Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
lancaster.ne.gov
STAFF MEETING AGENDA
Lancaster County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, June 4, 1998 - 8:00 a.m.
County-City Building - Meeting Room #113
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 26 and 28, 1998,
AND BUDGET HEARINGS ON MAY 21 AND 26, 1998
2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3 8:00am COMMISSIONER'S MEETING REPORTS -
See Item #13
4 8:30am HEALTH INSURANCE REPORT -
Scott Blackard and Lori Nipp, Arthur Andersen, LLP;
VISION PLAN - Bill Kostner, City Risk Management
5 9:30am LITTER EDUCATION PROGRAM -
Scott Holmes, Chief Environmental Director of Health
Department; Harry Heafer and Joyce Jensen, Health Department
6 9:45am HANDICAP RAMP AT ADAMS STREET CENTER -
George Hanigan, Community Mental Health Center Director
7 10:00am PENDING LITIGATION; SALE OF REAL PROPERTY (EXECUTIVE SESSION)
Mike Thew, Chief Deputy County Attorney;
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney; Sue
Eckley, Workers' Compensation and Risk Manager
8 10:30am PENSION REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
9 ACTION ITEMS
a. Reimbursement of Jim Hille for Tour of Juvenile
Detention Facilities ($946.58)
10 CONSENT ITEMS
11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Regulatory Improvement Act of 1997
b. Service Awards for Part-Time Employees
12 PENDING
13 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Lancaster Manor Advisory Committee - Campbell
b. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman
c. Ecological Advisory Committee - Tussing
14 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Chamber Infrastructure Committee - Thursday,
June 4, 1998, at 7:30 a.m., at the Chamber of
Commerce Board Room - Hudkins
b. Air Pollution Control Advisory Committee -
Monday, June 8, 1998, at 3:00 p.m., at the Health
Department - Hudkins
c. Growth at the Fringe - Tuesday, June 9, 1998,
at 7:30 a.m., at the County-City Building, Mayor's
Conference Room - Campbell
d. Department Budget Hearings - Tuesday, June
9, 1998, at 8:00 a.m., at the County-City Building,
Room #106 - All Commissioners
e. Public Building Commission - Tuesday, June
9, 1998, at 12:00 p.m., at the County-City Building,
Room #113 - Campbell, Hudkins
f. Board of Health - Tuesday, June 9, 1998, at 7:30
p.m., at 3119 "O" Street - Hudkins
15 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Early Head Start Celebration - Tuesday, June 9,
1998, at 7:30 a.m., at the Garden Cafe, 70th & "A" Street
b. Lincoln Medical Education Foundation Celebration for
Graduates of Family Practice Residency - Thursday,
June 25, 1998, at 6:30 p.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel
16 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
17 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
18 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 9, 1998
19 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES
Lancaster County Board of Commissioners
County-city Building
Meeting Room #113
Thursday, June 4, 1998
8:00 a.m.
Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair
Kathy Campbell
Darlene Tussing
Larry Hudkins
Commissioners Absent: Steve Svoboda
Others Present: Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer
Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer
Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney
Ann Taylor, County Clerk's Office
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS OF
MAY 26TH AND MAY 28TH AND BUDGET HEARINGS OF MAY 21ST AND MAY 26TH,
1998.
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Tussing seconded approval of the minutes of the
County Board of Commissioners meetings of May 26th and May 28th and
Budget Hearings of May 21st and May 26th, 1998. On call Hudkins,
Tussing, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Joint Budget Committee (JBC) Recommendation to Award a Bid for the
Community-Based Human Services Needs Assessment and Comprehensive
Plan for Lancaster County, City of Lincoln & United Way
b. Letter of Support for the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy
Application for Byrne Memorial Grant Funds
c. Request from Don McGinley, Selective Service Director, to use City
Council/County Commissioners Hearing Room for a Hispanic Community
Event
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Tussing seconded to approve the additions to
the agenda. On call Hudkins, Tussing, Campbell and Steinman voted
aye. Motion carried.
3 COMMISSIONERS' MEETING REPORTS (See Item 12)
a. Lancaster Manor Advisory Committee - Campbell
Campbell reported that members of the Committee toured the
facility and viewed Renewal/Replacement items and the 2nd
floor screened porch addition.
b. Joint Budget Committee (JBC) - Campbell, Steinman
Campbell reported that this year's budget requests were reviewed.
