Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
lancaster.ne.gov
STAFF MEETING AGENDA
Lancaster County Board Of Commissioners
County-City Building
Fourth Floor Conference Room
Thursday, December 11, 1997
8:30 a.m.
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 4, 1997
2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3 8:30am LANCASTER MANOR POST-OFFER PHYSICALS & HIRING POLICY
Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation & Risk Manager; Larry Van
Hunnik, Lancaster Manor Administrator; Roger Runion,
Personnel Services Director; Marlene Walenta, Assistant
Director of Nursing
4 9:00am EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN
Les Myers, Emergency Services Director
5 9:25am EXECUTIVE SESSION - Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney;
Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation & Risk Manager
6 9:30am DIRECTOR EVALUATION - Les Myers, Emergency Services Director
7 10:00am RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DISTRICT LEVY (LB 1114)
Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer; Don Thomas, County
Engineer; Roger Figard, City Engineer
8 10:30am STAFF SECURE FACILITY - Jim Blue, Cedars Youth
Services Director; Kit Boesch, Human Services Director
9 ACTION ITEMS
a. Mid-Year Budget Review Letter
10 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Microcomputer Request C#97349 for $910.33 from District
Court Budget for Purchase of Two Printers
11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Assisting a Family for the Holidays
b. Temporary Additional Work Hours for Records & Information
Department
c. Letter from Roberta Stick re: Condition of Lancaster Manor
Parking Lot
12 PENDING
a. Establishment of Special Improvement District in Princeton
b. South Street Campus
13 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman
b. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins
14 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Chamber Ag Committee - Thursday, December 11, 1997, at 12:00
p.m., at the Chamber of Commerce Board Room - Hudkins
b. Master Plan Steering Committee - Thursday, December 11,
1997, at 1:15 p.m., at the County-City Building, Fourth
Floor Conference Room - Hudkins
c. Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee - Thursday,
December 11, 1997, at 4:00 p.m., at the County-City
Building, Commissioners Hearing Room - Tussing
d. City-County Common - Friday, December 12, 1997, at
8:00 a.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel - All Commissioners
e. Disaster Tabletop Exercise - Monday, December 15,
1997, at 8:00 a.m., at the County Extension Office - Svoboda
f. Meeting with Karen Chinn - Tuesday, December 16,
1997, at 11:00 a.m., at the County-City Building, Fourth
Floor Conference Room - All Commissioners
15 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Waverly Hamlow D.A.R.E. Graduation - Monday, December 15,
1997, at 7:00 p.m., at the Hamlow Elementary School
Gymnasium, Waverly, NE
b. 24th Annual Albert W. Bauer Awards Banquet - Friday,
January 30, 1998, at 6:30 p.m., at the Isles Reception
Hall, 6232 Havelock Avenue
c. 1998 Assessor's Administrative Workshop - Monday, February
23 - Friday, February 27, 1998, Ramada Inn, Kearney, NE
16 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
17 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
18 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 1997
19 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES
LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY-CITY BUILDING
FOURTH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1997
8:30 A.M.
Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair
Kathy Campbell
Darlene Tussing
Commissioners Absent: Larry Hudkins
Steve Svoboda
Others Present: Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer
Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney
Ann Taylor, County Clerk's Office
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING OF
DECEMBER 4, 1997
MOTION: Tussing moved and Campbell seconded approval of the minutes.
On call Tussing, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Vacation Request from Larry Van Hunnik, Lancaster Manor
Administrator, for December 26, 1997 - January 2, 1998
(Consent Item)
b. Report on Conversation with District Court Judge Paul
Merritt (Administrative Officer Report)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded approval of the additions
to the agenda. On call Campbell, Tussing and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
3 LANCASTER MANOR POST-OFFER PHYSICALS & HIRING POLICY -
Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation & Risk Manager; Larry Van
Hunnik, Lancaster Manor Administrator; Roger Runion, Lancaster
Manor Personnel Services Director; Marlene Walenta, Lancaster
Manor Assistant Director of Nursing
Roger Runion, Lancaster Manor Personnel Services Director, briefly
reviewed the workers compensation process for Lancaster Manor, which he
stated initiated with application for employment.
