Bennet public meetings in 2022

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan and authorized the purchase of real property at 826 “H” Street for surface parking. Several annual supply contracts and payroll claims were approved. Four residents provided public comment regarding concerns over recent elections.

• Adopted 2023-2025 Lancaster County Strategic Plan (5-0)
• Approved purchase of real property at 826 “H” Street for surface parking (5-0)
• Approved annual Sheriff uniform contract with Jonah's Enterprises Inc. not to exceed $28,310.63 (5-0)
• Approved annual HVAC filter contract with Lampe’s Clean Air Specialists not to exceed $8,000 (5-0)
• Approved MOU with HD Supply, Inc. for janitorial supplies not to exceed $10,000 (5-0)
• Approved payroll claims through December 20, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved $16,800 claim to The Mediation Center (4-0 with one abstention)
• Approved 2023 salaries for Elected Officers’ Chief Deputies (5-0)

Board of Equalization

The Board approved additions and deductions to tax assessment rolls and specific valuation changes for three properties. Additionally, the Board approved motor vehicle tax exemption applications for three organizations following a public hearing.

• Approved minutes from December 6, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved additions and deductions to tax assessment rolls (5-0)
• Approved assessed valuation changes for Andrew & Kylee Brown, Jacob Torres Garcia & Lucila Acosta, and Jonathan Mireles Casarrubias (5-0)
• Approved motor vehicle tax exemption applications for Union College, Tabitha Inc, and Cristo Rey Catholic Church of Lincoln (5-0)

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)- Lancaster County

The committee approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. Members reviewed recent emergency responses, including the Apple Road Fire, and discussed the reactivation of the Southeast Nebraska Healthcare Coalition.

• Approved agenda and September 13, 2022 meeting minutes
• Scheduled 2023 meetings for March 14, June 13, September 12, and December 12

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved an interlocal agreement to use $2.3 million in ARPA funds for crisis stabilization and mental health respite services. Other key actions included awarding a $662,454 culvert maintenance bid and providing cash awards to County Engineering employees for wildfire response.

• Approved $2.3M ARPA fund agreement for mental health crisis stabilization services (4-0)
• Awarded $662,454.25 culvert maintenance bid to Vogtscapes, Inc. (4-0)
• Approved $250,000 ARPA grant to Indian Center, Inc. for building improvements (4-0)
• Approved $500 one-time cash awards for 12 County Engineering employees (4-0)
• Approved amendments to air pollution control program regulations (3-1)
• Approved annual salary increases for appointed directors, assistant directors, bailiffs, and child support referee (4-0)
• Approved $5,373.06 USDA grant for the Youth Services Center (3-0 with one abstention)
• Approved official bonds for elected county officers and the County Surveyor (4-0)

Board of Equalization

The Board approved additions and deductions to tax assessment rolls and various tax exemption applications. It removed tax exemption status for two properties due to sales and denied a homestead exemption appeal based on state filing deadlines.

• Approved minutes from November 15, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved additions and deductions to tax assessment rolls (4-0)
• Approved 2022 451 exemption applications per Assessor recommendations (4-0)
• Approved removal of tax exemption status for Nebraska Theravada Buddhist and Priestly Fraternity of St Peter Inc (4-0)
• Denied appeal on rejection of Homestead Exemption from Kimarra S Elam (4-0)
• Approved motor vehicle tax exemption applications (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a $750,000 grant for St. Monica's Home to add beds for women with substance abuse needs. Other actions included accepting road maintenance for Coyote Ridge Addition and approving several county contracts and appointments.

• Approved $750,000 grant to St. Monica's Home for substance abuse beds (4-0)
• Approved road maintenance for 2,000 feet of gravel roadway in Coyote Ridge Addition (4-0)
• Approved $97,940 architectural agreement for Civil Protective Custody Center using ARPA funds (4-0)
• Approved $99,704 agreement with DMV for 24/7 Sobriety Program Permits (4-0)
• Approved appointments of Jim Ballard, Teresa Erdkamp, Zainab Rida, and Meghan Sittler to Extension Board (4-0)
• Approved $2,000 contract for water heater replacement via Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Housing Program (4-0)
• Approved pay grade increase for Grant Coordinator (4-0)
• Approved right-of-way contract with Parrott Family Farms LLC for $748 (4-0)

Reducing Racial & Ethnic Disparities Committee

The committee discussed data sharing between LPS and LPD and reviewed challenges regarding juvenile detention capacity and minority youth populations. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.

