Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
lancaster.ne.gov
STAFF MEETING AGENDA
LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1998 - 8:00 A.m.
COUNTY-CITY BUILDING - ROOM 113
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19
(TRI-COUNTY RETREAT WITH DOUGLAS AND SARPY COUNTIES),
NOVEMBER 24 AND DECEMBER 1, 1998
2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3 8:00 am COMMISSIONER MEETING REPORTS - (See Item #14)
4 8:30 am COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, ADDITION OF 1.5 SQUARE MILES
OF LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL WEST OF DENTON - Mike
DeKalb, Planning Department
5 8:45 am AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF WAVERLY FOR PLACEMENT OF A
SIDEWALK WITHIN COUNTY RIGHT-OF-WAY ON AMBERLY ROAD -
Don Thomas, County Engineer
6 9:00 am ATTENTION CENTER FINANCING - Dave Kroeker, Budget &
Fiscal Director; Michelle Schindler, Deputy Attention
Center Director
7 9:45 am CONFERENCE ON PLANNING OF NEW INSTITUTIONS FOR JUVENILES
Michelle Schindler, Deputy Attention Center Director
8 10:00 am PENDING LITIGATION - Mike Thew, Chief Deputy County
Attorney
9 10:15 am BENEFITS FOR UNREPRESENTED, UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES
John Cripe, Classification and Pay Manager; Diane Staab,
Deputy County Attorney
10 ACTION ITEMS
a. Set Meeting with Lt. Governor-elect David Maurstad
b. Set Date for Mid-Year Budget Review
11 CONSENT ITEMS
12 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Discussion Regarding the County Board Adopting a
Family for the Holidays
13 PENDING
14 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Ecological Advisory Committee - Heier
b. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins
c. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman
d. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Steinman
e. Board of Health - Hudkins
15 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board - Thursday, December
10, 1998 at 4:00 p.m., at the County-City Building,
Room 112 - Heier
b. Government Access & Information Committee - Wednesday,
December 16, 1998 at 12:00 p.m., at the County-City
Building, Room 206 - Steinman
16 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Cornhusker State Games Holiday Gathering - Thursday,
December 10, 1998 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the
Ramada Plaza Hotel, Nebraska Ballroom, 141 N.
9th Street
b. Aliant Communications Holiday Party - Thursday,
December 10, 1998 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the
Lincoln Country Club 3200 S. 24th Street
c. Open House & Ribbon Cutting for the Community
Transition Program - Friday, December 11, 1998 at
9:00 a.m., at the Heather, 2039 "Q" Street
d. Holiday Open House at Haven Manor - Tuesday,
December 15, 1998, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., at 6330
