Meeting Information
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, APRIL 3, 2019
4:00 p.m. - WORK SESSION
(1) Alternatives to incarceration with specialty courts.
5:30 p.m. BUSINESS MEETING
-Proclamation for “Public Health Week” April 1-7, 2019 (Dan Partridge)
-Proclamation for “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” (Rachel Gadd-Nelson)
-Proclamation for “Child Abuse Prevention Month” (Diana Frederick)
-Consider approval of the minutes for March 20, 2019.
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders;
(b) Authorize the Interim County Administrator to execute a lease agreement on behalf of Douglas County Government with Berkeley Plaza, Inc. as represented by agent Allison Vance Moore to lease the 6800 square foot commercial property at 1006 New Hampshire Street (Robert Bieniecki);
(c) Consider approval of 2019 Tow Service Provider Agreement (Jill Jolicoeur);
(d) Consider authorizing a Warranty Deed and County Resolution regarding the conveyance of land in East Hills Business Park to Economic and Development Corporation of Lawrence and Douglas County (EDC) who will convey property to Grandstand Glassware, at no cost. The County Commission initiated the appropriate documentation by Resolution 19-03 at the February 6, 2019 County Commission meeting. (Sarah Plinsky); and
(e) Accounts payable.
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Consider approval for Demolition of former Public Works building at 1242 Massachusetts Street (David Sparkes)
(3) Appointments:
• Community Corrections Board Advisory Board (1) position open (Social Services)
• Douglas County Food Policy Council (2) positions open (Local food system/Ag Producer)
• JAAA Advisory Council (1) position
• JAAA Board of Directors (2) positions
• Lawrence-Douglas County Advocacy Council on Aging (10) open positions
(4) 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.
(5) Committee Reports
(6) Commissioner and/or Administrator Miscellaneous
(7) Adjourn
April 3, 2019
Derusseau called the Work Session to order at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 with all Commissioners present.
WORK SESSION 04-03-19
Staff consisting of Sarah Plinsky, Interim County Administrator; Charles Branson, District Attorney; Peggy Kittel, Chief Judge; Pam Weigand, Director, Criminal Justice Services; Holly Myers, Assistant Director, Criminal Justice Services; Robert Bieniecki, Criminal Justice Coordinator; Shannon Young, Adult Services Supervisor; Shannon Bruegge, Adult Services Officer; Bob Tryanski, Director of Behavioral Health Projects; and Linda Koester-Vogelsang, Court Administrator; discussed alternatives to incarceration with specialty courts. Sandra Dixon, DCCCA, was also present.
Plinsky explained that during the 2019 budget development discussion, the Commission asked for additional information/study on a drug court. The topic was broadened to specialty courts. The purpose of this work session is for information/educational purposes only. No decisions will be made.
Weigand conducted a presentation of various statistics including: Pre-Trial; House Arrest; potential jail cost versus electronic monitoring and program costs; and Behavior Health Court. Weigand then presented information on Drug Courts outlining the benefits, best practices and concepts.
Bruegge then discussed her eight (8) years’ experience as a Behavioral Health Officer for a drug court in Cass County, Missouri.
Weigand noted that she would like to include a request for this pilot project in her 2020 Budget.
RECESS 04-03-19
Derusseau thanked staff and adjourned the work session at 5:15 p.m. The Commissioners assisted members of the Douglas County Child Abuse Prevention Task Force, District Court judges and other court personnel in planting blue Pinwheels for Prevention between the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center and the County Courthouse in conjunction with National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
RECONVENE 04-03-19
Derusseau opened the Regular Session meeting at 5:30 p.m. with all Commissioners present.
PROCLAMATION 04-03-19
Dan Partridge discussed Public Health Week activities for the week of April 1-7, 2019. Thellman read a proclamation proclaiming the week of April 1-7, 2019 as Public Health Week.
PROCLAMATION 04-03-19
Kelly read a Proclamation proclaiming the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Kristina McCollum, Director of Advocacy Services and Nicole Banman, Board Member, were present for the proclamation.
PROCLAMATION 04-03-19
Derusseau read a proclamation proclaiming the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Diana Frederick, Director of Douglas County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) conducted a brief presentation.
MINUTES 04-03-19
The minutes for March 20, 2019 were deferred by Derusseau.
