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STAFF MEETING MINUTES LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

COUNTY CITY BUILDING, 555 S. 10TH STREET ROOM 113 -BILL LUXOFRD STUDIO

THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 8:30 A.M.

Commissioners Present: Rick Vest, Chair; Roma Amundson; Sean Flowerday and Christa Yoakum Commissioners Absent: Deb Schorr, Vice Chair Others Present: David Derbin, Chief Administrative Officer; Ann Ames, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer; and Leslie Brestel, County Clerk’s Office Advanced public notice of the meeting was posted on the County-City Building bulletin board, and the Lancaster County, Nebraska, website and emailed to media on June 16, 2021, and published in the Lincoln Journal Star print edition and website on June 14, 2021. The Chair noted the location of the Open Meetings Act and opened the meeting at 8:32 a.m. Vest reported Schorr is absent due to her attendance at the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) Board meeting. AGENDA ITEM 1. APPROVAL OF STAFF MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 3, 2021 MOTION: Flowerday moved and Yoakum seconded approval of the June 3, 2021, Staff Meeting minutes. Flowerday, Amundson, Vest and Yoakum voted yes. Schorr was absent. Motion carried 4-0. 2. QUARTERLY PLANNING UPDATE – David Cary, Director, Lincoln-Lancaster County

Planning Tom Cajka, County Planner, was available for the discussion. Cary reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (see agenda packet). When asked about funding increases for the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Cary said that while these federal funds that have gone up incrementally, there has not been a new funding source. The federal gas tax has not been increased since 1992, and with more gas-efficient vehicles, and non-gas-powered vehicles, the funds are not enough to make significant improvements.

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3. COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LANCASTER AND SAUNDERS COUNTIES BOND ISSUANCE – Vi See, Executive Director, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties; Mike Rogers, Gilmore & Bell, P.C; and Scott Keene, Managing Director, Public Finance, Piper Sandler & Co.

Keene stated Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties is in need of a new building and because they are a 501c-3, they do not have the ability to borrow funds on a tax-exempt basis. Those loans must be distributed through a governmental entity (see agenda packet). The County would not be obligated for any of the financing or payments. A bond resolution will be presented to the Board on June 29 for action (see agenda packet). See distributed and reviewed a flyer on Head Start (Exhibit 1). She said in Lancaster and Saunders counties there are 17 programs that serve almost 18,000 individuals. The goals are to make sure families in vulnerable situations have the support and resources to improve their situation, and to make sure that children are prepared for success in kindergarten. See stated Community Action is looking to purchase the properties at 1821 K Street, 1843 K Street and 1800 J Street to provide permanent space to serve 200 children. Eligibility to participate and prioritization of services begins with income level, homelessness and disabilities. The center will increase efficiency for the children’s care as well as education and classes for families, including financial and nutrition courses. Vest asked how rural families participate. See said in addition to the center-based programming other families have educators that go into their homes and work individually with the families. Yoakum expressed her support of the programs. Rogers reiterated the financial partnership between the County and Community Action as per state statutes. 4. CONTRACT WITH LEGAL AID OF NEBRASKA – Milo Mumgaard, Executive Director, Legal

Aid of Nebraska Mumgaard, Pat Carraher, Managing Attorney, and Hazell Rodriguez, Juvenile Justice Project Attorney, gave a presentation on Legal Aid of Nebraska (Exhibit 2). They stated Legal Aid of Nebraska has partnered with the County since the 1980s and is very instrumental in the juvenile justice system. The average current caseload per attorney is 67, which is above the national standards of 60 cases and below. Mumgaard noted the judges have appreciated Legal Aid’s attorney preparedness with cases. Regarding juvenile cases, Carraher said the pandemic resulted in fewer cases as schools, medical providers and childcare centers are the largest reporters of child neglect. Abuse victims were also more likely to be isolated resulting in fewer cases being reported. Carraher distributed a handout with Juvenile Court data (Exhibit 3). He reviewed the legend for the data which was represented as follows: “1” (misdemeanors); “2” (felonies); “4” (traffic violations); “3a” (abuse and neglect cases); “3b” (truancies); “MRP” (Motion to Revoke Probation); and “MTPR” (Motion to Revoke Parental Rights). He said while many cases were down during the last fiscal year,

