Board of Commissioners
Agenda
STAFF MEETING AGENDA
Lancaster County Board of Commissioners
New County-City Building
Meeting Room #113 - Adjacent to Council Chambers
Thursday, March 19, 1998
8:30 a.m.
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 10, 1998
2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3 8:30am LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Gordon Kissel, Legislative Consultant
4 9:00am VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT GRANT APPLICATION
Terry Wagner, County Sheriff
Bill Jarrett, Chief Deputy County Sheriff
5 9:15am SPECIAL PERMIT NO. 165 FOR MINING AND EXCAVATING AT 96TH &
OLIVE CREEK ROAD - Mike DeKalb, Planning Department
6 9:30am INTRODUCTION OF BRIAN HENSLEY, NEW DEPUTY ELECTION
COMMISSIONER - Patty Hansen, Election Commissioner
7 ACTION ITEMS
a. Computer Requests:
1. From Public Defender, C#98077 for $512.46 from Public
Defender's Budget for Used 486 and Software
2. From District Court Probation, C#98073 for $1,440.93 from
Microcomputer Fund for InkJet Printer, Monitor, Keyboard,
and Software
3. From District Court, C#98074 for $4,551.62 from Micro-
computer Fund for 3 Compaq Deskpros, 3 Monitors and
Software
4. From District Court Probation, C#97355 for $709.00 from
Microcomputer Fund for Used 486 with Monitor
8 CONSENT ITEMS
9 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. District Court Runner
b. Participation of Lancaster Manor in the Intergovernmental
Transfer Plan
c. Amendment of General Assistance Plan to Include a Definition
of Medical Necessity
d. Review of Juvenile Justice System Needs Assessment with
City Counsel
e. Take Your Daughter to Work Day
10 PENDING
a. Request from Nemaha NRD to Pay 1/3 of Fee for Request to
Revise Flood Map (County Share $1,100)
11 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Master Plan Steering Committee -Hudkins
b. GIS Software Requirement - Steinman
c. Special Board of Health - Hudkins
d. Board of Health - Hudkins
e. Ecological Advisory Committee - Tussing
f. Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development - Steinman
g. RTSD - Steinman, Svoboda, Tussing
h. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman
i. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins
j. Civil Defense Advisory Committee - Svoboda
k. Visitors Promotion Committee - Steinman
l. GA Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Tussing
m. GAIC - Steinman
12 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Management Team - Thursday, March 19, 1998, at 7:30 a.m.,
at the County-City Building, Room #113 - All Commissioners
b. Local Emergency Planning Committee - Thursday, March 19,
1998, at 1:30 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center
Operations Room #046 - Hudkins
c. City-County Common - Friday, March 27, 1998, at 8:00 a.m.,
at the Cornhusker Hotel, Yankee Hill III Room - All
Commissioners
13 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Pioneer Overhead Door Open House - Friday, March 27, 1998,
at 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at 2300 S. 7th Street
b. U.S. Bank Unveiling - Monday, March 30, 1998, at 4:30 p.m.,
at 13th & "M" Street, Lobby
14 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
15 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
16 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 24, 1998
17 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES
Lancaster County Board of Commissioners
County-City Building
Meeting Room #113
Thursday, March 19, 1998
8:30 a.m.
Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair
Kathy Campbell
Steve Svoboda
Commissioners Absent: Darlene Tussing
Larry Hudkins
Others Present: Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer
Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney
Ann Taylor, County Clerk's Office
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING OF
MARCH 10, 1998, A.M. SESSION
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval. On call Campbell,
Svoboda and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Walk-in Traffic in County Commissioners' Office
b. Rural Road Improvements
c. Report on Consortium for Planning and Advocacy - Campbell
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval of the additions to the
agenda. On call Campbell, Svoboda and Steinman voted aye. Motion
carried.
3 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Gordon Kissel, Legislative Consultant
Gordon Kissel, Legislative Consultant, briefly reviewed his
legislative update (Exhibit A), noting that LB 1136, which
creates the County Property Tax Relief Fund, was merged with
LB 695, which changes provisions for the custody and maintenance
of prisoners by counties. He estimated the combined aid to
counties from the two bills, if passed, at 12.3 million dollars.
