GRAND ISLAND – Hall County Veterans Service Officer Don Shuda asked the Grand Island City Council Nov. 5 to sell land north of the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Grand Island to Hall County.
The discussion was an information item on the City Council’s agenda.
Shuda said the land is needed “to secure the land for future expansion” of the cemetery. The additional ground may be needed after the estimated year of 2050.
The city’s legal department needs to research how the city could turn over the land – whether it be by sale or lease. No action was taken Nov. 5, because the item was an information item.
Council member Chuck Haase said, “I would definitely support this. Now is the perfect time to set aside the land.”
Council member Mitch Nickerson said, “It seems like a very wise decision.”
Council member Jack Sheard also supported transferring the land for use by the cemetery.
In another matter, Parks and Recreation Director Todd McCoy asked the City Council to allow Confluence of Kansas City, Kansas, to provide additional master planning services that would include the Good Life District north of Capital Avenue for $68,800.
In a memo to the City Council, McCoy wrote that in March, the City Council approved an agreement with Confluence to provide consulting services for a Parks and Recreation master plan. The plan will be a primary resource for the next 10 to 15 years.
“With the recent approval and opportunities associated with the Good Life District, city administration is recommending additional master planning services for potential future Parks and Recreation facilities and programs as they relate to the Good Life District,” McCoy wrote.
“One major request from Woodsonia was that all design work under this amendment be completed within 60 days from contract execution, and Confluence has committed to meeting that deadline,” McCoy wrote.
The city will have a “final design that will facilitate expedited construction of the many amenities desired by the city and its residents in the Good Life District.”
Mayor Roger Steele said , “I think it would be helpful to have a second opinion” about what is being proposed. He noted that it is a large undertaking. “For the money, I think it’s good to have someone advise us.”
City Administrator Laura McAloon said that the additional planning would help create a “unified concept.”
The City Council voted 8-1 to have Confluence provide additional master planning. Council member Bethany Guzinski voted against the motion. Council member Doug Lanfear was absent from the Nov. 5 meeting.
The City Council voted 9-0 to approve the Grand Island Public Library’s agreement with Midwest Tape’s Hoopla Digital Media Platform. Library Director Celine Swan wrote in a memo to City Council that it would be authorizing the city to purchase up to $80,000 per year in Hoopla services. Patrons can check out 10 items per month through Hoopla. Items that can be checked out include eBooks, audiobooks, movies, comics, TV shows, and Spanish materials. Hoopla can be used on smartphones, tables, Kindles, iPads, computers, etc.
The City Council approved assessments for Parking District No. 3 by a 7-0-2 vote. Council members Mark Stelk and Mitch Nickerson abstained from voting.
The City Council recognized Benjamin Arrants, Ryan Rathbun, and Kevin Sheeks for 25 years of service with the Grand Island Police Department.
