Meeting Information
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, KANSAS
ADDRESSING THE COMMISSION: Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item.
Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. We ask that you sign in so that we can get the spelling of your name correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
4:00 p.m. - WORK SESSION
(1) Crisis Center Operational Planning (Bob Tryanski)
5:30 p.m. BUSINESS MEETING
-Proclamation for “Emergency Medical Services Week” (Shaun Coffey)
-Proclamation for “2019 National Preservation Month” (Jan Shupert-Arick)
-Proclamation on “Climate Change-The Future is in our Hands” (Jasmin Moore)
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders;
(b) Consider approval of a Countywide Open Space Plan Project Charter (Helen Schnoes);
(c) Consider authorization to solicit bids for E 1750 Road improvements from Route 12 to NE corner of Baldwin City limits, DGCO Project No. 2019-12 (Keith Browning);
(d) Consider approval of the minutes for April 24, 2019; and
(e) Accounts payable
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Determine 2020 road maintenance budget for the Hesper CRID (Keith Browning)
(3) Overview of the Heritage Conservation Council’s work and next steps for desired outcomes (Jan Shupert-Arick)
(4) 2019 Natural & Cultural Grant Recommendations (Jan Shupert-Arick)
(5) Appointments:
• Community Corrections Board Advisory Board (1) position open (Social Services)
• Douglas County Food Policy Council (2) positions open (Local food system/Ag Producer)
• Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council (2) positions (Archaeologist/Architect)
• JAAA Advisory Council (2) position
• JAAA Board of Directors (1) positions
• Lawrence-Douglas County Advocacy Council on Aging (10) open positions
(6) General Public Comment
General Public Comment will be at the end of each meeting with a limit of one comment per person and keep their comments brief. Individuals may not give unused time to other speakers. As a general practice, the Commission will not discuss/debate these items, nor will the Commission make decisions on items presented during this time, rather they will refer the items to staff for follow up, if necessary.
(7) Committee Reports
(8) Commissioner and/or Administrator Miscellaneous
(9) Adjourn
May 15, 2019
Derusseau called the Work Session to order at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 with all Commissioners present.
WORK SESSION 05-15-19
The County Commission held a work study session on Crisis Center Operational Planning. Attendees included: Sarah Plinsky, Interim County Administrator; Sandra Dixon, DCCCA; Robyn Coventon, Heartland; Derrick Hurst, LMH Health; Stephen O’Neill, Bert Nash; Karen Shumate, Consultant; Russ Johnson, LMH Health; Mike Brouwer, Director of Re-entry Programs; Jason Hess, Heartland RADAC; Shannon Oury, Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority; and Bob Tryanski, Coordinator of Behavioral Health Projects.
Highlights included:
- Through all of the different initiatives, the jail has experienced a 56% reduction in incarceration of people with serious mental illness.
- Douglas County will soon be interviewing for a construction manager at-risk position to build the Tier 2 and Tier 3 housing.
- Key partners visited Crisis Centers in Arizona to get ideas on how we want to manage our Crisis Center. We can do something better and more unique on our campus.
- Though we understand the need to focus on triage, we still need to focus on regulations. It will be easier and more efficient when we can get state leadership and staff to come to the table and listen to how regulations get in the way. Regulations will slightly affect the way the crisis building will be set up, and the organizational structure.
- Tryanski proposed the following Project Management Team: Project Director: Derrick Hurst; Project Coordinator and Facility Design Lead: Karen Shumate; and Project Assistant: Sarah Robertson.
- The presentation included a Project Design Chart to understand the management flow.
- The Management Building Principles the partnerships will commit to include: Transparency to public regarding funding and community interest; collaboration and team effort; providing timely results; being respectful to a a collegial, cordial and team-oriented culture; and providing communication to all constituents involved in this project.
- The projected costs for LMH Health of $125,000 for 2019 will be offset with the Sunflower Grant of $50,000. The cost to the County will be approximately $75,000; for 2020, again the Sunflower Grant will offset costs by $50,000 with the cost to Douglas County projected at $130,000. We are looking at grant opportunities and partnerships to offset costs so we don’t just rely on tax dollars for funding.
- Staff is planning quarterly community meetings with opportunities for public input and discussion.