This amount, when combined with the 9.7 million dollars in aid to
educational service units, exceeds the 20 million dollars in aid
established for political subdivisions in LB 180 last year, by 2
million dollars.
Kissel predicted a veto override by the Legislature if the
Governor proceeds with plans to include all aid to political
subdivisions in that 20 million dollar total, including LB 1229,
which provides funds for accelerated or differentiated curriculum
programs in school districts.
Kissel also reported that friction has developed between
supporters of LB 695 and LB 512, which changes placement and
transportation cost provisions and limits the responsiblity of
counties for post adjudication boarding costs, relating to
juveniles, with a probable veto by the Governor of one of
the bills. He noted that Douglas County is lobbying heavily
for passage of LB 512.
In response to a question from Campbell, Dave Kroeker, Budget &
Fiscal Officer, stated that it appears that the County would
receive more State aid if LB 695 were passed.
Mike Thurber, Corrections Director, noted that the fiscal
estimate for LB 695 may be conservative, since it is difficult to
predict the numbers that will be placed on probation. He also
noted that the number of State prisoners increases each year,
which could also have a significant impact.
Campbell suggested that unless the desired language is included
in LB 512, it may be to Lancaster County's advantage to hold the
bill and reintroduce it under a different Governor.
Eagan noted concern that the current language in LB 512 broadens
the County's responsibility for juvenile boarding costs.
Kissel also reported that:
An amendment was filed to LB 1041, which changes children-related
provisions and conforms State law to the federal
Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, addressing the issue
of costs to counties for the services of Public Defenders
The uniform tax provision was removed from LR45CA, a
Constitutional Amendment relating to motor vehicle taxes,
municipal tax rates, governmental property taxation and
townships.
4 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT GRANT APPLICATION -
Terry Wagner, County Sheriff; Bill Jarrett, Chief
Deputy County Sheriff
Bill Jarrett, Chief Deputy County Sheriff, reported that the
Sheriff's office has applied for a Violence Against Women Act
(VAWA) grant which will fund 65% of the personnel costs for a
domestic violence investigator (Exhibit B). He stated that, if
the grant is received, the County will be required to provide
matching funds in the amount of $12,873 for the new full-time
employee (FTE) position. Jarrett also noted that the County can
reapply for supplemental funding of the position for the
remaining three years of the grant.
Campbell remarked that this position will allow the Sheriff's
Department to place a major emphasis on response to domestic
violence issues in the rural areas and the villages and towns of
Lancaster County.
In response to a question from Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal
Officer, Jarrett stated that the County would not be required to
retain the position in the budget once the grant expires.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded to concur with the
recommendation of the County Sheriff to apply for the Violence
Against Women Act grant, and to pledge the necessary match funds
from the County. On call Campbell, Svoboda and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Walk-in Traffic in County Commissioners' Office
The Board directed Eagan to send a letter from the County Board
to the Public Building Commission stating the need for additional
signage and requesting that the Information Desk remain staffed
during business hours.
b. Rural Road Improvements
Campbell suggested that citizens directly involved in the
petitioning process be precluded from serving on the Task Force
for Rural Road Improvements.
Campbell agreed to meet with Mike DeKalb, Planning Department;
Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney; and Don Thomas, County
Engineer; to develop a format for the Task Force and make
recommendations to the Board on representation.
c. Report on Consortium for Planning and Advocacy - Campbell
Campbell reported that the City and County have been requested to
join United Way in contributing funds for support of the Youth
Advisory Council. She noted that the Consortium for Planning and
Advocacy had estimated that approximately $140,000 in funds were
needed.
5 SPECIAL PERMIT NO. 165 FOR MINING AND EXCAVATION OF SOIL AT
96TH & OLIVE CREEK ROAD -
Mike DeKalb, Planning Department
Mike DeKalb, Planning Department, briefly reviewed the request by
D. Todd Boellstorff for a County Special Permit to mine and
excavate soil at a location north and west of S 96th
Street and Olive Creek Road (Exhibit C). He noted that the
applicant will be redistributing the top soil at the site upon
conclusion of the extraction process.