CONSENT AGENDA 04-03-19
Derusseau moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
► Commission Order No. 19-025 on file in the office the County Clerk;
► Authorize the Interim County Administrator to execute a lease agreement on behalf of Douglas County Government with Berkeley Plaza, Inc. as represented by agent Allison Vance Moore to lease the 6800 square foot commercial property at 1006 New Hampshire Street;
► Approve 2019 Tow Service Provider Agreement;
► Authorized a Warranty Deed and Douglas County Resolution No. 19-08 regarding the conveyance of land in East Hills Business Park to Economic and Development Corporation of Lawrence and Douglas County (EDC) who will convey property to Grandstand Glassware at no cost; and
► Accounts payable in the amounts of $75.00 paid on 03/29/19; $575.48 paid on 03/22/19; $299,793.19 paid on 03/28/19; $283,287.33 to be paid on 04/04/19; and payroll in the amount of $1,029,281.77 paid on 03/29/19.
Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried 3-0.
CONTRACTS AND BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 04-03-19
The Board considered approval of the demolition of the former Public Works facility located at 1242 Massachusetts Street. Sarah Plinsky, Interim County Administrator, explained that monies have been set aside for this project as part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) discussions. Douglas County has been working with Gould Evans to conduct a space needs study for the Douglas County Courthouse and the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center and have created a master plan. The current vision for the former Public Works facility is demolition. While the facility is not considered a historic building, it is in the environs of historic structures and staff is aware of the need to go through the Historic Resources Commission. David Sparkes, Director of Buildings and Grounds, explained that the building was vacated in 2015, is being utilized as a storage facility and is in a state of disrepair. The entire roof has asbestos, there are holes in the building and the walls and ceiling are separating on the north end. Derusseau noted that it is a bat cave.
Thellman questioned the future of the parking lot and how it would impact the neighbors. Sparkes stated current plans are to continue to use the parking lot as overflow. Plinsky noted that to the best of her knowledge, the hope is to maintain the parking lot, but this needs to be discussed with the City of Lawrence. Thellman stated there is a neighboring building next door that has office space and the parking lot is used by folks other than the city and county.
Derusseau opened the item for public comment. Tamara Werth stated she owns a business behind the facility and emphasized there is a legal binding document regarding the parking lot which will have to be considered for future determination of the property. She realizes this is in the early stages of the process, but she noted concerns about an article in the paper indicating that it was determined to be razed for future use and this is just now being brought to her attention without notice of movement in this direction. She stated that she should be part of the conversation going forward. She also expressed concerns about traffic flow, possible removal of the trees as well as environment issues including the sound factor.
Derusseau noted the structure is unsafe.
Thellman stated that the decision of future use has not yet been determined. It needs to be demolished since it is beyond practical use. Thellman noted that she will work extra hard to be a good liaison for Ms. Werth.
Kelly requested clarification of the process. Sparkes stated that it is up to the contractor to obtain a permit; they send notices to the State and the City at the same time. The State issues 14-day permits and the City issues 30-day permits. Plinsky noted this would take place after consultation with the Historic Resources Commission.
Derusseau made a motion to approve the award abatement services to Major Abatement and Demolition, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $48,450; utilize the US Communities contract with The Wilson Group in the amount of $97,563.79 for demolition services, and establish a 10% project contingency for the former Public Works building at 1242 Massachusetts Street. Motion was seconded by Thellman and carried 3-0.
APPOINTMENTS 04-03-19 – None.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT 04-03-19
Ron Wilson discussed concerns about police safety at the firing range.
COMMITTEE REPORTS 04-03-19 – None.
COMMISSIONERS AND/OR ADMINISTRATOR MISCELLANEOUS 04-03-19
Sarah Plinsky, Interim County Administrator, reported she is meeting on a regular basis with City and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical staff on the agreement. She read an email sent to the City Commission from Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager.
Plinsky noted the Behavioral Health Summit has been planned and announced for June 25, 2019. This is an all-day event which is also scheduled as a budget day. She suggested that if the Summit was something the Commissioners would like to attend, the budget discussion would need to be rescheduled.
Plinsky reported that the Public Works Department is celebrating Snow and Ice Appreciation day on Friday, April 5, 2019 during the lunch hour. There may be a couple of Commissioners stopping by to thank employees for their work.
Thellman noted there may be two Commissioners attending the Growing Good Neighbors dinner next week. No Small Matter on Early Childhood is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9 at Maceli’s from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Derusseau noted the Willow Springs Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 6.
Plinsky reported the work session on April 10 will include a discussion of township roads and budget. All township trustees have been notified about the meeting.
Derusseau adjourned the meeting at 6:11 p.m.
____________________________ ____________________________
Michelle Derusseau, Chair Patrick Kelly, Vice-Chair
ATTEST:
____________________________ _____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk Nancy Thellman, Member
Time and Date
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