Meeting Information
Amended Agenda
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018
4:00 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders;
(b) Consent Agenda approval of construction contract for Project No. 2018-54, replacement of Culvert 0801-1150 (Keith Browning)
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Consider Bioscience Technology Business Center (BTBC) for proposed lease repayment schedule on the BTBC expansion facility (Craig Weinaug);
(3) Approve revisions to the Fairgrounds Policies and Procedures and 2019 Fee Schedule and Event Guidelines (Jill Jolicoeur);
(4) Presentation from Kevin Kelley, Director of Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center, to speak on his experience on local government unification in Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas.- No Backup.
(4) Executive Session for the purpose of discussion with the County Counselor on matters related to non-elected personnel, pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4319 (b) (1 and 2)
(5) (a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments
-Board of Zoning Appeals (1) positions 10/17
-Building Code of Appeals Board (2) positions 12/16
-Community Corrections Advisory Board (1) position open (edu); (1) 08/31/18
-Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (2) positions
-Douglas County Emergency Management Board
-East Hills Business Park Association, Inc. Board of Directors (1) position
-Fire District No. 2 (2) positions
-JAAA Advisory Council (2) position
-JAAA Board of Directors (1) position
-Joint Economic Development Council (2) positions
-Lawrence-Douglas County Advocacy Council on Aging (2) open positions
-MPO Bicycle Advisory Committee (1) position
-Mental Health Board (1) position 04/18
-Property Crimes Compensation Board (1) position
-Senior Resource Center (1) position 12/31/18
(c) Public Comment
(d) Miscellaneous
RECESS
RECONVENE
6:00 p.m.
(6) Douglas County Behavioral Health Projects Prevention initiatives:
- Review KDHE Opioid Grant awarded to Lawrence Douglas County Health Department to implement MyStrength with HLC partners in year one.
- Consider Douglas County/Health Leadership Coalition proposal to implement SAMHSAs evidence-based Strategic Prevention Framework with DCCCA as the lead agency.
- Consider Douglas County Opioid Summit proposal- with DCCCA as the lead agency.
(presented by Bob Tryanski)
(7) Consider approval of contract for Interim County Administrator services (Craig Weinaug)
(8) Adjourn
November 28, 2018
Thellman called the regular meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 with all Commissioners present.
CONSENT AGENDA 11-28-18
Thellman moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
► Commission Order Nos. 18-053 and 18-054 (on file in the office the County Clerk);
► Award a contract to Bettis Asphalt and Construction, in the amount of $198,510.00 for Project No. 2018-54, replacement of culvert 0801-1150, and authorized the Public Works Director to approve change orders up to 10% of the contract amount.
Motion was seconded by Derusseau and carried 3-0.
BIOSCIENCE TECHNOLOGY 11-28-18
After receiving no public comment, Thellman moved to approve the 3rd Amendment to the lease agreement between the City of Lawrence, Douglas County and the Bioscience Technology Business Center (BTBC) to extend the lease repayment schedule for the BTBC expansion facility located near Bob Billings Parkway on Wakarusa Drive for one year through 2019. Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried 3-0.
FAIRGROUNDS 11-28-18
The Board considered revisions to the Fairgrounds Policies and Procedures and the 2019 Fee Schedule and Event Guidelines. Jill Jolicoeur, Assistant to the County Administrator, presented the item.
The most significant change to the proposed revisions to the policies and procedures, and fee schedule is the removal of the 501c3 usage and fee category and the addition of a “non-profit” category that includes 501c3. The new rate applies to any non-profit groups who are using a facility for civic purposes such as education meetings, organization or service meetings, seminars, training and fundraising. The organization must be registered with the State of Kansas as a non-profit 501c3 community or similar qualifying non-profit entity. Other changes included: removal of the damage deposit for regular facility rentals that are not considered major events in the Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories; and an increase in the alcohol permit from $25 to $50.
The Fairgrounds Manager reported that approximately $56K in facility rental fees were waived in FY2017, many of which are considered within the “youth” category.
Thellman stated she had received a number of calls regarding fee increases. She said she wanted to think through this and hear what the public had to say.
Jolicoeur said the fees were increased in 2016 after the facility opened. We now have more information on how the County Fairground facilities are being used, how we are protecting the facilities and how they are being managed.
Discussion included the Extension Office’s use of the fairground buildings. Their fee is waived during the week, but weekend use would require a charge; and the lack of clarity on who qualifies for a fee waiver.
Thellman opened the item for public comment.
Max Miller, no address, said he was a coordinator for education in Douglas County, and president of Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and uses the fairgrounds buildings for his youth hunter education classes. The program is very effective and a crucial part of the state gaming system. He asked the Commission to continue his use of the buildings for free for education purposes as his program is not 501c3, but a 501c4.
