06-03-2003Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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-" f 03358 9:45 A.M. HALL COUNTY HOTEL OWNERS PRESENTATION REGARDING LB726 - Ronda Saalfeld was present representing the Hall County Hotel Owners Association she stated that LB726 was introduced and it will make changes to LB 499 that was passed in 1980. LB 499 allows a county with a population of more than 300,000 to adopt a resolution establishing a County Visitors Improvement Fund after a public hearing. LB 726 will eliminate the population requirement so it could be implemented in Hall County. The City of Grand Island adopted Ordinance 856 that collects an additional 2% tax that is to be used for the events center and this ordinance has a sunset clause until 2025. If the county decided to implement LB 726 and collect an additional 2% on top of the current rate it would put Hall County hotels out of the bidding market. The hotel owners would be opposed to doing this. Arnold stated that this could only be implemented after a public hearing. He questioned if the city could rescind their ordinance then the county could impose this countywide increase of 2%. The hotel owners are not opposed to the 2% city tax they are just opposed to an additional 2%. Jeffries stated that the bill has passed but there would have to be a public hearing and someone would have to request that this would be implemented. He questioned if the county could work with the city on this. If the County does not have a public hearing nothing will change. Hartman questioned how many motels there were outside of the city of Grand Island and it was clarified that there are three. Lancaster stated that the 2% increase would be used for an improvement fund that could be used for construction or promotion. If the County were to impose this additional percentage it would make Hall County's tax higher. Larry Huwaldt with Midtown Holiday Inn stated that Hall County rate is at 11 % % because Hall County has a hospitality tax that will fund the events center. Lancaster stated that this item does not require action but the county needs to support the hotel owners association. Hartman questioned why Senator Aguilar would support this bill. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - Chairman Lancaster called for public participation and Louise Miller, 1104 West Charles requested to speak. She expressed concern on the signs that are posted in the Courthouse that are in different languages. If people are on county business they need to know our language. She also asked if the board could reschedule the executive session at another time because of public participation. Everyone has to wait until they are done. 7 ASSESSOR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION DISCUSS AND APPROVE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION FORMS - Eriksen stated that the assessor committee met to address the procedure for the protest process. The county board suggested using a checklist to make sure all of the issues are addressed. Eriksen made a motion and Hartman seconded to approve the forms. Arnold, Eriksen, Hartman, Humiston, Jeffries, Lancaster and Rye all voted yes and one voted no. Motion carried. 5 APPROVE RESOLUTION TO OPEN CERTAIN ROADS AT CAAP - Jeffries stated that this was discussed with Dan Hostler County Surveyor and it would open 90th Road, 80th Road, Stolley Park Road, 13th Street and Capital Avenue as indicated on the map. Hostler stated that some of the roads are asphalt and some are gravel and are standard maintenance roads. Jeffries made a motion and Eriksen seconded to Approve Resolution #03-0038 opening certain roads located in the former Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant. Arnold, Eriksen, Hartman, Humiston, Jeffries, Lancaster and Rye all voted yes and none stated on. Motion carried. 5