Council approves purchase of 3836 W. US Highway 30 for wastewater operations; police to lease space

The Grand Island City Council approved purchase of property at 3836 West U.S. Highway 30 on July 8 to consolidate wastewater-collection operations and provide leased space for the police department.

Public works director Keith Kurtz (presenter) told council the 25,000-square-foot metal building offers office, shop and storage and sits on a major roadway that will give crews easier access to work sites. The building was described as larger than wastewater currently needs but suitable for shared use, and staff said it could save the city the expense of constructing a new facility.

Kurtz said the primary driver is operational efficiency for wastewater collection crews, which are currently housed in multiple locations. The site provides space for storage of growing equipment and a better environment for sensitive televising and camera gear. Staff also discussed renovating the site to add overhead doors, an exhaust system, upgraded water service and other site improvements; the police department would pay for its own interior improvements such as locker rooms, weapons storage and HVAC upgrades.

Kurtz and staff proposed wastewater purchase the building in the next fiscal year and cover wastewater improvement costs, while the police department would pay for the estimated $1 million-plus in its own renovations; the police department would then lease the portion it occupies back from wastewater. Kurtz provided a per-square-foot comparison that showed reusing the existing building was cheaper than building new space.

Police leadership described the site as a geographically useful West-side presence with space for training and covered vehicle storage. "It also allows us to disperse our patrol elements a little bit," a police representative told the council, saying the space would let officers file reports outside the main law enforcement center and provide dedicated training space.

Council members praised the plan as an efficient reuse of an available building and noted improved security and parking for specialty vehicles. Council member Sheard said the city would gain synergies by housing both wastewater and some police operations in the same secured facility.

The council voted to approve the purchase (agenda item 2025-223). Council member O'Neil moved to approve and Council member Stilt seconded; the motion was adopted.

Staff said some site access will be from Westgate Road and other nearby connections after the Highway 30 improvements are completed, and that the building currently uses a private well that staff proposed to supplement with a city water connection for domestic uses.