Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
STAFF MEETING AGENDA Lancaster County Board Of Commissioners Thursday, November 12, 1998 - 8:30 a.m. County-City Building - Room 113 AGENDA ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 3 & 5, 1998 2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA 3 8:30am HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES NETWORK - Cathy Anderson, SE Area Director; Reba Schafer, Lincoln Area Agency on Aging Director; Carol Douglas, Health Department 4 9:30am BENEFITS FOR UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES John Cripe, Classification and Pay Manager; Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney 5 10:00am POSITION PAPERS ON REORGANIZATION ON NEBRASKA HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES & JUVENILE SERVICES Kit Boesch, Human Services Director 6 ACTION ITEMS a. Letter of Support for Lincoln Action Program (LAP) building project at 3rd & "O" Street in Lincoln, Nebraska 7 CONSENT ITEMS a. Letter to Denny Macomber, Chief of Jail Standards Division, Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement regarding Attention Center Official Corrective Action Plan 8 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT a. Staff Meeting on Tuesday, November 24, 1998 9 PENDING 10 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins b. Community Based Human Services Needs Assessment & Comprehensive Plan - Campbell, Steinman c. Emergency Services Executive Committee - Hudkins d. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman e. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins f. Board of Health - Hudkins g. Chamber Agricultural Committee - Hudkins 11 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Register of Deeds Technological Committee - Thursday, November 12, 1998 at 1:30 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room 206 - Heier, Hudkins b. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - Thursday, November 12, 1998 at 4:00 p.m., at the City Council Chambers, Room 112 - Heier c. Visitors Promotion Committee - Monday, November 16, 1998, at 1:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce - Steinman d. General Assistance Monitoring Committee - Tuesday, November 17, 1998 at the County-City Building, Room 113 - Campbell, Heier 12 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS a. Midland Recycling Open House - Friday, November 13, 1998, 4:00-6:00 p.m., 530 West "P" Street b. US Bank Reception - Thursday, November 19, 1998, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at 233 South 13th Street, 20th Floor c. People's City Mission's Annual Banquet - Thursday, November 19, 1998, 6:30 p.m., at Pershing Auditorium d. 1998 Star Tran Holiday Light Tours - December 9, 11, 15, 18, 22, 1998; for reservations call 441-8469 13 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD 14 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD 15 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17, 1998 16 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS COUNTY-CITY BUILDING MEETING ROOM #113 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1998 8:30 A.M. Commissioners Present: Kathy Campbell, Vice-Chair Larry Hudkins Bernie Heier Commissioners Absent: Linda Steinman, Chair Steve Svoboda Others Present: Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer Ann Taylor, County Clerk's Office AGENDA ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS OF NOVEMBER 3 AND NOVEMBER 5, 1998. MOTION: Hudkins moved and Heier seconded approval of the minutes of the County Board of Commissioners meetings of November 3 and November 5, 1998. On call Hudkins, Heier and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried. 2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA a. County Board Fiduciary Responsibilities b. Additional Agenda Items for Tri-County Retreat with Representatives of the Douglas and Sarpy County Boards MOTION: Hudkins moved and Heier seconded approval of the additions to the agenda. On call Hudkins, Heier and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried. 3 HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES NETWORK - Cathy Anderson, Southeast Area Director; Reba Schafer, Lincoln Area Agency on Aging Director; Carol Douglas, Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department; George Hanigan, Community Mental Health Center Director Reba Schafer, Lincoln Area Agency on Aging Director, reported on the progress of the Organizational Development Committee, which is one of five committees working on extension of the reorganization of the State Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the regional level. Cathy Anderson, Southeast Area Director, briefly reviewed the Southeast Service Area Network Management Entity Organizational Development Sub-Group Guiding Principles and flow chart of the Southeast Service Area Network Management Entity (Exhibit A) and a list of Southeast Service Area - Network Management Entity Membership Organizations - Definitions (Exhibit B). Anderson indicated that membership in the Southeast Nebraska Health and Human Services Membership Organization, indicated on the flow chart, is open to individuals, as well as organizations and governmental entities. She noted that a nominal membership fee structure may be instituted to offset operational costs, ranging from $1 for individuals to $100 for larger organizations. Anderson explained that the Membership Organization will elect a Board of Directors which will provide a governance structure and conduct business and the Corporate Board of Directors will contract with service providers and specialty networks