Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
lancaster.ne.gov
MINUTES
Lancaster County Board of Commissioners
County Commissioners Chambers
First Floor, County-City Building
Tuesday, June 9, 1998
1:30 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair
Kathy Campbell
Larry Hudkins
Steve Svoboda
Commissioners Absent: Darlene Tussing
Others Present: Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer
Kandra Hahn, County Clerk
Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney
1) MINUTES: Approval of the minutes of the Board of Commissioners meeting
held on Tuesday, June 2, 1998. (19981313) (A copy of the
minutes is on file in the Office of the Lancaster County
Clerk.)
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Svoboda seconded approval of the minutes of
June 2, 1998. On call Campbell, Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted
aye. Motion carried.
2) CLAIMS: Approval of all claims processed through Tuesday, June 9, 1998.
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Hudkins,
Steinman, Svoboda and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried.
3) The Clerk asked if anyone present requested a change in the agenda. No
requests were made and the meeting proceeded as planned.
4) PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. A vacation of a portion of a County road between "B" and Broad
Streets in Princeton, Lancaster County, Nebraska. (1998923) (1998984)
The Chair opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to testify
in favor, opposition or in a neutral position.
No one appeared in favor, opposition or in a neutral position.
Campbell asked if the Planning Department had any objections.
Mike DeKalb, Planning Department, responded they had no objections to
the vacation. He explained the road was actually the alley behind the
church and the Princeton Tavern.
Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer, suggested that easements of
record be reflected in the resolution.
The Chair closed the hearing and noted action would be taken next
Tuesday, June 16, 1998.
B. A preliminary plat for Timberline Estates, requested by J.D. Burt on
behalf of Timberline Enterprises, L.L.C. for 27 lots on property
located north and west of the corner of SW 56th Street and West
Denton Road in Lancaster County, Nebraska. (Preliminary Plat 97021)
(19981178)
C. A county change of zone, from AG Agricultural to AGR Agricultural
Residential, requested by J.D. Burt on behalf of Timberline
Enterprises, L.L.C. on property located north and west of the corner
of SW 56th Street and West Denton Road in Lancaster County,
Nebraska. (County Change of Zone 176) (19981179)
The Chair opened the hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak in favor
of the items.
J. Michael Rierden, attorney representing applicant, appeared and briefly
discussed the following items contained in an outline distributed to the
Board regarding Change of Zone 176 (Exhibit A):
Letter from Jerrold C. Hood of the Lincoln-Lancaster
County Health Department concerning water supply issues
Groundwater report from Vincent H Dreeszen
Sewage issues
Traffic issues
Comprehensive Plan conformance
Density
Flood plain issues
Request for several waivers to street trees, landscape screens,
ornamental lighting, sidewalks and stormwater detention
Discussion of the proposed residential development plan
with abutting property owners prior to submittal
Rierden stated the proposal is a good development and that all issues
have been addressed.
In response to a question asked by Hudkins, Larry Worrell, County
Surveyor, stated the dedication of the 50 foot on the subdivision would
be there, however, it was the additional footage on the east side that
was waived.
The Chair asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition.
Mike Cvitak appeared in opposition and stated he lives approximately
one-half mile south of Denton Road on the west side. He explained he
has concerns about the Comprehensive Plan and has attended several
meetings. Cvitak stated it was his understanding that no development
was being planned west of Southwest 56th Street. He stated
he is opposed due to fire protection, poor soil percolation and the
schools. Cvitak suggested the development doesn't fit the Comprehensive
Plan and asked the County Board to reconsider the change of zone and
preliminary plat and place them in the Comprehensive Plan prior to
approval.
Steinman asked Cvitak about the size of his acreage.
Cvitak responded it is approximately 4.5 acres.
Steinman requested a letter from Cvitak be made part of the record.
Harold Bishop also appeared in opposition and lives south of Cvitak.
He stated there was no doubt that developments will continue, however,
at the present time there is no need for additional zoning. Bishop
stated there should be better planning for acreages and there is no
need at the present time for more.
In response to a question asked by Hudkins, Bishop stated his acreage
is approximately 5.5 acres. He noted they do have a lot of problems
with the water.
