Lancaster County
Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
lancaster.ne.gov
STAFF MEETING AGENDA
Lancaster County Board Of Commissioners
Thursday, October 29, 1998 - 8:00 a.m.
County-City Building - Room 113
AGENDA ITEM
1 APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 22, 1998
2 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3 8:00am COMMISSIONERS MEETING REPORTS (See Item #15)
4 8:30am WORK FORCE INVESTMENT ACT - Joan Modrell,
Urban Development Director; Vance Jones and Terry Parsen
5 9:00am COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE QUARTERLY REPORT
Gary Chalupa, Veterans Services Officer
6 9:15am VISITORS PROMOTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE QUARTERLY REPORT
Paul McCue, Chamber of Commerce President;
Michael Carpenter, Convention & Visitors Bureau Director
7 9:30am GRANT APPLICATION FOR PURCHASE OF PEPPER SPRAY CANISTERS
Bill Jarrett, Chief Deputy Sheriff
8 9:40am REGISTER OF DEEDS TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Dan Nolte, Register of Deeds
9 9:45am ATTENTION CENTER OVERCROWDING CONTINGENCY PLAN; APPOINTMENT
OF GREG PETTIBONE AS PROJECT MANAGER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
NEW ATTENTION CENTER
Dennis Banks, Attention Center Director
10 10:00am REVIEW OF PROGRAM STATEMENT FOR YOUTH DETENTION FACILITY
Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille & Associates
11 ACTION ITEMS
12 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Request from David Kroeker to Attend the Association of
Government Accountants Annual Fall Conference -
November 6, 1998, at the Cornhusker Hotel
13 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Directors Ballot
b. Waverly Flood Plain Near Amberly Road
c. Tesseract Update
d. Annual NACO Convention (December 1-3, 1998)
14 PENDING
15 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins
b. Emergency Services Executive Committee - Hudkins
c. Information Services Policy Committee - Steinman
d. Attention Center Advisory Committee - Steinman
16 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Ecological Advisory Committee - Tuesday,
November 3, 1998 at 7:00 a.m., at the County-City
Building, Room 106 - Heier
b. Justice & Law Enforcement Center Advisory Committee
Tuesday, November 3, 1998,e at 12:00 p.m., at the
County-City Building, Room 113 - Steinman
17 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Wood Bridge Apartment & Townhomes Open House -
Thursday, November 5, 1998, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m, at
7011 S. 22nd Street
b. Hastings Superstore Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony - Friday, November 6, 1998, at 9:00 a.m., at
3800 Old Cheney Road
c. Lincoln Action Program's 34th Annual Meeting
Friday, November 13, 1998, at 11:45 a.m., at the
Cornhusker Hotel
18 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
19 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
20 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 3, 1998
21 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES
Lancaster County Board Of Commissioners
County-City Building
Meeting Room #113
Thursday, October 22, 1998
8 a.m.
Commissioners Present: Linda Steinman, Chair
Kathy Campbell
Bernie Heier
Larry Hudkins
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 OCTOBER 22, 1998.
MOTION: Hudkins moved and Campbell seconded approval of
the minutes. On call Hudkins, Campbell, Heier and
Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
2 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Request from Juvenile Court to Purchase Used
Computer Monitor in the Amount of $347.00, from
the Microcomputer Fund
b. Request from the Attention Center to Purchase a
Replacement Transport Vehicle
MOTION: Campbell moved and Heier seconded approval of the
additions to the agenda. On call Campbell, Heier,
Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
REGISTER OF DEEDS TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE - Dan Nolte,
Register of Deeds; David Hunter, Register of Deeds
Technology Committee
Dan Nolte, Register of Deeds, reported on formation of the Register of
Deeds Technology Committee, which will look at ways to make the Register
of Deeds' information more accessible to the community (Exhibit A).
Nolte stated that a timeline for conversion of the Register of
Deeds records to the computer mainframe has not been provided by
Information Services, as requested. He expressed concern that
the Register of Deeds' records may be jeopardized if Year 2000
compliance is not achieved, due to delays in the conversion
project. Nolte indicated that Commercial Computer Systems, will
need to be alerted by the end of the year if adjustments to the
existing program are required.
Steinman noted that it was reported at the Information Services
Policy Committee meeting that the majority of records will be
converted to the mainframe and ready to test by the end of the
year, with conversion scheduled to be completed by February,
1999. She suggested that inviting a representative of
Information Services to serve on the Register of Deeds Technology
Committee would enhance communication between the two entities.
