Board of Commissioners
Staff Meeting Agenda
STAFF MEETING AGENDA
Lancaster County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, June 25, 1998 - 8:00 a.m.
County-City Building - Meeting Room #113
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 1998 AND
DEPARTMENT BUDGET HEARINGS OF JUNE 16, 1998
2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3 8:00am COMMISSIONER MEETING REPORTS
See Item #14
4 8:30am BUDGET WORKING SESSION
Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer
5 9:00am AUDUBON PRAIRIE EDUCATION CENTER
David Sands, Audubon Nebraska Executive Director
6 9:30am STREET & ALLEY VACATION NO. 98009, VACATION OF NW CORNER
OF 70TH STREET AND HIGHWAY 2
Mike DeKalb, Planning Department
7 9:45am RUNNER SERVICES; CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS WITH KJ EXPRESS
Brian Pillard, Records & Information Manager
8 10:00am ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS FOR DONNA MCCOY AND HELPING
HANDS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Troy Gagner, Economic Development Coordinator
9 10:30am CONSORTIUM CONTRACT
Kit Boesch, Human Services Director
10 ACTION ITEMS
11 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Bond Cancellation for Marjorie Hart
12 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Purchase of Computer for Beth Tallon, C#98169, for
$1,452.31 from Microcomputer FY 99 Budget
b. Cemetery Plot Donations
13 PENDING
14 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Justice Building Meetings - Steinman
b. Juvenile Justice Task Force - Steinman
c. Information Services Policy Committee - Steinman
d. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman
e. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins
f. Railroad Transportation Safety District - Steinman,
Svoboda, Tussing
g. Budget Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Tussing
h. Growth at the Fringe - Campbell
15 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Chamber Agricultural Committee - Thursday, June 25, 1998,
at 12:00 p.m., at NBC, 1248 "O" Street - Hudkins
b. City-County Common - Friday, June 26, 1998, at 8:00 a.m.,
at the County-City Building, Room #113 - All Commissioners
c. Security Subcommittee - Tuesday, June 30, 1998, at 4:30 p.m.,
at the County-City Building, Room #113 - Steinman
16 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
17 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
18 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
19 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 30, 1998
20 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES
Lancaster County Board of Commissioners
County-City Building
Meeting Room #113
Thursday, June 25, 1998
8 a.m.
Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair
Kathy Campbell
Larry Hudkins
Darlene Tussing
Commissioners Absent: Steve Svoboda
Others Present: Kerry Eagan, Chief Administrative Officer
Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer
Ann Taylor, County Clerk's Office
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
OF JUNE 18, 1998 AND DEPARTMENT BUDGET HEARINGS OF JUNE 16, 1998.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded approval of the minutes of the
County Board of Commissioners meeting of June 18, 1998 and
Department Budget Hearings of June 16, 1998. On call Campbell,
Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Sale of Real Property - Executive Session
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded approval of the addition to
the agenda. On call Campbell, Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted
aye. Motion carried.
3 COMMISSIONERS MEETING REPORTS (See Item 12)
a. Justice Building Meetings - Steinman, Campbell
Technology Committee
Steinman reported that discussion focused on whether to hire a technology
consultant for the Hall of Justice and Law Enforcement Center. JoAnne
Kissel, Sinclair Hille & Associates Inc., suggested that Lane Bakke, EDTECH
Inc., attend the Technology Committee meetings and offer his expertise on
technology issues, at a rate of $1,000 per meeting.
The Board noted concern with regards to Bakke's fee and suggested that the
Technology Committee seek the advise of Steve Flanders, Project Manager, and
Don Killeen, County Property Manager.
Operations Committee
Campbell reported that security issues, such as courtroom security, employee
access, and mail/package deliveries were discussed.
Campbell also noted that the District Court Judges are considering adopting
a "Country Docket". She noted this could increase technological costs
substantially.
4 BUDGET WORKING SESSION - Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer;
John Colborn, Chief Deputy County Attorney;
Linda Porter, Deputy County Attorney in the Juvenile Division
County Attorney
Steinman noted that the Board has received conflicting reports on
the number of termination of parental rights filings that are
anticipated in Fiscal Year 1998-99 as a result of the passage of
LB 1041, which changes children-related provisions and conforms
state law to the Federal Adoption & Safe Families Act of 1997.
Linda Porter, Deputy County Attorney in the Juvenile Division,
explained that a permanency hearing is held once the child has
lived outside the home for more than 12 months. A hearing on
whether termination of parental rights should be filed is held
once out-of-home placement exceeds 15 months.
Porter estimated that at least half of the out-of-home placements
in Lancaster County involve adolescents. She said that
termination of parental rights filings will only occur in a
limited number of those cases.
