Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
STAFF MEETING AGENDA Lancaster County Board of Commissioners Thursday, June 25, 1998 - 8:00 a.m. County-City Building - Meeting Room #113 AGENDA ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 1998 AND DEPARTMENT BUDGET HEARINGS OF JUNE 16, 1998 2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA 3 8:00am COMMISSIONER MEETING REPORTS See Item #14 4 8:30am BUDGET WORKING SESSION Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer 5 9:00am AUDUBON PRAIRIE EDUCATION CENTER David Sands, Audubon Nebraska Executive Director 6 9:30am STREET & ALLEY VACATION NO. 98009, VACATION OF NW CORNER OF 70TH STREET AND HIGHWAY 2 Mike DeKalb, Planning Department 7 9:45am RUNNER SERVICES; CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS WITH KJ EXPRESS Brian Pillard, Records & Information Manager 8 10:00am ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS FOR DONNA MCCOY AND HELPING HANDS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Troy Gagner, Economic Development Coordinator 9 10:30am CONSORTIUM CONTRACT Kit Boesch, Human Services Director 10 ACTION ITEMS 11 CONSENT ITEMS a. Bond Cancellation for Marjorie Hart 12 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT a. Purchase of Computer for Beth Tallon, C#98169, for $1,452.31 from Microcomputer FY 99 Budget b. Cemetery Plot Donations 13 PENDING 14 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Justice Building Meetings - Steinman b. Juvenile Justice Task Force - Steinman c. Information Services Policy Committee - Steinman d. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman e. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins f. Railroad Transportation Safety District - Steinman, Svoboda, Tussing g. Budget Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Tussing h. Growth at the Fringe - Campbell 15 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Chamber Agricultural Committee - Thursday, June 25, 1998, at 12:00 p.m., at NBC, 1248 "O" Street - Hudkins b. City-County Common - Friday, June 26, 1998, at 8:00 a.m., at the County-City Building, Room #113 - All Commissioners c. Security Subcommittee - Tuesday, June 30, 1998, at 4:30 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room #113 - Steinman 16 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS 17 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD 18 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD 19 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 30, 1998 20 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES Lancaster County Board of Commissioners County-City Building Meeting Room #113 Thursday, June 25, 1998 8 a.m. Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair Kathy Campbell Larry Hudkins Darlene Tussing Commissioners Absent: Steve Svoboda Others Present: Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer Ann Taylor, County Clerk's Office AGENDA ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING OF JUNE 18, 1998 AND DEPARTMENT BUDGET HEARINGS OF JUNE 16, 1998. MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded approval of the minutes of the County Board of Commissioners meeting of June 18, 1998 and Department Budget Hearings of June 16, 1998. On call Campbell, Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA a. Sale of Real Property - Executive Session MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded approval of the addition to the agenda. On call Campbell, Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 3 COMMISSIONERS MEETING REPORTS (See Item 12) a. Justice Building Meetings - Steinman, Campbell Technology Committee Steinman reported that discussion focused on whether to hire a technology consultant for the Hall of Justice and Law Enforcement Center. JoAnne Kissel, Sinclair Hille & Associates Inc., suggested that Lane Bakke, EDTECH Inc., attend the Technology Committee meetings and offer his expertise on technology issues, at a rate of $1,000 per meeting. The Board noted concern with regards to Bakke's fee and suggested that the Technology Committee seek the advise of Steve Flanders, Project Manager, and Don Killeen, County Property Manager. Operations Committee Campbell reported that security issues, such as courtroom security, employee access, and mail/package deliveries were discussed. Campbell also noted that the District Court Judges are considering adopting a "Country Docket". She noted this could increase technological costs substantially. 4 BUDGET WORKING SESSION - Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer; John Colborn, Chief Deputy County Attorney; Linda Porter, Deputy County Attorney in the Juvenile Division County Attorney Steinman noted that the Board has received conflicting reports on the number of termination of parental rights filings that are anticipated in Fiscal Year 1998-99 as a result of the passage of LB 1041, which changes children-related provisions and conforms state law to the Federal Adoption & Safe Families Act of 1997. Linda Porter, Deputy County Attorney in the Juvenile Division, explained that a permanency hearing is held once the child has lived outside the home for more than 12 months. A hearing on whether termination of parental rights should be filed is held once out-of-home placement exceeds 15 months. Porter estimated that at least half of the out-of-home placements in Lancaster County involve adolescents. She said that termination of parental rights filings will only occur in a limited number of those cases. In response to a question from Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, Porter reported that there are 540 pending abuse and