Thellman said these are the types of questions she has been receiving and feels there is more work to be done on fee schedules.
Marlin Bates, K-State Research and Extension, suggested putting a youth category calling out Douglas County 4-H and striking 501c3 or similar. He said Extension is listed as a Douglas County department. There are several times a year the extension office needs to use the larger facilities and normally has not had to pay and there is no money to do so.
Bobbi Krutz, maintenance staff, said she handles the reservations and faces these challenges every day to determine who is qualified for fee waivers. One issue she sees is users who qualify for a waiver that schedules months in advance and then cancels three days before with no consequences. That keeps others from renting the facilities.
Thellman asked if we have a record of dates and reservations for those who reserve and cancel. David Sparkes, Director of Maintenance, responded not at this time. We are working on a new reservation system. The new online software program will keep record of that information.
It was the consensus of the Board to table this item for more conversations with staff regarding fees and eligibility for fee waivers.
UNIFICATION 11-28-18
Kevin Kelley, Director of Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center, made a presentation to the Board regarding his experience on local government unification in Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas.
Kelley stated he was chairman of the Citizen’s Task Force for consolidation in Wyandotte County. It was the first group to study and be a part of a group that formed an organization for Citizens for Consolidation. This group brought the matter of unification to a vote which passed. Kelley said he also wrote a thesis on unification for his Master’s Degree. There are some of things worth understanding comparing Douglas County to Wyandotte. Kelly said what people might not understand is it took a generation to get this passed and implemented, seven years on passing and 10 years on implementation. There are many pieces involved. With Wyandotte County, they dissolved all governments and made a new one. There is was need for unification for many reasons because of unique circumstances. There was a perception of corruption, high taxes and high crime that led to make changes in Wyandotte County. Wyandotte County was also a small county with 126 miles of city and 1.2 miles of unincorporated area. In Douglas County there would be a lot of government entities that would have to come to the table and it would take an extended amount of research. Kelley stated the process takes time and you need to know the purpose. Variables that have been present in other consolidations may not be present here.
Gaughan stated from his limited research on consolidation he feels it’s unlikely we would find dramatic deficiencies. Kelly responded that people ask how much money will be saved with unification. He said there is no answer to that and that shouldn’t be the purpose. It’s for reform and approved effectiveness in local government.
Thellman stated there is an assumption that consolidation would cut administrative costs in half. She requested more information regarding the employees in Wyandotte County and their pay.
Kelley responded that the proposal passed in Wyandotte County guaranteed no jobs would be lost, but some positions would be weeded out over time. With unification all forms of government end up being one county government. That is the way the law works. What Wyandotte County gained was the ability to attract newer, bigger things like the speedway and they only had to deal with one government. Regarding employee levels, all consolidated city and governing positions would have to have similar pay scales or levelling up, which may increase expenses. Kelley said he would hope if you worked toward consolidation expenses is not the viable reason to do so.
Derusseau said Wyandotte County is small geographically, and was mostly urban. Douglas County has 432 square miles of nonurban area. She asked if everything is unified if that would land lock some of the properties. Kelly responded that would depend on how the legislation is written, if written.
Thellman asked Kelly if he knew of other communities comparable to Douglas County that have unified. Kelly responded Miami and Dayton counties were mostly rural, but all structured differently and did become landlocked.
After further discussion, Thellman opened the item for public comment.
Paul Bahnmaier, 393 N 1900 Road, asked if all cities in the County would fall under one government. Kelly responded there is no plan. People in those cities are also part of the County government. They wouldn’t lose their city government unless they gave it up. As far as townships, there were no townships the Wyandotte County to consolidate.
Thellman noted that this presentation is for conversation only. It is not the beginning process for consolidation.
Steve Lewis, 625 N 775 Road, said this is a complex issue. He feels is it
interesting that the City of Lawrence has time to throw out these ideas and stir things up. This discussion is complicated because of cities and townships, elected officials, employees and services, fire and medical with rural districts, and four law enforcement agencies. He questioned if consolidation did occur, would the rural residents receive trash pickup and other amenities the people in Lawrence receive. He feels we should work on areas where we can cooperate and save before spending a lot of money to hire outside entities to study this issue. He feels it should be local people involved in a study and Lewis volunteers to help research. He added there are plenty of ways to save money.
Karen Willey, 741 E 900 Road, said she wants to preserve the rural voice. Lawrence is such a dominate community and not every idea put forward is a good idea. It costs money to look at these things and staff time. Willey said if a study isn’t going to solve anything, it may not be worth looking at.