Platte Avenue
e. Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Holiday
Reception Wednesday, December 16, 1998 from 3:00
to 5:00 p.m., at 1135 "M" Street, 3rd floor,
The Lincoln Room
f. State Title Services, Inc., 20th Anniversary and
Holiday Celebration - Thursday, December 17, 1998
at 6:00 p.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel Ballroom
g. First Semester D.A.R.E. Graduations: Thursday,
December 17, 1998 at 7:00 p.m., at Sprague/Martell
Community Center; Monday, December 21, 1998, at
7:00 p.m, at Waverly Hamlow Elementary School
Gymnasium; Monday, January 4, 1999 at 7:00 p.m.,
at Oak Valley School District #13 (NW 27th and
W. McKelvie Road); and Thursday, January 14, 1998
at 7:00 p.m, at Villa Marie School, Catholic
Retreat Center
h. Reception for Mr. Hilton Rogers - Thursday, January
7, 1999 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Cass County
Courthouse, 346 Main Street, Room 101, Plattsmouth,
NE
17 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
18 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
19 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 15,
1998
a. Appointments to the Ecological Advisory Committee
b. County Keno Satellite Application of Coaches Sports
Bar & Grill, 640 W. Prospector Court
20 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES
LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY-CITY BUILDING - ROOM 113
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1998
8 A.M.
Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair
Kathy Campbell
Bernie Heier
Commissioners Absent: Larry Hudkins
Steve Svoboda
Others Present: Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney
Susan Starcher, County Clerk's Office
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19 (TRI-COUNTY
RETREAT WITH DOUGLAS AND SARPY COUNTIES), NOVEMBER 24 AND
DECEMBER 1, 1998
MOTION: Heier moved and Campbell seconded approval of the minutes of
November 19, November 24 and December 1, 1998. On call Heier,
Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
a. Health Department
3 COMMISSIONER MEETING REPORTS - (See Item No 14)
a. Ecological Advisory Committee - Heier
Heier reported that three new members will be added to the committee.
He noted that Wilderness Park remains a concern and that they are
currently in mediation which will continue for approximately ten months.
b. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins
No report given.
3 COMMISSIONER MEETING REPORTS CONTINUED:
c. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman
Campbell reported that Kit Boesch, Human Services Administrator,
discussed the interest she is receiving from individuals on the Homeless
Team issue.
Campbell stated a report was heard from the Funders Group regarding the
possibility of preparing criteria for capital campaigns because a great
deal of infrastructure in human services was built in the 1960's and now
needs repair or they need more space.
Campbell stated Woods is interested in giving a grant to the Human
Services Federation for $200,000 to update the technology of human
services agencies.
Campbell reported that the Joint Budget Committee will be recommending
to the City Council and the County Board that joint budget allocations
be frozen for the next year because United Way is going to use a new
allocation process and they will not be able to review the agencies and
requests in time to give the City Council and County Board the necessary
information.
Steinman discussed Region V funding to the Community Mental Health
Center. She reported that Jill Rubottom, Region V Alcohol, Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Director, has indicated that if Medicaid funds
are used for patients, Region V cannot pay more for those patients
because it would be illegal. Steinman stated most of the patients at
the Community Mental Health Center are Medicaid patients and that she
is concerned about how the difference will be made up.
After speaking with George Hanigan, Community Mental Health Center
Director, Steinman stated he has indicated that he believes the
difference will be made up by Region V by placing monies into another
category.
Steinman also reported that the State feels the Mental Health Center is
sending too many patients to the Regional Center and that they may stop
providing some services to limit access.
Campbell suggested that Hanigan be scheduled on a "staff" meeting to give
a presentation regarding the partnership process and mental health
commitments.
d. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Steinman
Campbell reported that the monitors in the Chambers cannot be used
because they are not television monitors. It was suggested that a
television be placed in the Chambers and that the City and County split
the cost which would be $250 each.
Also discussed were security issues in connection with the east Chamber
doors. Campbell stated Building and Safety will be consulted about
removal of the doors. It was also suggested that the doors be used as
an exit only with cost to be approximately $1000 to $1200 for the
necessary hardware.
The City and the County, Campbell stated, may have to pay $25,000 each
to repair the membrane under the marble around the County-City Building.
She stated Sampson Construction was the only company which bid on the
item.
Other items discussed were the furniture for the Hall of Justice and Law
Enforcement Center, a multi-year contract with NEBCO for the parking lot,
interest in the police building, Trabert and the Old Federal Building and
a half day meeting with the City Council to discuss property issues,
future issues and land issues.
Heier asked about the possibility of demolishing Trabert and building the
new Attention Center at the location.
Campbell stated she has made the comment to the Public Building
Commission that they only sell Trabert under the condition that it never
be demolished because of the historic preservation.
Steinman stated she didn't think there was enough land to build the new
Attention Center there.
Heier stated he would like to review the possibility.
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Health Department
Heier referred to a news release, dated November 23, 1998, in connection
with the World Aids Daylight Candle Vigil and asked if the aids cases in
Nebraska are moving in from other states or if they're contracted within
the State.
