council accepted the one- and six-year street improvement plan and directed staff to proceed with design and right-of-way work, with many projects to be scheduled for future funding and bidding. Motion adopted.

- South Locust Street right-of-way and permanent easement acquisitions (public hearing, item 8E / item 8F): Council approved the acquisitions necessary for South Locust Street improvements. Motion adopted.

- Lease — Jack Rabbit Golf Course (resolution 9A): Council approved a 20-year lease agreement with the Hall County Airport Authority for the Jack Rabbit Golf Course, starting at $28,358.48 with annual 3% increases. Council member O’Neil and Finance staff member Brown both stated they would abstain from that vote due to respective service on the airport authority; the mayor cast the deciding vote and the resolution passed.

- Venue Works — Heartland Event Center operating funding (resolution 9B): Council approved $200,000 in operating subsidy requested to complete a contractual obligation for operations; total FY25 subsidy to Venue Works was noted at $500,000. Motion adopted.

- Railside BID and Fourth Street BID budgets (resolutions 9C and 9D): Council approved FY2025–26 budgets and set Board of Equalization dates for the Railside Business Improvement District and the Fourth Street Business Improvement District. Motions adopted; one council member abstained where noted.

- Appointment of interim finance director/city treasurer (resolution 9E): Mayor’s appointment of Patrick Brown as acting finance director/city treasurer, effective 07/11/2025, was approved by council. Motion adopted.

- Ordinances on first reading (items 10A–10C): Council took first-reading action on ordinances to vacate certain easements and to amend Good Life District rules to conform with state law (LB707). Because there were not enough council members to suspend rules, the measures advanced on first reading only and will return for subsequent readings.

Why it matters: Those votes advance capital projects, developer incentives, and administrative steps that will affect the city’s capital spending, infrastructure schedule and economic-development pipeline.

What’s next: Items requiring further council action or implementation (ordinance second readings, CRA contracts, right-of-way closings, Honeywell/building assessments for the event center) will be brought forward in subsequent meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 22, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A roundup of formal actions taken July 22, 2025, including approval of claims payments, multiple consent items, public hearings outcomes, budgets and resolutions.","taxTitle","Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska","taxId",4603,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486040,"Council approves tax increment financing for Anderson Kia redevelopment",550,2305000,2855000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80&start=2305&end=2855","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80/thumbnail_2305000.jpg","/articles/6486040/Grand-Island/Hall-County/Nebraska/Council-approves-tax-increment-financing-for-Anderson-Kia-redevelopment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486040-f035dc03074aac76b713123f063825a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427856&Signature=XhqbTMmshQRVrxclv52U5asj-Gx3ufqfa4qtsPEgsQAzzJuw9vmRHMRnb~G6uNI3-EAsXyPfOcEjK0uxlsnQlUXiJTrXNasj0UJ44DMBJNr0z0gZR--Jb3EAUcmSqbUajcaN1k9fnvnP5NCL11XZXEdEhUr4dZklP6Q9yDAB6Ny5HiZBSlyudqrVp4jJ4AkRVZkaO7lMOQk-ve3y7uOSD-XfIDPB-1jkKdhMDdjOmc7~-wNckj4cRTB5HC5XwCgB7ivC3DSkWJgFeHQI0V4SoqzDOiuVLWph1AWdKdlBw6L4I2ws88vNeZD0UmiC3v1cXVTLfPlLRWLRPoluNRngug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the July 22, 2025 City Council meeting, the council approved a site-specific redevelopment plan and a tax-increment financing (TIF) request from Anderson Kia to redevelop property south of Old Potash Highway and west of U.S. Highway 281.

City planner Chad Navidy and counsel described the redevelopment area and said the planning commission found the proposed use consistent with the comprehensive plan. Anderson Kia representatives and local contractors told the council the project is expected to include new dealership buildings and significant site improvements.