neglect cases in Lancaster County, some of which involve multiple filings. The County Attorney has filed for termination of parental rights in 15 of those cases, with an additional 25-30 filings anticipated in the next year. Porter noted that there may be additional termination of parental rights cases, in which filings are not necessary, because abuse and neglect has already been established. Porter estimated that Legal Services of Southeast Nebraska would be providing representation in one half to two thirds of the termination of parental rights cases, either in a guardian ad litem basis or as attorney for the parents. In response to a question from Kroeker, Porter estimated that there are 200 out-of-home placements in Lancaster County in which permanency hearings will need to be held. She estimated that only 100 hearings will be held, as a significant number will involve families with more than one child in out-of-home placement. Steinman asked Porter to explain why there has been such a significant increase in the number of criminal filings. Porter responded that there are currently only two options available to juvenile offenders: Proceed to Court Enter the Diversion Program Porter remarked that, in the past, youth with minor offenses were referred to the Lincoln Police Department's Youth Aid Program. She stated that elimination of that program for youth 12 and over has limited the number of options available. In response to a question from Campbell, Porter explained that the County Attorney refers all diversion eligible cases to Cedars Youth Services, administrator of the Diversion Program. Cedars Youth Services then sends a letter to the juvenile and his parents, apprising them of the Diversion Program option. If a response is not received within two weeks the County Attorney proceeds with the court filing. She stated that counsel is frequently appointed at the time of hearing, and they often advise the youth to enter the Diversion Program. In response to a question from Steinman, Porter stated that the $65 fee for participation in the Diversion Program and the strict requirements of the program may serve as a deterrent to initial acceptance of that option. Porter also noted that the Juvenile Court Judges appoint counsel without verification of indegency. Steinman asked for suggestions on how to develop an alternative to formal diversion, such as that previously supplied by the Lincoln Police Department's Youth Aid Program. John Colborn, Chief Deputy County Attorney, suggested that a position be included in the contract with Cedars Youth Services to screen cases, assess whether formal or informal diversion is appropriate, and to lecture and impose sanctions on youth with minor infractions. Brief discussion took place on how to reduce the number of attorney appointments, with a suggestion from Porter that the Juvenile Court Judges consider group adjudication in diversion eligible cases to determine whether any of the youth desire placement in the Diversion Program before making attorney appointments. Steinman requested the County Attorney's Office to schedule a meeting with Jim Blue, Cedars Youth Services Executive Director, representatives of the Lincoln Police Department and herself to assess the success of the Diversion Program and discuss how to screen cases to assess whether diversion or court intervention is needed. Rural Contract Kroeker distributed a memo from Judy Adams, Lincoln Action Program Rural Outreach Coordinator, which indicates a 3% increase in the amount of the Lancaster County Rural Development Grant (Exhibit A). Board consensus to delay consideration of this item. Campbell requested Kroeker to research the amount spent on the Rural Contract for the past five years for the Board's consideration. County Assessor Kroeker reported that Robin Hendricksen, Chief Administrative Deputy Assessor, has requested that the Board reconsider the amount of funds budgeted for education and training expenses in the County Assessor's office, as additional training hours are required. The Board indicated that they will continue to monitor their budget and will review any shortfalls during the Mid-Year Budget Review. 5 AUDUBON PRAIRIE EDUCATION CENTER David Sands, Audubon Nebraska Executive Director David Sands, Audubon Nebraska Executive Director, presented A Conceptual Proposal for the Audubon Spring Creek Prairie (Exhibit B), which details plans by the Audubon Nebraska to develop a prairie education and research center on the O'Brien Ranch property near Denton, Nebraska. Sands presented a slide show of the O'Brien Ranch, noting that the property contains a diverse habitat, which includes 500 acres of contiguous tallgrass prairie, springs, wetlands, woodlands and ponds. He also reported that gullies formed by wagon wheels along the Oregon Trail are clearly visible on the property. Sands reported that Audubon Nebraska acquired the property through bank financing, but will seek funds from the Nebraska Environmental Trust to retire that loan. He also indicated that funds in the amount of two to three million dollars will need to be raised for the construction of the prairie education and research center. In response to a request from Sands, the Board agreed to pass a resolution of support for the project. 