Runion distributed copies of an attachment to the job application form
for the positions of Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Care
Staff member or Nursing Assistant at Lancaster Manor which notes the
essential function of lifting of up to 75 pounds; a listing of physical
job requirements; acknowledgment of the essential job functions in
compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) form; a medical
history questionnaire to be completed during physical testing at Company
Care, pre-confirmation screen results, a post hire pre-confirmation
musculo-skeletal screen; and a pre-employment health examination record
form (Exhibit A).
Runion distributed copies of an enhanced medical history questionnaire
which includes the question "Are you pregnant?" and a requirement that
date(s) of treatment, treating physician(s) names and Disability
Workers' Compensation Rating be provided by the applicant if an
affirmative response is given to any of the questions on Page 1 of the
questionnaire (Exhibit B). Runion also noted that conferences would be
held with employees giving an affirmative response on the medical
history questionnaire prior to new employee orientation and employees
with repeated work-related injuries.
Runion reported that employees returning from upper body work-related
injuries are referred to Rehab Plus, physical therapists, for a back and
body mechanics screen. He also reported that work related injury
reports, including medical costs and lost work time, are noted in the
computer for tracking of injury trends.
Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation & Risk Manager, stated that the
enhanced Workers' Compensation procedure increases accountability for
injuries.
Steinman asked if there had been a decrease in the number of employment
applications since implementation of the new procedure.
Runion responded no.
In response to a question from Steinman, Eckley stated that an offer of
employment will be rescinded, if an applicant is unable to perform the
essential functions of the position.
Runion also reported on results of a medical history questionnaire
completed by 61 Lancaster Manor employees hired between January 1, 1997
- June 30, 1997, noting that only five of the respondents experienced
upper extremity work-related injuries while at the Manor.
Eckley reported that the contract with Company Care for post-employment
screening of Nursing Assistants will be in effect until February 28,
1998. She recommended that the County continue the contract, as
concerns regarding Company Care's forwarding of medical history infor-
mation to Runion had been resolved.
4 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN - Les Myers, Emergency Services
Director; Darrell Podany, United Way Volunteer Coordinator
Les Myers, Emergency Services Director, stated that a review of his
department's response to the October snow storm disaster indicated that
improvement was needed in the areas of getting appropriate people in to
the Emergency Center and keeping the County Board informed of emergency
operations. He also suggested that the Salvation Army assume
responsibility for volunteer recruitment in future disaster operations.
Darrell Podany, United Way Volunteer Coordinator, reported that his
agency held a meeting on the Tuesday following the snow storm with
health and human service providers, City Police and Fire representatives
and Les Myers representing Lancaster County. He stated that restoration
of utilities, information sharing among agencies, establishment of a
storm fund, volunteer mobilization and volunteer liability issues were
discussed at the meeting.
Podany noted that none of the agencies in attendance responded to a
request for an agency or organization to assume responsibility for
managing volunteers and resulting liability, although the Salvation Army
later offered to accept responsibility for the volunteers. A meeting
was also held with representatives of the Salvation Army, Lincoln
Information For the Elderly (LIFE), Lincoln Action Program and the
League of Human Dignity to plan coordination of volunteer response to
requests for assistance.
Podany stated that Myers subsequently contacted him to inquire whether
the volunteers were adhering to the County's Emergency Plan. Podany
stated that he was unaware of the existence of an Emergency Plan and
that Myers had not made any reference to an existing Emergency Plan in
the meeting he had attended.
Podany also noted concern regarding a Lincoln Journal Star newspaper
article in which Myers was reported as saying that the Salvation Army
and the United Way had done such a good job that they would assume
responsibility for volunteer efforts in the future.
Myers stated that his remarks were intended to convey that those
agencies had done such a good job in the disaster, that they would be
incorporated into an official plan for volunteer actions within the City
and County with access to government resources.
Podany agreed that United Way should be included in any coordinated
effort to mobilize volunteers but noted that they lack sufficient staff
and funding resources to assume full responsibility for volunteers.
Campbell noted that the County also has numerous human service agencies
that could make significant contributions to disaster aid in the future.
Brief discussion followed on volunteer liability issues, with Campbell
suggesting that the Board request an opinion from the County Attorney
on the matter.
At the Board's request, Myers and Podany agreed to meet with Major Boone
of the Salvation Army and Kit Boesch, Human Services Administrator, to
discuss an Emergency Response Plan.
