BOCC May 24, 2012
All commissioners present
A representative from Kansas State Bank was present to explain why KSB will be removing the ATM from the lobby. All ATM’s are supposed to be compliant with new ADA regulations.. This is an older ATM and cannot be upgraded .Putting in a new one would cost between fifteen and twenty thousand dollars. The only income from this ATM is the fee charged to non KSB card users. Everyone agreed that it is a great convenience to have the ATM there for the patrons to use.
Robert Eddleston, president and CEO of Manhattan Area Technical College spoke to the Commission about MATC’s plan for the future. This is a proposal to become a community college. He presented all the positive things about such a change. However, they receive $1.65 million from the state of Kansas which provides about 65% of their operating cost. and that would be lost if MATC became a community college. To make up this loss would require an ad valorem tax increase estimated to be 3 to 4 mills. Commissioner McCulloh said that right now she couldn’t support such a mill levy increase, especially with the uncertainty of the current state budget situation.
Eddleston also asked the commissioners about forming a building commission which would be a vehicle to provide money for a new administration building. Right now everything is overcrowded. This would entail the county fronting the costs to be repaid by the college gradually. McCulloh said they “could make no promises.”
Julie Merklin, observer
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
BOCC May 12, 2012
County Commission May 21, 2012
All commissioners were present
Rod Meredith, Assistant pubic works director/ Parks director gave a updated report on the parks.
Among items cited were install a retaining wall at the fairgrounds vendor area, work on Fairmont park including soccer fields, roads and fields. The bathrooms at Fairmont will be heated.
A group of people have expressed the desire to plan development of amulti-sport indoor recreational facility. The location under prime consideration is Fairmont Park.
During the Press Conference, Greg McClure announced the upcoming Tractor Safety Course to be held June 4&5 at KanEquip in Wamego. It is recommender for youths 12 years of age and older. Youth 14 and 15 who will operate a tractor for someone other than their parent is required to pass the course to be legally employed. Youths 12 and 13 may participate but cannot be certified until age 14. More info can be obtained at the Riley county Extension office.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Director told the Commission that the modernization of the CPE elevator should go forward. There have been problems and the situation won’t improve. The commission agreed.
Julie Merklin, observer
All commissioners were present
Rod Meredith, Assistant pubic works director/ Parks director gave a updated report on the parks.
Among items cited were install a retaining wall at the fairgrounds vendor area, work on Fairmont park including soccer fields, roads and fields. The bathrooms at Fairmont will be heated.
A group of people have expressed the desire to plan development of amulti-sport indoor recreational facility. The location under prime consideration is Fairmont Park.
During the Press Conference, Greg McClure announced the upcoming Tractor Safety Course to be held June 4&5 at KanEquip in Wamego. It is recommender for youths 12 years of age and older. Youth 14 and 15 who will operate a tractor for someone other than their parent is required to pass the course to be legally employed. Youths 12 and 13 may participate but cannot be certified until age 14. More info can be obtained at the Riley county Extension office.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Director told the Commission that the modernization of the CPE elevator should go forward. There have been problems and the situation won’t improve. The commission agreed.
Julie Merklin, observer
Friday, May 18, 2012
USD 383 Board of Education
May 16, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
The board held a special meeting ahead of the regular business meeting for the purpose of interviewing three candidates being considered for appointment to the board. At the beginning of the business meeting, board members voted by ballot and unanimously selected Beth Tatarko to fill the board vacancy. Tatarko had previously been elected to the school board and served 2005 to 2009. Doug Messer, the board member who had resigned, was also introduced as the new Director of Transportation.
The board received a report on the district's safety and security program. The school district had received a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Education in 2010 for the purpose of developing preparedness for emergencies. Through the grant, the district has rewritten building emergency plans, engaged in vulnerability assessment training, and conducted school safety weeks in cooperation with area emergency management.
Board members had previously expressed an interest in having an independent audit done of the bond construction funds as the majority of the projects near completion. The district's finance committee interviewed two accounting firms and recommended that Varney and Associates be hired to do the audit. The board approved 5-0 to hire the firm to complete the audit.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
The board held a special meeting ahead of the regular business meeting for the purpose of interviewing three candidates being considered for appointment to the board. At the beginning of the business meeting, board members voted by ballot and unanimously selected Beth Tatarko to fill the board vacancy. Tatarko had previously been elected to the school board and served 2005 to 2009. Doug Messer, the board member who had resigned, was also introduced as the new Director of Transportation.