The Chair asked again if anyone wished to testify in favor of the
proposals.
Mike Combs appeared in support of the proposal and indicated he owns
ground on Southwest 12th Street. He stated he felt the reduction
from 44 lots to 27, five-acre lots is a good idea.
Lawrence McCoy appeared in support and stated he and his wife have been
searching for an acreage located to the southwest of Lincoln for three
years. He stated he supports the five-acre lots.
Scott Davis, 1845 South Cotner Boulevard, also appeared in favor of the
development. He stated the development would be beneficial to the area.
The Chair asked if anyone wished to speak in a neutral position.
Mike DeKalb, Planning Department, stated prior to 1994 the yellow area
was established in the Comprehensive Plan, which was an area designated
for concentration of acreages to occur. This area was located at
Southwest 33rd Street, however, during the Comprehensive Plan Update the
area was extended to Southwest 40th Street. DeKalb stated the
yellow area now extends to Southwest 56th Street. He stated
Denton's one-mile jurisdiction comes within approximately one-mile of
the west edge of the development. Denton has revised their zoning
regulations and they now allow acreages in all of their one-mile
jurisdiction with a three-acre lot minimum.
DeKalb stated if the proposals before the County Board are approved,
the Planning Department should consider showing the balance of the area
as residential in the next Comprehensive Plan Annual Review.
DeKalb also stated the Planning Department sent the change of zone and
the preliminary plat to the rural fire district and the schools. He
stated the schools chose not to take a position and Southwest Rural
Fire District has taken the position that they are there to serve homes
and they would respond to whatever is built.
In regards to the preliminary plat, DeKalb said, they did have concerns
which have been addressed and resolved.
The Chair asked if anyone else wished to testify in a neutral position.
No one appeared and the hearing was closed.
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval of revised County
Change of Zone 176 from AG Agricultural to AGR Agricultural
Residential, requested by J.D. Burt on behalf of Timberline
Enterprises, L.L.C. on property located north and west of the corner
of SW 56th Street and West Denton Road. On call Campbell, Hudkins,
Steinman and Svoboda voted aye. Motion carried.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval of Preliminary Plat
97021 for Timberline Estates, requested by J.D. Burt on behalf of
Timberline Enterprises, L.L.C. with a change, requested by the
County Engineer, to Condition 1.3 to delete paragraphs five and six
in his memo dated February 2, 1998. On call Svoboda, Campbell,
Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
5) NEW BUSINESS:
A. An application for a Special Designated License from the Nebraska
State Board of Agriculture to hold the Duncan Aviation Company Picnic
on Saturday, June 20, 1998 from Noon to 1 a.m. on the east side of
Agricultural Hall. (19981068) (19981134) (19981135) (19981350)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted aye. Motion carried.
B. A contract with Land Construction, in the amount of $33,011.20, for
channel repair at a bridge located at approximately North 141st
Street and Rock Creek Road for the County Engineer's Department.
(19981329)
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval. On call Hudkins,
Steinman, Svoboda and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried.
C. A contract with Johnson Home Health Care for respiratory services for
Lancaster Manor for a three year period, beginning July 1, 1998, with
the option to renew for one additional three year period, at rates as
specified in the award of bid approved May 19, 1998. (19981327)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Steinman,
Svoboda, Campbell and Hudkins voted aye. Motion carried.
D. An agreement with the City of Lincoln defining responsibilities and
costs associated with the Tesseract Payroll System as shown in
Exhibit A of the agreement. (19981332)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval. On call Svoboda,
Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
E. A purchase agreement, for $340,000, between Lancaster County (seller)
and Lincoln Public Schools (purchaser) for Lot 3, Saint Francis
Addition (southwest corner of 13th and South Streets).
(19981361)
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted aye. Motion carried.