• LPS and LPD to maintain data sharing partnership and share data with Dr. Wiener
• LPS is developing a formal MOU for data sharing

Board of Commissioners - Lancaster County 101

The Board of Commissioners received updates on county finances, jail overcrowding, and 2023 legislative priorities. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded during the meeting.

Juvenile Justice Collaborative

The Collaborative approved recommendations regarding which funding sources agencies should apply under. Members also received updates on youth program registrations, staffing shortages, and new application requirements for CBA funding.

• Approved funding source recommendations (Motion by Alicia, seconded by Kim; Passed)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved several grant applications for the Sheriff's Office and a victim services assessment. They also authorized a psychiatric services agreement and various contract renewals. No action was taken on public comments regarding election integrity.

• Approved $9,520 grant application for Sheriff's Office traffic control at 2023 Airshow (4-0)
• Approved $10,500 DOT mini-grant for 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign (4-0)
• Approved agreement with Zakaria Siddiqui, MD for on-call psychiatric services at $1,050 per 24-hour period (5-0)
• Approved $11,600 grant contract for victim services assessment (4-0)
• Approved non-disclosure agreement with Dunder LLC (4-0)
• Approved quitclaim deeds for North Street right-of-way to Laverne Peaks and Jansa Rentals, LLC (4-0)
• Approved consent items including SHI International Corp renewal (up to $110,000) and Maxwell Products, Inc renewal (up to $60,000) (4-0)
• Approved $5,600 claim to The Mediation Center (3-0 with one abstention)

Joint Budget Committee

The committee approved the consent agenda and forwarded the 2023 Keno HS Prevention Fund recommendations for final approval by the City Council and County Board. Members also received updates on human services, opioid allocations, and regional funding for mental health and housing projects.

• Approved consent agenda and September minutes (5-0)
• Approved moving 2023 Keno HS Prevention Fund Recommendations forward for final City Council and County Board approval (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board renewed a contract for a mobile license plate reader system and approved the vacation of a right-of-way on Southwest 86th Street. Other actions included approving several contract amendments, a federal advocacy agreement, and a new vehicle purchase for the Sheriff's office.

• Approved renewal of Vigilant Solutions LLC license plate reader contract, not to exceed $25,000 (5-0)
• Approved vacation of right-of-way on Southwest 86th Street between West Saltillo Road and West Bennet Road (5-0)
• Approved $70,000 agreement with Brumidi Group LLC for federal advocacy services (5-0)
• Approved $31,830 purchase of a Hyundai Santa Fe vehicle from Sid Dillon (5-0)
• Approved $63,647 Office of Justice Programs payment award for correctional purposes (5-0)
• Approved deed restriction agreement for property at 14880 South 134th Street (5-0)
• Approved declination of terrorism insurance for the Deputy Craig Dodge memorial statue (5-0)
• Approved consent items including contract amendments for Uribe Refuse Services, JEO Consulting Group, and Summit Food Service (4-0)

Pension Review Committee

The Pension Review Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive a presentation on fee leveling from representatives of Empower and Segal Marco. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda beyond the routine approval of minutes.

• Fee leveling plan review with Empower and Segal Marco representatives
• Approval of September 13, 2022 meeting minutes

The Committee approved a series of recommendations to the Lancaster County Board of County Commissioners to eliminate revenue sharing and streamline the pension fund lineup. This includes mapping several funds to the Vanguard Institutional Index (VINIX) and replacing the BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund.