The board received a report on the district's safety and security program. The school district had received a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Education in 2010 for the purpose of developing preparedness for emergencies. Through the grant, the district has rewritten building emergency plans, engaged in vulnerability assessment training, and conducted school safety weeks in cooperation with area emergency management.
Board members had previously expressed an interest in having an independent audit done of the bond construction funds as the majority of the projects near completion. The district's finance committee interviewed two accounting firms and recommended that Varney and Associates be hired to do the audit. The board approved 5-0 to hire the firm to complete the audit.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Riley County Commission mtg 5-14-12
Mr. Johnson was absent.
Jennifer Wilson, Extension, said Walk Kansas was highly successful, with 127 participating teams. Their closing party will be May 16, beginning at 5:30, Pottorff Hall, Ci/Co Park. She announced several upcoming 4-H Youth Camps.
Steve DeHart, of Environmental Health, said they are adjusting well to being moved from the Health Department to Planning and Development. Nitrate testing kits are now available. They also have testing for fluorides, bacteria, chlorides, iron, etc. Water testing should be done at least once a year (this is for private wells, not City water). Tests are either free or very inexpensive. DeHart said one regret he has in the new situation is that restaurant inspections are not being done. He "sees things" when he is eating in restaurants (as a regular citizen).
Anne Smith, Director of aTa Bus, said they are in KDOT procurement process for signs. They provided nearly 2,000 trips in April. The fixed routes had 260 trips. They now provide service in St George as well as Junction City. People using the fixed routes are frequently using the bike racks. They have had many requests for additional stopping places. They are trying to accommodate without using the public right-of-way. The groundbreaking for their new building will be on June 15th.
Eileen King, Treasurer, reported on the Motor Vehicle system transfer. Some records are not transferred yet. They have had occasional trouble scanning, and the internet went down once. King asked the public to please be patient while they settle in. They have had very understanding customers except for one "impatient" disorderly woman.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Director, said Blue Ridge Road overlay will finish Tuesday, after which they will start Blue River Road.
Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer (for County Clerk Rich Vargo), gave year-to-date budget and expenditures report. The year 2012 is 33.3% finished. Only a few departments are over budget at this point in the year, notably the coroner's office, over which they have no control. There has also been
a dramatic increase in use of rape kits. RCPD inmate medical expenses have gone over the $45,000 pool established with the insurance provider, so further expenses for off-site services will fall on the county.
Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, said she enjoyed speaking to Little Apple Pilot Club about "Lady Leaders." They have many fine applicants for the designer job vacated by Barbara Poresky's retirement. Kansas Preservation Magazine has several articles of interest to Riley County. Two properties with African-American connections have been nominated for the National Register. Hattie McDaniels' family lived in Manhattan in the 1880s. Her brother was born here, but the family moved to Wichita, where Hattie was born (she was the first African-American woman to win an Oscar).
Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, updated Commissioners on the Legislative progress of various bills. A version of the budget which neither House likes is on the Governor's desk. The Governor will sign it if they do not provide another, better bill. Nothing can really be finished until a redistricting plan is passed.
Ron Fehr, Manhattan City Manager, updated Commissioners on city activities. The Discovery Center is doing very well, with many new members and general public interest. He said the on-ramp to Hwy 177 from Ft. Riley Blvd will be closed. The closure is for the construction of a pedestian tunnel from the south redevelopment to the depot. He discussed various traffic changes, new buildings, and parking lots to be constructed. The Konza water line is under contract.
Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg. NOTE: Thursday 17th mtg in Randolph.No report.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Interim Health Board
Report: Interim Riley County Public Health Advisory Board
12:00 PM Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Submitted by Sue Cohen
The Interim Advisory Board provided approval of the bylaws and the updated charter resolutions, which will enable the Riley County Public Health Advisory Board to finally be formed and to begin functioning.
Discussion of requiring term limits demonstrated two issues at odds. Susanne Kufahl, Administrator of the Health Department, strongly encouraged opening up the recruiting of members by limiting terms, so then more people become familiar with the Health Department’s activities and accomplishments. Karen McCulloh stressed the need to find good members and indicated it takes some time to “get up to speed” as a member of a board.
It was decided to recommend having three-year terms, allowing two terms only before going off the board. The importance of having board members from “users” of the Health Department brought attention to some of the problems with this idea in that it is difficult to find “users” who have time for board meetings and strong commitments over the time it takes to understand and function as an informed board member. Ms. Kufahl noted that grant audits often want broad representation and communication with users of the Health Department. It was suggested that “focus groups” could be used to provide this kind of input.