Developer testimony said the project’s total construction estimate is about $8,500,000. The applicant requested $994,000 of TIF to cover eligible costs including demolition, property acquisition and site work. Navidy said the projected taxable valuation upon completion could be around $4,800,000, a figure lower than the construction cost that the applicant and supporters said could increase over time, shortening the TIF payback.

Several local business leaders and contractors spoke in support of the request, emphasizing use of local subcontractors and the visual improvement to the corridor. After the public hearing the council voted to accept the redevelopment plan and forward contracts to the Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) for final steps.

Why it matters: The TIF approval enables a sizable private redevelopment project that the city and CRA project will support through tax increment financing to cover eligible redevelopment costs.

What’s next: With council approval, staff will instruct attorneys to prepare contract documents and take them to the CRA for finalization and subsequent implementation steps.","The council approved a site-specific redevelopment plan and tax-increment financing request for a new Anderson Kia dealership, authorizing nearly $1 million in TIF to support demolition, acquisition and site work for an estimated $8.5 million project.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486044,"Council hears first reading of Good Life District changes after state law update; Woodsonia application timeline debated",197,8543000,8740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80&start=8543&end=8740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80/thumbnail_8543000.jpg","/articles/6486044/Grand-Island/Hall-County/Nebraska/Council-hears-first-reading-of-Good-Life-District-changes-after-state-law-update-Woodsonia-application-timeline-debated","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486044-2fb9e058f1a27f0a4471c213e7a5ac7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427856&Signature=ZZRn0RByqi8PdM9Rgf1EDEhrPirMWcK7W0BreWmIs8rwAtybxg4OpHVpbZiSp4duoeDiD5~Yk1dWPJ4jL1KBUPgYJOYRwAg4a70RBIWGVJWgX3CSEXjupViCX2LQX54Lg2pWtBuBRRpt-bqPmQ8C1p177uHqFC53-mSm3hGDkTxW1gkjXTpPPr6NgnNW5b4AH1q8zyvUPVsRnwWWCobWnM6xG0iyrBWRtFpdnUAAl7fXqe0n3UrXy1x~v6HvVSF8JXMCZQR7afNjApWG-NcvCiD0WrC3gT9MFSHFG047XqP7fdkkyLIsl6TMxZM8X8snxKUwgAPlflK0KfwRKyVqnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the July 22 meeting the Grand Island City Council took up an ordinance to amend the city’s Good Life District economic development program to conform with state law changes enacted in LB707. City Attorney Carrie Fisk summarized the changes and council members debated next steps for a large development application the council has discussed previously.

Fisk told the council the draft ordinance implements statutory changes that, among other things, prevent further boundary expansion of the city’s Good Life District and require the state to take over collection of the district’s occupation tax beginning at the close of the third quarter. The ordinance also revises local application and reporting procedures, limits certain “non-revenue producing” expenditures under the state scheme and incorporates updates intended to speed processing and reflect lessons learned in prior applications.

Council members spent significant time discussing a pending application from a proponent identified in prior meetings as Woodsonia (no finalized application was on file at the time of the July 22 meeting). Several members urged a timeline for a completed amended application consistent with the new ordinance; some members raised the prospect of issuing a request for proposals if the Woodsonia applicant did not submit a finished application within a council-directed timeframe.

Mayor Steele and council members said they do not want to “paralyze” the project by waiting indefinitely. City staff said an updated, amended application remained in preparation and that staff had already gathered sample RFP language and examples from other jurisdictions should the council decide to open the process to other developers.

Why it matters: The ordinance implements statutory changes that will alter how the Good Life District raises and disburses money and will affect how large private developments are evaluated and supported by local public funding.