• Approved September 13, 2022 meeting minutes (7-1-0)
• Approved recommendation to remove revenue sharing from 8 funds (9-0)
• Approved moving American Funds EuroPacific Growth Fund to Separate Account at 41 bps (9-0)
• Approved moving Oakmark Equity And Income Fund to Institutional share class at 56 bps (9-0)
• Approved mapping American Funds Fundamental Investors to VINIX (9-0)
• Approved mapping American Funds Capital World Growth and Income 50% to VINIX and 50% to American Funds EuroPacific Growth (9-0)
• Approved mapping Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares to VINIX (9-0)
• Approved replacing BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund with Brown Advisory Small-Cap Growth Separate Account (9-0)

Board of Commissioners - Tri-County Meetings

The Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy County Boards are meeting jointly to discuss their respective legislative priorities for the upcoming year. Sarpy County's specific proposals include long-term housing of state prisoners in county jails and homestead exemptions for disabled veterans.

• Douglas County Legislative Priorities (discussion item)
• Lancaster County Legislative Proposals for 2023 (discussion item)
• Sarpy County: Long-term housing of state prisoners in county jail facilities
• Sarpy County: Homestead exemption applications for disabled veterans
• Sarpy County: Other legislative priorities

Representatives from Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties met to discuss legislative priorities and receive updates from the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO). No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded; the meeting focused on coordinating lobbying efforts and sharing county updates.

Board of Equalization

The Board approved additions and deductions to the tax assessment rolls. It also approved a valuation change for a property owned by Store Master Funding XXI LLC to remove structure improvements from the landowner's assessed value.

• Approved minutes from November 1, 2022 meeting (4-0)
• Approved additions and deductions to the tax assessment rolls (4-0)
• Approved notice of assessed valuation change for Store Master Funding XXI LLC (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a contract for emergency heating and cooling replacement for a home in Bennet. Several other items, including a license plate reader contract and a right-of-way vacation, were postponed for further review.

• Approved $2,200 contract to Comfort Techs for home heating/cooling replacement in Bennet (4-0)
• Approved vacation of East-West alley between Lincoln and Showers Street in Cheney (4-0)
• Approved agreement for Dept. of Corrections to participate in DoD Career Skills Program (4-0)
• Approved $775 right-of-way contract with Gary J. & Carol M. Masek (4-0)
• Approved $2,565 claim to Clyde Malone Community Center (4-0)
• Approved claims processed through November 15, 2022 (4-0)
• Postponed Vigilant Solutions license plate reader contract amendment to Nov 22, 2022 (4-0)
• Postponed Air Pollution Control Program regulation amendment to Dec 13, 2022 (4-0)

Youth Crisis Response Coalition

The coalition passed the minutes from the September meeting. Members from various agencies shared updates on youth crisis services, staffing needs, and training goals, though not all agencies had time to report. The group will continue agency updates at the next meeting.

• Passed minutes from the September YCRC meeting

STOP Committee

The committee approved funding for handheld radars and training expenses for the Lincoln Police Department. Meeting minutes from July 14, 2022, were also approved. The committee reviewed class attendance and the law enforcement fund balance.

• Approved meeting minutes for July 14, 2022 (6-0)
• Approved $17,356.60 for LPD handheld radars and Berla course/registration (5-0)

Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board

The Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board will meet to approve minutes, discuss membership and by-laws, receive updates on building construction including seclusion rooms and unit flooring, review electronic medical records system implementation, and address staffing needs for RNs, MHTs, and psychologists. Financial items include a Qualifacts contract and reports, along with updates on COVID-19, Medicaid coverage, telehealth services, and a medication assistance proposal.

• Approval of October 2022 minutes
• By-laws update for Advisory Board membership
• Building updates: general unit, seclusion rooms, unit floor
• Electronic Medical Records/Qualifacts upload to Central Data System
• Staffing: RN, MHT, psychologist recruitment

The board approved the minutes from the October meeting. Members discussed staffing vacancies, electronic medical record issues, and proposed changes to the board's by-laws. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved October meeting minutes (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved several vendor contracts for medical waste, furniture, and software, as well as the appointment of a new County Purchasing Agent. They also authorized a salary for a Deputy Public Defender and approved various right-of-way contracts. A public hearing was held regarding an alley vacation in Cheney, with action deferred to November 15.