In response to a question from Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal
Officer, Porter reported that there are 540 pending abuse and
neglect cases in Lancaster County, some of which involve multiple
filings. The County Attorney has filed for termination of
parental rights in 15 of those cases, with an additional 25-30
filings anticipated in the next year. Porter noted that there
may be additional termination of parental rights cases, in which
filings are not necessary, because abuse and neglect has already
been established.
Porter estimated that Legal Services of Southeast Nebraska would
be providing representation in one half to two thirds of the
termination of parental rights cases, either in a guardian ad
litem basis or as attorney for the parents.
In response to a question from Kroeker, Porter estimated that
there are 200 out-of-home placements in Lancaster County in which
permanency hearings will need to be held. She estimated that
only 100 hearings will be held, as a significant number will
involve families with more than one child in out-of-home
placement.
Steinman asked Porter to explain why there has been such a
significant increase in the number of criminal filings.
Porter responded that there are currently only two options
available to juvenile offenders:
Proceed to Court
Enter the Diversion Program
Porter remarked that, in the past, youth with minor offenses were
referred to the Lincoln Police Department's Youth Aid Program.
She stated that elimination of that program for youth 12 and over
has limited the number of options available.
In response to a question from Campbell, Porter explained that
the County Attorney refers all diversion eligible cases to Cedars
Youth Services, administrator of the Diversion Program. Cedars
Youth Services then sends a letter to the juvenile and his
parents, apprising them of the Diversion Program option. If a
response is not received within two weeks the County Attorney
proceeds with the court filing. She stated that counsel is
frequently appointed at the time of hearing, and they often
advise the youth to enter the Diversion Program.
In response to a question from Steinman, Porter stated that the
$65 fee for participation in the Diversion Program and the strict
requirements of the program may serve as a deterrent to initial
acceptance of that option.
Porter also noted that the Juvenile Court Judges appoint counsel
without verification of indegency.
Steinman asked for suggestions on how to develop an alternative
to formal diversion, such as that previously supplied by the
Lincoln Police Department's Youth Aid Program.
John Colborn, Chief Deputy County Attorney, suggested that a
position be included in the contract with Cedars Youth Services
to screen cases, assess whether formal or informal diversion is
appropriate, and to lecture and impose sanctions on youth with
minor infractions.
Brief discussion took place on how to reduce the number of
attorney appointments, with a suggestion from Porter that the
Juvenile Court Judges consider group adjudication in diversion
eligible cases to determine whether any of the youth desire
placement in the Diversion Program before making attorney
appointments.
Steinman requested the County Attorney's Office to schedule a
meeting with Jim Blue, Cedars Youth Services Executive Director,
representatives of the Lincoln Police Department and herself to
assess the success of the Diversion Program and discuss how to
screen cases to assess whether diversion or court intervention is
needed.
Rural Contract
Kroeker distributed a memo from Judy Adams, Lincoln Action
Program Rural Outreach Coordinator, which indicates a 3% increase
in the amount of the Lancaster County Rural Development Grant
(Exhibit A).
Board consensus to delay consideration of this item.
Campbell requested Kroeker to research the amount spent on the
Rural Contract for the past five years for the Board's
consideration.
County Assessor
Kroeker reported that Robin Hendricksen, Chief Administrative
Deputy Assessor, has requested that the Board reconsider the
amount of funds budgeted for education and training expenses in
the County Assessor's office, as additional training hours are
required.
The Board indicated that they will continue to monitor their
budget and will review any shortfalls during the Mid-Year Budget
Review.
5 AUDUBON PRAIRIE EDUCATION CENTER
David Sands, Audubon Nebraska Executive Director
David Sands, Audubon Nebraska Executive Director, presented
A Conceptual Proposal for the Audubon Spring Creek Prairie
(Exhibit B), which details plans by the Audubon Nebraska to
develop a prairie education and research center on the O'Brien
Ranch property near Denton, Nebraska.
Sands presented a slide show of the O'Brien Ranch, noting that
the property contains a diverse habitat, which includes 500 acres
of contiguous tallgrass prairie, springs, wetlands, woodlands and
ponds. He also reported that gullies formed by wagon wheels
along the Oregon Trail are clearly visible on the property.
Sands reported that Audubon Nebraska acquired the property
through bank financing, but will seek funds from the Nebraska
Environmental Trust to retire that loan. He also indicated that
funds in the amount of two to three million dollars will need to
be raised for the construction of the prairie education and
research center.
In response to a request from Sands, the Board agreed to pass a
resolution of support for the project.
