Meeting Information
Amended 06-03-19
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, JUNE 5, 2019
4:00 p.m. - WORK SESSION
(1) Planning for Zero Suicide Initiative. (Bob Tryanski)
5:30 p.m. BUSINESS MEETING
-Proclamation declaring June 2019 as “LGBTQ+ Pride Month” (Brandon Eisman)
-Proclamation for “National Gun Violence Awareness Day” (Spencer Yost-Wolff)
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders;
(b) Consider approval of Medicaid Match Contract between the Lawrence-Douglas county Health Department and the Kansas Head Start Association to match funds for the KHSA Parent Health Literacy project. (Dan Partridge);
(c) Consider approval to solicit bids for contract maintenance work for the 2019 Public Works season. (Keith Browning);
(d) Consider approval of the minutes for May 1, May 8 and May 15, 2019; and
(e) Accounts payable.
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Consider expansion of the WRAP program for the 2019-2020 school year in partnership with the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center to serve USD 348, USD 491 and USD 434 (Bob Tryanski)
(3) Discussion of homestead destroyed natural disaster (Steve Miles)
(4) Tornado response update (Sarah Plinsky). For information only. No backup.
(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)
• 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
June 5, 2019
Derusseau called the Work Session to order at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 with all Commissioners present.
WORK SESSION 06-05-19
The County Commission held a work study session on a Zero Suicide Initiative. Attendees included: Sarah Plinsky, Interim County Administrator; Bob Tryanski, Director of Behavioral Health Projects; Lori Alvarado, CEO of DCCCA, Dan Partridge, CEO Health Department, and Monica Kurtz and Liz Gravatt, Headquarters, Inc.
Tryanski explained that agency partners are creating an integrated system of health care that moves from crisis to illness as a norm, to recovery and prevention as a practice. The following agencies have committed to reducing suicide through the implementation of the Zero Suicide initiative: Headquarters, Inc., Bert Nash, LMH Health, Heartland RADAC, Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, Heartland Community Health Center, and DCCCA.
Lori Alvarado, DCCCA, stated members of the Behavioral Health Leadership Coalition, law enforcement agencies and the school district have formed a prevention team. They are working on:
• Researching data to determine risk factors for suicide, including interviews with area schools. Alcohol, pills, marijuana and vaping are some of the challenges identified by local teenagers.
• A Behavioral Health Summit is scheduled for June 25 with 145 attendees signed up to date.
• Teaming with local pharmacies to provide education and identify ways to safely dispose of opioids.
• Submitted applications for two grant proposals for funding prevention efforts; one with the Partnership for Success in the amount of $300,000 per year for five years; and one for the Kansas Preventative Collaborative Community Award grant in the amount of $75,000 for three years.
Dan Partridge, CEO of the Health Department, gave an overall look at local suicide statistics. The Douglas County suicide rate is 15.3, which is higher than the national average rate of 13.3. This rate has increased for all age groups except ages 50-64.
A proposal for the Zero Suicide initiative will be considered by the County Commissioners at a future meeting for a projected total of $207,500 over a three-year period. Funding would be supported by the Proposition 1 ballot initiative. The three-year plan includes: year one with Headquarters, Inc. focusing on identifying strategies and conducting internal assessments to implement the Zero Suicide approach; year two having agencies participate in a Zero Suicide Academy to train on evidence-based practices for their organizations which will then bring the training to the providers of Douglas County; and year three will focus on helping agencies review internal and county-level data related to suicide for the purpose of continued improvement.
RECESS 06-05-19
At 4:45 p.m., the Board recessed until the 5:30 p.m. meeting.
RECONVENE 06-05-19
At 5:30 p.m., Derusseau called the Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commission to order.
PROCLAMATION 06-05-19
Brandon Eisman representing the LGBTQ+ Community as Deja Brooks kicked off the 50 Years of Pride celebration promoting diversity in Douglas County with its first gay pride proclamation. Thellman read the proclamation declaring June 2019 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Douglas County.
PROCLAMATION 06-05-19
Spencer Yost-Wolff, a recent graduate of Free State High School, discussed how schools are having to practice active shooter response drills. The community is raising awareness of gun violence by tying 100 ribbons at South Park on Saturday to symbolize the 100 people that die each day from gun violence. Derusseau read a proclamation proclaiming June 7, 2019 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Douglas County.
CONSENT AGENDA 06-05-19
Derusseau moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
► Commission Order Nos. 19-036 and 19-037 on file in the office of the County Clerk;
► Second Amendment to the agreement between Kansas Head Start Association, Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County, Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment supporting a Medicaid Match between the Lawrence Douglas County Health Department and the Kansas Head Start Association to provide parent health literacy services;
► Approval to solicit bids for contract maintenance work for the 2019 season for Public Works;
► Minutes for May 1, May 8 and May 15, 2019; and
► Accounts payable in the amounts of $694,432.47 to be paid on 06/06/19, $289,449.46 paid on 05/29/19 and $187,401.12 paid on 05/28/19.
Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried 3-0.
