Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
lancaster.ne.gov
STAFF MEETING AGENDA
LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1998 - 8:00 A.M.
COUNTY-CITY BUILDING - ROOM 113
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 10, 1998
2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3 8:00 am COMMISSIONER MEETING REPORTS (See Item #13)
4 8:30 am CITIZEN INFORMATION CENTER SERVICES - Bill Luxford, CIC
5 8:45 am PAVING AGREEMENTS WITH DEVELOPERS RELATING TO YANKEE
HILL ROAD BETWEEN 14TH STREET AND 27TH STREET - Don
Thomas, Lancaster County Engineer
6 9:15 am RESTORATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT - Larry Van Hunnik,
Lancaster Manor Administrator
7 9:30 am LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD OF CORRECTIONS QUARTERLY MEETING -
Mike Thurber, Corrections Director
8 10:00 am JURY COMMISSIONER - Patty Hansen, Election
Commissioner; Beth Tallon, Interim District Court Clerk;
Kelly Guenzel, District Court Clerk Elect
9 ACTION ITEMS
10 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Vacation Requests:
1. Kerry Eagan - Friday, January 8 and Monday,
January 11, 1999
2. Mike Thurber - Thursday, December 24, 1998
3. Larry Van Hunnik - Monday, December 28 through
Thursday, December 31, 1998 and Monday, January
11 and Tuesday, January 12, 1999
b. Microcomputer Request C#98336 for $1,096.24 from
Weed Control Budget for Inkjet Printer and Digital
Camera
11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Commissioner Meetings in January, February and
March, 1999
b. Request from Alanon to Use Trabert Hall
12 PENDING
13 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board - Heier
b. Government Access & Information Committee - Steinman
14 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Thursday, December
17, 1998 at 1:00 p.m., at the County-City Building,
Room 106 - Hudkins
15 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
16 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
17 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
18 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 5, 1999
19 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES
LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY-CITY BUILDING
MEETING ROOM #113
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1998
8 A.M.
Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair
Kathy Campbell
Larry Hudkins
Bernie Heier
Commissioners Absent: 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 MEETING OF
DECEMBER 10, 1998
MOTION: Campbell moved and Heier seconded approval of the minutes. On
call Campbell, Heier, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion
carried.
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Stevens Creek Land Use
b. Application for Community Technology Grant for Video
Streaming of Public Meetings via the Internet
c. Mid-Year Budget Review Letter
d. Recognition of Steve Svoboda, County Commissioner, at the
Tuesday, January 5th County Board of Commissioners Meeting
MOTION: Campbell moved and Heier seconded to approve the additions to
the agenda. On call Campbell, Heier, Hudkins and Steinman voted
aye. Motion carried.
3 COMMISSIONER MEETING REPORTS - (See Item 11)
a. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board - Heier
Heier reported that items of discussion included:
Swimming pool rates
Suggestion to open Woods Swimming Pool one month earlier for club members
Fencing around the Highlands Golf Course
Renovation of the "F" Street Recreation Center
b. Government Access & Information Committee - Steinman
Steinman reported that discussion focused on the following:
Migration of Register of Deeds' records to the mainframe
Need for "Web Assistants" in City and County departments to keep Internet
information current and relevant
Development of an interlocal agreement between the City and County
defining projects the Government Access & Information Committee is
responsible for
Proposal to seek a Community Technology Grant for video streaming of
public meetings via the Internet
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Stevens Creek Land Use
Heier suggested formation of a committee to research and make
recommendations on land use in the Stevens Creek area.
Campbell noted that the Commons had requested the Planning Department
to prepare a Subarea Plan for Stevens Creek and suggested that a formal
report be requested. She suggested that the Planning Department be
requested to provide staff support and materials to the committee.
Campbell also requested that discussion of land use issues be scheduled
with Planning Department staff at the Mid Year Budget Review.
4 CITIZENS INFORMATION CENTER SERVICES - Bill Luxford, Citizens
Information Center Services; Terry Lowe, InterLinc Project
Manager
Bill Luxford, Citizens Information Center Services (CICS), stated that
CICS has programming tools to assist government agencies in educating the
public on important issues. He noted timely topics may include:
Beltway Corridor Selection
Wilderness Park
Stevens Creek
Antelope Valley Major Improvement Study
Year 2000 Project
Luxford suggested that Commons and Super Commons meetings, structured
work sessions and town hall meetings also be televised.
Property valuation protest procedures and Emergency Services training
were also suggested as suitable topics.
In response to a question from Steinman, Luxford stated that access to
the programming would currently be limited to Cablevision subscribers.
He noted that changes in cable franchise agreements and additional fiber
optic infrastructure could extend that coverage in the future.
Eagan suggested that representatives of the City, County, and village
governments, University of Nebraska, Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) and
Lincoln Electric System (LES) hold a summit to discuss telecommunications
infrastructure.
