Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
lancaster.ne.gov
STAFF MEETING AGENDA
Lancaster County Board Of Commissioners
Thursday, November 5, 1998 - 8:00 a.m.
County-City Building - Room 113
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 3, 1998
2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3 8:00am COMMISSIONERS MEETING REPORTS (See Item #14)
4 8:30am COUNTY PENSION FUNDS WITH AMERITAS -
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney
5 9:00am CENSUS UPDATE; COMPLETE COUNT PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
RESPONSE - Kent Morgan, Assistant Planning Director
6 9:15am EXECUTIVE SESSION: PENDING LITIGATION
Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation and Risk Manager;
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney; AND PURCHASE REAL ESTATE
7 9:45am WELLNESS CULTURE AUDIT
Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation and Risk Manager
8 10:00am JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS
Gary Lacey, Lancaster County Attorney
9 10:15am SPECIAL PERMIT NO. 152, TOWER AT 8301 N. 162ND AMENDMENT OF
LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS - Rodger Harris, Building & Safety
10 ACTION ITEMS
11 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Safety National Casualty Corporation Termination
Stipulation
12 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Monitor for County Board Offices Common Area
b. Agenda Items for Tri-County Retreat on Thursday,
November 19, 1998
c. Staff Meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 1998
13 PENDING
14 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Ecological Advisory Committee - Hudkins
b. Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - Steinman
c. District Energy Corporation - Hudkins
15 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Thursday,
November 5, 1998 at 1:00 p.m., at the County-City
Building, Room 106 - Hudkins
b. Community Based Human Services Needs Assessment and
Comprehensive Planning - Thursday, November 5, 1998,
at 1:00 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room 113
- Campbell, Steinman
c. Emergency Services Executive Committee -
Thursday, November 5, 1998, at 3:00 p.m., at the
County-City Building, Room 113 - Hudkins
d. Joint Budget Committee - Friday, November 6,
1998, at 8:00 a.m., at the County-City Building,
Mayor's Conference Room - Campbell, Steinman
e. Public Building Commission - Tuesday, November
10, 1998, at 9:00 a.m., at the County-City Building,
Room 113 - Campbell, Hudkins
f. Board of Health - Tuesday, November 10, 1998,
at 6:30 p.m., at 3119 "O" Street - Hudkins
g. Chamber Agriculture Committee - Thursday,
November 12, 1998, at 7:30 a.m., at the Institute of
Agriculture & Natural Resources - Hudkins
16 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Southwest Business & Civic Association - Thursday,
November 5, 1998, 11:30 a.m, at Coaches, 640 West
Prospector Court
b. Reception for Indian Center Gallery Executive
Director, Randall Ross - Friday, November 6, 1998,
from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at 1100 Military Road
c. Capitol City Footprint Association Award Dinner and
Banquet - Saturday, November 21, 1998, at 6:30 p.m.,
at Misty', 6235 Havelock Avenue
17 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
18 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
19 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 10, 1998
20 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES
Lancaster County Board Of Commissioners
County-City Building
Meeting Room #113
Thursday, November 5, 1998
8 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 COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 3, 1998.
Minutes were not available.
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Application for an Amendment and Revisions to
National Flood Insurance Program Maps (Exhibit A)
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval
of the addition to the agenda. On call Campbell,
Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
ADDITION TO THE AGENDA
a. Application for an Amendment and Revisions to
National Flood Insurance Program Maps
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to authorize
the Chair to execute the application document. On
call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
3 COMMISSIONERS MEETING REPORTS (See Item 12)
a. Ecological Advisory Committee - Heier
No report was given.
b. Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - Steinman
Steinman reported the cost of visual technology for the Hall of
Justice and Law Enforcement Center is estimated at $210,205 and
audio technology at $147,300. These costs may be reduced if the
same vendor is awarded both bids.
Hudkins reported the furniture cost for the Hall of Justice and
Law Enforcement Center is $46,000 over budget, although a $26,000
commission for use of one vendor is anticipated.
Hudkins suggested that consideration be given to applying for a
technology grant for surveillance camera equipment.
Campbell reported that vacation of "H" Street is advocated to
increase the number of employee parking spaces. She noted that
additional parking issues include:
* Retaining delivery access to the jail, if "H" Street is vacated
* Allowing fleet vehicles to be taken home at night to free up
parking space
* Gated parking lots for authorized personnel
* Developing a contingency plan for parking, should the east
parking lot be eliminated
Campbell also noted that deliveries within the Hall of Justice
and Law Enforcement Center are problematic, and suggested that
the duties of the Records and Information Management staff be
expanded to handle those duties.
c. District Energy Corporation - Hudkins
Hudkins reported the District Energy Corporation is exploring the
possibility of providing energy and financial assistance for well
field engineering for the Lincoln Children's Museum, at a
significant cost savings.
Hudkins suggested that the County review the heating system
situation at the Airpark Correction Facility for possible
District Energy assistance.
