Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
lancaster.ne.gov
STAFF MEETING AGENDA Lancaster County Board of Commissioners New County-City Building Meeting Room #113 - Adjacent to Council Chambers Thursday, March 19, 1998 8:30 a.m. AGENDA ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 10, 1998 2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA 3 8:30am LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Gordon Kissel, Legislative Consultant 4 9:00am VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT GRANT APPLICATION Terry Wagner, County Sheriff Bill Jarrett, Chief Deputy County Sheriff 5 9:15am SPECIAL PERMIT NO. 165 FOR MINING AND EXCAVATING AT 96TH & OLIVE CREEK ROAD - Mike DeKalb, Planning Department 6 9:30am INTRODUCTION OF BRIAN HENSLEY, NEW DEPUTY ELECTION COMMISSIONER - Patty Hansen, Election Commissioner 7 ACTION ITEMS a. Computer Requests: 1. From Public Defender, C#98077 for $512.46 from Public Defender's Budget for Used 486 and Software 2. From District Court Probation, C#98073 for $1,440.93 from Microcomputer Fund for InkJet Printer, Monitor, Keyboard, and Software 3. From District Court, C#98074 for $4,551.62 from Micro- computer Fund for 3 Compaq Deskpros, 3 Monitors and Software 4. From District Court Probation, C#97355 for $709.00 from Microcomputer Fund for Used 486 with Monitor 8 CONSENT ITEMS 9 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT a. District Court Runner b. Participation of Lancaster Manor in the Intergovernmental Transfer Plan c. Amendment of General Assistance Plan to Include a Definition of Medical Necessity d. Review of Juvenile Justice System Needs Assessment with City Counsel e. Take Your Daughter to Work Day 10 PENDING a. Request from Nemaha NRD to Pay 1/3 of Fee for Request to Revise Flood Map (County Share $1,100) 11 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Master Plan Steering Committee -Hudkins b. GIS Software Requirement - Steinman c. Special Board of Health - Hudkins d. Board of Health - Hudkins e. Ecological Advisory Committee - Tussing f. Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development - Steinman g. RTSD - Steinman, Svoboda, Tussing h. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman i. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins j. Civil Defense Advisory Committee - Svoboda k. Visitors Promotion Committee - Steinman l. GA Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Tussing m. GAIC - Steinman 12 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Management Team - Thursday, March 19, 1998, at 7:30 a.m., at the County-City Building, Room #113 - All Commissioners b. Local Emergency Planning Committee - Thursday, March 19, 1998, at 1:30 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center Operations Room #046 - Hudkins c. City-County Common - Friday, March 27, 1998, at 8:00 a.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel, Yankee Hill III Room - All Commissioners 13 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS a. Pioneer Overhead Door Open House - Friday, March 27, 1998, at 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at 2300 S. 7th Street b. U.S. Bank Unveiling - Monday, March 30, 1998, at 4:30 p.m., at 13th & "M" Street, Lobby 14 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD 15 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD 16 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 24, 1998 17 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES Lancaster County Board of Commissioners County-City Building Meeting Room #113 Thursday, March 19, 1998 8:30 a.m. Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair Kathy Campbell Steve Svoboda Commissioners Absent: Darlene Tussing Larry Hudkins 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 THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING OF MARCH 10, 1998, A.M. SESSION MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Campbell, Svoboda and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA a. Walk-in Traffic in County Commissioners' Office b. Rural Road Improvements c. Report on Consortium for Planning and Advocacy - Campbell MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval of the additions to the agenda. On call Campbell, Svoboda and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 3 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Gordon Kissel, Legislative Consultant Gordon Kissel, Legislative Consultant, briefly reviewed his legislative update (Exhibit A), noting that LB 1136, which creates the County Property Tax Relief Fund, was merged with LB 695, which changes provisions for the custody and maintenance of prisoners by counties. He estimated the combined aid to counties from the two bills, if passed, at 12.3 million dollars. This amount, when combined with the 9.7 million dollars in aid to educational service units, exceeds the 20 million dollars in aid established for political subdivisions in LB 180 last year, by 2 million dollars. Kissel predicted a veto override by the Legislature if the Governor proceeds with plans to include all aid to political subdivisions in that 20 million dollar total, including LB 1229, which provides funds for accelerated or differentiated curriculum programs in school districts. Kissel also reported that friction has developed between supporters of LB 695 and LB 512, which changes placement and transportation cost provisions and limits the responsiblity of counties for post adjudication boarding costs, relating to juveniles, with a probable veto by the Governor of one of the bills. He noted that Douglas County is lobbying heavily for passage of LB 512. In response to a question from Campbell, Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, stated that it appears that the County would receive more State aid if LB 695 were passed. Mike Thurber, Corrections Director, noted that the fiscal estimate for LB 695 may be conservative, since it is difficult to predict the numbers that will be placed on probation. He also noted that the number of State prisoners increases each year, which could also have a significant impact. Campbell suggested that unless the desired language is included in LB 512, it may be to Lancaster County's advantage to hold the bill and reintroduce it under a different Governor. Eagan noted concern that the current language in LB 512 broadens the County's responsibility for juvenile boarding costs. Kissel also reported that: An amendment was filed to LB 1041, which changes children-related provisions and conforms State law to the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, addressing the issue of costs to counties for the services of Public Defenders The uniform tax provision was removed from LR45CA, a Constitutional Amendment relating to motor vehicle taxes, municipal tax rates, governmental property taxation and townships. 