Meeting Information
Amended Agenda
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015
4:00 p.m.
-Consider approval of the minutes for December 3, December 10, December 12 and December 17, 2014
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders;
(b) Consider approval of Property and Liability Insurance Renewal (Sarah Plinsky);
(c) Receive notification that the Lawrence-Douglas County Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) received funds for 2014 (Ken McGovern); and
(d) Consider acquisition of right-of-way for Project No. 2013-20 – Bridge No. 10.00N – 16.38E on County Route 458.
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Consider authorization to solicit construction bids for Project No. 2013-20, replacement of Bridge No. 10.00-16.38E carrying Route 458 bridge over Coal Creek (Keith Browning)
(3) Discuss the introduction of legislation that would provide an option to the Douglas County Commission to call an election to provide financing for an addition to the Douglas County Jail, and provide financing for a mental health facility (Weinaug)
(4) (a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments
-Board of Zoning Appeal (1) eligible for reappointment 10/2014
-Building Code Board of Appeals (1) eligible for reappointment 12/2014
-Douglas County Senior Services Board of Directors (2) positions
(c) Public Comment
(d) Miscellaneous
(5) Adjourn
January 28, 2015
Flory called the regular meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 with all members present.
MINUTES 01-28-15
Flory moved to approve the minutes for December 3, December 10, December 12 and December 17, 2014. Motion was seconded by Thellman and carried 3-0.
CONSENT AGENDA 01-28-15
Flory moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
► Commission Order Nos. 15-008, 15-009, 15-010 and 15-011(on file in the office of the County Clerk);
► Authorized the Assistant County Administrator to sign an agreement with Travelers for General Property and Liability Insurance coverage in an amount not to exceed $480,584;
► Received notification from the Sheriff’s office that the Lawrence-Douglas County Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) received funds for 2014;
► Acquisition of Easements for Project No. 2014-20; Bridge No. 10.00N-16.38E on County Road 458 with the following landowners: Charles Whittaker and April D. Whittaker, 1801 Indiana, Lawrence, Kansas, Tract No. 1; and Clifford L. Evans, Jr., 735 E 22nd Street; Lawrence, Kansas, Tract No. 2.
Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried 3-0.
PUBLIC WORKS 01-28-15
Gaughan moved to authorize the Public Works Director to solicit bids for Project No. 2013-20, the replacement of Bridge No. 10.00N-16.38E, which carried Route 458 over Coal Creek. Motion was seconded by Thellman and carried 3-0.
JAIL/HOUSE BILL 01-28-15
The Board discussed the introduction of legislation that would provide an option to the Douglas County Commission to call an election to provide financing for an addition to the Douglas County Jail, and provide financing for a mental health facility. Craig Weinaug, County Administrator presented item.
Weinaug gave a context of why the item is being brought before the Commission now. The jail has gradually reached capacity and the County is paying significant fees to place inmates in other jails at a cost of $250,000 per year. The County’s vision is to explore the concept of a mental health division court where those with mental health issues that commit crimes can be sent to a more appropriate place than jail. In addition, the County recognizes the need for mental health treatment option for persons that have not committed a crime. The County is collecting data based on statistics over the past several years on how many inmates could have gone somewhere other than jail. With this information, the Commission can determine how small of a jail expansion is needed. With a bill, the County could consider a sales tax option by calling for an election. Without the bill, the only way to pay for the expansion would be by an increase in property taxes. Staff wishes to give the Commission a menu of financing options to pay for a jail expansion.
Flory stated he does want all options available before the Commission moves forward. The Commission could also consider using a combination of options.
Thellman stated she would like to plan for six open house public forums to discuss the jail expansion and mental health options to get community input.
Gaughan asked if the proposed bill as laid out for legislation will allow for expansion needs for the juvenile detention. Weinaug stated it doesn’t. We think the next step for juvenile detention is to expand the day school, which has been a very successful alternative to actual detention. If the Commission wants to have the option to add this to a sales tax election question then you may want to add the item to the list.
Flory stated he feels the language is broad enough to encompass a juvenile detention expansion. Any election called would have the details on the ballot.
It was the consensus of the Board to add the words “detention facility” to the bill language.
Gaughan moved to make an amendment to the proposed legislative bill to add the words “detention facility” to the language to encompass juvenile services if necessary. Motion was seconded by Thellman and carried 3-0.
Flory opened the item for public comment. No comment was received.
Flory moved to direct staff to go about getting legislation introduced to allow an election to supply financing for an additional sales tax. Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried 3-0.
Note: Commissioner Thellman suggested staff look into setting up a website or adding to our County website meeting times, updates and questions regarding the proposed expansion process.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 01-28-15
Flory moved to approve accounts payable in the amount of $2,506,486.55 to be paid on 0/29/15. Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried 3-0.
Flory moved to adjourn the meeting; Gaughan seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
____________________________ ____________________________
James E. Flory, Chair Mike Gaughan, Vice-Chair
ATTEST:
___________________________ _____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk Nancy Thellman, Member
Time and Date