ADMINISTRATION/TORNADO RESPONSE 06-05-19
Sarah Plinsky, Interim County Administrator, gave an overview to the Commission on how the Emergency Management, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical, Emergency Communications, Public Works, Township Fire Departments, surrounding City Fire Departments, GIS, Sheriff’s office, City of Lawrence Police department and the many other supportive agencies responded to the May 28 tornado that ripped through Douglas County all while still monitoring the flood issues happening simultaneously during that period. Representatives from each organization explained their part in the response process.
Jillian Rodrigue and Joe Hoelscher, Emergency Management, provided information on the areas that were affected by the tornado touchdown on May 28, the agencies involved, the management plan that was implemented and that a long-term recovery committee was formed and a disaster fund was established.
Cleanup discussion included:
• The deadline of July 3, 2019 was set for Douglas County pickup of woody debris.
• Staff is working on a contract for a contractor to pick up construction and demolition debris left in the right of way, for a period of 30 days after contract finalization. Debris will be taken to the landfill.
• As part of the emergency disaster declaration signed the night of the storm, the County has the ability to waive some of the purchasing policies, procedures and timelines, and authorize staff to proceed with some of the contract decisions. Plinsky stated staff is asking for an extension of the declaration to allow staff to continue to move swiftly to assist residents’ needs and in the cleanup process. These efforts will continue to be coordinated through the Long Term Recovery Committee, who will meet on a regular basis
• It was determined there was no tornado damage to public infrastructure.
• Information regarding cleanup will be provided on the County website and social media and the public can call 2-1-1 for any type of assistance.
Derusseau opened the item for public comment. No comment was received.
Derusseau moved to approve Resolution No. 19-12 Disaster Continuance Resolution. Motion was seconded by Thellman and carried 3-0.
Derusseau added she has never been more proud and grateful to our professionals and community for doing exactly what they do every day. It has been a wild eight days. These professionals practice for these kinds of disaster events and was amazing how well they responded.
APPRAISER/HOMESTEAD 06-05-19
Steve Miles, County Appraiser, discussed a potential $165,000 loss in tax revenue due to the homestead destruction destroyed by the tornado on May 28, 2019.
K.S.A. 79-1613, regarding homesteads destroyed by natural disaster, gives the County Commission the ability to abate taxes on residential structures when the cost of restoring would be equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. The abatement can be issued at the discretion of the County Commission and dependent upon budgetary restraints of the County and the taxing subdivisions, and can only be done on the residential structures. Accessory buildings, agriculture buildings, sheds or detached garages would not qualify for abatement. Miles stated the County has approved abatements on fire destruction before, however the tornado damage would be on a much larger scale then the County has seen before. Landowners interested would be required to fill out an application and provide required documentation.
Miles stated he would be the contact, just as he has been on the fire abatements. Each request will need to be handled individually. Miles will conduct the research and provide a recommendation to the Board. Miles said the Appraiser’s office will send a letter and application to any potential landowner that they are aware of that has substantial damage.
The County Commission asked that the letter and application also be placed on the County Website with the disaster relief packet.
Derusseau opened the item for public comment. No comment was received.
No action was taken.
APPOINTMENT 06-05-19
Thellman moved to appoint Janet Ikenberry to the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board for a three-year term to end 09/30/2022. Motion was seconded by Derusseau and carried 3-0.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT 06-05-19
Miguel Roel, 1506 Rhode Island Street, stated he is concerned about members of the LGBQT+ community being incarcerated in Douglas County. He read a proclamation he wrote stating LGBQT+ should be celebrated every month and the community should recognize their struggle as an equal.
COMMITTEE REPORTS 06-05-19 - None.
COMMISSIONERS AND/OR ADMINISTRATIVE MISCELLANEOUS 06-05-19
· Sarah Plinsky, Interim County Administrator, recognized contributions made by Erin Winn, Management Intern during 2018-2019 and wished her luck on her new job as a Management Analyst for the City of Denton, TX.
· Plinsky introduced Davianna Humble as the new full-time Management Intern for the Administration office.
· Plinsky gave the Board an update on flood monitoring and Emergency Management’s continued progress in monitoring the Kansas River, and releases from Perry Lake and Milford. Staff has had conversations with the Corp at Clinton Lake. The Corp is not anticipating any water release at this time at the Wakarusa Watershed.
· A public reception will be held Friday, June 7 at 4:30 p.m. at the Flory Building, Douglas County Fairgrounds to meet the candidates for Chief of the Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical Department; On Saturday, June 8, 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library each candidate will give a public presentation and respond to questions from the community.
· Two or more Commissioners may attend the Lecompton Territorial Days on Saturday, June 11.
· A Human Services Provider meeting is scheduled for June, 12 at 9:00 a.m. at the Flory Building, Douglas County Fairgrounds.
· There will be no work session at the next meeting for June 12.
Derusseau adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
____________________________ ____________________________
Michelle Derusseau, Chair Patrick Kelly, Vice-Chair
ATTEST:
__________________________ ____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk Nancy Thellman, Member
Time and Date
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