Campbell stated she didn't know the answer and suggested contacting the
individual who works with Aids cases at the Health Department.
4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, ADDITION 1.5 SQUARE MILES OF LOW
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL WEST OF DENTON - Mike Dekalb, Planning
Department
Mike DeKalb, Planning Department, distributed documentation (Exhibit A)
and gave a brief explanation of a proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment
along West Denton Road. The proposal would designate over 1.5 square
miles of additional land as "Low Density Residential" in the
Comprehensive Plan.
5 AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF WAVERLY FOR PLACEMENT OF A SIDEWALK WITHIN
COUNTY RIGHT-OF-WAY ON AMBERLY ROAD - Don Thomas, County Engineer
Don Thomas, County Engineer, stated that the City of Waverly has applied
for a grant to build an eight foot wide sidewalk/trail which would
narrow as it approaches Ash Hollow and crosses over onto the County
right-of-way. He explained there is a ten foot platform of shoulder
between the edge of the pavement and the head walls of the culvert under
Ash Hollow. Thomas stated the sidewalk will dip up over onto the
shoulder next to the head wall and that chain link fence will be
installed on the head wall as well as guardrails in between the sidewalk
and the shoulder of the pavement.
Thomas explained that the City of Waverly needs a letter from the County
granting them permission to occupy the County right-of-way, but because
the time frame is critical, he proceeded to draft a letter granting them
permission subject to a more formal agreement and conditions. He noted
he has asked the City of Waverly for written confirmation that they
concur with the conditions pending the formal agreement.
Thomas referred to a map of Waverly contained in the Commissioners
Information Packet and explained that at a later date Waverly may want
to place a sidewalk along the top of the back slope from 143rd Street
heading toward the trail that is being proposed.
10 ACTION ITEMS
a. Set Meeting with Lieutenant Governor-elect David Maurstad
Steinman stated Commissioner Campbell, Kit Boesch and she would be
meeting with Lieutenant Governor-elect David Maurstad on Wednesday,
December 16, 1998 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Position Papers.
Campbell suggested the County Board speak to the Lancaster County Senate
delegation over lunch again this year.
b. Set Date for Mid-Year Budget Review
It was the consensus of the Board to set the date for the Mid-Year Budget
Review for Thursday, February 4, 1999 at the Mental Health Center or
Aging.
6 ATTENTION CENTER FINANCING - Dave Kroeker, Budget and Fiscal
Director; Michelle Schindler, Deputy Attention Center Director
Dave Kroeker, Budget and Fiscal Director, explained that the County Board
approves a resolution every year regarding building projects and
summarized the following documents contained in the Commissioners
Information Packet:
* Powers and Duties of the County Board to Provide Buildings
* Building Fund Budget
* Budget Highlights of the 1998-1999 Proposed Budget
* Building Fund Budget from Fiscal Year 1999 Budget Highlights
* Fiscal Year 1998 Budget Highlights
Kroeker also gave a brief summary of documentation distributed (Exhibit
B) in connection with the County's Debt Service Commitment. He noted the
following projects fall under the debt service commitment:
* Health Department building
* 2200 St. Mary's to be paid off with the 2004 levy
* Engineer facility to be paid off with the 2005 levy
* Motor Vehicle facility to be paid off with the 2006 levy
Kroeker noted that he also placed the Attention Center projected in the
debt service commitment and did not include miscellaneous projects which
could be $300,000 to $500,000 a year.
Campbell stated they have completed the Needs Assessment and Program
Statement and have authorized the design development. She suggested
that the financial team now be brought in.
Hille stated they are at a stage where, from a financing standpoint,
they should be dealing with dollars which are well defined in each
component of the project.
Kroeker stated that two to three years ago the County sought a request
for proposal for a financial consultant to help with bond issues and
Bill Giovanni of Ameritas was selected.