6 STREET & ALLEY VACATION NO. 98009, VACATION OF NW CORNER OF 70TH STREET AND HIGHWAY 2 - Mike DeKalb, Planning Department Mike DeKalb, Planning Department, briefly reported on a request from Harold and Beverly Mosher to vacate a portion of the South 70th Street right-of-way located to the northwest of the intersection of South 70th Street and Highway 2 (Exhibit C). DeKalb stated that a road widening project is planned for South 70th Street and determination of right-of-way needs and street alignment have not been completed. He also noted that the property in question is currently part of an annexation process and if annexed to the City, will no longer be a County Road to vacate. Board consensus to proceed with a public hearing on the matter, but delay action until a decision on annexation by the City is made. 7 RUNNER SERVICES; CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS WITH KJ EXPRESS Brian Pillard, Records & Information Manager Brian Pillard, Records & Information Manager, recommended that the County Attorney, Juvenile Court, Property Management, Urban Development, Human Rights and the Women's Commission give 30 day notice of cancellation of their contracts with KJ Express in June to allow Records & Information Management to begin an interoffice mail route on August 3rd. He recommended against cancellation of contracts with the Clerk of the District Court, Aging and the City Attorney until further assessment of whether an interoffice mail route can meet their needs is made. Pillard reported that Steve Hubka, City Budget Officer, had indicated that the City's costs for the service could be assessed with an invoice, rather than an interlocal agreement. He reported that Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, would be assisting him with allocation of costs for County Departments. Pillard also requested that Records & Information Management be allowed use of a surplus Pontiac Sunbird or a Chevrolet Impala previously used by the Purchasing Department for the interoffice mail route. MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded to accept the interoffice mail route proposal as outlined by Brian Pillard, Records & Information Manager, and requested Pillard and Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, to work out the details. Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney, noted that several of the agencies had contracted separately with KJ Express. ON CALL: Campbell, Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded to authorize departments to give a 30 day notice of cancellation of their contracts to KJ Express and authorized the County Attorney to take whatever action is deemed necessary. On call Campbell, Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. The Board also authorized Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, to contact the City about cancellation of their contracts with KJ Express. 8 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS FOR BANNER HOUSE FABRICS/BOBBLES & BEADS AND HELPING HANDS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Troy Gagner, Economic Development Coordinator Troy Gagner, Economic Development Coordinator, briefly reported on two Job Creation loan requests (Exhibit D). Banner House Fabrics/Bobbles & Beads Gagner reported that the applicant, Donna McCoy, plans to purchase and renovate an old, one-room school house in Panama for a flat-folded fabric outlet and jewelry re-stringing service at a projected cost of $55,940. He noted that McCoy has obtained financing in the amount of $16,240 through Farmers & Merchants Bank and has pledged $11,700 of her own funds for the project. Gagner stated that the City of Panama strongly supports the project and has pledged sidewalk and curb improvements. Helping Hands Child Development Center Gagner reported that the applicant, Juanita Clifton, proposes construction of a 3,000 square foot child development facility in Waverly, to accommodate 51 children, including before and after school care programs, at a projected cost of $199,700. He noted that bank financing has not been secured as yet, due to collateral and management experience concerns. Hudkins asked whether a suitable existing building could be leased within Waverly. Gagner stated that applicant was unable to locate affordable space in Waverly. He also noted that the proposed facility would be located in close proximity to the school for easy accessibility to before and after school care. Gagner also reported that Economic Development Program Guidelines, outlining new programs, will be available for the Board's review by the end of July. 9 CONSORTIUM CONTRACT - Kit Boesch, Human Services Director Kit Boesch, Human Services Director, reported that, due to a number of allegations, an internal audit of the Consortium for Planning and Advocacy was conducted (Exhibit E). Boesch stated that, as a result of the audit, the Consortium has agreed to comply with the terms of their Articles of Incorporation and cease advertising and sale of equipment as part of their dissolution. Human Services has received a current inventory of their computer and office equipment and will work with United Way of Lincoln and the Human Services Federation to distribute this equipment to other nonprofit human services agencies. Boesch stated that Consortium plans to conclude all activity by August 31, 1998, with loose ends tied up in September. Office space is leased until September 1, 1998, but will be vacated prior to that date if someone else can be found to lease the space. Boesch noted that since the Consortium is unable to sell their equipment, outstanding debt in the amount of $7,070 is anticipated. The Consortium has requested the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and United Way of Lincoln to pick up this deficit. Boesch recommended that the Consortium office instead be closed by July 31, 1998, with the United Way of Lincoln and JBC dividing a deficit of $11,607, on a 35/25 basis, as provided for in the contract. (NOTE: This