Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
STAFF MEETING AGENDA Lancaster County Board Of Commissioners Thursday, August 13, 1998 - 8:00 a.m. County-City Building - Meeting Room #113 AGENDA ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 6, 1998 2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA 3 8:00am COMMISSIONERS MEETING REPORTS 4 8:30am HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE - Bill Kostner, City Risk Manager 5 9:00am LINCOLN ACTION PROGRAM (LAP) RURAL SERVICES CONTRACT Beatty Brasch, LAP Director; Judy Adams, LAP Rural Coordinator 6 9:30am WILDERNESS PARK SUBAREA STUDY, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT & PLAN DEVELOPMENT - Kent Morgan, Planning Department Assistant Director; Betsy Kosier, Lincoln Lancaster Mediation Center 7 10:00am EXECUTION OF NATURAL GAS PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CONSORTIUM & UTILICORP UNITED INC. D/B/A PEOPLES NATURAL GAS SERVICES - Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney 8 10:15am EXECUTIVE SESSION (POTENTIAL LITIGATION) - Don Killeen, County Property Manager; Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney 9 ACTION ITEMS a. Permanent Approval for Big Red Companies to Move Two (2) Terminals to Beer Garden During State Fair b. Request from Lincoln Action Program to Paint & Use Conference Room in Basement of Trabert Hall 10 CONSENT ITEMS a. Vacation Request from Kerry Eagan for Monday, August 17 - Friday, August 21, 1998 b. Microcomputer Request from Election Commissioner for Compaq Deskpro 2000, etc., $1,541.51 from the Election Commissioner's Budget c. Request from Larry Van Hunnik to Attend AHCA Annual Convention, October 20-23, 1998 11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT a. Agenda for Meeting With Chinn Planning on August 26, '98 b. County Board Committee Assignments c. Clerical Support for Emergency Services Committee d. Planning Commissioner Appointment e. Salaries for Unrepresented, Unclassified Employees, Sheriff Captains, Bailiffs, Attorneys and Directors 12 PENDING 13 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Technology Committee - Steinman b. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins c. Board of Health - Hudkins 14 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Thursday, August 13, 1998, at 1:00 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room #106 - Hudkins b. Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee - Thursday, August 13, 1998, at 4:00 p.m., at County-City Building, Commissioners Hearing Room #113 - ?? c. Budget Monitoring Committee - Tuesday, August 18, 1998, at 12:00 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room #113 - Campbell d. Government Access & Information Committee - Wednesday, August 19, 1998, at 12:00 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room #206 - Steinman e. City-County Common - Friday, August 21, 1998, at 8:00a.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel, Room to be Announced - All Commissioners 15 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS a. Informational Meeting re: Construction of Wind Turbine in 70th & Bluff Road Area - Thursday, August 20, 1998, at 7:00 p.m., at Lincoln Electric System's Walter A. Canney Service Center, 2620 Fairfield Street b. Chamber Presentation re: "Investment Strategy for a Competitive Downtown" - Monday, August 31, 1998, at 12:00 p.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel, Main Ballroom c. United Way/CHAD Fall Campaign Kick-Off - Tuesday, September 1, 1998, at 12:00 p.m., at the Lincoln Foundation Garden, 215 Centennial Mall South 16 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD a. Letter from Senator Don Wesely re: Effect of Proposed Constitutional Lid on Local Revenue 17 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD 18 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 1998 19 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES Lancaster County Board Of Commissioners County-City Building Meeting Room #113 Thursday, August 13, 1998 8:00 a.m. Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair Kathy Campbell Larry Hudkins Commissioners Absent: Steve Svoboda Bernie Heier Others Present: Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer Ann Taylor, County Clerk's Office AGENDA ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING OF AUGUST 6, 1998. MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval of the minutes. On call Hudkins, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA a. Beltway Citizens Advisory Committee b. Special Designated Permit from Firethorn Investment to hold a 50th Birthday Party Celebration at 114300 Pine Lake Road on August 15 from 5 to 10 p.m. c. Microcomputer Request from County Attorney, C#98201, for Three (3) Computer Monitors, in the amount of $1,243.54. MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval of the additions to the agenda. On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 3 COMMISSIONERS MEETING REPORTS (Item 12) a. Technology Committee - Steinman Steinman reported that computer conduit will be provided in each courtroom in the Hall of Justice and Law Enforcement Center. Cabling will be provided in three courtrooms in the County Court, two courtrooms in the Juvenile Court and each courtroom in the District Court, at a cost of approximately $3,200 per courtroom. Steinman noted that jury monitors and telephone line hookups for private practice attorneys were also discussed. b. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins Campbell reported that a change order was approved for asbestos removal in the Hall of Justice and Law Enforcement Center, due to a discrepancy in the square footage and overhang listed in the bid specifications. Campbell noted that amendment of the smoking policy and security issues in the County-City Building were also discussed. c. Board of Health - Hudkins Hudkins reported that two individuals remain as finalists for the position of Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Director since Dr. Gregg Wright, Interim Director, withdrew his name from consideration. They are Leon Vinci of Middletown, Connecticut and Charles Wolford of Bowling Green, Ohio. Hudkins noted that the Lincoln Journal Star newspaper has reported that Vinci violated Connecticut law by moonlighting from his position of Middletown, Connecticut Health Director. This had resulted in temporary withholding of grant funds by the State of Connecticut to that community. Hudkins stated that Vinci had not fully apprised the Board of Health of the extent of his outside employment, nor had the Personnel Department uncovered the information in its background investigation. Hudkins reported that interviews with the two finalists will be held on August 26th. Hudkins also reported that Air Quality Regulations were approved and a proposed City ordinance that will require individuals with more than three dogs to register as a kennel was discussed. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA c. Microcomputer Request from County Attorney, C#98201, for Three (3) Computer Monitors, in the amount of $1,243.54 Gary Lacey, County Attorney, appeared and stated that an inventory of his department's computer inventory has been completed and a request to update at least 20 computer terminals will be forthcoming. MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded to approve the request from the County Attorney's budget, with review of the budget at the Mid-Year Budget Review. On call Hudkins, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 4 HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE - Bill Kostner, City Risk Manager; Ron Todd, Personnel Director Bill Kostner, City Risk Manager, reported that the City Benefits Committee reviewed Request for Proposals (RFP) results from Arthur Anderson Consulting and recommended acceptance of a Point of Service (POS) plan proposed by United Health Care. Ameritas Insurance will combine with United Health Care to offer dental coverage to City employees. He noted that a response from City unions on the proposed plan is expected by August 24th. Kostner stated that if the City approves the plan, the County Board may wish to consider piggy-backing on the contract to offer insurance coverage for County employees. He noted that Scott Blackard, Arthur Anderson Consulting, is working with United Health Care to prepare pricing figures for a County plan, and will be reporting to the Board in the near future. In response to a question from Hudkins, Kostner stated that the plan includes a nationwide prescription program with co-pay amounts of $5 for generic prescriptions and $10 for brand names. Pharmacy participation will include nearly all of the pharmacies in Lincoln. Eagan indicated that time constraints limit the County's ability to bid their health insurance plan and that although it has been the Board's preference to bid the plan in the past, it is not legally required to do so. Eagan also reported that the Segal Company of Englewood, Colorado, has offered their specialized services as public benefits consultants to the County. He noted that service would include assessment of pooling arrangements for the joint purchase of health, disability and life insurance. In response to a question from Steinman, Eagan stated that pooling of resources and joint purchase of public benefits are not prohibited by State law. Ron Todd, Personnel Director, suggested that this may be an opportune time for the County Board to bid the insurance brokerage services currently provided by Arthur Anderson Consulting. Eagan noted that Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) has indicated interest in pooling resources for disability insurance coverage, although it may be too late to do so this year. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA a. Beltway Citizens Advisory Committee Steinman reported that an update on the archeological and historical surveys of the South and East beltway corridors was received. She noted that few historically or archeologically significant sites were located in the South corridor, due to the limited number of stream crossings in that area. She stated that the archeological survey has not yet been completed in the East corridor region, although an abundance of sites have been located along Stevens Creek. Steinman also reported that plans for the South Beltway Road are proceeding as federal funds become available. She noted that twenty homes would be impacted by construction, with removal of five or six anticipated. b. Special Designated Permit from Firethorn Investment to hold a 50th Birthday Party Celebration at 114300 Pine Lake Road on August 15 from 5 to 10 p.m. Eagan stated that a special designated permit is required because Firethorn Investment does not hold an off-site catering permit. MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval of the