5 EXECUTIVE SESSION - Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney; Sue
Eckley, Workers' Compensation & Risk Manager
MOTION: Tussing moved and Campbell seconded to enter Executive
Session at 9:29 a.m. for a director evaluation for Les Myers,
Emergency Services Director and potential litigation. On call
Tussing, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
MOTION: Tussing moved and Campbell seconded to exit Executive
Session at 10:09 a.m. On call Tussing, Campbell and Steinman
voted aye. Motion carried.
6 DIRECTOR EVALUATION - Les Myers, Emergency Services Director
See Agenda Item 5.
7 RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DISTRICT LEVY (LB 1114) -
Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer; Don Thomas, County
Engineer; Roger Figard, City Engineer
Roger Figard, City Engineer, briefly reviewed the 10 Year Capital
Improvement Program for the Railroad Transportation Safety District
(RTSD), noting that the RTSD will need to levy the maximum amount
allowed in order to build the projects indicated in their budget and to
retain a minimum cash balance of 1.5 million dollars (Exhibit C). He
stated that the Capital Improvement Plan budget reflects a combination
of project funds from the RTSD, State Train Mile Tax and Bridge
Replacement. Figard also reported that Burlington Northern & Santa Fe
Railway has an agreement with the RTSD to provide 20% of the funding for
overpass structures and that those figures were not reflected in the
budget.
Don Thomas, County Engineer, reported that there are four additional
viaduct projects, including a bridge replacement over Salt Creek at
Saltillo Road, totaling eight to ten million dollars that are not
accounted for in the budget.
Tussing commented that the RTSD was mentioned as a revenue source in
connection with the Wilderness Park Study.
Figard also reported that it is the intent of the Burlington Northern &
Santa Fe Railway to have a grade separation at every arterial with their
tracks within and around the boundaries of the Lincoln.
In response to a question from Campbell, Figard reported that the RTSD
has 15 million dollars in their reserve fund.
Campbell stated the RTSD needs to clearly identify the amount of its
reserve funds and the magnitude of projects that the funds are used for
during the public hearing on the 15 cent levy for political subdivisions.
She also suggested that the RTSD report that other funding sources are
being sought and identify the RTSD's percentage of the total cost of
projects.
The Board requested Thomas and Figard to revise the cash flow
projections, noting cash reserves, suggested funding sources, additional
proposed projects and total project costs. Figard was also requested to
project what projects would need to be eliminated if the RTSD's levy was
reduced.
8 STAFF-SECURE FACILITY - Jim Blue, Cedars Youth Services
Director; Kit Boesch, Human Services Director
Jim Blue, Cedars Youth Services Director, reported that a Program
Director has been hired, advertisements for staff have been placed,
architect drawings for renovation have been received and bids for
construction have been opened.
In response to a question from Campbell, Diane Staab, Deputy County
Attorney, reported that the contract with Cedars Youth Services is
subject to review each year in the month of May.
Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, requested that Cedars Youth
Services provide him with a general accounting of how the County's
contribution of $41,500 for development costs is spent.
Campbell requested that an annual review of the per diem rate be added
to the contract.
Board consensus to schedule an initial review of the contract six months
after start-up of the program, with additional review in May of each
year thereafter.
In response to a question from Campbell, Diane Staab, Deputy County
Attorney, reported that the contract includes a 60 day termination
clause for either party.
Blue briefly reviewed the admission process:
Juvenile Court Judge directs youth to the staff-secure facility
Court order directs youth to the staff-secure facility following evaluation
Youth directed to the staff-secure facility, following assessment at
the Attention Center, with approval of a Juvenile Court Judge or a
Juvenile Probation Officer
In response to a question from Tussing, Blue stated that the Court order
may refer a youth back to the Attention Center if problems result. He
also noted that Juvenile Probation Officers are available on a 24 hour
basis, if there are questions regarding a Court order.
9 ACTION ITEMS
a. Mid-Year Budget Review Letter
Following a brief discussion, the following revisions to the letter were
made:
The Board requested the following corrections to the proposed letter to
County departments:
Change the request for projected future-year expenditures, issues and
changes to the next two (2), rather than five (five) fiscal years (Item
2, Page 2).
Add a sentence noting that a Mid-Year Budget Review overview will be
presented at the February Management Team meeting.
Add a sentence expressing the Board's appreciation that the County was
able to meet the goal of preparing for LB 1114 one year early through
the cooperation of all the County Departments (Paragraph 1, Page 1).
Add a sentence stating that those efforts will again be necessary as
County Departments plan for the next two (2) fiscal years (Paragraph 3,
Page 1).