4 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT GRANT APPLICATION - Terry Wagner, County Sheriff; Bill Jarrett, Chief Deputy County Sheriff Bill Jarrett, Chief Deputy County Sheriff, reported that the Sheriff's office has applied for a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant which will fund 65% of the personnel costs for a domestic violence investigator (Exhibit B). He stated that, if the grant is received, the County will be required to provide matching funds in the amount of $12,873 for the new full-time employee (FTE) position. Jarrett also noted that the County can reapply for supplemental funding of the position for the remaining three years of the grant. Campbell remarked that this position will allow the Sheriff's Department to place a major emphasis on response to domestic violence issues in the rural areas and the villages and towns of Lancaster County. In response to a question from Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, Jarrett stated that the County would not be required to retain the position in the budget once the grant expires. MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded to concur with the recommendation of the County Sheriff to apply for the Violence Against Women Act grant, and to pledge the necessary match funds from the County. On call Campbell, Svoboda and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA a. Walk-in Traffic in County Commissioners' Office The Board directed Eagan to send a letter from the County Board to the Public Building Commission stating the need for additional signage and requesting that the Information Desk remain staffed during business hours. b. Rural Road Improvements Campbell suggested that citizens directly involved in the petitioning process be precluded from serving on the Task Force for Rural Road Improvements. Campbell agreed to meet with Mike DeKalb, Planning Department; Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney; and Don Thomas, County Engineer; to develop a format for the Task Force and make recommendations to the Board on representation. c. Report on Consortium for Planning and Advocacy - Campbell Campbell reported that the City and County have been requested to join United Way in contributing funds for support of the Youth Advisory Council. She noted that the Consortium for Planning and Advocacy had estimated that approximately $140,000 in funds were needed. 5 SPECIAL PERMIT NO. 165 FOR MINING AND EXCAVATION OF SOIL AT 96TH & OLIVE CREEK ROAD - Mike DeKalb, Planning Department Mike DeKalb, Planning Department, briefly reviewed the request by D. Todd Boellstorff for a County Special Permit to mine and excavate soil at a location north and west of S 96th Street and Olive Creek Road (Exhibit C). He noted that the applicant will be redistributing the top soil at the site upon conclusion of the extraction process. DeKalb stated that the applicant has agreed to all of the conditions, which include: Contributing to the cost of rock for Olive Creek Road Contacting the Corp of Engineers to determine whether a "404" permit is needed, due to its proximity to wetlands The Board requested DeKalb to appear at the Thursday, April 2nd County Board of Commissioners meeting to discuss issues related to the request from Harry Muhlbach, for a Change of Zone from Ag Agricultural to AGR Agricultural Residential, on property located west of North 56th Street (Highway 77) between Mill Road and Raymond Road. 6 INTRODUCTION OF BRIAN HENSLEY, NEW DEPUTY ELECTION COMMISSIONER - Patty Hansen, Election Commissioner Patty Hansen, Election Commissioner, introduced Brian Hensley, the new Deputy Election Commissioner. Brian Hensley, Deputy Election Commissioner, gave a brief description of his background, which he stated included an internship in the Election Commissioner's Office establishing voter registration sites. Eagan reported that Norm Agena, County Assessor, had just informed him that an amendment to LB 1142, which establishes a limit on real property tax valuation increases, is being proposed which will require the County to pay property tax refunds. The Board directed Eagan to contact Gordon Kissel, Legislative Consultant, and request that he contact Jack Mills, Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) Executive Director, regarding the bill. 7 ACTION ITEMS a. Computer Requests 1. Public Defender, C#98077 for $512.46 from Public Defender's Budget for Used 486 and Software 2. District Court Probation, C#98073 for $1,440.93 from Microcomputer Fund for InkJet Printer, Monitor, Keyboard and Software 3. District Court, C#98074 for $4,551.62 from Microcomputer Fund for 3 Compaq Deskpros, 3 Monitors and Software 4. District Court Probation, C#97355 for &709.00 from Microcomputer Fund for Used 486 with Monitor MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval of Items 1, 3 and 4. On call Campbell, Svoboda and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded to deny Item 2, and directed Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer, to send a letter to District Court Probation notifying them of the County Board's action and outlining the Microcomputer Fund request process. On call Campbell, Svoboda and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. Eagan agreed to contact Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille & Associates Inc., and request that the Technology Committee be reconvened to discuss issues related to courtroom technology. 