4 COUNTY PENSION FUNDS WITH AMERITAS - Doug Cyr,
Deputy County Attorney
Eagan indicated that the Board had requested the County
Attorney's office to research whether 1.2 million dollars in
pension funds invested with Ameritas could be transferred to the
Public Employees Benefit Service Corporation (PEBSCO). He noted
that combining all pension funds under one entity would
streamline record keeping and would probably result in a higher
return of investment for employees currently invested in the
Ameritas plan.
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney, reported that the County's
records were searched, but the contract with Ameritas could not
be located. Ameritas was contacted, but a search of their files
did not produce the document either.
Cyr suggested that the County demand a payout of all pension
funds invested with Ameritas. He noted that Ameritas may seek a
withdrawal penalty, although it may not be enforceable without a
contract stipulating such.
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded to authorize
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney, and Kerry Eagan,
Chief Administrative Officer, to prepare a letter
seeking payout of all pension funds invested with
Ameritas, for signature by the County Board Chair.
On call Hudkins, Campbell and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
PENDING LITIGATION - Sue Eckley, Workers'Compensation and
Risk Manager; Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney
Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation and Risk Manager, reported that
Patricia Hutcherson, former Lancaster Manor employee, had agreed
to a lump sum settlement in the amount of $4,000 for her workers'
compensation claim.
NOTE: The Board will take formal action on this item at
the Tuesday, November 10th County Board of
Commissioners meeting.
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney, reported briefly on a tort
claim, in the amount of $1,000,000, filed by Steve Johnson for
injuries sustained when a garbage dumpster, in which he had
sought shelter, was emptied into a garbage truck and compacted.
Cyr recommended denial of the claim.
NOTE: The Board will take formal action on this item at
the Tuesday, November 10th County Board of
Commissioners meeting.
5 CENSUS UPDATE; COMPLETE COUNT PROGRAM PARTICIPATION RESPONSE
Kent Morgan, Assistant Planning Director
Kent Morgan, Assistant Planning Director, reported briefly on
preparations for the Census 2000 and the role of the local
Complete Count Committee (Exhibit C), a community-based
organization that will assist staff in census promotion in rural
and urban areas and identification of areas requiring special
attention, due to language barriers.
Steinman suggested combining promotion of Census 2000 with
millennium celebrations.
The Board recommended that the Planning Department enlist the
assistance of the following for rural areas:
* Rural Postal Officials
* Shirley Bruhl, Waverly Clerk
* Buffy Cornish, Bennet Clerk
* Diane Kliest, Malcolm Public Schools Business Manager
* Patrick and Patricia Norris, Denton Residents
Morgan stated that the County may be asked to contribute $5,000
to $10,000 in funds next fiscal year for the printing of
promotional materials.
Board consensus to consider the expenditure as a possible Keno
Fund project at the Midyear Budget Review.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to authorize
the Chair to execute documents for the Census
2000. On call Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman
voted aye. Motion carried.
6 EXECUTIVE SESSION (PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE)
Dennis Banks, Attention Center Director;
Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille & Associates Inc.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to enter
Executive Session at 9:20 a.m. for real estate
purchase discussion. On call Campbell, Hudkins
and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
MOTION:Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to exit
Executive Session at 10:16 a.m. On call Campbell,
Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
7 WELLNESS CULTURE AUDIT - Sue Eckley, Workers'
Compensation and Risk Manager
Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation and Risk Manager, reported
briefly on Lancaster County's application for a Well Workplace
designation (Exhibit B). She noted that benefits include:
* A coordinated health promotion program
* Good health habits programs that are extended to families and retirees
* Data collection to determine employee high-risk behaviors
for targeting of programs
* Probable reduction in health care costs and employee absenteeism
Eckley noted there may be minor administrative costs associated
with distribution of the Employee Wellness Survey, but stated
sufficient funds exist in the Wellness Program budget.
8 JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS -
Gary Lacey, Lancaster County Attorney
Gary Lacey, Lancaster County Attorney, reported that the State of
Nebraska will receive 2.2 million dollars through the Juvenile
Accountability Incentive Block Grant (JAIBC) Program (Exhibits D
& E). Funds will be disbursed through the Nebraska Crime
Commission, with the State of Nebraska retaining 25% of the funds
and local entities receiving 75%.
Lacey indicated that Lincoln/Lancaster County will be receiving
approximately $300,000 through the grant, with a greater portion
of those funds designated for use by the City, in accordance with
funding guidelines. He urged joint cooperation between the City
Council and County Board in devising a plan for use of those
funds, suggesting the new Juvenile Detention Facility and
Assessment Center as projects for funding.
The Board requested that Kit Boesch, Human Services
Administrator, and Lacey attend a Pre-Council Meeting of the City
Council and provide an update on the Chinn Planning Inc. report
and apprise them of the opportunity for the City and County to
access joint funds through the Juvenile Accountability Incentive
Block Grant (JAIBC) Program for juvenile justice system programs.