- Staff is also planning targeted focus groups conservations with frontline providers and stakeholders from the school districts.
RECESS 05-15-19
At 4:52 p.m., the Board recessed until the 5:30 p.m. meeting.
RECONVENE 05-15-19
At 5:30 p.m., Derusseau called the Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commission to order.
PROCLAMATION 05-15-19
Interim Fire and Medical Chief Shaun Coffey and emergency responders representing Douglas County were honored with a proclamation recognizing May 19-25, 2019 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Douglas County. We recognize these fearless community servants for their dedication to saving lives.
PROCLAMATION 05-15-19
The Heritage Conservation Council Board Members, Lindsay Crick, Julia Manglitz, Michael Delaney, Kimberly Mahanna-Bellemere, and Kathy Dwigans; and Jan Shupert-Arick, Program Coordinator, were present for a proclamation declaring May 2019 as National Preservation Month in Douglas County.
PROCLAMATION 05-15-19
Jasmin Moore, Sustainability Director, recognized students from Lawrence High School who partnered on a sustainability climate change project. Nineteen pieces of art have been displayed at the courthouse during the month of May each depicting a powerful message. The County Commission read a proclamation referencing May 15, 2019 as the day of recognition for Climate Change, The Future is in Our Hands.
PROCLAMATION 05-15-19
Derusseau read a proclamation declaring May 15, 2019 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Douglas County to pay special tribute to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. U.S. flags were flown at half-staff in memory of those lives lost.
CONSENT AGENDA 05-15-19
Derusseau moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
► Commission Order No. 19-032, 19-033 and 19-034 on file in the office of the County Clerk;
► Open Space Project Charter, as discussed at the May 1, 2019 Work Session;
► Authorization to solicit bids for Project No. 2019-12, E 1750 Road Improvements from Route 12 to the northeast corner of the Baldwin City limits;
► Minutes for April 24, 2019; and
► Accounts payable in the amount of $412,733.22 to be paid on 05/16/19;
Motion was seconded by Thellman and carried 3-0.
PUBLIC WORKS 05-15-19
The Board considered the approval of the 2020 road maintenance budget for the Hesper Charter Road Improvement District (CRID). Keith Browning, Director of Public Works, presented the item. Denny Hall, Hesper CRID Advisory Board, was present for discussion.
The Hesper CRID includes portions of N 1100 Road, E 2300 Road and N 1137 Road, all east of Route 1061, totaling 2.81 centerline miles. In determining the annual Hesper CRID budget, the intent is to set a consistent annual budget amount that will cover anticipated costs over the next several years. Based on maintenance calculations, staff recommends a $52,000 budget for 2020 with Douglas County (in lieu of Eudora Township) contributing $28,455 of the total $52,000. That leaves $23,545 to be paid by the individual property owners (IPO). There are 42 IPOs each assessed at $560.61.
Derusseau opened the item for public comment. No comment was received.
Derusseau moved to approve the $52,000 road maintenance budget for the Hesper Charger Road Improvement District for 2020. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried 3-0.
HERITAGE CONSERVATION COUNCIL 05-15-19
Jan Shupert-Arick, Program Coordinator, conducted a presentation of an overview of the Heritage Conservations Council’s (HCC) work, 2011 through 2019 and next steps for desired outcomes.
The HCC promotes the conservation of our cultural and natural heritage to honor our past, enrich our present and inspire our future. The HCC was created by the Board of County Commissioners to ensure the conservations of Douglas County’s natural and cultural resources. Douglas County grant funding has been used to support and secure additional funds for the restoration of many historical sites in Douglas County such as the Midland Railroad, river and water projects, land surveys in all townships, updated the Douglas County Archaeological Study, preservation of natural resources and land stories, offer educational opportunities and used survey data to create a county-wide preservation plan.
Next steps include the HCC asking for approval to launch a local designation program and the restoration of its budget to the 2018 level in order to oversee effective and meaningful grant and survey programs.
Derusseau opened the item for public comment.
Steve Nowak, Watkins Museum of History, offered his appreciation for the HCC and the Natural and Cultural Heritage Organization who has been instrumental in preservation of heritage in the County. Grants have helped raise $800,000 for the Watkins building. He said Douglas County is an awesome place to run a history museum.