F. Referee agreements with the following for the Lancaster County Board
of Equalization regarding the 1998 real estate valuation protests:
Individual Amount
Cay Lacey $75 per hour
Wayne Kubert $75 per hour
Richard Keith $75 per hour
Darrell Stanard $75 per hour
Richard Danek $75 per hour
Jerry Knoche $75 per hour
Rob Ogden $75 per hour
Tom Kubert $75 per hour
Frederick Briggs $65 per hour
Tim Smulling $65 per hour
Brett Burnham $65 per hour
Jamie Weyers $60 per hour
Gene French $60 per hour
Heather Delp $55 per hour
John Haney $55 per hour
Mark Stanard $55 per hour
Tim Johns $55 per hour
Clerical Services $25 per hour
Great Plains Appraisal, Inc. $25 - $75 per hour
(19981333)
Steven L Allen (19981334) $85 per hour
George W Hancock (19981337) $80 per hour
Steve Hanks (19981338) $75 per hour
John R Layman (19981340) $75 per hour
Robert A Mook (19981344) $75 per hour
Larry G Swanson (19981348) $75 per hour
Matthew J Wilson (19981354) $75 per hour
Michael J Kerrigan (19981339) $60 per hour
John E McVay (19981343) $60 per hour
Stanley L Portsche (19981345) $60 per hour
Terryl Tilman (19981352) $60 per hour
Mike Brinkman (19981336) $58 per hour
Robert W Anderson (19981335) $55 per hour
Timothy S Lentz (19981341) $55 per hour
Daniel D McKenzie (19981342) $55 per hour
Individual Amount
Barbara J Ramm (19981346) $55 per hour
John (Jack) Sullivan (19981347) $55 per hour
Marilyn Tabor (19981349) $55 per hour
Sally A Webster (19981353) $55 per hour
Larry K Wrasse (19981355) $55 per hour
Marc Wullschleger (19981356) $55 per hour
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval. Campbell asked
about the schedule for property valuation protests.
Tom Kubert, Referee Coordinator, appeared and stated referee hearings
have been scheduled for later in the week. He stated the flow of
protests being filed with the County Clerk has not been heavy and some
hearings have been canceled.
ROLL CALL: Campbell, Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted aye. Motion
carried.
G. Recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the Director of the
Community Mental Health Center to award a bid to Dickey & Burham,
Inc., in the amount of $39,839, to restore the handicap entrance
at the Adams Street Center. (19981325)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Hudkins,
Steinman, Svoboda and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried.
8) Recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the County Sheriff to
award a bid from a State contract to Park Place Chevrolet, in the
amount of $14,767.77, for one 1998 Chevrolet Lumina four door sedan.
(19981324)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Steinman,
Svoboda, Campbell and Hudkins voted aye. Motion carried.
I. Recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the County Sheriff to
award a bid from a State contract to H.P. Smith Ford, in the total
amount of $49,120, for two 1998 Ford Explorer 4 x 4's. (19981323)
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval.
Bill Jarrett, Chief Deputy Sheriff, stated three vehicles have been
ordered, however, five patrol cruisers couldn't be ordered because the
bids had closed. He stated they would have to wait for the patrol
vehicles to come out on State bid.
Jarrett stated H P Smith does have some patrol cruisers on their lot
which they may be able to purchase if they meet their requirements and
pricing.
ROLL CALL: On call Svoboda, Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
J. An award of bid to Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., in the amount of
$145,485, for a community based human services needs assessment and
comprehensive plan. (19981357)
Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer, stated the recommendation is
from the Joint Budget Committee. The contract, he said, will be reviewed
with each phase to be authorized separately.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted aye. Motion carried.
K. Approval of a disbursement from the Lancaster Leasing Corporation
Renewal and Replacement Fund to the City of Lincoln, Information
Services, in the amount of $3,208.96, for two printers and one
computer for Lancaster Manor. (19981316)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted aye. Motion carried.
L. Request from the Sheriff's Office in connection with Violence Against
Women Act grant funding for the hiring of one Deputy Sheriff.
(19981314)
Terry Wagner, County Sheriff, stated the Crime Commission will fund
$23,863, with the County funding $12,871.
He explained the Deputy Sheriff who is hired will monitor violence cases
in Lancaster County. He noted the deputy will also monitor and track
criminal domestic violence cases and the civil process service.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval. On call Hudkins,
Steinman, Svoboda and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried.