The Board also requested Lacey to make a presentation at the
January 15th Commons meeting, with a recommendation that
a funding proposal be developed by the Justice Council.
9 SPECIAL PERMIT NO. 152, TOWER AT 8301 N
162ND AMENDMENT OF LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS
Rodger Harris, Building & Safety; Mike DeKalb, Planning
Rodger Harris, Building & Safety, reported that SBA Towers, Inc.
has proposed lighting, that meets the technical definition of
"strobe lighting", on a 300' tower planned for the Waverly area,
that is contradictory to the conditions set forth in Special
Permit No. 152.
Mike DeKalb, Planning, stated those conditions are imposed to
reduce the impact to surrounding neighbors and livestock.
Harris indicated that he had visited another tower site, owned by
the company in Gretna, which is identical to the one proposed in
Waverly. He reported that a white strobe, with a short duration
pulse flash, is visible during daylight hours. A red lens is
dropped over the light at night, with a flash and pause of 1.5
second duration, giving the appearance of incandescent lighting.
Board consensus to reject the lighting proposal.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to add a
report on the Lincoln Partnership for Economic
Development meeting to the agenda. On call
Campbell, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion Carried.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
b. Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development -
Steinman (Board Member Meetings)
Steinman reported that the Workforce Investment Act was discussed
and a video of a one-stop delivery workforce center in Wisconsin
was viewed. She noted that a foundation had raised money for the
facility, which provides the following services:
* Child Care
* Job Information
* Community Careers Center
* Assessment Center
* Training Scholarships
* Training Support
* Financial Assistance
* Job Matching
* Skilled Training
* Link to Education
10 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Safety National Casualty Corporation Termination Stipulation
Steinman indicated that the document had been signed and
submitted to Safety National Casualty Corporation, at the request
of Sue Eckley, Workers' Compensation and Risk Manager.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to ratify
signature of the Chair on the document and its
submission to Safety National Casualty
Corporation. On call Campbell, Hudkins and
Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Computer Monitor for County Board Offices Common Area
Steinman reported that County Board secretarial staff had
requested that a computer monitor be located in the office common
area for monitoring of Board meetings held in the City
Council/County Commissioners Hearing Room.
Eagan noted that the monitor would probably be more beneficial
for City Council staff, although there has not been a formal
discussion of the matter with the City Council.
Hudkins suggested that a monitor from the City Council/County
Commissioners dais could be used to help defray costs.
The Board referred the request to the Public Building Commission.
b. Agenda Items for Tri-County Retreat on Thursday,
November 19, 1998
The following agenda items were identified:
* Legislative Issues
* District Court Records Migration to the State's "Justice" System
* State of Nebraska Health & Human Services Partnership
* Tax Policy Discussion
* Update on Proposed Regional Airport and Light Rail System
between Omaha and Lincoln
The Board invited Bob Workman, County Commissioner elect from
District 5, to attend the retreat.
c. Staff Meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 1998
The meeting was set for 9:30 a.m. in Room 113 of the County-City
Building.
12 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Ecological Advisory Committee - Hudkins
b. Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - Steinman
c. District Energy Corporation - Hudkins
Items a-c were moved forward on the agenda.
13 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Thursday,
November 5, 1998 at 1 p.m., at the County-City
Building, Room 106 - Hudkins
b. Community Based Human Services Needs Assessment
and Comprehensive Planning - Thursday, November 5,
1998, at 1 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room
113 - Campbell, Steinman
c. Emergency Services Executive Committee - Thursday,
November 5, 1998, at 3 p.m., at the County-City
Building, Room 113 - Hudkins
d. Joint Budget Committee - Friday, November 6, 1998,
at 8 a.m., at the County-City Building, Mayor's
Conference Room - Campbell, Steinman
e. Public Building Commission - Tuesday, November 10,
1998, at 9 a.m, at the County-City Building, Room
113 - Campbell, Hudkins
f. Board of Health - Tuesday, November 10, 1998, at
3119 "O" Street - Hudkins
g. Chamber Agricultural Committee - Thursday,
November 12, 1998, at 7:30 a.m., at the Institute
of Agriculture & Natural Resources - Hudkins
14 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Southwest Business & Civic Association - Thursday,
November 5, 1998, at 11:30 a.m, at Coaches, 640 W
Prospector Court
b. Reception for Indian Center Gallery Executive
Director, Randall Ross - Friday, November 6, 1998,
from 4 to 6 p.m., at 1100 Military Road
c. Capitol City Footprint Association Award Dinner
and Banquet - Saturday, November 21, 1998, at 6:30
p.m., at Misty's, 6235 Havelock Ave
15 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
16 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
17 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 10, 1998
18 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
19 ADJOURNMENT
By direction of the Chair, the meeting was adjourned.
______________________
Kandra Hahn
Lancaster County Clerk