Hille stated he hopes to appear before the County Board to fully apprize
the Commissioners on what has transpired between the Phase II program
and the initial schematic plans in January. He also stated that at that
time they would hopefully know more about the site location and begin
laying the ground work for the next phase.
Hille stated he has talked with Kroeker regarding the program budget as
established and they have discussed how much money they should be trying
to allocate for site and utility costs.
Hille stated he has spoke to individuals from New Mexico, Arizona,
Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota regarding secure juvenile facilities
in connection with where they are at in the process and their budgets.
He indicated price per square foot range $180 to $200 and as low as $125
to $130.
Campbell stated when other facilities were built, such as the jail, they
had a team of individuals which met weekly to give brief updates once
construction actually began and suggested that the Attention Center come
before the County Board once or twice a month to work through unresolved
issues.
In response to a statement made by Heier, Hille said he has copies of
new plans which are built and one set of plans for for a facility which
is under construction in Indiana.
Heier stated he is concerned not by whether they need the facility, but
by what is done inside the facility. He stated he doesn't want to detain
juveniles for months and months.
Hille stated the plan for the new facility is based upon short term stay
and low numbers.
Heier commented that he would prefer that they seek resources available
in the State rather than the community.
Heier asked why assessments aren't conducted at the present time.
Michelle Schindler, Deputy Attention Center Director, stated that
probation uses the risk assessment for youths referred through Juvenile
Court. She stated there would have to be system changes or people
coming together to make decisions on detention.
Campbell agreed with Heier and stated that was an issue which was left
unresolved. She stated that the committee needs to be brought back
before the County Board to discuss the issue.
Heier also stated he would like to see someone from outside the system
conduct the assessment.
Campbell suggested holding the meetings on Tuesday for approximately two
hours in length with a set agenda.
Hille suggested that Heier be included when looking at possible sites.
Campbell asked if they could have their first work session regarding the
Attention Center on Tuesday, January 5, 1999 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to
discuss the site and assessment center.
Hille stated he would also like to give a briefing on the process of
design at that meeting.
Heier asked about the property east of Sutherlands.
Hille stated that property is owned by the State Corrections Department
and at the present point in time they are not interested in selling. He
stated they do have other land which has excellent potential.
7 CONFERENCE ON PLANNING OF NEW INSTITUTIONS FOR JUVENILES -
Michelle Schindler, Deputy Attention Center Director
Michelle Schindler, Deputy Attention Center Director, explained that
there is a conference scheduled in March regarding planning of new
juvenile institutions. She stated the cost is covered by the National
Institute of Corrections (NIC) with the exception of costs to and from
the airport.
Schindler suggested that a Commissioner or Dave Kroeker attend the
conference.
Kroeker commented that they would be better served by authorizing a
Commissioner to attend.
In response to a question asked by Campbell, Heier responded that he
would attend the conference.
Campbell stated that it would be helpful if Kerry Eagan, Chief
Administrative Officer, and Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille and Associates
Inc., also attend.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Heier seconded to authorize Dennis Banks,
Attention Center Director; Michelle Schindler, Deputy Attention
Center Director; Greg Pettibone, Facility Design Representative,
Project Manager; Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer;
Bernie Heier, Commissioner and Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille and
Associates Inc. to attend a conference in connection with
planning of new institutions for juveniles from Monday, March 8
through Friday, March 12, 1999. On call Campbell, Heier and
Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
8 PENDING LITIGATION - Mike Thew, Chief Deputy County Attorney
MOTION: At 10 a.m. Campbell moved and Heier seconded to enter into
executive session for the purpose of discussing pending
litigation. On call Heier, Campbell and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
MOTION: At 10:25 a.m. Campbell moved and Steinman seconded to exit
executive session. On call Campbell, Steinman and Heier voted
aye. Motion carried.
9 BENEFITS FOR UNREPRESENTED, UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES - John Cripe,
Classification and Pay Manager; Diane Staab, Deputy County
Attorney
Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney, stated she prepared two resolutions
regarding benefits. One for elected officials and the other would cover
Unrepresented/Unclassified employees, including Chief Deputies.