M. A transfer of appropriations from the Workers' Compensation Loss Fund
Budget to the Workers' Compensation Safety and Training Budget, for
$2,000. (19981358)
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval of Resolution
98-1358. On call Steinman, Svoboda, Campbell and Hudkins voted aye.
Motion carried.
N. A transfer of appropriations from the General Fund Miscellaneous
Budget to the General Fund Adult Probation County Court Budget, for
$5,516. (19981359)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval of Resolution 98-1359.
On call Svoboda, Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion
carried.
O. Addition of investment options for employees under the Lancaster
County Retirement Plan with Public Employees Benefit Services
Corporation (PEBSCO). (19981360)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted aye. Motion carried.
P. Renewal of the Plan Administration and Service agreement with Public
Employees Benefit Services Corporation (PEBSCO) for an additional
five year period, beginning December 1, 1998.
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval.
Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney, stated the County Board was
authorizing extension of the original agreement.
ROLL CALL: Campbell, Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted aye. Motion
carried.
Q. Appointment of Rick Wallace to the City-County Planning Commission,
term to expire August 24, 1999. (19981328)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval. On call Hudkins,
Steinman, Svoboda and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried.
R. Appointment of the following to the Lincoln-Lancaster Women's
Commission: (19981315)
Name of Individual Term to Expire
Darlene Lee March 1, 1999
Elliot Rivas March 1, 1999
Lori K Warner January 1, 2000
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Steinman,
Svoboda, Campbell and Hudkins voted aye. Motion carried.
6) CONSENT ITEMS: These are items of business before the Lancaster
County Board of Commissioners which have been previously supplied to each
Commissioner in writing, which are relatively routine and which are
expected to be adopted without dissent. Any individual item may be
removed for special discussion and consideration by a Commissioner or by
any member of the public without prior notice. Unless there is an
exception, these items will be approved as one with a single vote of the
Board of Commissioners. These items are approval of:
A. Request from Marilyn K Olsen to voluntarily participate
in the Lancaster County Retirement Plan, having met the
requirements. (19981311)
B. Maintenance agreements with the following:
Agency Vendor Amount
County Engineer EquiServ $280
(19981330)
County Assessor ERSI $4,980.30
(19981326)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval of the Consent
Items. On call Svoboda, Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to adjourn. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted aye. Motion carried.
Kandra Hahn
Lancaster County Clerk
MINUTES
Lancaster County Board of Equalization
County Commissioners Chambers
First Floor, County-City Building
Tuesday, June 9, 1998
1:30 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair
Kathy Campbell
Larry Hudkins
Steve Svoboda
Commissioners Absent: Darlene Tussing
Others Present: Norm Agena, County Assessor
Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer
Kandra Hahn, County Clerk
Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney
1) MINUTES: Approval of the minutes of the Board of Equalization meeting
held on Tuesday, June 2, 1998. (19981312) (A copy of these
minutes is on file in the Office of the Lancaster County Clerk.)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval of the minutes of
June 2, 1998. On call Campbell, Hudkins, Steinman and Svoboda voted
aye. Motion carried.
2) ADDITIONS AND DEDUCTIONS:
Approval of 9 additions and deductions to the tax assessment rolls per
Exhibit "A". (19981322)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval. On call
Hudkins, Steinman, Svoboda and Campbell voted aye. Motion
carried.
3) APPROVAL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TAX EXEMPTION:
Cedars Youth Services
Lincoln Medical Education Foundation, Inc.
Sacred Heart Church
University of Nebraska Foundation
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval of motor
vehicle tax exemptions for Cedars Youth Services, Lincoln
Medical Education Foundation, Inc., Sacred Heart Church and
University of Nebraska Foundation. On call Steinman,
Svoboda, Campbell and Hudkins voted aye. Motion carried.
4) ADJOURNMENT:
By direction of the Chair the Board of Equalization meeting was
adjourned.