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Heier seconded to authorize the County Board
to send a letter to Mayor Dale Young, outlining the thought
process that the County Board would like to see employed in any
future cable franchise agreements, with copies to members of the
City Council.
Eagan suggested that a copy of the article, Telecommunication Strategies
for Local Governments, published by the International City/County
Management Association, be attached to the letter.
The Board concurred with Eagan's suggestion.
ON CALL: Hudkins, Heier, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion
carried.
The Board requested Luxford to work with Eagan and Dave Kroeker, Budget
& Fiscal Officer, to determine the fiscal impact of programming.
Campbell also requested that the Board explore purchasing programming
time with CICS for pro-active efforts, such as press conferences.
Terry Lowe, InterLinc Project Manager, explained that video of public
meetings could be made accessible to the public on the Internet through
Project InterLinc infrastructure. He explained there is also potential
for virtual training and interactive capabilities.
Lowe requested the Board's authorization to apply for a Community
Technology Grant from the State of Nebraska Information Technology
Commission for funding of the video streaming project (Exhibit A). He
noted that a 25% match, which Information Services has indicated it will
provide through hardware equipment, and a 25% cash match will be required.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to authorize the Chair to
sign a letter supporting application of a Community Technology
Grant from the State of Nebraska Information Technology
Commission for funding of the video streaming project. On call
Campbell, Hudkins, Heier and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
5 PAVING AGREEMENTS WITH DEVELOPERS RELATING TO YANKEE HILL ROAD
BETWEEN 14TH STREET AND 27TH STREET - Don Thomas, County Engineer
Don Thomas, County Engineer, reported that his department has been
involved in discussions with the Public Works Department and the
developer on the south side of Yankee Hill Road between 14th Street and
17th Street regarding grading of the road that will meet urban standards.
He indicated that his department has agreed to build the developer's half
of the road wide enough to accept a future four-lane roadway, while
retaining a rural appearance with a ditch. The developer has agreed to
retain sufficient dirt to fill in that ditch once the City is ready to
change it to a concrete curb and gutter section. Each subsequent
developer will be responsible for extending their grading and culvert
sections.
Thomas indicated that his department will continue to coordinate with the
City to establish grade lines that can be modified to meet urban
standards, whenever possible. Existing roads will also be reviewed to
see if they can be modified to grade line prior to paving.
In response to a question from Steinman, Thomas stated that he does not
anticipate a significant fiscal impact to the County, as his department
will not be acquiring excess right-of-way property in anticipation of
development by the City.
Thomas noted that an amendment to the agreement signed in May will be
necessary, as paving will be extended three feet on each side of Yankee
Hill Road.
6 RESTORATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT - Larry Van Hunnik, Lancaster Manor
Administrator
Larry Van Hunnik, Lancaster Manor Administrator, reported that Rehab
Visions will be terminating their rehabilitative services agreement with
the County, effective December 31st, 1998, due to reimbursement issues.
Van Hunnik indicated that Lancaster Manor is prepared to offer the
contract to Ambassador Home Care. However, due to the holiday meeting
schedule, the earliest opportunity for the Board to vote on the contract
would be at the January 5th County Board of Commissioners meeting.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Heier seconded to authorize Ambassador Home
Care to occupy space in the Lancaster Manor facility, prior to
execution of a contract with them for the provision of
rehabilitative services, noting that it is the County's intent
to enter into such an agreement with Ambassador Home Care. On
call Campbell, Heier, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion
carried.
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
c. Mid-Year Budget Review Letter
Eagan distributed copies of a letter prepared for distribution to County
departments requesting that budgetary information be submitted prior to
the County Board's Mid-Year Budget Review, which is scheduled for
February 4, 1999 (Exhibit B).
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval of the letter and
directed that it be sent to all County departments. On call
Hudkins, Campbell, Heier and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
d. Recognition of Steve Svoboda, County Commissioner, at the
Tuesday, January 5th County Board of Commissioners Meeting
The Board briefly discussed presentation of a wall plaque, honoring Steve
Svoboda's years of public service at the January 5th County Board of
Commissioners meeting, which will be the conclusion of his term of office.
Eagan agreed to contact Svoboda to confirm his attendance at the meeting.
7 LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD OF CORRECTIONS QUARTERLY MEETING - Mike
Thurber, Corrections Director
(Separate Minutes)
8 JURY COMMISSIONER - Patty Hansen, Election Commissioner;
Beth Tallon, District Court Clerk; Kelly Guenzel, District Court
Clerk Elect; Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney; Dave Kroeker,
Budget & Fiscal Officer
Eagan reported that the Nebraska Revised Statutes require the Election
Commissioner to serve as Jury Commissioner in counties with population
in excess of 200,000. A Deputy Jury Commissioner must also be appointed,
in concurrence with the District Court Judges. He noted that a judicial
order, directing the District Court Clerk to provide the services of
Jury Commissioner, has been in effect to this point, although all parties
have agreed that the Patty Hansen, Election Commissioner, will assume
these duties, as of January 7th, 1999.