Add a sentence noting that there are have been discussions of additional
legislative measures and that a two (2) year projection is all that is
being sought, as the future is difficult to project.
Campbell also requested that the Board review the Keno Fund list at the
Mid-Year Budget Review.
10 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Microcomputer Request C#97349, for $910.33 from the District
Court Budget for the Purchase of Two Printers
b. Vacation Request from Larry Van Hunnik, Lancaster Manor
Administrator, for December 26, 1997 - January 2, 1998
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded approval of the Consent
Items. On call Campbell, Tussing and Steinman voted aye. Motion
carried.
11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Assisting a Family for the Holidays
Eagan requested that Board members contact Kit Boesch, Human Services
Administrator, regarding their contributions.
b. Temporary Additional Work Hours for Records & Information
Department
Eagan stated that he had approved the additional work hours and informed
Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, of the need to adjust the mid-year
budget for Records & Information.
c. Letter from Roberta Stick, Legal Services of Southeast
Nebraska Executive Director, Regarding Condition of the
Trabert Hall Parking Lot
Eagan reported on a letter received from Roberta Stick, Legal Services of
Southeast Nebraska Executive Director, regarding the hazardous conditions
in the parking lot at Trabert Hall. He reported that Don Killeen, County
Property Manager, had taken measures to have the situation corrected and
stated that he would respond to Stick's letter.
d. Report on Conversation with District Court Judge Paul Merritt
Eagan reported that the District Court judges have additional copier
needs, in connection with their temporary move. He stated that Kathy
Smith, Assistant Purchasing Agent, will work with them to provide a
copier through the County's contract.
Eagan also noted a request from the District Court Judges to hire an
office runner. He noted that a runner had already been provided to
Judge Cheuvront.
Board consensus to deny the new hire, with a suggestion that the
District Court Judges coordinate with Judge Cheuvront for the service.
12 PENDING
a. Establishment of Special Improvement District in Princeton
The Board requested Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer, to contact
Scott Holmes, Health Department, for a progress report.
b. South Street Campus
Board consensus to remove the item from Pending and schedule the matter
for discussion at the Mid-Year Budget Review.
13 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman
Campbell reported that concerns regarding the Anchor Program, which
tracks the homeless population, were referred to the General Assistance
Monitoring Committee.
Campbell reported that Legal Services of Southeast Nebraska was
requested to provide statistics on domestic violence referrals, to
determine whether there is a connection with the services provided by
Friendship Home.
Campbell also reported that a budget review of the League of Human
Dignity and an informal evaluation of the Heartland Big Brothers/Big
Sisters by juvenile professionals were requested.
b. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins
Campbell distributed copies of the moving schedule for County
Departments (Exhibit D).
Tussing briefly reported that she had informed the Ecological Advisory
Committee that the Board was willing to contribute funds towards the
Wilderness Park Ecological Study.
14 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Chamber Ag Committee - Thursday, December 11, 1997, at 12
p.m., at the Chamber of Commerce Board Room - Hudkins
b. Master Plan Steering Committee - Thursday, December 11, 1997,
at 1:15 p.m., in the County-City Building, Fourth Floor
Conference Room - Hudkins
c. Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee - Thursday, December
11, 1997, at 4 p.m., in the County-City Building,
Commissioners Hearing Room - Tussing
d. City-County Common - Friday, December 12, 1997, at 8 a.m., at
the Cornhusker Hotel - All Commissioners
e. Disaster Tabletop Exercise - Monday, December 15, 1997, at 8
a.m., at the County Extension Office - Svoboda
f. Meeting with Karen Chinn, Chinn Planning - Tuesday, December
16, 1997, at 11 a.m., in the County-City Building, Fourth
Floor Conference Room - All Commissioners
15 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Waverly Hamlow D.A.R.E. Program (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education) Graduation - Monday, December 15, 1997, at 7 p.m.,
at the Hamlow Elementary School Gymnasium, Waverly, Nebraska
b. 24th Annual Albert W. Bauer Awards Banquet - Friday, January
30, 1998, at 6:30 p.m., at the Isles Reception Hall, 6232
Havelock Avenue
c. 1998 Assessors' Administrative Workshop - Monday, February 23
- Friday, February 27, 1998, Ramada Inn, Kearney, Nebraska
16 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
17 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
18 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 1997
19 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
20 ADJOURNMENT
By direction of the Chair, the meeting was adjourned.