and perform other administrative functions. Heier asked whether an outside evaluation of the Southeast Service Area Network Management Entity is planned. Anderson stated there will be a performance-based contract between the Corporate Board of Directors and the State Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This contract will incorporate the goals set forth in a five year plan, which the Network Management Entity is required to submit to the State. She noted that a unit from within the Finance and Support Division of HHS will conduct the evaluation of performance of the contract. Carol Douglas, Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department, indicated that a request for an outside evaluation would need to come from the Membership Organization, rather than the Corporate Board of Directors, noting that the proposed configuration was designed to eliminate influence in terms of the stream of funding. Heier noted concern with the evaluation process, suggesting that an outside evaluator, with no vested interest in the outcome, be selected and that the service be voluntary, not paid. In response to a question from Campbell, Schafer stated that elected officials and regional governing boards will be allowed to participate in the Membership Organization. She noted that the bylaws for the Corporate Board of Directors could be structured to require that a certain number of seats be filled by elected officials. Hudkins suggested that the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) also have representation on the Corporate Board of Directors. Eagan noted that Lancaster County, the City of Lincoln and the United Way of Lincoln-Lancaster County are currently involved in a comprehensive human services needs assessment. He suggested that a sharing of information with the Network Management Entity could be beneficial. In response to a question from Campbell, Anderson stated that Corporate Boards could be structured differently in each service area, although State and Federal mandates for funding will remain consistent throughout the State. Campbell asked if the County would be expected to place any of its present health and human services dollars into any of the categories. Anderson indicated it would not. Campbell expressed concern that if decisions made at the Corporate Board level with regards to State funding of services do not mesh with priorities set at the local level, then the County's General Assistance costs will increase. Anderson stated there will still be mandatory populations and services. She noted that the Corporate Board will seek funding efficiencies, rather than elimination of services. Campbell stated that counties oppose the plan for State employees to be absorbed at the contract regional level, with no control over their benefits, salary, grievance procedure or liability. Campbell also stated that is difficult to understand how the regional governing boards will fit into the proposed structure, given their responsibilities. Anderson explained that funds that are statutorily directed, such as Mental Health and Aging, will still flow to the directly to the regional governing boards. Campbell questioned why Lincoln and Lancaster County is not considered a separate service area. Anderson explained that the Health and Human Services Policy Cabinet made service area decisions based on "natural shopping areas", those urban areas from which services emanate. In response to a question from Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, Anderson stated that use of the State's Management Information System, as a bill paying mechanism, is recommended. 4 BENEFITS FOR UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES - John Cripe, Classification & Pay Manager; Ron Todd, Personnel Director; Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney John Cripe, Classification & Pay Manager, reported that the County has been granting benefits to unclassified employees (Appointed Directors, Elected Officials' Deputies, Deputy County Attorneys, Deputy Public Defenders, Sheriff Captains and Bailiffs), without a formal resolution granting authority to do so. (NOTE: A memorandum outlining the content of a proposed benefits package for unclassified employees is included in the Commissioners' Information Packet.) Eagan suggested review of the Fair Labor Standards Act in determining benefits. In response to a question from Campbell, Ron Todd, Personnel Director, stated that benefits for appointed directors and elected officials' deputies could be separated from the rest of the class. Todd also indicated that establishment of a separate retirement plan, which provides full vesting upon hire, will require Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approval. The Board requested that further discussion of a benefits package be scheduled for the Thursday, November 24th County Board of Commissioners meeting. 