Eagan suggested that a Geographic Information System (GIS)
representative might also be beneficial.
David Hunter, Register of Deeds Technology Committee, stated that
Commercial Computer Systems should have been more cognizant of
the data sensitive nature of the records when developing the
program. He noted that centralized support and a mainframe
system that ties the records of the Register of Deeds, County
Assessor, County Treasurer and District Court together for easy
accessibility is crucial.
The Board requested that Doug Thomas, Information Services
Director, provide an update on the conversion project to the Board.
MOTION: Heier moved and Hudkins seconded to schedule a
County Board meeting, directly following the 1:30
p.m. County Board of Commissioners meeting
scheduled November 3, 1998, for an update on
conversion of the Register of Deeds records to the
computer mainframe. On call Heier, Hudkins,
Campbell and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
3 COMMISSIONERS MEETING REPORTS (See Item 13)
a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins
Hudkins reported that repair of office doors, bracing and the
leak in the skylight were discussed. He also reported that
support beam rust in the Hall of Justice and Law Enforcement
Center is not as extensive as originally believed.
b. Emergency Services Executive Committee - Hudkins
Eagan reported that the Nebraska Air National Guard has fire
equipment which was not utilized in last year's snowstorm disaster.
Eagan reported that additional topics of discussion were:
Need for home-based, electronically driven medical
treatment, such as dialysis, during disaster situations
Reinstatement of the volunteer program in which four-wheel
drive vehicles are used to transport medical personnel
Interlocal agreements with surrounding communities for
emergency services back-up
4 WORK FORCE INVESTMENT ACT - Joan Modrell,
Urban Development Director; Vanee Jones and Jim
Haga, Lincoln Private Industry Council
Joan Modrell, Urban Development Director, briefly reviewed
Introduction to H.R. 1385, The Workforce Investment Act of 1998
(Exhibit B), which shifts responsibility and accountability for
workforce investment programs from the federal
level to a state workforce investment board.
Modrell noted that, under this Act, each local area will
establish a one-stop delivery system, through which access to
other employment and training services is provided. Access to
services must be provided by a physical one-stop center in each
local area, which may be supplemented by networks of affiliated sites.
Modrell reported that the Mayor and Lincoln Private Industry
Council have applied to have the Job Training Partnership Act
(JTPA) service delivery area for Lancaster County and Saunders
County temporarily designated as a workforce investment area.
She noted that location of population drawn for the workforce
will be a key factor in determination of workforce investment
areas. Coordination with surrounding counties for delivery of
service is also critical.
In response to a question from Hudkins, Modrell stated that
Lancaster County could seek designation as a separate workforce
investment area, as it meets the 200,000 population criteria.
Modrell suggested that the local workforce investment board,
which is responsible for planning and overseeing the program, be
appointed by the Mayor, in conjunction with the County Board.
The workforce investment board will be responsible for:
Developing the local plan to be submitted to the Governor
for the approval
Designating local one-stop operators
Designating eligible providers of training services
Negotiating local performance measures
Assisting in development of a statewide employment statistics system
Modrell stated that the Act requires local workforce areas to
have one-stop delivery systems in place by July, 2000.
In response to a question from Eagan, Modrell stated that funding
of the one-stop delivery system will be provided directly by the
one-stop partners.
Eagan asked whether the program would assist welfare recipients
in getting off of welfare and back into the working sector.
Steinman noted that welfare savings are to be returned to the
community, which could also be used to support the program.
In response to a question from Campbell, Modrell stated that
transportation and child care are key issues for many individuals
seeking assistance. She stated that the local workforce
investment board will work to develop solutions to those type of
problems, with input from the business community.
Campbell suggested that training be provided businesses in how to
address problems faced by employees in the program.
Modrell agreed to return in four to six weeks with a list of
recommendations on implementation of the Workforce Investment Act
in Lancaster County.
5 COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES QUARTERLY REPORT -
Gary Chalupa, Veterans Services Officer
Gary Chalupa, Veterans Services Officer, distributed copies of
the Quarterly Report of County Veterans' Service Committee
(Exhibit C).
Chalupa also reported briefly on the status of the Veterans
Administration Medical Center, contract negotiations for
inpatient medical care for veterans, legislative issues and
development of an Internet website.
The Board requested that Chalupa present an annual report on
County Veterans Services at the Tuesday, November 10th
County Board of Commissioners meeting. The Board also indicated
that they would like to recognize a County veteran of distinction
at that meeting and asked Chalupa to submit suggestions to the Board.