6 STREET & ALLEY VACATION NO. 98009, VACATION OF NW CORNER OF
70TH STREET AND HIGHWAY 2 -
Mike DeKalb, Planning Department
Mike DeKalb, Planning Department, briefly reported on a request
from Harold and Beverly Mosher to vacate a portion of the South
70th Street right-of-way located to the northwest of the
intersection of South 70th Street and Highway 2 (Exhibit C).
DeKalb stated that a road widening project is planned for South
70th Street and determination of right-of-way needs and
street alignment have not been completed. He also noted that the
property in question is currently part of an annexation process
and if annexed to the City, will no longer be a County Road to vacate.
Board consensus to proceed with a public hearing on the matter,
but delay action until a decision on annexation by the City is made.
7 RUNNER SERVICES; CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS WITH KJ EXPRESS
Brian Pillard, Records & Information Manager
Brian Pillard, Records & Information Manager, recommended that
the County Attorney, Juvenile Court, Property Management, Urban
Development, Human Rights and the Women's Commission give 30 day
notice of cancellation of their contracts with KJ Express in June
to allow Records & Information Management to begin an interoffice
mail route on August 3rd. He recommended against
cancellation of contracts with the Clerk of the District Court,
Aging and the City Attorney until further assessment of whether
an interoffice mail route can meet their needs is made.
Pillard reported that Steve Hubka, City Budget Officer, had
indicated that the City's costs for the service could be assessed
with an invoice, rather than an interlocal agreement. He
reported that Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, would be
assisting him with allocation of costs for County Departments.
Pillard also requested that Records & Information Management be
allowed use of a surplus Pontiac Sunbird or a Chevrolet Impala
previously used by the Purchasing Department for the interoffice
mail route.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded to accept the interoffice
mail route proposal as outlined by Brian Pillard, Records &
Information Manager, and requested Pillard and Dave Kroeker,
Budget & Fiscal Officer, to work out the details.
Diane Staab, Deputy County Attorney, noted that several of the
agencies had contracted separately with KJ Express.
ON CALL: Campbell, Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded to authorize departments
to give a 30 day notice of cancellation of their contracts to KJ
Express and authorized the County Attorney to take whatever
action is deemed necessary. On call Campbell, Tussing, Hudkins
and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
The Board also authorized Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer,
to contact the City about cancellation of their contracts with KJ
Express.
8 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS FOR BANNER HOUSE FABRICS/BOBBLES & BEADS
AND HELPING HANDS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Troy Gagner, Economic Development Coordinator
Troy Gagner, Economic Development Coordinator, briefly reported
on two Job Creation loan requests (Exhibit D).
Banner House Fabrics/Bobbles & Beads
Gagner reported that the applicant, Donna McCoy, plans to
purchase and renovate an old, one-room school house in Panama for
a flat-folded fabric outlet and jewelry re-stringing service at a
projected cost of $55,940. He noted that McCoy has obtained
financing in the amount of $16,240 through Farmers & Merchants
Bank and has pledged $11,700 of her own funds for the project.
Gagner stated that the City of Panama strongly supports the
project and has pledged sidewalk and curb improvements.
Helping Hands Child Development Center
Gagner reported that the applicant, Juanita Clifton, proposes
construction of a 3,000 square foot child development facility in
Waverly, to accommodate 51 children, including before and after
school care programs, at a projected cost of $199,700. He noted
that bank financing has not been secured as yet, due to
collateral and management experience concerns.
Hudkins asked whether a suitable existing building could be
leased within Waverly.
Gagner stated that applicant was unable to locate affordable
space in Waverly. He also noted that the proposed facility would
be located in close proximity to the school for easy
accessibility to before and after school care.
Gagner also reported that Economic Development Program
Guidelines, outlining new programs, will be available for the
Board's review by the end of July.
9 CONSORTIUM CONTRACT - Kit Boesch, Human Services Director
Kit Boesch, Human Services Director, reported that, due to a
number of allegations, an internal audit of the Consortium for
Planning and Advocacy was conducted (Exhibit E).
Boesch stated that, as a result of the audit, the Consortium has
agreed to comply with the terms of their Articles of
Incorporation and cease advertising and sale of equipment as part
of their dissolution. Human Services has received a current
inventory of their computer and office equipment and will work
with United Way of Lincoln and the Human Services Federation to
distribute this equipment to other nonprofit human services
agencies.
Boesch stated that Consortium plans to conclude all activity by
August 31, 1998, with loose ends tied up in September. Office
space is leased until September 1, 1998, but will be vacated
prior to that date if someone else can be found to lease the
space.
Boesch noted that since the Consortium is unable to sell their
equipment, outstanding debt in the amount of $7,070 is
anticipated. The Consortium has requested the Joint Budget
Committee (JBC) and United Way of Lincoln to pick up this
deficit.