Other characteristics of good Board candidates suggested are: (a) not having an “axe to grind” and (b) having a public health orientation. The charter indicates that the Advisory Board will have five members from the health professions and four members from the community -- users if possible. Susanne Kufahl also indicated that it is important to include on the board people who reflect the community in terms of age, race, culture, and variety of work experiences.
Two issues that will be large on the agenda of the new Advisory Board are the budget, which can be very complicated, and accreditation, which Susanne Kufahl stated was “not a burden but it is very important to do it right.” After approval by the County Commissioners, the procedure for seeking board members will begin.
Friday, May 4, 2012
USD 383 Board of Education
May 2, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Nine citizens had applied to fill the vacancy created when Doug Messer resigned. The board voted by written ballot to narrow the field to their top three choices to be publicly interviewed. The three selected for interview included Patricia Hudgins, Marcia Rozell, and Beth Tatarko.
The board had a preliminary discussion for planning the 2012-13 budget. The Legislature has not yet finalized what the state's per pupil funding will be, but support has developed for increasing the base per pupil funding by $74. Budget information was presented on the assumption that the $74 increase will eventually be approved. Lew Faust, Director of Business Services, presented the board with different scenarios of increases and decreases to the overall budget dependent upon state financing and funds raised through the Local Option Budget. The proposed $74 increase represents a 2% increase, which is an improvement, but state funding as decreased by 14.7% since 2009. Walt Pesaresi said he would like to see a plan to gradually increase salaries, and Pete Paukstelis agreed. Administration will develop a plan for raising salaries.
Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, presented the board with recommended staffing needs for the 2012-13 school year, largely due to increases in elementary enrollment. New positions needed included three elementary teachers, an early childhood special education teacher, an autism teacher, an elementary assistant principal, and increases in hours for a speech therapist and school nurse. The district will need $230,700 to fund the new positions. The board approved 6-0 the new positions. Board members also discussed other requested positions, including additional custodial and maintenance staff, MHS assistant principal, social worker, and psychologist. The additional positions were for discussion only.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Nine citizens had applied to fill the vacancy created when Doug Messer resigned. The board voted by written ballot to narrow the field to their top three choices to be publicly interviewed. The three selected for interview included Patricia Hudgins, Marcia Rozell, and Beth Tatarko.
The board had a preliminary discussion for planning the 2012-13 budget. The Legislature has not yet finalized what the state's per pupil funding will be, but support has developed for increasing the base per pupil funding by $74. Budget information was presented on the assumption that the $74 increase will eventually be approved. Lew Faust, Director of Business Services, presented the board with different scenarios of increases and decreases to the overall budget dependent upon state financing and funds raised through the Local Option Budget. The proposed $74 increase represents a 2% increase, which is an improvement, but state funding as decreased by 14.7% since 2009. Walt Pesaresi said he would like to see a plan to gradually increase salaries, and Pete Paukstelis agreed. Administration will develop a plan for raising salaries.
Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, presented the board with recommended staffing needs for the 2012-13 school year, largely due to increases in elementary enrollment. New positions needed included three elementary teachers, an early childhood special education teacher, an autism teacher, an elementary assistant principal, and increases in hours for a speech therapist and school nurse. The district will need $230,700 to fund the new positions. The board approved 6-0 the new positions. Board members also discussed other requested positions, including additional custodial and maintenance staff, MHS assistant principal, social worker, and psychologist. The additional positions were for discussion only.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
USD 383 Board of Education
April 25, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Special meeting:
The board met briefly to review the applications received to fill the vacant seat on the board and to discuss the procedure to appoint someone to fill the vacancy. Nine citizens had submitted applications to fill the vacant seat, and Dave Colburn remarked that all of the applicants' resumes indicated they were extensively involved in the community. The board planned to narrow the field of applicants and will formally interview the top three. Not all of the board members had had the chance to review the applications, so board members planned to bring their list of the top three applicants to the May 2nd board meeting. Three candidates will be interviewed during a special meeting on May 9th, or during additional special meetings as applicants' schedules allow.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Special meeting:
The board met briefly to review the applications received to fill the vacant seat on the board and to discuss the procedure to appoint someone to fill the vacancy. Nine citizens had submitted applications to fill the vacant seat, and Dave Colburn remarked that all of the applicants' resumes indicated they were extensively involved in the community. The board planned to narrow the field of applicants and will formally interview the top three. Not all of the board members had had the chance to review the applications, so board members planned to bring their list of the top three applicants to the May 2nd board meeting. Three candidates will be interviewed during a special meeting on May 9th, or during additional special meetings as applicants' schedules allow.