Special Designated Permit and requested that an entry of the Board's action be entered into the minutes of the Tuesday August 18th County Board of Commissioners meeting and announced at that meeting, with notification to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and the County Engineer. On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 5 LINCOLN ACTION PROGRAM RURAL SERVICES CONTRACT Beatty Brasch, Lincoln Action Program Director; Judy Adams, Lincoln Action Program Rural Coordinator Judy Adams, Lincoln Action Program Rural Coordinator, briefly reviewed the following: Lancaster County Rural Resources Directory About Lincoln Action Program - Mission, Philosophy, Locations, Services and Staff Clerks and Board Members for Lancaster County Communities Rural Development Activity and Budget Grant Amount for 1998-1999 Grant Contract between the County of Lancaster and Lincoln Action Program for the Period Covering Sept 1, 1997 - Aug 31, 1998 Rural Outreach Services - June 1997 to May 1998 Lancaster County Family Preservation/Treatment Team Crisis Home Repairs for Lancaster County Home Owners Adams reported that only $20,000 remains to fund the Crisis Home Repairs program. She stated that most of the program's beneficiaries were elderly individuals that did not have sufficient resources to repay loans offered by other programs. In response to a question from Steinman, Adams stated that other Community Development Block Grants are available, but must be applied for directly by individual cities or towns. Campbell suggested that Lincoln Action Program contact Joan Modrell, Urban Development Director, for suggestions and contacts with regards to community development grants. Board consensus to schedule a luncheon meeting with the Village Clerks and the Chairs of the Village Boards on Thursday, September 17th to discuss issues of mutual interest, including the need for a uniform addressing system within the County. Don Thomas, County Engineer, and a representative of the U.S. Postal Service were also invited to attend. Adams agreed to notify the Village Clerks and Boards of the meeting. The Board requested the County Clerk's Office to take minutes at the meeting. Beatty Brasch, Lincoln Action Program Director, noted that her agency had requested a three percent budget increase this year. She stated that Lincoln Action Program will lose approximately five to six thousand dollars in funding this year and must seek other funding sources to offset that loss. ACTION ITEMS b. Request from Lincoln Action Program to Paint & Use Conference Room in Basement of Trabert Hall Brasch reported that Lincoln Action Program (LAP) has submitted a request to Don Killeen, County Property Manager, to be allowed use of the empty conference room in the basement of Trabert Hall. She stated that LAP would like to expand that request to include the fourth floor conference room. In return, LAP is willing to paint the rooms and assume responsibility for scheduling by other agencies. She assured the Board that LAP is willing to vacate the rooms if another use arises. The Board agreed to discuss LAP's requests with Killeen later in the meeting. Brasch also reported briefly on construction of a 30,000 square foot facility on West "O" Street for location of LAP programs, noting that a "blighted" designation was necessary for the bond issuance. 6 WILDERNESS PARK SUBAREA STUDY, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT & PLAN DEVELOPMENT Kent Morgan, Planning Department Assistant Director; Betsy Kosier, Lincoln Lancaster Mediation Center Kent Morgan, Planning Department Assistant Director, distributed copies of the Wilderness Park Subarea Study: Process Overview, and briefly reviewed the working time line for completion of the study. Morgan also reviewed a handout of information regarding the Wilderness Park Subarea Study that is currently available on the City of Lincoln's Internet website. Morgan distributed copies of Wilderness Park Subarea Study - Issue Identification Process Participants, a list of agencies, groups and individuals from the public and private sectors with an identified interest or desire to participate in the study process. Primary stakeholders were identified as those parties with the ability to block or insure the process and outcome. He explained that the intent is not to carry each party through the process, but rather to narrow the issues and participation. Betsy Kosier, Lincoln Lancaster Mediation Center, noted that the community participation process will be more expansive and structured than projects may have been approached in the past to insure that the large number of diverse parties with an interest in Wilderness Park receive a voice in the process. Kosier stated that Mediation Center volunteers will be contacting each of the parties on the list to explain the process, seek involvement and identify the concerns and perspectives they would like to see represented in the process. A Working Group, self- determined by the interview process, will then meet for joint problem solving, based on mutual education and technical, financial, political and values based criteria, beginning November, 1998. Kosier noted that it will be the responsibility of the Mediation Center to see that the Working Group is provided with a process and structure and remains task oriented. In response to a question from Steinman, Kosier stated that town hall meetings are not envisioned at this time. She noted, however, that the regular meetings of the Working Group will be open to the public, with reports available on the Internet website. Morgan noted that cost was also a prohibitive factor in the decision not to hold town hall meetings. Morgan asked how the Board would like to be involved in the issue identification process. Board consensus to schedule a collective interview with Board members from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. during the Thursday, September 24th County Board of Commissioners meeting. Board members may also direct individual comments and concerns regarding Wilderness Park issues to the Mediation Center. 