She explained that everyone would be eligible for health insurance,
deferred compensation and the County holidays, however, employees in the
elected officials and Unclassified categories would have access to health
insurance and the retirement plan upon their appointment.
Ron Todd, Personnel Director, stated that directors employed by the City
of Lincoln are fully vested from day one and asked if the County has
discussed that option for elected officials.
Staab stated she was not aware of her office reviewing the legalities of
that option.
Mike Thew, Chief Deputy County Attorney, stated at one time there were
provisions to keep the plan qualified for federal tax purposes. He
stated they have not reviewed recently the status of those stipulations
for Internal Revenue Service purposes.
The County Board requested that those provisions be reviewed.
Staab stated she could also inquire about vesting.
Staab proceeded and stated all employees would be automatically enrolled
in the following after a six month waiting period:
Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Long Term Disability (except for public safety personnel)
All employees, except for elected officials and bailiffs, would receive
and would be able to use upon appointment:
Vacation leave - as accrued
Sick leave - as accrued
Personal holidays (one every two months during first six months of
employment)
Funeral leave (bailiffs have also)
Campbell stated she felt that funeral leave should be omitted for
bailiffs.
Staab stated she added that newly appointed department heads would be
allowed to use up to 80 hours of vacation upon appointment, at the
Board's discretion.
In response to a question from Campbell, John Cripe, Classification and
Pay Manager, stated they have visited with the Sheriff and the Fraternal
Order of Police regarding the Post Employment Health Plan and at the
present time they are not interested in participating.
Terry Wagner, County Sheriff, addressed sick leave accrual in the
Sheriff's Office and asked if the captains would top out at a different
rate as a captain than they would as a sergeant.
Cripe stated there is approximately 100 hours difference. He explained
that there is a clause in the resolution that grandfathers an existing
benefit. Cripe explained if an individual were promoted to captain and
currently had 1900 hours of sick leave they would keep the 1900 hours
unless they used sick leave and fell below that level. If the
individual came in under 1800 hours and the cap was 1800, the individual
would continue earning hours until they capped out at 1800 hours.
Bill Jarrett, Chief Deputy Sheriff, asked if the same would apply to
vacation leave.
Cripe stated the carry over for vacation would not be different, however,
the accrual rates are different. He explained that if an individual were
earning at the 198 hour level as a deputy and then moved to a captain
they would retain the 198 hours. If an individual was earning 164 hours
and was promoted and then met the 20 years of employment they would then
be earning 184 hours.
In response to a question asked by Wagner, Cripe stated if the individual
was currently earning longevity pay they would continue to earn it upon
promotion.
Wagner asked if there was a way to segregate the captains.
Todd suggested giving them the 14 hours of vacation and 100 hours of
sick leave.
Thew suggested they review vacation and sick leave accrual for the
Sheriff's Office.
Thew then suggested that those individuals over the cap retain what they
have over the cap or receive a pay out and then begin earning and
accruing at the same rate as everyone else.
In response to a question from Steinman, Cripe stated they could take
the 14 hours of vacation leave for anyone over 20 years, place it in a
bank and then begin with the new accrual rate.
Cripe also stated longevity pay could be rolled over, at the current
rate of pay, into their salary.
Campbell suggested bringing the issue back to the County Board in one
month to allow the County Attorney's Office to speak with Public
Employees Benefit Services Corporation (PEBSCO) and review any legal
issues and to also allow Personnel to review people and numbers.
11 CONSENT ITEMS
12 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Discussion Regarding the County Board Adopting a Family for
the Holidays
It was the consensus of the County Board to adopt a family from Lincoln
Action Program and that the Adopt a Family office party will be on
Thursday, December 17, 1998.
13 PENDING
ADJOURNMENT
By direction of the Chair the meeting was adjourned.