USD 383 Board of Education
April 18, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Board members discussed the board vacancy created when Doug Messer resigned. The board has received four letters of interest thus far, and the deadline to apply is April 24th. The board will hold a special meeting on April 25th to review all of the received applications.
Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, led a discussion that followed up on topics discussed during the board's winter retreat in February. The topics included senior early release, daily start time at MHS, open/closed lunch at MHS, scheduling options at MHS, and planning and collaboration time for teachers. Dr. Shannon recommended that a committee examine senior early release and bring recommendations to the board. For MHS start time (which would affect other grade levels if it were changed), Dr. Shannon recommended that the board hold a public hearing on Oct. 10th and get input from the public. Similarly, Dr. Shannon recommended a public hearing for open/closed lunch on Sept. 26th. Small committees will work on developing recommendations for MHS scheduling options and teacher planning time.
The board approved 6-0 to increase school meal prices $0.05 for the 2012-13 school year. The increase is necessary due to dietary guidelines that require more servings of fruits and vegetables, which are more expensive. The increase is also needed due to federal mandates which require schools to provide the same level of financial support for full-pay students' meals as they provide for students who qualify for free lunches.
Board members also discussed student fees and textbook rental fees for the 2012-13 school year. Administration recommended a 3% increase in student fees and textbook rental fees. The board approved 6-0 the recommended increases. The board also discussed textbook purchases to provide several courses with updated material at MHS and also to adopt the Math In Focus curriculum for 6th grade. Previously, Math In Focus had been adopted for grades K-5, and 6th grade math had been aligned with the 7-12 grade curriculum. Recent changes in math standards make it more appropriate to align 6th grade math with grades K-5.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Board members discussed the board vacancy created when Doug Messer resigned. The board has received four letters of interest thus far, and the deadline to apply is April 24th. The board will hold a special meeting on April 25th to review all of the received applications.
Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, led a discussion that followed up on topics discussed during the board's winter retreat in February. The topics included senior early release, daily start time at MHS, open/closed lunch at MHS, scheduling options at MHS, and planning and collaboration time for teachers. Dr. Shannon recommended that a committee examine senior early release and bring recommendations to the board. For MHS start time (which would affect other grade levels if it were changed), Dr. Shannon recommended that the board hold a public hearing on Oct. 10th and get input from the public. Similarly, Dr. Shannon recommended a public hearing for open/closed lunch on Sept. 26th. Small committees will work on developing recommendations for MHS scheduling options and teacher planning time.
The board approved 6-0 to increase school meal prices $0.05 for the 2012-13 school year. The increase is necessary due to dietary guidelines that require more servings of fruits and vegetables, which are more expensive. The increase is also needed due to federal mandates which require schools to provide the same level of financial support for full-pay students' meals as they provide for students who qualify for free lunches.
Board members also discussed student fees and textbook rental fees for the 2012-13 school year. Administration recommended a 3% increase in student fees and textbook rental fees. The board approved 6-0 the recommended increases. The board also discussed textbook purchases to provide several courses with updated material at MHS and also to adopt the Math In Focus curriculum for 6th grade. Previously, Math In Focus had been adopted for grades K-5, and 6th grade math had been aligned with the 7-12 grade curriculum. Recent changes in math standards make it more appropriate to align 6th grade math with grades K-5.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Riley County Commission April 23, 2012
Joan Strickler, observer
All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.
Shelly Williams, Community Corrections Director, presented
her agency’s grant application to the Commission for approval. The application is basically similar to the
one filed last year which ranked first among similar applications received by
the State. Williams is proposing to
outsource cognitive education training due to lack of funds to maintain the
staff assigned to the program. Overall funding
remained level while increases in staff salaries resulted in fewer dollars for
the services.
The Manhattan Mercury will be appearing in a new format as
of May 1. While the number of pages will
remain the same, the width of the paper will be reduced by eliminating one
column.
Tim Hegerty, with the Riley County Police Department, said burglaries
occurred recently west of the High School, all while people were at home. Property was taken, but nobody was hurt. He said the Department anticipates increased
calls next month as many students move out of houses and apartments. K-18 work has not presented as many problems
trafficwise as feared.