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presumably due to the pandemic, since society has been reopening, the case filings have increased significantly. Also, there was continuous work on previously filed cases. Amundson exited the meeting at 9:18 a.m. Mumgaard reviewed the contract proposal, including staffing numbers and associated costs (see Exhibit 2). Yoakum inquired how active Legal Aid is in juvenile collaborative efforts. Rodriguez answered Legal Aid is in conversations with courts, counsel and collaborating programs, and there is a project that is researching how to expand services and better assist with systemic problems and sources. Amundson returned to the meeting at 9:24 a.m. Amundson and Flowerday supported the partnership between the County and Legal Aid. It was the consensus of the Board for the County Attorney’s Office to move forward with contract negotiations. 5. EXECUTIVE SESSION (PENDING AND POTENTIAL LITIGATION AND LEGAL ADVICE)

– Sue Eckley, Risk Manager; Dan Zieg, Deputy County Attorney; John Vik, County Sheriff’s Captain

MOTION: Amundson moved and Yoakum seconded to enter Executive Session at 9:27 a.m. for the purposes of receiving legal advice, potential and pending litigation, and to protect the public interest. The Chair said it has been moved and seconded that the Board enter Executive Session. ROLL CALL: Flowerday, Amundson, Vest and Yoakum voted yes. Schorr was absent. Motion carried 4-0. The Chair restated the purpose for the Board entering Executive Session. MOTION: Amundson moved and Yoakum seconded to exit Executive Session at 9:36 a.m. Flowerday, Amundson, Vest and Yoakum voted yes. Schorr was absent. Motion carried 4-0. 6. DEPARTMENT BUDGET HEARINGS – Dennis Meyer, Budget and Fiscal Officer

A. County Court – Becky Bruckner, Administrator

Bruckner thanked the Board for their support during the pandemic by making sure the Court had the right technology and personal protective equipment to ensure staff remained safe while conducting business. Meyer said additional appropriations are not needed. Expenses are decreasing 7.05% and revenues are decreasing 11.80% (see agenda packet). Bruckner stated the caseload decreased most likely due to the pandemic; however, they are beginning to increase. Most of the expense decrease is due to fewer competency evaluations and legal services. She added revenues are driven by case activity.

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Regarding the technology request, Bruckner stated the older equipment needs to be updated, especially in Courtroom 23 (see agenda packet). Each courtroom update is estimated to cost $50,000 (see agenda packet). She had no concerns if the County were to move the video conferencing system from the State to the Information Services (IS) department.

B. Visitors Improvement and Promotion – Dennis Meyer and Jeff Maul Meyer reviewed the Visitors Improvement Fund, stating at the end of May 2021 there was a balance of approximately $795,000 (see agenda packet). There are some contracts that have not been paid this year which total almost the available fund balance. If everything were paid, and with the incoming funds, the Visitors Improvement Fund would have an estimated $130,000 (see agenda packet). Maul and Meyer agreed that for the next few years, projects may need to be reviewed differently as they could pertain to available cash funds. Maul added the event calendar (lincoln.org) is filling up as events are looking for open communities. Meyer reviewed the Visitors Promotion Fund 19 (see agenda packet). Some of the payouts for the current fiscal year have decreased due to the reduction of the budget in order to protect the fund. Maul said there were cuts to the bid fees and marketing lines so as to not sacrifice staff which allowed for continued marketing to rebuild tourism as the community reopens. Meyer stated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be used to pay the Visitors Promotion Committee contract for the next few years, allowing the Visitors Promotion Fund to be built back up. Flowerday was supportive of this idea. Maul thanked the Board for their support throughout the pandemic. He felt the pandemic has helped to show how important tourism is to the community. Maul said the Room Tax – Bid Fees line used to be the Room Tax – Improvement Fund which will be used to recruit and work with events, and also to offer microgrants for promotion of tourism marketing, including website and printing improvements. Additionally, he reviewed the travel and training expenses, dues and subscriptions, advertising and the event and sports event promotion line items. It was the consensus of the Board for Derbin to follow up with the County Attorney’s Office regarding the Visitors Improvement and Promotion contract amendment.