• Approved $76,681.28 salary for Deputy Public Defender Danielle Savington (5-0)
• Designated Pete Kroll as County Purchasing Agent (5-0)
• Approved $350,000 MOU with BI Incorporated for offender monitoring (5-0)
• Approved $102,730 agreement with Justice Works, LLC for case management system (5-0)
• Approved $60,630.63 contract with encompas Corporation for Hall of Justice furniture (5-0)
• Approved $7,000 contract with Stericycle, Inc. for medical waste disposal (5-0)
• Approved $19,357.83 grant adjustment for Emergency Management (5-0)
• Approved $6,990.05 claim to El Centro de las Americas (4-0, 1 abstention)

Reducing Racial & Ethnic Disparities Committee

The committee reviewed progress on gathering data regarding school referrals, gang membership, and detention. Members discussed developing decision-making guidelines for discipline and the possibility of an annual report for Commissioners. No formal votes were taken.

• Discussed overlaying data with CHE mapping
• Reviewed LPD gang membership database and OTP program data
• Discussed SRO involvement and discipline trends in LPS
• Proposed creating an annual report with narrative sections for Commissioners
• Proposed developing decision-making guidelines for discipline levels
• Discussed potential educational outreach via the Coalition for a Strong Nebraska conference and Legislative lunch-and-learns

Justice Council

The council approved updated bylaws and reviewed jail population and community corrections data. Members received updates on agency staffing and the status of various diversion and intake programs.

• Approved August 5, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 14, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved updated bylaws (10-0)

Board of Equalization

The Board of Equalization approved several motor vehicle tax exemption applications following a public hearing. The board also approved the minutes from the October 18, 2022, meeting.

• Approved minutes of the October 18, 2022 meeting (5-0)
• Approved motor vehicle tax exemption applications for Christian Record Services Inc, Nebraska Crop Improvement Association, The American Legion, HopeSpoke (2), Lincoln Katz Youth Group, Saint Paul United Methodist Church, Parkview Christian School, and School Sisters of Christ the King (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved amendments to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Air Pollution Control Program Regulations and Standards to align with state and federal laws. Other actions included approving several construction and equipment contracts and designating a new County Purchasing Agent.

• Approved amendments to Air Pollution Control Program Regulations (5-0)
• Approved $380,880 contract with Kingery Construction Co. for VA Hospital renovations (4-0)
• Approved purchase of five Dodge Ram pickups totaling $227,274 (5-0)
• Approved gravel hauling contracts for R L Tiemann Construction ($417,565) and Buel Trucking, Inc. ($135,000) (5-0)
• Designated Sharon Mulder as County Purchasing Agent (5-0)
• Approved $134,979.38 Emergency Management Performance Grant agreement (5-0)
• Approved resolution to strike uncollectable 2021 distress warrants from tax list (5-0)
• Approved $500 per day rental agreement with Lincoln Fire Fighters Reception Hall for 2023 valuation protests (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved an emergency declaration to seek state and FEMA aid for fire-related infrastructure damage. They also adopted the One- and Six-Year Road and Bridge Construction Program and approved several road maintenance and material contracts.

• Approved Emergency Declaration for spreading fires (5-0)
• Adopted One- and Six-Year Road and Bridge Construction Program (5-0)
• Approved $1.12M in crushed rock surface material contracts (5-0)
• Approved $25,410 contract for Type B Rock Riprap Material (5-0)
• Approved maintenance of 5,500 feet of roads in West Van Dorn Estates (5-0)
• Approved bridge testing agreement with UNL for Bridge D041 (5-0)
• Approved vacation of 50-foot right-of-way in Raymond (5-0)
• Approved $28,501.64 claim to Rabble Mill (4-0, 1 abstention)

Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is meeting to review membership applications, building maintenance, and electronic medical record systems. The body will also discuss recruitment efforts for psychologists and clinicians and review specific contracts.

• Law enforcement application for board membership
• Camera replacement and costs
• Qualifacts and Region V contracts
• Recruitment updates for RN, MHT, Psychologist, and MH Clinician positions
• Yearly report to County Board

Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board

The board is meeting to review facility maintenance, staffing recruitment, and financial contracts. Discussions include electronic medical record systems and Medicaid reimbursement.

• Appointment of James Gilman as New Head of Maintenance
• Review of Qualifacts and Region V contracts
• Updates on RN, MHT, and Psychologist recruitment
• Status of camera system upgrades and magnetic bedroom locks
• Report on Food Bank Campaign final amounts

Pension Review Committee

The committee is meeting to review the second quarter 2022 investment performance for the 401(a) and 457(b) plans. Representatives from Empower and Segal Marco will present the review. The findings will subsequently be presented to the County Board on September 15, 2022.