What’s next: The ordinance passed first reading; staff said it is possible the council could take second and final reading at a subsequent meeting. Council members asked administration to prepare an RFP draft so the council can set a clear timeline if it decides not to wait further for a single applicant’s submission.","City attorneys presented an ordinance to align the city’s Good Life District program with changes in state law (LB707). Council held first reading and discussed timing for a pending Woodsonia application and possible RFP if the applicant does not submit a completed application soon.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486049,"Grand Island council hears wide-ranging one-and-six-year street improvement plan; Broadwell crossing, South Locust trail, drainage projects discussed",1624,2976000,4600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80&start=2976&end=4600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80/thumbnail_2976000.jpg","/articles/6486049/Grand-Island/Hall-County/Nebraska/Grand-Island-council-hears-wide-ranging-one-and-six-year-street-improvement-plan-Broadwell-crossing-South-Locust-trail-drainage-projects-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486049-677c93252f60497f453a5d298dea2e1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427856&Signature=GStFU~G99QrNm8upppwTybG~vFeXm48EEnGSzZE1K3fvA9zJoqghC98PaIPOnlCI7m2SYS03MsMjPCnW2iJTcy0fMRmWpQLYV4guEX8a3A3qR02Wc~22Ez8hkmbvwlvKH4ONQWx7pXRzs3gCUYGd-EG3ros~sDudZvJfw1T5h8WvfpFN~zcfh6c2Q-GvNOuM5JRhFMA8MyG9Yhw3-XmLfi-QLWgmvlEqd06eFyjEqvz-j8lMVNdFF7PmFl~avfa7jXi4qmi5hwmbHn82EZXW~ZBd5UVolNIEg2O89d9OkDP-UyCxMV1rJIfJKJMiB~H7YBwuZGpzpLHxnt3ny25qLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Island City Council held a public hearing on the city’s one- and six-year street improvement plan on July 22, 2025. Keith Kurtz, the city’s public works director, presented the plan and answered detailed questions about project timelines, costs and coordination with state and private partners.

Kurtz described a portfolio of projects the department is advancing. He said the Broadwell grade-separation corridor effort is a large, multi-year project that currently carries an estimated total project cost of about $34 million with a projected city share around $6 million. On a separate but related item, Burlington Northern proposed a planning study of 17 rail crossings within the metropolitan planning organization area; that study is a $750,000 effort for which Kurtz said federal FRA funding could cover 80 percent, with the city and Burlington Northern each contributing 10 percent.

Kurtz also reviewed the South Locust Street improvements and related right-of-way acquisitions; the council later approved a set of necessary easements and acquisitions for the South Locust project. He briefed the council on Stally Park Road coordination with the state fair and said design work is advancing with an aim to bid in the fall and start construction after next year’s fair season.

On drainage and stormwater, Kurtz said a wetland-bank permitting process delayed a planned project and that the city wants to establish a wetland bank it can use or sell to offset federal wetland impacts. He outlined Third Street drainage improvements the city hopes to bid this fall and described culvert-replacement needs in outfall ditches, noting some large corrugated pipes are rusting and the city is proposing a multi-year program to address them.

Council discussion ranged broadly. Several council members asked how the planned changes to medians and intersections on Deers and State streets would affect access to businesses. Kurtz and other staff described a design approach that reduces signalized left-turn conflicts by changing intersection operations and adding turn lanes; Kurtz said the design aims to keep traffic moving and to reduce stacking that currently blocks turn bays. He compared the concept to modern roundabout-style flows and said the state is implementing similar safety-focused reconfigurations at busy intersections.

Council members asked whether the city is conducting a formal after-action on recent storm flooding. Laura McAloon, city administrator, and Kurtz said department heads and regional partners have been sharing damage and flood-assessment information with state and federal agencies; John (last name not provided in the transcript) is compiling a damage assessment to support potential Small Business Administration assistance and other relief programs.

Why it matters: The one- and six-year plan sets the city’s near-term capital work on streets, bridges, drainage and pedestrian access. Several projects tie to state funding opportunities or federal grant programs, and many include multi-agency coordination and future bond or financing steps.