She noted that the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) plans to meet
after the Commons meeting is held on June 19th to make
final funding recommendations.
Campbell also reported that $5,000 was added to the County side
to provide technical assistance to the Human Service Federation
for them to administer the insurance pool.
4 HEALTH INSURANCE REPORT - Scott Blackard and Lori Nipp,
Arthur Andersen, LLP; Bill Kostner, City Risk Management;
Ron Todd, Personnel Director
Lori Nipp, Arthur Andersen, LLP, reviewed a report, Lancaster
County, Nebraska, 1998/99 Renewal, June 4, 1998 (Exhibit A),
prepared in response to a request from the Board for a self-funded
quote from Mutual of Omaha, for employee health and dental
plans, with renewal options for 12 months or 16 months. She
stated that the 16 month option would allow the County to move to
a calendar, rather than fiscal year, plan.
Nipp noted that Mutual of Omaha has indicated that there will be
two changes to the plan, regardless of whether it is funded or self-funded:
Pharmacy
Change from co-payments of $5.00 for generic and $10.00 for brand
name to co-payments of $8.00 for formulary and $18.00 for
non-formulary
NOTE: Nipp stated that formulary referred to a list of
available drugs frequently prescribed by physicians. These
could include generic and brand name drugs.
COBRA Administration
Charge $0.50 per month for each employee enrolled in the medical plan
In response to a question from Hudkins, Nipp stated that Arthur Andersen,
LLP, could seek further negotiation with Mutual of Omaha with regards to the
change in pharmacy charges.
Nipp also indicated that Mutual of Omaha plans to expand its network of
pharmacies, including contracts with chain drugstores.
Scott Blackard, Arthur Andersen, LLP, reviewed a handout of cost revisions
for Insured or Self-Funded, Twelve or Sixteen Month Renewal
(Shaded areas indicate changes) and Savings as a Result of the
Negotiations (Exhibit B), noting that Mutual of Omaha reduced rates
by 2% to make funding of the plan more attractive. (NOTE: These
revisions replace tables on Pages 12, 13 and 20 of Exhibit A.)
In response to a question from Kroeker, Blackard stated that rates for a 16
month renewal plan will be set by October 1st.
Kroeker remarked that the 12 month renewal plan identifies the rates before
the County's budget is set for tax levying purposes.
Blackard noted that deductibles start over at the beginning of the year. He
stated that most employers, including the State of Nebraska, offer calendar
year plans and moving to a calendar year plan would make decision making
easier for two income families.
Nipp noted that the current plan requires a loss ratio of 85% before any
funds are returned to the County. She stated that Mutual of Omaha is
offering the County a participating contract for the coming year in which
the County would be eligible for dividends.
Blackard stated that the funded plan Mutual of Omaha is offering has many of
the advantages of a self-funded plan. He stated that, at the end of the
year, claims and expenses will be deducted from the premium paid in to
calculate the profit margin. Excess funds will be return to the County,
which can in turn be used to buy-down the rates.
Nipp noted that self-funding of the plan this past year would have resulted
in $6,364 in additional cost than the insured plan. She stated that the
projected figure of $98,253 (Page 11) for increased cost of self-funding the
plan for 1998/99 should be increased to $168,174 to reflect the 2% reduction
offered by Mutual of Omaha.
Blackard noted that the option to self-fund the plan could be exercised if
rates continue to increase, although Mutual of Omaha may not wish to
administer the plan.
Nipp reviewed estimated employee and County contributions for insured and
self-funded plans (Exhibit C). (NOTE: This revision replaces the
table on Page 13 of Exhibit A.)
Blackard noted that health insurance increases for the coming year for 2/4
and Family coverage will be borne entirely by the employees, with the County
sharing the cost increase in Single coverage. He stated that cost sharing
is based on a 91% or dollar figure amount on Single coverage and a 75% or
dollar figure amount on 2/4 or Family coverage. Dental coverage will
remain a 50/50 split on contributions.