C. Mental Health Crisis Center (MHCC) – Scott Etherton, Director Etherton stated no additional appropriations are needed. Meyer said the expenses are increasing 3.99% and revenues are increasing 4.40% (see agenda packet). Regarding revenues, Etherton noted both the number of individuals and their lengths of stay for out of county contracts have decreased. He has been unable to determine what fiscal impact Medicaid expansion has had on the MHCC. Those revenues are dependent on the services provided and by which contract. Region V funding has remained consistent. Meyer added General Funds transferred to the MHCC should be the same this year as last. Concerning expenses, post commitment days are higher than they have been, which results in more

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expenses. Staffing has been challenging this year. The Business Manager position is still open, and finding Registered Nurses is difficult. Many on call and overtime expenses have been incurred. Etherton is looking at parttime positions. Microphone replacements have been budgeted. When asked about unfunded and underfunded mandates, Etherton noted there has been discussion about fees for service being ceased, instead going through Medicaid or attached to an individual’s services. Also, post-commitment expenses are not reimbursed. Meyer asked if there are costs that the MHCC incurred that could use ARPA funding. Etherton answered health screening devices, an industrial washer and dryer, replacement mattresses, and more durable basic furniture. Meyer said a full budget will be drafted for further discussion. BREAK The meeting was recessed at 10:36 a.m. and reconvened at 10:46 a.m. 7. COVID-19 UPDATE AND RESPONSE No updates were given. 8. ACTION ITEMS

A. Agreement with Zelle, LLC, to recruit candidates for the ARPA Grant

Coordinator position, in a total amount not to exceed $12,500; Derbin noted the agreement is to drive recruiting for the ARPA Grant Coordinator position (see agenda packet). MOTION: Flowerday moved and Amundson seconded to approve the agreement. Flowerday, Amundson, Vest and Yoakum voted yes. Schorr was absent. Motion carried 4-0.

B. Agreement with Zelle, LLC, to recruit candidates for the Engineer IV position, in an amount of $5,000, plus, if a referred candidate is hired, an amount equal to twenty percent of the agreed annual starting salary, minus the $5,000 previously paid; and

Pam Dingman, County Engineer, stated the Engineer IV position is open and is needed to continue on with projects (see agenda packet). MOTION: Amundson moved and Flowerday seconded to approve the agreement. Larry Legg, Assistant County Engineer, and Dingman said this position will help with getting a more coherent staffing plan for the department. ROLL CALL: Flowerday, Amundson, Vest and Yoakum voted yes. Schorr was absent. Motion carried 4-0.

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C. Fourth Amendment to County Contract No. C-19-0346 with Zelle, LLC., for on-site training for the County’s Leadership Academy, including DiSC assessments, in an additional amount not to exceed $8,250.

Ames reviewed the contract amendment (see agenda packet). MOTION: Amundson moved and Yoakum seconded to approve the amendment. Flowerday, Amundson, Vest and Yoakum voted yes. Schorr was absent. Motion carried 4-0. 9. CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT

A. Planning Commission: Current Vacancy and Expiration of Terms on August

24, 2021 Derbin reviewed the vacancies and the position that will be available in August. Candidates interested in the positions should apply on the City of Lincoln website. Vest inquired if there is a possibility of adding a second County position. Derbin noted there is not a strong possibility. 10. DEPUTY CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT

A. Lancaster County 2021 Priorities

No updates were given.

