By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the council chambers at the Grand Island City Hall, 100 E. First St.

When Grand Island authorized an improvement project to widen a portion of Capital Avenue, it had to acquire permanent and temporary rights of way and easements to complete the project.

But negotiations between Sapp Bros. and the city stalled and eminent domain proceedings were begun by the city.

The Board of Appraisers awarded the sum of $40,785, which the city deposited last year in an account controlled by the Hall County Court.

Sapp Bros. appealed the award to the District Court, seeking more money.

The city then negotiated a settlement with Sapp Bros. in effort to avoid the cost that a trial would bring. The Nebraska Department of Roads has approved the settlement.

In other business Tuesday, city council members will consider a resolution creating Business Improvement District No. 6.

Last month, owners of some properties along Second Street between Eddy and Grant streets requested that the city create a business improvement district there. They are wanting to create a landscaping district similar to the one created on South Locust Street.

City staff is suggesting a larger district than the property owners were requesting. The proposed district would be bounded by South Front Street on the north, First Street on the south, Eddy Street on the east and Garfield Street on the west.

According to city officials, this would include all the property requested and would allow the district to include properties that would benefit from creation of the district.

If approved by the city council, this would be the first step in the process, defining an area from which the mayor can select property owners, residents or users of space to serve on an initial board to define a plan or plans for the area.

In other business, with the Nebraska Department of Roads widening U.S. Highway 30 from Grant Street to Greenwich Street, NDOR is requesting that First Street be designated as a "Stop Sign Protected" street to handle the increased traffic flows they are anticipating.

The designation would cover First Street from east of Blaine Street to west of Lincoln Avenue.

If approved, the designation will start March 17 and remain until the first phase of the project is completed in late summer.

The city council will also hold a public hearing on re-adopting the city of Grand Island official zoning map.