7 EXECUTION OF NATURAL GAS PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CONSORTIUM & UTILICORP UNITED INC. DBA: PEOPLES NATURAL GAS SERVICES Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney; Don Killeen, County Property Manager Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney, reported that the second set of bids for the aggregated purchase of natural gas by the Consortium, which is comprised of the City of Lincoln, Lancaster County, Public Building Commission, Lincoln Public Schools, District Energy Corporation and the University of Nebraska, have been received. A low bid of 5.01 per cubic foot was submitted by Peoples Natural Gas Services, which is less than last year's purchase price of 5.12 per cubic foot. Staab stated that Consortium representatives felt this was a competitive price and recommended approval. Staab noted that the University of Nebraska is only a participant for their smaller volume needs this year, which may have had an impact on the bid prices. Don Killeen, County Property Manager, recommended proceeding with the purchase this year, but re-evaluating participation in the Consortium next year. Staab noted that the purchase agreement will need to be executed quickly to lock in the bid price. MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to authorize Linda Steinman, Chair, to sign the natural gas purchase agreement. Hudkins noted concern that the bids were too high and that last year's participation in the Consortium had not proved beneficial to the citizens of Lancaster County. ON CALL: Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 8 EXECUTIVE SESSION (POTENTIAL LITIGATION) Don Killeen, County Property Manager; Diane Stab, Deputy County Attorney MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to enter Executive Session at 10:10 a.m. for the purpose of potential litigation. One call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to exit Executive Session at 10:30 a.m. On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 9 ACTION ITEMS a. Permanent Approval for Big Red Companies to Move Two (2) Terminals to the Beer Garden During the State Fair Eagan explained that approval of the item would add language to the existing contract to provide approval for future State Fairs, until revoked by the County Board. MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval. On call Hudkins, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. b. Request from Lincoln Action Program to Paint & Use Conference Room in Basement of Trabert Hall Steinman informed Don Killeen, County Property Manager, that Lincoln Action Program (LAP) would like use of both the basement and fourth floor conference rooms in Trabert Hall. In return, LAP has agreed to paint both rooms and handle scheduling by other agencies. Killeen stated that he was not opposed to the request since neither room is currently in use. MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to grant the request from the Lincoln Action Program and allow them to utilize the basement and fourth floor conference rooms in Trabert Hall, with the following stipulations: a. Lincoln Action Program must paint both rooms b. Lincoln Action Program must send a memorandum to all agencies in Trabert Hall offering availability of the two conference rooms and indicating that Lincoln Action Program will be handling scheduling of the rooms, with a copy of the memorandum to Don Killeen, Property Manager, and the County Board c. The arrangement with Lincoln Action Program may be revoked at any time On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to add an Action Item to the agenda to send a letter to the City and Village Clerks with regards to updating and correcting property addresses in the County. On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. ACTION ITEMS c. Letter to City and Village Clerks With Regards to Updating and Correcting Property Addresses in the County MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to authorize the letter drafted by Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer, to be sent to the City and Village Clerks, with the correction that information will be provided to the Clerks at a meeting with the Village Clerks and the Chairs of the Village Boards on Thursday, September 17th. On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. NOTE: A draft of the letter is included in the Commissioners Information Packet. 10 CONSENT ITEMS a. Vacation Request from Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer, for Monday, August 17 - Friday, August 21, 1998 b. Microcomputer Request from Election Commissioner for Compaq Deskpro 2000, Monitor, Printer and Software, in the amount of $1,541.51 from the Election Commissioner's Budget c. Request from Larry Van Hunnik, Lancaster Manor Administrator, to Attend the American Health Care Association (AHCA) Annual Convention, October 20-23, 1998 MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval of the Consent Items. On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. 