DeKalb stated that the applicant has agreed to all of the
conditions, which include:
Contributing to the cost of rock for Olive Creek Road
Contacting the Corp of Engineers to determine whether a
"404" permit is needed, due to its proximity to wetlands
The Board requested DeKalb to appear at the Thursday, April
2nd County Board of Commissioners meeting to discuss
issues related to the request from Harry Muhlbach, for a Change
of Zone from Ag Agricultural to AGR Agricultural Residential, on
property located west of North 56th Street (Highway 77)
between Mill Road and Raymond Road.
6 INTRODUCTION OF BRIAN HENSLEY, NEW DEPUTY ELECTION
COMMISSIONER - Patty Hansen, Election Commissioner
Patty Hansen, Election Commissioner, introduced Brian Hensley,
the new Deputy Election Commissioner.
Brian Hensley, Deputy Election Commissioner, gave a brief
description of his background, which he stated included an
internship in the Election Commissioner's Office establishing
voter registration sites.
Eagan reported that Norm Agena, County Assessor, had just
informed him that an amendment to LB 1142, which establishes a
limit on real property tax valuation increases, is being proposed
which will require the County to pay property tax refunds.
The Board directed Eagan to contact Gordon Kissel, Legislative
Consultant, and request that he contact Jack Mills, Nebraska
Association of County Officials (NACO) Executive Director,
regarding the bill.
7 ACTION ITEMS
a. Computer Requests
1. Public Defender, C#98077 for $512.46 from Public
Defender's Budget for Used 486 and Software
2. District Court Probation, C#98073 for $1,440.93 from
Microcomputer Fund for InkJet Printer, Monitor,
Keyboard and Software
3. District Court, C#98074 for $4,551.62 from
Microcomputer Fund for 3 Compaq Deskpros, 3
Monitors and Software
4. District Court Probation, C#97355 for &709.00
from Microcomputer Fund for Used 486 with Monitor
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded approval of Items 1, 3 and 4.
On call Campbell, Svoboda and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Svoboda seconded to deny Item 2, and directed
Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer, to send a letter to
District Court Probation notifying them of the County Board's
action and outlining the Microcomputer Fund request process. On
call Campbell, Svoboda and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
Eagan agreed to contact Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille & Associates
Inc., and request that the Technology Committee be reconvened to
discuss issues related to courtroom technology.
8 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. District Court Runner
The Board directed Eagan to request Don Killeen, County Property
Manager, to appear at the Thursday, March 26th County Board of
Commissioners meeting to discuss options for a District Court runner.
b. Participation of Lancaster Manor in the
Intergovernmental Transfer Plan
The Board requested that this item be placed on the agenda for
the Tuesday, March 24th County Board of Commissioners meeting.
c. Amendment of General Assistance Plan to Include a
Definition of Medical Necessity
Eagan reported that standards had been developed to define a
medical necessity in terms of treatment of non-life threatening
cases under the General Assistance Plan.
Eagan noted that a public hearing is required to make the
amendment to the General Assistance Plan.
d. Review of Juvenile Justice System Needs Assessment
with City Council
Eagan reported that Dennis Banks, Attention Center Director, had
suggested that Karen Chinn, Chinn Planning Inc., brief members of
the City Council on her recommendations with regards to the
Lancaster County Comprehensive Juvenile Justice System Study on
March 30th at the Pre-Council meeting. He encouraged
members of the Board to attend the meeting to hear the City
Council's comments.
The Board requested that Mayor Johanns and members of the City
Council be provided copies of the final report on the Lancaster
County Comprehensive Juvenile Justice System Study prior to the
meeting on March 30th.
e. Take Our Daughters to Work Day
The Board agreed to send a memorandum to the Elected Officials
encouraging participation in "Take Our Daughters to Work Day"
scheduled for April 23rd, where appropriate, noting that
anyone interested in coordinating activities for girls in
attendance is encouraged to do so.