6 VISITORS PROMOTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE QUARTERLY
REPORT - Paul McCue, Chamber of Commerce
President; Michael Carpenter, Convention &
Visitors Bureau Director; Jerry Barnes, Visitors
Promotion Advisory Committee Chair
Jerry Barnes, Visitors Promotion Advisory Committee Chair,
provided a brief quarterly report on the Convention and Visitors
Bureau (CVB), noting improvements in financial management, sales
efforts and communication with the hospitality community. He
also reported that the CVB has secured funds to improve
landscaping of the corridor leading into the city from the airport.
In response to a question from Eagan, Michael Carpenter,
Convention & Visitors Bureau Director, stated that the Lincoln
Sports Industry Commission is now functioning as a separate organization.
Carpenter reported that approximately 80% of the funds have been
raised for this year's Nebraska High School Football
Championships and commitments totaling $135,000 have been
received towards location of an indoor football league in Lincoln.
Carpenter also reviewed the Convention & Visitors Bureau's
budget, noting that lodging tax collections are currently ahead
of the projected four percent increase. He also reported a three
to four percent decrease in expenses.
7 GRANT APPLICATION FOR PURCHASE OF PEPPER SPRAY
CANISTERS - Terry Wagner, County Sheriff; Bill
Jarrett, Chief Deputy Sheriff
Bill Jarrett, Chief Deputy Sheriff, requested authorization to
apply for a Federal Local law Enforcement Block Grant, in the
amount of $1,300, which would be used to purchase 70 Oleoresin
Capsicum (Pepper Spray) canisters and holders for Sheriff's
Deputies. The Sheriff's Department will pay the remaining $1,200
cost of the canisters.
MOTION: Campbell moved and Heier seconded approval of the
request and authorized the Chair to sign the grant
application. On call Campbell, Heier, Hudkins and
Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
8 REGISTER OF DEEDS TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE - Dan
Nolte, Register of Deeds
This item was moved forward on the agenda.
9 ATTENTION CENTER OVERCROWDING CONTINGENCY PLAN;
APPOINTMENT OF GREG PETTIBONE AS PROJECT MANAGER
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ATTENTION CENTER FACILITY
- Dennis Banks, Attention Center Director;
Greg Pettibone and Don Marfice, County Property Management
ATTENTION CENTER OVERCROWDING CONTINGENCY PLAN
Dennis Banks, Attention Center Director, reported on a renovation
plan to add two single security rooms at the Attention Center
facility and one single security room at the Airpark facility, at
a total cost of $17,115, to relieve overcrowding at the two
facilities until a new facility is constructed (Exhibit D).
MOTION: Campbell moved and Heier seconded approval of the
renovation plan, as outlined by Dennis Banks,
Attention Center Director. On call Campbell,
Heier, Hudkins and Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
The Board requested Banks to prepare a comparison of costs for
converting additional space in the Attention Center facility to
house juveniles versus implementation of alternative programs
which would divert youth from the facility, for the Board's consideration.
APPOINTMENT OF GREG PETTIBONE AS PROJECT MANAGER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
NEW ATTENTION CENTER FACILITY
MOTION: Campbell moved and Hudkins seconded approval of
Greg Pettibone as Project Manager for construction
of the new Attention Center facility. On call
Campbell, Hudkins, Heier and Steinman voted aye.
Motion carried.
Eagan will notify Don Killeen, County Property Manager, of the appointment.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
b. Request from the Attention Center to Purchase a
Replacement Transport Vehicle
Dennis Banks, Attention Center Director, requested authorization
to replace a transport vehicle which is being retired, due to
costly repairs (Exhibit E).
MOTION: Heier moved and Hudkins seconded approval of the
request, to be deducted initially from the
Attention Center Budget, and requested that Dave
Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal Officer, report on an
appropriate funding source at the Midyear Budget
Review. On call Heier, Hudkins, Campbell and
Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
10 REVIEW OF PROGRAM STATEMENT FOR YOUTH DETENTION
FACILITY - Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille & Associates Inc.
Jim Hille, Sinclair Hille & Associates Inc., reported that the
program statement for the new youth detention facility is
currently under revision and inquired whether the Board had
identified any issues that require further clarification.
Campbell asked when a decision is needed on the Assessment Center.
Hille indicated that decisions with regards to the Assessment
Center, site selection and program issues are needed by the end
of the year.
Steinman noted that site selection may be a determining factor in
whether the Assessment Center is located on campus.