• Approval of February 15, 2022 meeting minutes
• Second Quarter 2022 Investment Review for 401(a) and 457(b) Plans

Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board

The advisory board will review membership, building maintenance, and electronic medical record implementation. The meeting also includes updates on staff recruitment for RNs, MHTs, and psychologists.

• Advisory Board Membership and By-Laws update
• MHCC Building Updates including magnetic door locks
• Electronic Medical Records/Qualifacts implementation
• Staffing updates for RN, MHT, and Psychologist positions
• Food Bank Campaign progress

Board of Commissioners - Budget Meetings

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a budget meeting to review departmental items. Discussions include property management, the public defender, and the election commissioner.

• Approval of June 7, 2022, budget meeting minutes
• Property Management budget review
• Public Defender budget review
• Election Commissioner budget review

Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is meeting to review membership additions and by-law updates. The session includes updates on building maintenance, electronic medical records, and staffing recruitment for nurses, mental health technicians, and psychologists.

• Review of new Advisory Board membership additions
• Update to board by-laws
• Installation of magnetic bedroom locks
• Recruitment updates for Psychologist, RN, and MHT staffing
• Discussion on end-of-year budget and retroactive pay

Board of Commissioners - Budget Meetings

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a budget meeting to review specific department items. The agenda includes the approval of previous budget meeting minutes and discussions regarding Corrections, the County Clerk, and the District Court.

• Approval of May 24, 2022, budget meeting minutes
• Corrections budget discussion with Brad Johnson
• County Clerk budget discussion with Dan Nolte
• District Court budget discussion with Amanda Phillips

Board of Commissioners - Budget Meetings

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a budget meeting to review several departmental funds. Discussions include records management, weed control, risk management, and the county engineer's funds.

• Approval of May 17, 2022, budget meeting minutes
• Records Management budget review
• Weed Control budget review
• Risk Management budget review regarding Workers Comp and Other Self Insurance
• County Engineer budget review for General Fund, Road And Bridge Fund, and Highway Fund

Board of Commissioners - Budget Meetings

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to review budget items for specific county departments. Presentations will be provided by the Director of Human Services, the District Court Administrator, and the County Attorney.

• Budget review for Human Services and General Assistance
• Budget review for District Court
• Budget review for County Attorney

Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board

The advisory board will discuss membership updates and by-laws. The meeting includes updates on building housekeeping, electronic medical records, staffing recruitment, and a budget review.

• Advisory Board membership discussion and vote
• By-Laws update
• Electronic Medical Records/Qualifacts update
• Staffing updates for RNs, MH Technicians, and Psychologists
• Budget Review

Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is meeting to discuss staffing recruitment, building maintenance, and electronic medical records. The board is also reviewing membership changes and by-laws. Plans for ARPA funding have been tabled.

• Hiring of Team Supervisor Corrine Crouch
• RN hiring and loan forgiveness advertising
• MHCC building updates regarding temperatures and high acuity rooms
• Electronic Medical Records/Credible training
• Region V Minimum Standards Audit

Pension Review Committee

The committee will conduct a conference call with representatives from Prudential and Segal Marco Advisors. The discussion includes an investment review for the 401(a) and 457(b) plans through the fourth quarter of 2021 and a report on cyber security.

• Fourth Quarter 2021 Investment Review (401(a) and 457(b) plans)
• Cyber security presentation by Kellie Lanko of Prudential
• Approval of September 28, 2021 meeting minutes

Board of Commissioners - Budget Meetings

The Board is conducting a mid-year review of revenues and expenditures. The meeting includes discussions on additional appropriations, budget amendments for the County Engineer, and an update on ARPA funds.

• Mid-year status of revenues and expenditures review
• Additional appropriations and department responses from various county services
• Budget amendments presented by County Engineer Pam Dingman
• ARPA (SLFRF) compliance update
• Discussion of future funding issues, projections, and the 2022-23 budget process

Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board

The meeting scheduled for January 12, 2022, was cancelled. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 9, 2022.