What’s next: Staff will continue final design and right-of-way negotiations; council later approved the one- and six-year plan (see “Votes at a glance” for the formal motion and vote).","Public works staff presented the city’s one- and six-year street improvement plan at the July 22 meeting, outlining major capital projects, timelines, and funding steps including a $34 million Broadwell grade-separation study, South Locust improvements and multiple drainage and intersection projects tied to recent flood response.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486054,"Grand Island reviews FY2026 emergency management budget; radio system project nearing completion",142,618000,760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80&start=618&end=760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456307-5fbed00d68793ae77bd9511267886c80/thumbnail_618000.jpg","/articles/6486054/Grand-Island/Hall-County/Nebraska/Grand-Island-reviews-FY2026-emergency-management-budget-radio-system-project-nearing-completion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486054-393a43f715c5eed34d17cfba0cc77aa4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427856&Signature=biT1aCtKR6pQI-~OaBS7XtlWI9UmjyUNaSs1mactL2wdmXExCqRPeLtxm2qSK8vCByh~2ezDlJM4o7MI2IKt19-iTdj~DTN~ZJp-N~hAjIM5Cst00Jxfzen0Sx0CwZ6JviYEBh-p~sFflv4kqfFI9LhiHT1yCEOPQ2jRkPuF~xtGuSjcW0-~ab0GNEBJ6fcdmmxy2TS-6NeZBBnXZHhNxDHKwMiXh2pVC6egZ5OaVMPrDHYFt09aYOXEYGoaeEO64dW~~M5NQ7a0oRzF6vmTnhp2mJ0hIIWySfSLWCJeBCob-OtJmxyoau5db16ARRWCKz3VEu1V4SAkAxePtok7ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Grand Island City Council meeting on July 22, 2025, a representative identified in the meeting as Mr. Rosenland presented the city’s proposed fiscal year 2026 emergency management budget, outlining personnel costs, planned equipment purchases and the status of a multi-million-dollar radio upgrade.

Rosenland told the council that personnel comprise about 85 to 90 percent of the emergency management department’s budget and that there are no proposed changes to full-time equivalents for FY2026. He said operating expenses increase about 1 percent overall and highlighted a new evaluation tool, Comms Coach, as a notable addition to the operating budget.

Rosenland updated the council on the radio project, which he described as “proceeding well.” He said nearly all equipment has arrived and is “actually downstairs waiting for install.” He reported the city paid a second invoice equal to 60 percent of a roughly $3,000,000 total (about $1,800,000) and said that “that leaves only about $450,000” remaining on the project account for equipment and final acceptance costs. Rosenland noted the project is funded largely by a federal grant that covers about 75 percent of the total and that the city and county are splitting the required 25 percent match.

Other line items Rosenland identified included a $10,000 budget request for a drone to speed aerial damage assessment, $12,000 to replace UPS batteries that back up 911 and radio infrastructure, and funding to replace end-of-life PCs in the emergency operations center. He also said the department is upgrading the Emergency Management Building’s camera and security system to integrate with the citywide alarm and camera system.

Rosenland described continuing use of the city’s UHF radio network for county fire departments owing to the expense of mobile and handheld units on the statewide 800-megahertz system. He reported that one missing radio component is being shipped from Israel and that the project’s remaining installation and acceptance work will be completed in coming months.

Why it matters: The radio-system upgrade and continuing investments in emergency-management equipment are central to Grand Island’s emergency response capacity, including responses to recent flooding and storm events. Council members asked clarifying questions during the presentation but took no formal vote on the budget at the meeting.

What’s next: Rosenland and city staff will continue project work on the radio system and incorporate final costs into the city’s budget process for council consideration.","City staff presented the fiscal year 2026 emergency management budget to the City Council on July 22, 2025, highlighting personnel costs, purchases for communications and a near-complete $3 million radio upgrade partially covered by federal grant funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Grand Island City Council actions, July 22, 2025

Council approves tax increment financing for Anderson Kia redevelopment

Council hears first reading of Good Life District changes after state law update; Woodsonia application timeline debated

Grand Island council hears wide-ranging one-and-six-year street improvement plan; Broadwell crossing, South Locust trail, drainage projects discussed

Grand Island reviews FY2026 emergency management budget; radio system project nearing completion