Larry Barts, Douglas County resident, said Douglas County is never going to match what Wyandotte County did. Wyandotte County condemned land to get venues. He feels Douglas County is not ready for that and there is no reason to spend money toward researching this.
Thellman again stated she wanted to make it clear this is not a signal to start consolidation. It is just a conversation to get education for the Commission and community with transparent communication.
No action was taken.
EXECUTIVE SESSION 11-28-18
At 5:30 p.m., Thellman moved to recess into executive session to consult with the County Counselor regarding a personnel matter. The justification is for consultation with an attorney for the Board of County Commissioners which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship. This also constitutes a personnel matter regarding non-elected personnel, with the justification to protect the privacy of the individual involved. The Commission will return to this room at 6:00 p.m. (30 minutes). Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried 3-0. Attendees included John Bullock, County Counselor and Commissioners Thellman, Gaughan and Derusseau.
The Commission returned to regular session at 6:00 p.m. No action was taken.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 11-28-18
Thellman moved to approve accounts payable in the amount of $162,190.07 to be paid on 11/29/18. Motion was seconded by Derusseau and carried 3-0.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 11-28-18
Bob Tryanski, Behavior Health Coordinator, asked the Board to consider three items regarding Douglas County Behavioral Health Prevention initiatives:
1) Review KDHE Opioid Grant awarded to Lawrence Douglas County Health Department to implement MyStrength with HLC partners in year one;
2) Consider Douglas County/Health Leadership Coalition proposal to implement SAMHSAs evidence-based Strategic Prevention Framework with DCCCA as the lead agency; and
3) Consider Douglas County Opioid Summit proposal with DCCCA as the lead agency,
Tryanski stated the Health Leadership Coalition has identified several priorities with prevention being number one. To address prevention, and to align to Proposition 1 with the Community Health Plan, the group has identified the overall goals as prioritizing prevention, promoting integration across the system of care, and improve access to care. Prioritizing housing is also a huge part of prevention. Tryanski said we are not just talking about mental illness and addressing mental health crisis but also the need to pay attention to substance abuse disorders and make suicide prevention a priority.
The strategies to address these issues include offering MyStrength App for all Douglas County residents, having an Opioid Summit in Douglas County so we can have a conversation about getting ahead of the opioid crisis, and implementing the evidence based Zero Suicide approach to reduce suicide and to get better at depression care. Tryanski said Douglas County is the recipient of a $20,000 grant for MyStrength implementation which we plan to bring online in 2019. DCCCA has prepared a proposal for MyStrength and the Opioid Summit.
Tryanski stated tonight he is asking for approval for DCCCA to be the lead agency in implementing the prevention efforts: Strategic prevention framework to engage stakeholders in behavioral health system and convene Opioid Summit in Douglas County.
Gaughan stated the proposal asks for two part-time employees. He asked for more clarification on the reason for two part-time vs. one full time employee.
Lori Alvarado, DCCCA, stated the reason for the two part-time employees is to get the specialists that they need: a statewide opioid specialist and a specialist in prevention.
Gaughan asked what happens if the positions work exceeds the one FTE. Alvarado stated every hour worked on this project will be recorded. She feels confident DCCCA will be able to manage this work. However, any overage costs would be absorbed by DCCCA.
Gaughan asked if the expenses will be accrued and then the County pays or paid on advance. Sarah Plinsky, Assistant County Administrator, stated she expects DCCCA to invoice the County for these expenses.
Thellman opened the item for public comment.
Belinda Davis, Justice Matters, asked if the MyStrength App will be available to everyone in the community or will providers give this to individuals for private access.
Tryanski explained the distribution of the MyStrength App will be available through community providers (LMH Health, Bert Nash, DCCCA, and discussing primary care providers linked to the LMH Health). This is where we will start and go from there.
Thellman moved approval for DCCCA to serve as the lead agency in convening and implementing SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework. Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried 3-0.
Thellman moved to proceed with the Opioid Summit in Douglas County with DCCCA as the lead and with a cost not to exceed $180,000. Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried 3-0.
CONTRACT FOR INTERIM COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR SERVICES 11-28-18
Thellman moved to approve a contract for Interim County Administrator services with Sarah Plinsky to become the Interim County Administrator on December 15, 2018. The Board concurred the agreement of employment contract is consistent with other employment contracts. Motion was seconded by Derusseau and carried 3-0.
Thellman moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Derusseau and carried 3-0.
____________________________ ____________________________
Nancy Thellman, Chair Michelle Derusseau, Vice-Chair
ATTEST:
___________________________ _____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk Mike Gaughan, Member
Time and Date
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