amount includes salary for the Executive Director for the end of June, not previously accounted for.) Boesch also noted that, if the Consortium office space is not leased by another party for the month of August, an additional $800 for rent will need to be divided. MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to accept the report on the Consortium for Planning and Advocacy from Kit Boesch, Human Services Director, with the expectation that the agency will be closed by July 31, 1998. Eagan suggested that the contract with the Consortium be reviewed to see whether notice is required that the JBC will cease funding of the Technical portion of the contract at an earlier date then previously specified. AMEND: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to accept the report on the Consortium for Planning and Advocacy from Kit Boesch, Human Services Director, with the expectation that the agency will be closed by July 31, 1998, and request that Boesch work with the County Attorney's Office to take whatever steps are necessary to close out the contract with the Consortium. On call Campbell, Hudkins, Tussing and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA a. Sale of Real Property - Executive Session MOTION: Tussing moved and Hudkins seconded to enter Executive Session at 10:41 a.m. for discussion of sale of real property. On call Tussing, Hudkins, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to exit Executive Session at 11:00 a.m. On call Campbell, Hudkins, Tussing and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 10 CONSENT ITEMS a. Bond Cancellation for Marjorie Hart MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded approval. On call Campbell, Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT a. Purchase of Computer for Beth Tallon, C#98169, for $1,452.31 from Microcomputer FY99 Budget MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval. On call Hudkins, Campbell, Tussing and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. b. Cemetery Plot Donations Eagan reported that the County has received a donation of two cemetery plots in Lincoln Memorial Park which may be used for indigent burials. The Board accepted the donation and requested Eagan to send a thank you letter to the donor. 12 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Justice Building Meetings - Steinman, Campbell Item a was moved forward on the agenda. b. Juvenile Justice Task Force - Steinman Steinman reported that issues to focus on in the future were discussed. c. Information Services Policy Committee - Steinman Steinman reported that Information Services has been working with Health & Human Services on General Assistance billings and will try to provide access to past billing information. d. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman Steinman reported that the final budget was approved. Campbell reported that a request from the Human Services Federation for funding of a position to administer the pooled insurance fund was discussed. She noted that the County Attorney has issued an opinion that the County can not fund such a position, so funding allocations may need to be shifted. Campbell also reported that the Joint Budget Committee will be reviewing the scope of agencies' funding next year. e. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins Hudkins reported that the dais and location of computer monitors in the City Council/County Commissioners Hearing Room were discussed. f. Railroad Transportation Safety District - Steinman, Svoboda, Tussing Steinman reported that a vote was taken on issues from the previous meeting, when a quorum was not present. Campbell requested that a list of Railroad Transportation Safety District projects be provided to the Board for their review. g. Budget Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Tussing Campbell reported that Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, reviewed changes in the budgets. Campbell also reported that a tour of the Attention Center was planned. h. Growth at the Fringe - Campbell Campbell reported that discussion focused on Special Improvement Districts and using Special Assessments to pay off bonds to cover infrastructure costs. She noted that Special Assessments are one of the mechanisms which can be used to fund rural road improvements. Campbell also reported on a suggestion that funds received from Special Assessment payments could be committed to the funding of other infrastructure improvements. Campbell reported that discussion also took place on a request from developers to have the City force sewer improvements and assessment of costs on property located between two developments. Increasing water and sewer rates to fund infrastructure was also discussed. Campbell also stressed that the "fringe" is classified as the area that will be annexed by the City. 13 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Chamber Agricultural Committee - Thursday, June 25, 1998, at 12 p.m., at National Bank of Commerce, 1248 "O" Street - Hudkins b. City-County Common - Friday, June 26, 1998, at 8 a.m., at the County-City Building, Room #113 - All Commissioners c. Security Subcommittee - Tuesday, June 30, 1998, at 4:30 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room #113 - Steinman 14 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS 15 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD 16 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD 17 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 30, 1998 18 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS 19 ADJOURNMENT _______________________ Kandra Hahn Lancaster County Clerk