Comments or concerns about community issues can be referred to an appropriate department head at City Hall or to an elected city official.

Ten residents are elected to four-year terms on the city council. Mayor Margaret Hornady, who was elected in November 2006, can be reached at City Hall, 385-5444, Ext. 149.

The mayor and the council meet almost every Tuesday night to discuss issues and set policies. Their business meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, while study sessions are on the first and third Tuesdays as needed. The council meets in the council chambers at City Hall, 100 E. First.

Council member Jose Zapata represents Ward 1 in parts of northwest and central Grand Island. The other Ward 1 seat is vacant as Scott Walker resigned June 28. A replacement is expected to be named on July 10. Peg Gilbert and Tom Brown represent Ward 2 in southern Grand Island. Bob Meyer and Fred Whitesides represent Ward 3 in eastern and east central Grand Island. Mitch Nickerson and Larry Carney represent Ward 4 in northeastern Grand Island. John Gericke and Joyce Haase represent Ward 5 in extreme northwestern Grand Island and northern Grand Island.

The next election for city officials will be November 2008. One council seat from each ward will be open. The next mayor's race will be in 2010.

The City Hall phone number for utilities billing questions is 385-5480. The citizens assistance line is 385-5444, Ext. 148. To hear a recording of the city council's preliminary meeting agenda, call 385-5444, Ext. 125.

The phone number for City Hall is 385-5444. Department heads and their extensions follow:

Administrator vacant, 140

Attorney Dale Shotkoski, 130

Building Director Craig Lewis, 200

Community Development Specialist Joni Kuzma, 240

Emergency Management Director Jon Rosenlund, 300

Finance Director David Springer, 160

Fire Chief Jim Rowell, 220

Parks and Recreation Director Steve Paustian, 290

Personnel Director Brenda Sutherland, 190

Public Information Officer Wendy Meyer-Jerke, 148

Public Works Director Steve Riehle, 260

Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity, 210

Utilities Director Gary Mader, 280

Outside City Hall

Those with offices outside City Hall can be reached at the following phone numbers:

Library Director Steve Fosselman, 385-5333

Parks Superintendent Gregg Bostelman, 385-5426

Police Chief Steve Lamken, 385-5407

Solid Waste Superintendent Jeff Wattier, 385-5433

Street Superintendent Scott Johnson, 385-5322

Wastewater Treatment Plant Ben Thayer, 385-5430

Water Superintendent Dave Goosic, 385-5493