Blackard compared current employee contributions to the new rates for the
Insured Plan as follows:
MEDICAL
Current Rate New Rate
Single $ 9.24 $16.50
2/4 $47.93 $68.69
Family $63.32 $91.47
DENTAL
Current Rate New Rate
Single $ 9.70 $10.32
2/4 $21.95 $23.35
Family $36.47 $38.81
In response to a question from Steinman, Nipp stated that a self-funded plan
must conform to federal mandates, but not those of the State.
Ron Todd, Personnel Director, recommended that the County proceed with the
12 month renewal option, as cost benefits appeared to be minimal. He also
noted that a September renewal plan coincides with cost-of-living increases.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to proceed with a contract
with Mutual of Omaha for health and dental insurance on an insured
basis and to proceed with a 12 month renewal. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Tussing and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
5 VISION PLAN - Bill Kostner, City Risk Management
Bill Kostner, City Risk Management, distributed an article on vision
benefits published in the January 1998 edition of Business & Health.
He noted that a Vision Plan would provide employees reductions on vision
exams, glasses, frames and contact lenses.
Kostner noted that the City has offered a Vision Plan, funded totally by
employees, for a number of years. He suggested that the County may wish to
offer this as well, although there is insufficient time to develop a plan in
time for this year's open enrollment.
In response to a question from Steinman, Kostner estimated that premiums
would run from $12 - $20 per month for Single and Family coverage.
(NOTE: Kostner noted later, for the record, that the City's rates
range from $17.67 for Single coverage to $62.84 for Family coverage.) He
suggested that the City and County pool their respective employees for a
joint Request for Proposals (RFP), with separate quotes and no co-mingling
of funds.
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Tussing seconded to request the Personnel
Department to pursue a Vision Plan for County employees. On call
Hudkins, Tussing, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
6 LITTER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Harry Heafer and Joyce Jensen, Health Department
Harry Heafer, Health Department, reported briefly on the Litter Education
Program, noting that promotion tools include billboards, road signs and
bumper stickers.
Heafer displayed two preliminary designs for road-side signs promoting
littering/dumping awareness. He noted that the County Engineering
Department has noted concern with regards to placement of the signs on the
shoulder area of County roads. Heafer stated that ideal placement would be
along the County line and entrance to the City or villages.
Joyce Jensen, Health Department, stated that old signs remain at the
entrances to many of the villages within the County and at some of the
entrances into the City and could be replaced with the new signs.
Campbell suggested that Heafer check to see whether the signs could be
placed on the same posts as signs noting areas of road clean-up efforts.
Hudkins suggested placement of a sign between the Municipal Airport and
Interstate 80 on Cornhusker Highway.
The Board requested Eagan to communicate the Board's support of the program
to Don Thomas, County Engineer, and suggest a cooperative effort with
regards to sign placement.
Jensen suggested printing of litter bags for distribution, with the
program's logo and the Illegal Dumping phone number.
The Board requested Heafer and Jensen to work with Dave Kroeker, Budget &
Fiscal Officer, regarding budgeting of printing costs and suggested that
litter bags be sent to the County/City Building Information Desk for
distribution to the public.
7 HANDICAP RAMP AT THE ADAMS STREET CENTER -
George Hanigan, Community Mental Health Center Director
George Hanigan, Community Mental Health Center Director, reported that bids
have been received for a new ramp and basement egress at the Adams Street
Center, noting that the lowest bid received was for $40,000. He stated that
this amount was $12,500 more than budgeted, but could be augmented by funds
set aside for roof repair in the next budget year.
Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, suggested that the $12,500 be
allocated from the Building Fund.
The Board concurred.
Campbell inquired about the status of the Hanigan's research into costs
related to transfer of Emergency Protective Custody (EPC) clients to the
Community Mental Health Crisis Center (CMHC) from Bryan/LGH.
Hanigan stated that the Bryan/LGH nurses will triage EPC clients in the
Emergency Room, with immediate transfer to the Crisis Center. He noted that
only those clients exhibiting complications will be held in the Emergency
Room for stabilization.