5 POSITION PAPERS ON REORGANIZATION OF NEBRASKA HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES AND JUVENILE SERVICES - Kit Boesch, Human Services Director Kit Boesch, Human Services Director, reviewed two position paper drafts (Commissioners' Information Packet), prepared at the request of the Board. These position papers will be presented, following revisions, to the new Governor. Following a brief discussion, the following changes to the drafts were made: Position Paper - Nebraska Juvenile Services and Their Impact on Lancaster County, Nebraska Background Information - Lancaster County Change "attendance" to "population" in Paragraph 1, Sentence 3 Background Information - Nebraska Juvenile Services Add "as well as Douglas County" behind "Lancaster County" in Paragraph 4, Sentence 2 Current Situation - Lancaster County Add the phrase "as have a number of counties across the State" in Paragraph 1, Sentence 1 Change "11 million" to "14 million" in Paragraph 1, Sentence 2 Change "We" to "The State" in Paragraph 1, Sentence 5 Add a sentence that reads "The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) will build off Lancaster County research and conduct a statewide needs assessment, also employing the services of Chinn Associates, Inc." Recommendations to the Governor's Office Reword Recommendation 1 to read "We request a restatement of the policy and role of the State and their vision of juvenile services for the next five years and we recommend that the Governor's office support adequate levels of funding for the plan to operate effectively" Combine language in Recommendations 2 and 5 to be more general, eliminating specific committee names Change "recommend" to "invite", add "to" behind "Services" and add "and Assessment Center" behind "Facilities" in Recommendation 4 The Board requested that a copy of the executive summary of the Chinn report and a copy of Juvenile Services Comprehensive Plan be attached to the document. Position Paper - Reorganization of Nebraska Health & Human Services and Its Impact on City-County Governments False Start #1 Add "and the Mayor's Office" behind "City and County Officials" in Paragraph 2, Sentence 2 Current Status Add a sentence that reads "There was not one local elected official involved in development of the process and structure for the Southeast Management Network Entity" in Paragraph 8 Request for Action from the Governor's Office Add a third paragraph to read "This issue has been an ongoing agenda item of meetings between elected officials from Douglas, Sarpy and Lancaster Counties and they would welcome a meeting with the Governor on this issue. The Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) has been involved in those meetings and has shared those concerns with the NACO Board." Eagan agreed to work with Boesch on other minor revisions of the documents. The Board will review the revisions at the County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on November 17th. 6 ACTION ITEMS a. Letter of Support for Lincoln Action Program (LAP) Building Project at 3rd & "O" Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska Eagan reported that Lincoln Action Program is applying for a waiver to be able to use Community Development Block Grant funds to pay off a bond for construction of a new facility. Proof of community support and need for the project are required for the waiver. MOTION: Hudkins moved and Heier seconded approval and authorized the Vice-Chair to sign a letter of support for Lincoln Action Program. On call Hudkins, Heier and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried. 7 CONSENT ITEMS a. Letter to Denny Macomber, Chief of Jail Standards Division, Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement Regarding Attention Center Official Corrective Action Plan MOTION: Hudkins moved and Heier seconded approval and authorized the Vice-Chair to sign the letter to Denny Macomber, Chief of Jail Standards Division, Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement. On call Hudkins, Heier and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried. 8 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT a. Staff Meeting on Tuesday, November 24, 1998 The Board set the following meeting schedule: Tuesday November 17 Room 113 9:30 a.m. Tuesday November 24 Room 113 Immediately Following the Regularly Scheduled Meeting Tuesday December 1 Room 113 8:00 a.m. The Board will not hold a meeting on Thursday, December 3, as members of the Board will be in attendance at the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) conference. Board consensus to hold the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials on Thursday, January 7, at 9 a.m. in the City Council/County Commissioners Hearing Room, with a reception immediately following in Room 113. The County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for that date will be held at 10 a.m. in Room 113. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA a. County Board Fiduciary Responsibilities Heier explained that he had some concerns with regards to how the cost of a cross-walk study for the Waverly High School was determined, noting that it was substantially more than the actual labor. Heier also noted concern with regards to a lack of communication with representatives of the City of Waverly and Waverly Public Schools, noting there are indications that the City of Waverly plans to install a sidewalk, which will dictate placement of the crosswalk. He suggested that better organization and coordination between entities is needed, prior to submission of a funding request. The Board requested that Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney; Kathy Smith, Assistant Purchasing Agent; Don Thomas, County Engineer; and Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, appear at a County Board "Staff" meeting to explain contracts and how contractual amounts are determined. Heier also questioned the County's return of investment with regards to the Rural Housing Rehabilitation Program. Eagan explained that initial funding of the program was provided through a Community Development Block Grant. He stated that the County's current policy dictates that liens granted through the program are forgiven on an incremental basis over a five year period. Board consensus that a review of that policy is needed. MOTION: Hudkins moved and Heier seconded to request Beatty Brasch, Lincoln Action Program Director, and Judy Adams, Lincoln Action Program Rural Coordinator, to appear at a County Board "Staff" meeting to discuss the history, criteria and operation of the Rural Housing Rehabilitation Program. On call Hudkins, Heier and Campbell voted aye. Motion carried. b. Additional Agenda Items for Tri-County Retreat with Representatives of the Douglas and Sarpy County Boards Hudkins requested that discussion of a proposed occupational tax for counties, which could be used to offset law enforcement and emergency response costs incurred at public events, be included. 