Beth Tallon, District Court Clerk, reported that the person currently
performing these duties in the District Court Clerk's is reluctant to
accept the position of Deputy Jury Commissioner, if it would necessitate
moving out of the classified personnel service.
Eagan noted that a legal opinion from the County Attorney will be needed
to determine whether the Deputy Jury Commissioner must serve at the
pleasure of the Jury Commissioner or can retain classified employee
status.
Doug Cyr, Deputy County Attorney, indicated that a response to an opinion
request may be delayed, due to his office's current workload and the
holidays.
Eagan suggested that the Deputy Election Commissioner, serve as Deputy
Jury Commissioner, and that a job classification be created for a
position to perform the back-up jury related work. He noted that a job
description for this position would need to be developed with the
Personnel Department, approved by the Personnel Policy Board and the
job opening posted. However, time constraints would prevent all of this
from being accomplished by the target date of January 7th.
Cyr indicated that the judicial order directing the District Court Clerk
to provide the services of Jury Commissioner will remain in effect until
modified by the Court.
Kelly Guenzel, District Court Clerk Elect, noted concern that a critical
vacancy will occur in the District Court Clerk's Office, should the
person currently performing jury related duties transfer to the Election
Commissioner's Office.
Tallon indicated that an additional full-time employee is needed in the
District Court Clerk's Office to meet workload requirements, regardless
of whether a transfer is effected.
The Board requested the following:
* A request for a written legal opinion on the issue of whether the
Deputy Jury Commissioner will serve as an "at will" employee or can
retain classified employee status be submitted to the County
Attorney's Office
* The Election Commissioner and District Court Clerk make interim
arrangements for jury related duties until the issue is resolved
* The Election Commissioner and District Court Clerk develop a
written proposal for the transfer of jury related duties to the
Election Commissioner's Office
* The District Court Clerk develop a job description for the requested
additional full-time position in that office
9 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Vacation Requests
1. Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer - Friday,
January 8 and Monday, January 11, 1999
2. Mike Thurber, Corrections Director - Thursday, December
24, 1998
3. Larry Van Hunnik, Lancaster Manor Administrator - Monday,
December 28 through Thursday, December 31, 1998 and
Monday, January 11 and Tuesday, January 12, 1999
b. Microcomputer Request, C#98336, for $1,096.24 from Noxious
Weed Control Authority Budget for an Inkjet Printer and
Digital Camera
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval of the Consent
Items. On call Campbell, Hudkins, Heier and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
10 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Review County Commissioner Meeting Schedule for January,
February and March, 1999
Board members indicated the following absences:
January, 1999
Heier January 8th - 24th
Steinman January 20th - 24th
Campbell January 23rd - 30th
February, 1999
Heier February 8th - 10th
Hudkins February 9th - 12th
Campbell February 11th - 22nd
Steinman February 25th
March, 1999
Hudkins March 4th
March 24th - 25th
Heier March 8th - 12th
Campbell March 11th - 18th
Steinman indicated that she will also be absent sometime in March,
although she is unsure of the dates.
The Board agreed to review March absences after the first of the year.
b. Request from Alanon, Alateen and AA Groups to Hold Weekly
Meetings in Trabert Hall
Eagan reported that Don Killeen, County Property Manager, has some
liability concerns regarding the request.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to direct that Kerry Eagan,
Chief Administrative Officer, and Don Killeen, County Property
Manager, review the request, and if they are satisfied that
concerns have been addressed, to grant the request on a six
month trial basis. On call Campbell, Hudkins, Heier and Steinman
voted aye. Motion carried.
2 ADDITION TO THE AGENDA
e. Discussion of a Communication Received from Jeff Fortenberry,
City Council, Regarding Wilderness Park
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval of the addition
to the agenda. On call Campbell, Hudkins, Heier and Steinman
voted aye. Motion carried.
2 ADDITION TO THE AGENDA
e. Discussion of a Communication Received from Jeff Fortenberry,
City Council, Regarding Wilderness Park
Steinman reported that Jeff Fortenberry, City Council, has suggested that
the Nebraska Legislature be approached about a State takeover of
Wilderness Park. She indicated that it is Fortenberry's belief that the
State would have more funds available to expand the park to the south.
Board members indicated that they would support City and County
representatives initiating discussion of the issue with the Nebraska Game
and Parks Commission, but would oppose any lobbying of the Nebraska
Legislature to appropriate funds to purchase Wilderness Park, as such
action could jeopardize other appropriation efforts.
11 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board - Heier
b. Government Access & Information Committee - Steinman
These items were moved forward on the agenda.
12 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Thursday, December 17, 1998
at 1 p.m., at the County-City Building, Room 106 - Hudkins
13 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
14 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
15 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
16 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 5, 1999
17 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
18 ADJOURNMENT
By direction of the Chair, the meeting was adjourned.