In response to a question from Campbell, Hanigan stated that the Community
Mental Health Crisis Center (CMHC) has developed medical protocol to provide
detoxification.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to add discussion of
detoxification in the Community Mental Health Crisis Center's
Emergency Protective Custody Unit to the agenda. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Tussing and Steinman voted aye.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
d. Detoxification of Emergency Protective Custody (EPC) Clients in the
Community Mental Health Crisis Center (CMHC)
George Hanigan, Community Mental Health Center Director, reported that in
the past, law enforcement officers transferred Emergency Protective Custody
(EPC) clients to either Cornhusker Place or the Emergency Room. Placement
will now be in either the Community Mental Health Crisis Center (CMHC) or
Bryan/LGH. He noted that the change will result in approximately 180
additional bed days per year for the Crisis Center.
Hanigan noted that he is working with law enforcement agencies to develop a
policy on when Civil Protective Custody, rather than Emergency Protective
Custody, placement should be used.
Campbell remarked that if Cornhusker Place will no longer be handling EPC
clients, then further consideration should be given to the County
contributing funds for renovation costs.
Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, reported that Jim Baird, Cornhusker
Place Director, had contacted him and requested direction from the Board so
that Cornhusker Place can provide adequate notice to other counties that
they will no longer be offering detoxification of EPC clients and can make
necessary changes to the scope of renovations.
Kroeker also noted that questions still remain with regards to General
Assistance billings.
The Board requested that Cornhusker Place submit a revised request for the
renovation allocation to the Board.
Eagan cautioned that a signed contract with Bryan/LGH is needed to limit
the County's financial liability for the EPC clients.
8 EXECUTIVE SESSION (PENDING LITIGATION; SALE OF REAL PROPERTY) -
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney; Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney;
Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation & Risk Manager
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded to enter Executive Session at
10:19 a.m. for the purpose of pending litigation and sale of real
property. On call Campbell, Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted
aye. Motion carried.
MOTION: Tussing moved and Campbell seconded to exit Executive Session at
10:53 a.m. On call Tussing, Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted
aye. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
e. Ecological Advisory Committee - Tussing
Tussing reported that the Wilderness Park Study will be downsized, but data
from previous studies will be incorporated.
Tussing also noted that Mort Stelling, Ecological Advisory Committee Chair,
presented information on Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), in which a
developer purchases property from a public entity that they wish to remain
protected from development. In exchange, the developer receives
consideration of extra development on property deemed more suitable for
development.
9 PENSION REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS -
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney; Terry Adams, Deputy County Treasurer
Eagan briefly reviewed the Recommendations from the Pension Review
Committee, June 4, 1998, noting the following recommendations:
The contract with Public Employees Benefit Services
Corporation (PEBSCO) should be renewed for an additional
five-year period, commencing December 1, 1998
The funds set forth in Exhibit A to the report should be
included in the pension plan, along with two other
additional funds, Janus Twenty and Fidelity Advisor Growth
Opportunities T
The County Board should review its policy of requiring all
employer funds to be deposited into the Nation Wide
Insurance (NWI) Fixed Account
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney, noted that Lancaster County has the most
restrictive policy in the nation with regards to investment of employer
funds.
Terry Adams, Deputy County Treasurer, reported that the City employees have
control of their pension funds prior to vesting. He suggested that County
employees be given total control of employer funds after full vesting.
Brief discussion took place on whether to open up a portion of the employer
funds to employee investment, with Hudkins and Steinman voicing concern that
the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to see that employees have pension
funds upon retirement.
Adams noted that only 20% of the Fixed Account Fund can be transferred
within a year, and that not all employees will exercise that option.
The Board requested that Pete Dyker, Public Employees Benefit Services
Corporation (PEBSCO), report to the Board on how other pension plans address
the issue of employer contributions at a Thursday, County Board of
Commissioners meeting.
Eagan suggested a legal review of any litigation pertaining to the employer
contribution issue.
Eagan reported that the Pension Review Committee also discussed moving the
1.2 million in funds out of the Bankers Life account. He noted that there
is a 2% surrender penalty.
Campbell suggested that the Forfeiture Fund be used to pay the penalties.
Eagan agreed to seek a legal opinion on whether that was permissible.