B. Leadership Link Memberships for Leadership Academy Ames stated she would like to offer Leadership Academy graduates a one-year membership to Leadership Link to continue their leadership skill building. The cost to the County is $6 per month per individual. It was the consensus of the Board that this would be a worthwhile investment. 11. DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS ATTENDED

A. Reducing Racial & Ethnic Disparities Committee – Yoakum Yoakum said there was a presentation on generational trauma, and there was discussion on the Bridging the Gap program with at-risk youth and law enforcement officials. Also, she noted the committee is reading Stamped by Ibram Kendi and Jason Reynolds.

B. Railroad Transportation Safety District (RTSD) Meeting – Amundson / Schorr / Vest

Vest reported the Quiet Zone study is waiting for a diagnostic meeting from various representatives and there was discussion on how the 33rd and Cornhusker project is the priority project of the RTSD.

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C. Public Building Commission – Amundson / Schorr / Vest Amundson reported the law enforcement memorial project was discussed. It will be re-bid and the new completion date is expected to be October 2022. A vending contract with healthier options is being negotiated. The State of Nebraska is moving their records storage from the K Street building by January 2022. Derbin said Kerin Peterson, Facilities and Properties Director, is getting an updated appraisal on a parking lot near 8th and M Streets that the County intends to see back to the City.

D. Lincoln - Lancaster County Board of Health – Flowerday Flowerday stated the cultural centers will be receiving $841,000 of State funds for minority initiative grant funding opportunities.

E. Lancaster County Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Committee – Yoakum Yoakum said the locks are complete and fully functional, and the negative airflow system was installed and tested. Additionally, there are on-call staffing challenges.

F. NACO County Board Workshop – Vest / Schorr / Amundson / Yoakum Yoakum reported there were presentations on broadband, negotiations, utilizing public-private partnerships, and redistricting.

G. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting – Vest Vest noted he did not attend the meeting.

H. Realtors Association Government Affairs Committee – Amundson / Vest Amundson stated there were discussions on property protests, annexations, the County budget presentations, an impending solar farm project, and the extension of broadband into the rural parts of the County.

I. Region V Systems Governing Board Meeting – Yoakum Yoakum said the strategic plan was approved, and LR203 (Interim study to examine Medicaid expansion and behavioral health) was discussed. Additionally, the Region V Executive Director was approved to enter into contracts consistent with the strategic plan during the time Region V does not meet.

J. Region V Services Committee Meeting – Yoakum Yoakum reported the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) approved a 5% payment to Region V Services to offset loss of income due to COVID-19. The staff vaccination rate is over 60% and the client rate is over 90%.

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K. Youth Crisis Response Committee – Amundson Amundson stated there were discussions on gaps for youth qualifications for treatment, autoimmune encephalitis presenting as a mental illness, the Zero Suicide implementation. Also, summer school enrollment is up from last year. Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) is working on a plan for youth suicide awareness and prevention.

L. LIBA Elected Officials Forum – Yoakum Yoakum said the solar project was discussed.

M. JDAI Collaborative Meeting – Yoakum / Schorr Yoakum reported the Crime Commission wants to fund Diversion and Pre-Adjudication programs and connect youth and family with service providers. Discussion focused on how to problem solve complex cases. There was also discussion on youth who are vulnerable joining gangs.

N. Visitors Promotion Committee (VPC) – Amundson / Derbin Amundson relayed there were presentations from the Lancaster Event Center and the Children’s Museum. The VPC reported on the draft budget, legislative bills that impacted tourism, various hotel reopenings, and various sport’s State tournaments. 12. SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEMBER MEETINGS Informational purposes only. 13. EMERGENCY ITEMS There were no emergency items.

OTHER BUSINESS Vest reminded the Board of the tour at St. Monica’s scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday. It was the consensus of the Board to hold the upcoming Board staff meeting in Room 112 (if Room 112 is available) as opposed to Room 113.

14. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Amundson moved and Yoakum seconded to adjourn at 11:36 a.m. Flowerday, Amundson, Vest and Yoakum voted yes. Schorr was absent. Motion carried 4-0.