Paul Bahnmaier, Lecompton Historical Society, stated because of grants received from Douglas County, Lecompton has brought in a lot of visitors.
No action taken.
NATURAL & CULTURAL GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS 05-15-19
Jan Shupert-Arick, Program Coordinator, asked the Board to consider approval of the Heritage Conservation Council recommendations for the 2019 round of grant awards. Ten applications were received. The committee is recommending dispensing $135,000 as follows:
Major Grants:
• First United Methodist Church of Lawrence Bell Tower Restoration Project. HCC grant funding is designated only for the bell portion of the project. Requested $51,055. Recommended $28,930. Board approved $28,930.
• Haskell Foundation-Haskell Stadium Archway Rehabilitation. Requested $69,789. Recommended $10,000. Board approved $10,000.
• Winter School Preservation, Inc. – Lecompton Historical Society-The Winter School, No. 70. Requested $58,313.69. Recommended $35,120. Board approved $35,120.
Target Grants:
• Baldwin City – Baldwin City Pioneer Cemetery & Prairie Heritage Preservation. Requested $38,270, Recommended $31,750. Board approved $31,750.
• Clinton Lake Historical Society for the Digitalization of the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum Phase II. Requested: $5,000. Recommended $5,000. Board approved $5,000.
• Douglas County Conservation District – Douglas County Water Festival for Fifth Grade Students. Requested: $5,000. Recommended $5,000. Board approved $5,000.
• Douglas County Extension Council – Planting Natives Education Project. Requested: $5,000. Recommended $5,000. Board approved $5,000.
• Eudora Area Historical Society – Improvements at the Eudora Community Center. Requested: $39,999. Recommended $6,900. Board approved $6,900.
• Douglas County Historical Society for Guardians of Grover Barn (Underground Railroad Site).Requested: $7,300. Recommended $7,300. Board approved $7,300.
• KU Center for Sustainability, KU Endowment Association – Prairie Acre Restoration. Requested: $16,500. Recommended $0. Board approved $0.
Thellman moved to approve the fund recommendations for the 2019 Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program as recommended by the Heritage Conservation Council for a total grant amount of $135,000. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried 3-0.
APPOINTMENTS 05-15-19
Thellman moved to appoint Jack L. Hofman to the Heritage Conservation Council filling the Archaeologist position for a three-year term to expire 05/31/22. Motion was seconded by Derusseau and carried 3-0.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT 05-15-19 - None
COMMITTEE REPORTS 05-15-19
Kelly attended the Public Incentive Review Committee (PIRC) meeting. He questioned the purpose of having a County Commissioner in attendance if he has to abstain from voting on items that will eventually come before the County Commission. The City does not have a representative. It was determined there will be further discussion on the matter.
COMMISSIONERS AND/OR ADMINISTRATIVE MISCELLANEOUS 05-15-19
· Thellman noted the remarkable week at Douglas County because of the Stepping Up Recognition and the honoring the first graduate of the Women’s Substance Use Diversion program.
· Derusseau stated that because of these and other programs Douglas County has added to our efforts to reduce the number of inmates with mental illness in jail, Douglas County is averaging 174 people per day that are not in jail due to program deferrals. She wanted the public to know we have not stopped working on other programs but kudos to what we’ve done so far. Kelly stated we are doing a lot of preventative work and will continue to do so. Thellman added there are a number of new innovative prevention programs coming up as part of the Behavioral Health referendum.
· Thellman said she attended the school superintendents meeting this past Friday. There was deep discussion into the troubling suicide rate with our youth in Douglas County. All agreed there is a lot of work to do. The good news is the people needed are there at the table.
· Plinsky dispensed the 2018 Housing Authority Annual Report to the Commissioners. Housing is the key part to the Behavioral Health struggles in our community. We need to celebrate all that LDCHA are doing to make a difference.
· Plinsky said she was excited about executing the first full agreement for Behavioral Health Services with a community development partner.
· The May 22 agenda will have a Work Session regarding the Lawrence Community Shelter.
Derusseau adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m.
____________________________ ____________________________
Michelle Derusseau, Chair Patrick Kelly, Vice-Chair
ATTEST:
____________________________ _____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk Nancy Thellman, Member
Time and Date
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