MOTION: Tussing moved and Hudkins seconded to accept the recommendations
of the Pension Review Committee, to proceed with Items 1 and 2 and
to review Item 3 for further discussion. On call Tussing, Hudkins,
Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
10 ACTION ITEMS
a. Reimbursement of Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille & Associates Inc., for
Tour of Juvenile Detention Facilities ($946.58)
Eagan reported that Hille had charged a number of the expenses for lodging
and car rental on his credit card, which covered other employees as well.
He stated those expenses would need to be deducted.
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded to authorize reimbursement
of expenses submitted by Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille & Associates
Inc., for tour of juvenile detention facilities, based on
accounting research by Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer.
On call Hudkins, Campbell, Tussing and Steinman voted aye. Motion
carried.
11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Regulatory Improvement Act of 1997
Campbell reported that the Chamber of Commerce had requested the County
Board and City Council to provide letters supporting the Regulatory
Improvement Act of 1998.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded to authorize a letter to be
sent from the County Board to Nebraska's U.S. Senate delegation,
supporting the Regulatory Improvement Act of 1998, duplicating the
language of a letter sent by the City Council. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Tussing and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
b. Service Awards for Part-Time Employees
Eagan reported that Joyce Hall, part-time employee in County Extension
Service, had inquired why she did not receive a service award. He stated
that Hall had received a service award five years ago, although it has been
the practice to only recognize full-time employees.
The Board requested Eagan to respond to Hall's inquiry, noting that it is
has been the Board's policy to only issue service awards to full-time
employees, although that policy will be reviewed.
The Board also requested Eagan to ask Ron Todd, Personnel Director, how
difficult it would be to keep track of the number of part-time employees
that work 20 hours or more each week.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Joint Budget Committee (JBC) Recommendation to Award a Bid for
the Community-Based Human Services Needs Assessment and
Comprehensive Plan for Lancaster County, City of Lincoln &
United Way
Eagan reported briefly on a Joint Budget Committee (JBC) recommendation to
award a bid for the Community-Based Human Services Needs Assessment and
Comprehensive Plan for Lancaster County, City of Lincoln & United Way to
Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C., in association with Ken Seeley, Colorado
Foundation for Families and Children Executive Director.
The Board will take action on this matter at the Tuesday, June 9th County
Board of Commissioners meeting.
b. Letter of Support for the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy's
Application for Byrne Memorial Grant Funds (Exhibit I)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded to submit a letter of
support for the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy's
application for Byrne Memorial Grant funds. On call Campbell,
Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
c. Request from Don McGinley, Selective Service Director, to use
City Council/County Commissioners Hearing Room for a Hispanic
Community Event
Eagan reported that the he had referred the request to Don Killeen, County
Property Manager, for recommendation. He noted that City or County
involvement is required for use of the City Council/County Commissioners
Hearing Room.
12 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Lancaster Manor Advisory Committee - Campbell
b. Joint Budget Committee (JBC) - Campbell, Steinman
c. Ecological Advisory Committee - Tussing
Items a-c were moved forward on the agenda.
13 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Chamber Infrastructure Committee - Thursday, June 4, 1998, at
7:30 a.m., at the Chamber of Commerce Board Room - Hudkins
b. Air Pollution Control Advisory Committee - Monday, June 8, 1998,
at 3 p.m., at the Health Department - Hudkins
c. Growth at the Fringe - Tuesday, June 9, 1998, at 7:30 a.m., at
the County-City Building, Mayor's Conference Room - Campbell
d. Department Budget Hearings - Tuesday, June 9, 1998, at 8 a.m., at
the County-City Building, Room #106 - All Commissioners
e. Public Building Commission - Tuesday, June 9, 1998, at 12 p.m.,
at the County-City Building, Room #113 - Campbell, Hudkins
f. Board of Health - Tuesday, June 9, 1998, at 7:30 p.m., at
3119 "O" Street - Hudkins
14 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Early Head Start Celebration - Tuesday, June 9, 1998, at 7:30a.m.,
at the Garden Cafe, 70th & "A" Streets
b. Lincoln Medical Education Foundation Celebration for Graduates of
Family Practice Residency - Thursday, June 25, 1998, at 6:30 p.m.,
at the Cornhusker Hotel
15 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
16 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
17 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 9, 1998
18 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
19 ADJOURNMENT
By direction of the Chair, the meeting was adjourned.
______________________
Kandra Hahn
Lancaster County Clerk