Boesch recommended that the Consortium office instead be closed
by July 31, 1998, with the United Way of Lincoln and JBC dividing
a deficit of $11,607, on a 35/25 basis, as provided for in the
contract. (NOTE: This amount includes salary for the Executive
Director for the end of June, not previously accounted for.)
Boesch also noted that, if the Consortium office space is not
leased by another party for the month of August, an additional
$800 for rent will need to be divided.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to accept the report on
the Consortium for Planning and Advocacy from Kit Boesch, Human
Services Director, with the expectation that the agency will be
closed by July 31, 1998.
Eagan suggested that the contract with the Consortium be reviewed
to see whether notice is required that the JBC will cease funding
of the Technical portion of the contract at an earlier date then
previously specified.
AMEND: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to accept the report on
the Consortium for Planning and Advocacy from Kit Boesch, Human
Services Director, with the expectation that the agency will be
closed by July 31, 1998, and request that Boesch work with the
County Attorney's Office to take whatever steps are necessary to
close out the contract with the Consortium. On call Campbell,
Hudkins, Tussing and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Sale of Real Property - Executive Session
MOTION: Tussing moved and Hudkins seconded to enter Executive Session
at 10:41 a.m. for discussion of sale of real property. On call
Tussing, Hudkins, Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded to exit Executive Session
at 11:00 a.m. On call Campbell, Hudkins, Tussing and Steinman voted
aye. Motion carried.
10 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Bond Cancellation for Marjorie Hart
MOTION: Campbell moved and Tussing seconded approval. On call Campbell,
Tussing, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
11 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Purchase of Computer for Beth Tallon, C#98169, for
$1,452.31 from Microcomputer FY99 Budget
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval. On call Hudkins,
Campbell, Tussing and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
b. Cemetery Plot Donations
Eagan reported that the County has received a donation of two
cemetery plots in Lincoln Memorial Park which may be used for
indigent burials.
The Board accepted the donation and requested Eagan to send a
thank you letter to the donor.
12 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Justice Building Meetings - Steinman, Campbell
Item a was moved forward on the agenda.
b. Juvenile Justice Task Force - Steinman
Steinman reported that issues to focus on in the future were discussed.
c. Information Services Policy Committee - Steinman
Steinman reported that Information Services has been working with
Health & Human Services on General Assistance billings and will
try to provide access to past billing information.
d. Joint Budget Committee - Campbell, Steinman
Steinman reported that the final budget was approved.
Campbell reported that a request from the Human Services
Federation for funding of a position to administer the pooled
insurance fund was discussed. She noted that the County Attorney
has issued an opinion that the County can not fund such a
position, so funding allocations may need to be shifted.
Campbell also reported that the Joint Budget Committee will be
reviewing the scope of agencies' funding next year.
e. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins
Hudkins reported that the dais and location of computer monitors
in the City Council/County Commissioners Hearing Room were discussed.
f. Railroad Transportation Safety District -
Steinman, Svoboda, Tussing
Steinman reported that a vote was taken on issues from the
previous meeting, when a quorum was not present.
Campbell requested that a list of Railroad Transportation Safety
District projects be provided to the Board for their review.
g. Budget Monitoring Committee - Campbell, Tussing
Campbell reported that Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer,
reviewed changes in the budgets.
Campbell also reported that a tour of the Attention Center was planned.
h. Growth at the Fringe - Campbell
Campbell reported that discussion focused on Special Improvement
Districts and using Special Assessments to pay off bonds to
cover infrastructure costs. She noted that Special Assessments
are one of the mechanisms which can be used to fund rural road
improvements. Campbell also reported on a suggestion that funds
received from Special Assessment payments could be committed to
the funding of other infrastructure improvements.
Campbell reported that discussion also took place on a request
from developers to have the City force sewer improvements and
assessment of costs on property located between two developments.
Increasing water and sewer rates to fund infrastructure was also discussed.
Campbell also stressed that the "fringe" is classified as the
area that will be annexed by the City.
13 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Chamber Agricultural Committee - Thursday, June 25, 1998, at
12 p.m., at National Bank of Commerce, 1248 "O" Street - Hudkins
b. City-County Common - Friday, June 26, 1998, at 8 a.m., at the
County-City Building, Room #113 - All Commissioners
c. Security Subcommittee - Tuesday, June 30, 1998, at 4:30 p.m., at
the County-City Building, Room #113 - Steinman
14 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
15 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
16 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
17 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 30, 1998
18 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
19 ADJOURNMENT
_______________________
Kandra Hahn
Lancaster County Clerk
Board of Commissioners