9 PENDING
a. Request from Nemaha Natural Resources District
(NRD) to Pay 1/3 of Fee for Request to Revise
Flood Map (County Share $1,100)
Eagan recommended denial of the request due to its precedent
setting nature and the double taxation of individuals living
within the Nemaha Natural Resources District. He also noted that
there are indications that the fee may be waived for political
subdivisions.
The Board concurred with Eagan's recommendation and directed him
to notify the Nemaha Natural Resources District.
10 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
b. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins
No report was given.
c. Geographic Information System Software Requirement - Steinman
Report was previously given by Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer.
d. Special Board of Health - Hudkins
No report was given.
e. Board of Health - Hudkins
No report was given.
f. Ecological Advisory Committee - Tussing
No report was given.
g. Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development - Steinman
Steinman reported that a workshop on recruitment, hiring and
retention of employees will be held at the Strategic Air Command
base in Bellevue, Nebraska on March 25th.
The Board suggested that Pat Kant, Personnel Coordinator, attend
the workshop on the County's behalf.
Steinman also reported that the Planning Department received a
positive rating in a Gallup survey of users.
h. Railroad Transportation Safety District -
Steinman, Svoboda, Tussing
Steinman reported that additional funding in the amount of 1.8
million dollars is needed for the "X" Street railroad crossing
abandonment project. She stated that the additional funding
responsibility will be divided as follows:
$ 200,000 University of Nebraska
$ 600,000 Railroads
$1,000,000 Railroad Transportation Safety District
i. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman
Report was given at the March 10th County Board of Commissioners meeting.
j. Public Building Commission - Campbell, Hudkins
Campbell reported that a bill for building furnishings in the
amount of $419,000 has been submitted to the County.
Campbell reported that the County Attorney has requested
additional space in the new Hall of Justice and Law Enforcement
Center and was referred to the architect.
Campbell also reported that the County Sheriff and the Lincoln
Police Department have expressed interest in utilizing space in
the "K" Street Building for evidence storage.
k. Civil Defense Advisory Committee - Svoboda
Svoboda reported that Civil Defense has acquired 16 new radios
for volunteers.
Svoboda also reported that occupants of the new County-City
Building will be required to exit the building through the
basement area and seek shelter in the hallway outside the
Emergency Services Center, in the old County-City Building,
during tornado emergencies. He stated that evacuation is
necessary because the new building was not planned to meet
disaster needs.
l. Visitors Promotion Committee - Steinman
Steinman reported that all of the bills related to the 1997 High
School Football Championships have been paid. As a result, the
Contingency Fund has been depleted, with no funds remaining for
new requests.
Steinman reported that the Visitors Promotion Committee (VPC)
will be reviewing criteria in the Financial Assistance Guidelines
and will be meeting quarterly to make recommendations on grant
requests. She noted that Michael Carpenter, Lincoln Convention &
Visitors Bureau Director, had requested that his staff be allowed
to make the recommendations on grant approval, but that the VPC
denied his request.
m. General Assistance Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Tussing
Campbell reported that Information Services has completed the
database, but needs the Department of Health and Human Services
to clarify information on prior records.
n. Government Access Information Committee - Steinman
Steinman reported that LB 924, which creates the Nebraska Information
Technology Commission, and remote site usage were discussed.
11 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Management Team - Thursday, March 19, 1998, at 7:30 a.m., at
the County-City Building, Room #113 - All Commissioners
b. Local Emergency Planning Committee - Thursday, March 19, 1998
at 1:30 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, Operations
Room #046 - Hudkins
c. City-County Common - Friday, March 27, 1998, at 8 a.m., at
the Cornhusker Hotel, Yankee Hill Room - All Commissioners
12 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Pioneer Overhead Door Open House - Friday, March 27, 1998, at
4 to 7 p.m., at 2300 S 7th Street
b. U.S. Bank Unveiling - Monday, March 30, 1998, at 4:30 p.m.,
at 13th & "M" Street, Lobby
13 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
14 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
15 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 24, 1998
16 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
17 ADJOURNMENT
By direction of the Chair, the meeting was adjourned.
_________________________
Kandra Hahn
Lancaster County Clerk
Board of Commissioners