9 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins Hudkins indicated that this report would be combined with his report on the Public Building Commission. b. Community Based Human Services Needs Assessment & Comprehensive Plan - Campbell, Steinman Campbell reported that a matrix of issues and agencies for the second community meeting were discussed. c. Emergency Services Executive Committee - Hudkins Hudkins reported an affirmative vote was taken recommending that Emergency Services remain a County stand-alone agency and that an interlocal agreement be entered into with the City making the 911 Director the back-up Emergency Management Director. Eagan reported that shared use of resources, establishment of an Emergency Services Management Users Committee, review of the Advisory Committee's role and membership and interlocal agreements with villages and cities that have separate emergency services programs were included in the motion. Eagan noted that Melba Scott, who was appointed to serve in advisory capacity, appeared and indicated that she had not received any notice of the meetings or proceedings. Eagan suggested that the Emergency Services Executive Committee hold a final meeting to allow members of the Advisory Committee an opportunity to review the recommendations and provide additional input, with public notice through the County Clerk's office. Campbell suggested that a letter be sent to department heads and elected officials reminding them of public meeting requirements. Eagan recommended establishment of a policy dictating that any advisory committee of the County Board work in conjunction with the County Clerk's office to ensure that notices and agendas are published in accordance with the "Open Meetings" laws. d. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman Campbell reported that Region V is working on development of a report on the emergency services system. Additional topics of discussion included: A report on homeless teenagers Ways to use $15,000 in funds initially set aside from the Consortium for the Youth Council Human Services Planning Whether to freeze Joint Budget Committee (JBC) allocations in 1999 to coordinate with the United Way of Lincoln/Lancaster County Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins Hudkins reported that carpet for the Hall of Justice and Law Enforcement Center was discussed, with one carpet selected for the entire building. He also noted that technical equipment costs for that building were reported to be $346,000, which may result in a decrease to the furniture budget. Campbell reported that additional discussion took place on long term parking solutions and strategic planning for County buildings and agencies. e. Board of Health - Hudkins Hudkins reported that Leon Vinci, the new Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department Director, will take office on December 7th. Hudkins noted that topics of discussion included proposed City "barking dog" ordinance and Air Pollution Standards shortfall. f. Chamber Agricultural Committee - Hudkins The Board requested that this item be dropped from future agendas. 10 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS g. Register of Deeds Technology Committee - Thursday, November 12, 1998 at 1:30 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room 206 - Heier, Hudkins h. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board - Thursday, November 12, 1998 at 4 p.m., at the City Council Chambers, Room 112 - Heier i. Visitors Promotion Committee - Monday, November 16, 1998, at 1:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce - Steinman j. General Assistance Monitoring Committee - Tuesday, November 17, 1998 at the County-City Building, Room 113 - Campbell, Heier 11 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS a. Midland Recycling Open House - Friday, November 13, 1998, 4-6 p.m., 530 West "P" Street b. US Bank Reception - Thursday, November 19, 1998, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at 233 S 13th Street, 20th Floor c. People's City Mission Annual Banquet - Thursday, November 19, 1998, 6:30 p.m., at Pershing Auditorium d. 1998 Star Tran Holiday Light Tours - December 9, 11, 15, 18,22, 1998, for Reservations Call 441-8469 12 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD 13 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD 14 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17, 1998 Announcements The County Board will not hold meetings on the following dates: Tuesday December 22 Thursday December 24 Tuesday December 29 Thursday December 31 15 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS The Board directed Kit Boesch, Human Services Director, to request a copy of plans for the juvenile detention facility and assessment center in Des Moines, Iowa. Brief discussion took place on concerns that Beltway Option discussions are taking place with out-dated data and maps. 16 ADJOURNMENT By direction of the Chair, the meeting was adjourned. ______________________ Kandra Hahn Lancaster County Clerk