Hille noted that the inclusion of the Assessment Center will
influence placement of other key components in the building layout.
Campbell noted that the issue of whether to move the juvenile
court to the campus still needs to be addressed.
Eagan noted that the County can not force the Juvenile Court and
Juvenile Probation to locate in the new facility.
Heier noted that growth in the courts may encourage use of
courtrooms on campus. The Juvenile Court Judges have also
indicated a willingness to make use of a hearing room on campus.
In response to a question from Campbell, Hille stated that the
Board has given clear direction that an isolated component of 20
staff-secure beds is to be located on campus, with adaptability
to secure beds, if possible.
Hille indicated that the issue of planning kitchen space in the
facility for future use will need to be addressed in the near future.
Campbell inquired about the perimeter of the facility.
Hille stated that the building can be designed in a manner that
would not visually identify the building as a correctional
facility, such as using the building to enclose outdoor spaces
and presenting the administrative/education side to the neighborhood.
Hille agreed to bring photographs of other detention facilities
designed in this manner to the meeting scheduled with the Yankee
Hill Neighborhood Association on Monday, November 9th.
Heier requested that a tour of the Des Moines facility be
scheduled for the Board and Juvenile Court Judges.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
a. Request from Juvenile Court to Purchase Used
Computer Monitor in the Amount of $347.00, from
the Microcomputer Fund
Eagan reported that the computer equipment is needed to equip the
Clerk Typist who was recently hired for the Juvenile Court (Exhibit F).
MOTION: Heier moved and Campbell seconded approval of the
request. On call Heier, Campbell, Hudkins and
Steinman voted aye. Motion carried.
Heier briefly reported on WALK LINCOLN, a community based
pedestrian safety program, which was held October 23rd,
noting his concern with trail safety for walkers and bicyclists.
11 CONSENT ITEMS
a. Request from Dave Kroeker, Budget & Fiscal
Officer, to Attend the Association of Government
Accountants Annual Fall Conference - November 6,
1998, at the Cornhusker Hotel
MOTION: Campbell moved and Heier seconded approval. On
call Campbell, Heier, Hudkins and Steinman voted
aye. Motion carried.
12 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
a. Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Directors Ballot
Board consensus to not submit a ballot.
b. Waverly Floodplain Near Amberly Road
MOTION: Campbell moved and Heier seconded to send a letter
to Ron Melbye, Waverly Mayor, requesting an
update on the flooding situation in Waverly. On
call Campbell, Heier, Hudkins and Steinman voted
aye. Motion carried.
c. Tesseract Payroll System Update
Eagan reported that the County Clerk is satisfied with the
revised contract with Information Services. Implementation is
projected to be completed by January, 1999.
d. Annual Nebraska Association of County Officials
(NACO) Convention - December 1-3, 1998
Hudkins, Steinman, Heier and Eagan indicated that they plan to
attend the conference. Campbell indicated that she will attend,
if excused from a prior commitment.
Board consensus to pay the registration fee for the newly elected
County Commissioner.
13 DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Master Plan Steering Committee - Hudkins
b. Emergency Services Executive Committee - Hudkins
Items a and b were moved forward on the agenda.
c. Information Services Policy Committee - Steinman
Steinman reported that the Register of Deeds and the Tesseract
Payroll System projects were discussed.
Steinman also reported on a new laser printer which will print
forms currently contracted out.
d. Attention Center Advisory Committee - Steinman
No report was given.
14 SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS
a. Ecological Advisory Committee - Tuesday, November
3, 1998 at 7 a.m., at the County-City Building,
Room 106 - Heier
b. Justice & Law Enforcement Center Advisory
Committee - Wednesday, November 4, 1998, at 12
p.m., at the County-City Building, Room 113 -
Steinman, Campbell
15 INVITATIONS TO BOARD MEMBERS
a. Wood Bridge Apartment & Townhomes Open House -
Thursday, November 5, 1998, 4-6 p.m., at 7011 S
22nd Street
b. Hastings Superstore Grand Opening and Ribbon
Cutting Ceremony - Friday, November 6, 1998, at 9
a.m., at 3800 Old Cheney Road
c. Lincoln Action Program's 34th Annual
Meeting - Friday, November 13, 1998, at 11:45
a.m., at the Cornhusker Hotel
16 CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COUNTY BOARD
17 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
18 AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 3, 1998
19 EMERGENCY ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
20 ADJOURNMENT
By direction of the Chair, the meeting was adjourned.
______________________
Kandra Hahn
Lancaster County Clerk