Kym Nies with the Health Department reported the recent
Health Fair was a success. Apparently
480 persons received health services, information and education, up from the
number last year.
Doug Messer provided a first quarter report for Riley County
Fire District #1. The firefighters
responded to 42 fire calls, 34 involving grass fires, 5 vehicle fires and 2
other calls. There were 49 rescue
calls. He said 19 of the fire calls were
false, but not intentional. These often
come from strangers unfamiliar with the need to burn pastures in this area.
An open house will be held at the historic Wolf House on
April 29th.
Commissioner Johnson announced the April 26th
meeting of the Commission will be held in Riley.
Ann Smith, director of mass transportation services,
announced this was the first day for the fixed route public transportation system
to get underway. Fares are free for this
inaugural week. The system is operating
with 14 busses and 1 mini van. Some 500
riders were served last Saturday at the KSU open house.
Ron Trewyn, KSU Vice President for Research, provided an
update on NBAF. He said the reassessment
committee that was formed to provide recommendations on the future of NBAF is
meeting and expected to provide its report in June. The three issues to be addressed are: 1) The size and scope of NBAF as
designed. 2) Would it be advisable to
look at something smaller? 3) Should Plum
Island remain open and research farmed
out to other countries when it cannot be done in that facility.
Trewyn said he is impressed with the expertise on the
committee. He believes the strong
consensus is that, if the level 1V facility is to be built, it will be built in
Manhattan. He pointed out that Plum
Island is not capable of meeting
the level 1V biosecurity requirements and it would be costly and ineffective transporting
work to and from other countries. Since
NBAF would be the only level 1V lab in the United
States that deals with large animals, it
would make sense to build it big enough to meet increasing demands. He maintained that, if you can solve zoonotic
diseases at that first level, you can control the threats to humans.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
County Commission
County Commission April 19. 2012
All present.
Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, discussed with the commission the proposed county-wide ballot question on the ½ cent sales tax. There have been discussions with the city of Manhattan on coordinating, efforts but they seem to have some different views on how it should be presented to the public – wording, etc. The county’s wording would specify the use of the tax as infrastructure (roads and bridges, etc.) and economic development. Much more on this later.
Jennifer Wilson reported on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program activities. In 2012 they assisted with 442 e-filed federal returns, 482 state returns. Refunds claimed totaled $596,488. Tax liabilities paid were $33,124. The average income of taxpayers using the VITA service was $18,377. There were 61 persons who received education credits, 109 receiving Earned Income Credit and 109 received Child Tax Credit
Wilson also announced that Extension will offer the Park Quest program this summer. This year’s parks will be 1. Flint Hhills Discovery Center/Konza Prairie, 2. Pillsbury Crossing Recreation Area, 3. Tuttle Creek Park (areas that will not require admission permits) 4. Northeast Community Park, 5. Annenberg Park, 6. Washington Marlatt Park, 7. Leonardville City Park, and 8. Bala Park. This is a family-oriented activity. The goal this year will be to visit 6 of the 8 parks during the summer. Participants can pick up a “passport” and, at each location, stamp it or answer a question. Completed passports will be entered into a drawing for a prize.
Julie Merklin, observer
All present.
Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, discussed with the commission the proposed county-wide ballot question on the ½ cent sales tax. There have been discussions with the city of Manhattan on coordinating, efforts but they seem to have some different views on how it should be presented to the public – wording, etc. The county’s wording would specify the use of the tax as infrastructure (roads and bridges, etc.) and economic development. Much more on this later.
Jennifer Wilson reported on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program activities. In 2012 they assisted with 442 e-filed federal returns, 482 state returns. Refunds claimed totaled $596,488. Tax liabilities paid were $33,124. The average income of taxpayers using the VITA service was $18,377. There were 61 persons who received education credits, 109 receiving Earned Income Credit and 109 received Child Tax Credit
Wilson also announced that Extension will offer the Park Quest program this summer. This year’s parks will be 1. Flint Hhills Discovery Center/Konza Prairie, 2. Pillsbury Crossing Recreation Area, 3. Tuttle Creek Park (areas that will not require admission permits) 4. Northeast Community Park, 5. Annenberg Park, 6. Washington Marlatt Park, 7. Leonardville City Park, and 8. Bala Park. This is a family-oriented activity. The goal this year will be to visit 6 of the 8 parks during the summer. Participants can pick up a “passport” and, at each location, stamp it or answer a question. Completed passports will be entered into a drawing for a prize.
Julie Merklin, observer
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