Kandra Hahn
Lancaster County Clerk
MINUTES Lancaster County Board Of Commissioners Department Budget Hearing Meeting Room #106 First Floor, County-City Building Tuesday, June 9, 1998 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Session Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair Kathy Campbell Larry Hudkins Commissioners Absent: Steve Svoboda Darlene Tussing Others Present: Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer Ann Taylor, County Clerk's Office JUVENILE COURT/PROBATION - Juvenile Court Judge Tom Dawson; Lesli Greunke, Bailiff; Bill Janike, Chief Probation Officer Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, projected an amount of $568,000 for Legal Fees (3052) and $568,000 for Boarding Contracts (3060) expenditures for Juvenile Court in FY 1999. Juvenile Court Judge Tom Dawson stated that the increase in costs for legal fees can be attributed to: Increased number of case filings Increased number of motions to terminate parental rights Judge Dawson also reported increases in the categories of Postage (3251) and Duplicating Machine Rental (3606), due to the increased number of filings. Judge Dawson indicated that there is a false ceiling on boarding contract costs, based on placement availability. He noted that as a result, there is increased pressure on the Attention Center for Youth to provide space, impacting their costs. In response to a question from Steinman, Bill Janike, Chief Probation Officer, reported that the $105,000 amount for Other Contracted Services (3076) in the Juvenile Probation Budget covers the Electronic Monitoring and Tracker programs. He noted that Juvenile Probation will be receiving approximately $35,000 in federal grant funds for the Tracker Program which will reduce the budget request by approximately $20,000 to $25,000. Janike also indicated that the cost of a second Probation Officer was not included in the Juvenile Probation Budget. Campbell noted that the addition of a second probation officer was a recommendation of Chinn Planning, Inc. in the Juvenile Justice System Three Phase Needs Assessment Study. Dawson noted that the Chinn's recommendation was for a probation officer to work directly with youth in an attempt to lower the number of probation revocations. In response to a question from Campbell, Judge Dawson projected more juvenile court case filings, including motions to revoke probation, in Lancaster County than Douglas County. He also reported that Lancaster had more criminal cases filed last year than Douglas County. Janike noted that Douglas County is more inclined to prosecute 16 and 17 year old youths in the adult, rather than the juvenile, court systems. He also noted that elimination of the Youth Aid Bureau and establishment of the Diversion Program also had a significant impact on the number juvenile court case filings. Janike stated that a number of minor law violations that were previously screened out are now being referred for prosecution in Juvenile Court. In response to a question from Campbell, Janike stated that the Youth Aid Bureau currently serves only youth under 12 and 3A cases. Judge Dawson noted that Douglas County has a pre-trial diversion program which is less restrictive than Lancaster County's. In response to a question from Campbell, Judge Dawson stated that it is still difficult to determine whether youth previously served by the Youth Aid Bureau can be screened out by the Teen Peer Court and the Juvenile Pre-Trial Diversion programs, as the recidivism rate has not yet been determined. Janike noted that there is a tendency to hold Pre-Trial Diversion youth more accountable, resulting in more revocation of probation filings. In proceeding with the budget, Judge Dawson suggested that interpreter fees be listed as a separate line item for better tracking. Judge Dawson reported that LB 1041, which changes children-related provisions and conforms state law to the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, will have a significant impact on the Juvenile Court budget. He noted that there is only an 18 month time frame in which to hear the existing 180-200 cases which meet the criteria for filing of termination of parental rights. Judge Dawson noted that visiting judges, paid for by the State, will be brought in to handle the daily caseload in Juvenile Court, but a small temporary courtroom will need to be made available in Trabert Hall. Judge Dawson also noted that almost all termination of parental rights cases are appealed, resulting in additional costs. Hudkins asked what criteria is used in determining indigency. Judge Dawson stated that the judges look at income, but do not have sufficient resources to verify the information. Steinman noted that this is one of the duties that could be assigned to a Court Administrator position. The Board requested that reimbursement of legal costs by families, determined by the Court to have an income level sufficient to pay for those fees, be identified through the Clerk of the District Court's budget. In response to a question from Kroeker, Judge Dawson stated that the $576,000 budgeted for Legal Fees (3052) will probably need to be increased. He noted that an additional legal service contract would be beneficial in assigning conflict of interest cases. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY - Rodney Hollman, Lancaster County Agricultural Society President Rodney Hollman, Lancaster County Agricultural Society President, briefly reviewed the FY 1997-98 Budget for the Lancaster County Agricultural Society, noting that the FY 1998-99 budget is not completed. Hollman reported that the Agricultural Society plans to levy the full amount allowable by law this year. He stated that the Agricultural Society did not levy the full amount allowable in the past, because it was not necessary, but will need to this year due to planned construction of an Events Center. Hollman briefly reported on selection of a site at 84th & Havelock Avenue for location of the Events Center, noting that a national search will be conducted for a manager for the facility. He stated that the position was partially budgeted for in this year's budget. Hudkins asked what the maximum levy for next year would be. Kroeker stated that if the Agricultural Society levied 14 hundreds of a cent it would net approximately $140,000. He stated, however, that that levy amount may not meet the lid restrictions of LB 989, which allows a two and one half percent increase, with an additional one percent increase allowable if supported by 75 percent of the Agricultural Society Board Members. In response to a question from Hudkins, Hollman stated that the cost of holding a County Fair is approximately $200,000. He noted that the Agricultural Society is changing its philosophy and seeking additional funding through sponsorships. Hudkins asked what would happen to the Agricultural Society's investment in the Lancaster Building if the County fairgrounds is moved to the Events Center site. Hollman stated that an agreement for the State Fair to pay back some funds for use of the Lancaster Building and arena is still in effect, although funds may not be available. Hudkins suggested that the Agricultural Society consider withholding funds for maintenance to recoup some of those residual funds. Hudkins also suggested that the Agricultural Society might receive a greater return on investments if utilizing the Nebraska Public Agency Investment Trust (NPAIT). VISITORS PROMOTION - Michael Carpenter, Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Director; Paul McCue, Chamber of Commerce President Michael Carpenter, Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Director, briefly reviewed the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau Budget Worksheet FY 1998/1999, Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau Account Definitions FY 1998/1999 and Lincoln Convention Visitors Bureau Preliminary Budget July 1998 - June 1999 (Exhibit A), noting a four percent increase in lodging tax revenues and a five percent overall reduction in expenses over last year. Carpenter noted that the Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau is now budgeting on a monthly basis and will begin budgeting on an accrual basis as of July 1, 1998. In response to a question from Kroeker, Carpenter stated that the funds requested on a monthly basis are a 1/12th percentage of the total budget request. Kroeker asked how bills are handled if expenses are in excess of the monthly revenue amount. Carpenter stated that expenses only exceed anticipated revenue for five of the twelve months in the fiscal year. Paul McCue, Chamber of Commerce President, noted that, as in the past, the Chamber of Commerce will provide cash flow assistance to the Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau for the first few months of the year. Carpenter reported the following significant changes to the budget: 16% increase in salaries to reflect actual cost incurred by the service team and to correct severe disparity between some positions 20% increase in postage costs related to an intensified sales development program 60% increase in advertising costs related to a local and regional marketing plan 20% reduction in trade association dues 45% reduction in professional fees Carpenter reported that new budget line items include: Online expenses including host servers, e-mail, web design and updating A referral/incentive fund to bring meetings/conventions to Lincoln (Could also serve as "seed money" for new projects or activities) Auto mileage Carpenter noted that there was a discrepancy of $108,000 in anticipated revenue for FY 1997-98 and a number of outstanding bills when he assumed directorship of the Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). He stated that monthly expenses were reduced and he is confident that the CVB will be at a break even point by the end of the fiscal year. In response to a question from Kroeker, Carpenter stated that the budgeted funds will be for the contract only. He noted that it was the recommendation of the Visitors & Promotion Advisory Committee that grants now be funded through excess funds, rather than a Contingency Fund. Carpenter stated that any group receiving direct financial assistance must proceed with the grant application process. Kroeker stated that funds in excess of the budget can not be spent without amending the budget at a public hearing. He recommended that an additional $30,000 be included in the budget. The Board concurred with Kroeker's suggestion. Eagan stated that the contract for the Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce needs to be amended to include shared receptionist duties. There being no further business, the meeting ended. ______________________ Kandra Hahn Lancaster County Clerk NOTE: Budget documents discussed in the hearings are located in the Lancaster County Proposed Budget FY 1998-99 (On file in the County Clerk's Office.