8 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT a. District Court Runner The Board directed Eagan to request Don Killeen, County Property Manager, to appear at the Thursday, March 26th County Board of Commissioners meeting to discuss options for a District Court runner. b. Participation of Lancaster Manor in the Intergovernmental Transfer Plan The Board requested that this item be placed on the agenda for the Tuesday, March 24th County Board of Commissioners meeting. c. Amendment of General Assistance Plan to Include a Definition of Medical Necessity Eagan reported that standards had been developed to define a medical necessity in terms of treatment of non-life threatening cases under the General Assistance Plan. Eagan noted that a public hearing is required to make the amendment to the General Assistance Plan. d. Review of Juvenile Justice System Needs Assessment with City Council Eagan reported that Dennis Banks, Attention Center Director, had suggested that Karen Chinn, Chinn Planning Inc., brief members of the City Council on her recommendations with regards to the Lancaster County Comprehensive Juvenile Justice System Study on March 30th at the Pre-Council meeting. He encouraged members of the Board to attend the meeting to hear the City Council's comments. The Board requested that Mayor Johanns and members of the City Council be provided copies of the final report on the Lancaster County Comprehensive Juvenile Justice System Study prior to the meeting on March 30th. e. Take Our Daughters to Work Day The Board agreed to send a memorandum to the Elected Officials encouraging participation in "Take Our Daughters to Work Day" scheduled for April 23rd, where appropriate, noting that anyone interested in coordinating activities for girls in attendance is encouraged to do so. 9 PENDING a. Request from Nemaha Natural Resources District (NRD) to Pay 1/3 of Fee for Request to Revise Flood Map (County Share $1,100) Eagan recommended denial of the request due to its precedent setting nature and the double taxation of individuals living within the Nemaha Natural Resources District. He also noted that there are indications that the fee may be waived for political subdivisions. The Board concurred with Eagan's recommendation and directed him to notify the Nemaha Natural Resources District. 10 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS b. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins No report was given. c. Geographic Information System Software Requirement - Steinman Report was previously given by Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer. d. Special Board of Health - Hudkins No report was given. e. Board of Health - Hudkins No report was given. f. Ecological Advisory Committee - Tussing No report was given. g. Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development - Steinman Steinman reported that a workshop on recruitment, hiring and retention of employees will be held at the Strategic Air Command base in Bellevue, Nebraska on March 25th. The Board suggested that Pat Kant, Personnel Coordinator, attend the workshop on the County's behalf. Steinman also reported that the Planning Department received a positive rating in a Gallup survey of users. h. Railroad Transportation Safety District - Steinman, Svoboda, Tussing Steinman reported that additional funding in the amount of 1.8 million dollars is needed for the "X" Street railroad crossing abandonment project. She stated that the additional funding responsibility will be divided as follows: $ 200,000 University of Nebraska $ 600,000 Railroads $1,000,000 Railroad Transportation Safety District i. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman Report was given at the March 10th County Board of Commissioners meeting. j. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins Campbell reported that a bill for building furnishings in the amount of $419,000 has been submitted to the County. Campbell reported that the County Attorney has requested additional space in the new Hall of Justice and Law Enforcement Center and was referred to the architect. Campbell also reported that the County Sheriff and the Lincoln Police Department have expressed interest in utilizing space in the "K" Street Building for evidence storage. k. Civil Defense Advisory Committee - Svoboda Svoboda reported that Civil Defense has acquired 16 new radios for volunteers. Svoboda also reported that occupants of the new County-City Building will be required to exit the building through the basement area and seek shelter in the hallway outside the Emergency Services Center, in the old County-City Building, during tornado emergencies. He stated that evacuation is necessary because the new building was not planned to meet disaster needs. l. Visitors Promotion Committee - Steinman Steinman reported that all of the bills related to the 1997 High School Football Championships have been paid. As a result, the Contingency Fund has been depleted, with no funds remaining for new requests. Steinman reported that the Visitors Promotion Committee (VPC) will be reviewing criteria in the Financial Assistance Guidelines and will be meeting quarterly to make recommendations on grant requests. She noted that Michael Carpenter, Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Director, had requested that his staff be allowed to make the recommendations on grant approval, but that the VPC denied his request. m. General Assistance Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Tussing Campbell reported that Information Services has completed the database, but needs the Department of Health and Human Services to clarify information on prior records. n. Government Access Information Committee - Steinman Steinman reported that LB 924, which creates the Nebraska Information Technology Commission, and remote site usage were discussed. 11 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Management Team - Thursday, March 19, 1998, at 7:30 a.m., at the County-City Building, Room #113 - All Commissioners b. Local Emergency Planning Committee - Thursday, March 19, 1998 at 1:30 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, Operations Room #046 - Hudkins c. City-County Common - Friday, March 27, 1998, at 8 a.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel, Yankee Hill Room - All Commissioners 12 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS a. Pioneer Overhead Door Open House - Friday, March 27, 1998, at 4 to 7 p.m., at 2300 S 7th Street b. U.S. Bank Unveiling - Monday, March 30, 1998, at 4:30 p.m., at 13th & "M" Street, Lobby 13 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD 14 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD 15 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 24, 1998 16 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS 17 ADJOURNMENT By direction of the Chair, the meeting was adjourned. _________________________ Kandra Hahn Lancaster County Clerk