11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT a. Agenda for Meeting with Representatives of Chinn Planning, Inc. on August 26, 1998 The Board briefly reviewed the proposed outline for discussion, submitted by Karen Chinn, Chinn Planning, Inc., of policy issues related to recommendations in the Lancaster County Comprehensive Juvenile Justice System Study (Commissioners' Information Packet). MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval of the agenda. On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to request that the Citizen Information Center prepare an audio and video recording of the meeting. On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried. b. County Board Committee Assignments The Board made the following changes to County Board Assignments: Attention Center Advisory Committee - Heier Board of Corrections, Steinman, Chair; Svoboda, Vice Chair Budget Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Steinman City-County Common - Hudkins, Chair Ecological Advisory Committee - Campbell, Heier General Assistance Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Heier Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee - Heier Railroad Transportation Safety District - Steinman, Svoboda, Heier Region V Board - Steinman c. Clerical Support for Emergency Services Committee The Board authorized Police Captain Doug Ahlberg, Interim Emergency Services Director, to hire temporary clerical support to take minutes at meetings of the Emergency Services Committee. Hiring will be through consultation with the Personnel Department. d. Planning Commissioner Appointment Steinman noted concern that appointment of an individual with a property interest in the proposed South or East Beltway corridors may limit the County Board's input on Planning Commission decisions. The Board requested Hudkins to contact Burdette Piening, Gary Krieser, and Wayne Nielsen to gauge their interest in serving on the Planning Commission and report back to the Board at the Thursday, August 20th County Board of Commissioners meeting. The Board also requested further information on the location of Krieser's property within the county. e. Salaries for Unrepresented, Unclassified Employees, Sheriff Captains, Bailiffs, Attorneys and Directors The Board requested that the County Attorney and Public Defender be scheduled to appear at the Thursday, August 20th County Board of Commissioners meeting to discuss salary recommendations for attorneys in their offices and that date of hire information for attorneys in the County Attorney's office be provided to the Board. The Board also requested that a general policy discussion with Beth Tallon, Clerk of the District Court, and representatives of the Personnel Department on whether to extend benefits to bailiffs to be scheduled for the Thursday, August 27th County Board of Commissioners meeting. Steinman suggested that consideration also be given to increasing the duties of one of the bailiffs to serve in a Court Administrator capacity. The Board requested the Personnel Department to conduct a comparability study with regards to salaries for Directors and to provide that information to the Board. 12 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Technology Committee - Steinman b. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins c. Board of Health - Hudkins Items a-c were moved forward on the agenda. 13 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Thursday, August 13, 1998, at 1 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room #106 - Hudkins b. Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee - Thursday, August 13, 1998, at 4 p.m., at the County-City Building, Commissioners Hearing Room c. Budget Monitoring Committee - Tuesday, August 18, 1998, at 12 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room #113 - Campbell d. Government Access & Information Committee - Wednesday, August 19, 1998, at 12 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room #206 - Steinman e. City-County Common - Friday, August 21, 1998, at 8 a.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel - All Commissioners 14 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS a. Informational Meeting Regarding Construction of Wind Turbine in 70th & Bluff Road Area - Thursday, August 20, 1998, at 7 p.m., at Lincoln Electric System's Walter A. Canney Service Center, 2620 Fairfield Street b. Chamber Presentation Regarding "Investment Strategy for a Competitive Downtown" - Monday, August 31, 1998, at 12 p.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel, Main Ballroom c. United Way/CHAD Fall Campaign Kick-Off - Tuesday, September 1, 1998, at 12 p.m., at the Lincoln Foundation Garden, 215 Centennial Mall South 15 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD a. Letter for State Senator Don Wesely Regarding Effect of Proposed Constitutional Lid on Local Revenue 16 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD 17 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 1998 18 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS 19 ADJOURNMENT By direction of the Chair, the meeting was adjourned. ______________________ Kandra Hahn Lancaster County Clerk