Thursday, August 27, 2009

Riley County Commission August 27, '09

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioner Johnson presided, Kearns present. Commissioner McCulloh was absent.

It was mentioned that Jolene Campbell has announced her retirement. Her position is considered critical since she handles the process of conducting elections.

County Attorney Barry Wilkinson said he is working on a best practices manual for prosecuting domestic violence cases. The manual will be made available for statewide use.

Robert Nall, information technology director, reported power surges following power outages have the potential of causing a major shutdown of the county’s IT system. He expressed the need for development of a design plan and purchase of a generator powerful enough to protect the system. Also discussed was the need for critical employees to have remote access to the system during emergencies. Commissioner Kearns suggested scheduling a work session with department heads and key employees to brainstorm the needs and develop plans for such emergencies. Commissioner Kearns also mentioned the importance of making it possible for visually impaired persons to access the county website information through the addition of new sound technology for computers.

An update was given on the activities of a steering committee looking at the creation of a Regional Planning Organization. Topics under discussion include organizational structure, by laws, member organization agreements, budget and staffing considerations. The committee hopes to have a draft proposal ready for review and discussion next month. Ft. Riley officials see such an organization as providing a single point of contact to get a regional response to any issues affecting the area.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Today, August 26, is Women's Equality Day.

Riley County - Manhattan Board of Health

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Hilary Esry, Observer


The primary focus of the meeting centered on discussions of influenza, especially the H1N1 strain of swine flu. Seasonal Flu vaccines are beginning to arrive and will be distributed beginning in September. The H1N1 Flu vaccine is expected to arrive in mid-October. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to revise the priority groups for this vaccine. Pregnant Women and young children remain the highest priority. The Health Department plans to administer H1N1 vaccinations through the schools for children through high-school age. The Board voted to provide the H1N1 vaccine free to children through high school. Recipients above high school age will be charged a total of $28 for the two vaccines received three weeks apart. The goal will be to get the vaccine to the right priority group at the right time and to manage incidences of infection in such a way that local services, e.g. physicians and hospitals, are not overwhelmed.

A recent letter from KDHE to physicians announced that effective August 10th, KDHE suspended testing for the H1N1 virus on an individual case basis and will monitor the spread of the virus based on physician reports of flu symptoms. KDHE estimates that there have been 10,000 cases of H1N1 flu in Kansas so far, resulting in 23 persons hospitalized and one death. The average age of infected persons is 17 years. KDHE is strongly discouraging the use of anti-viral drugs in persons with only mild symptoms or healthy persons exposed to the virus to prevent viral adaptation to the drugs and maintain a store of anti-virals for the people who need it most. Persons who come down with any flu are advised to remain home until 24 hours after their fever subsides without the influence of anti-pyretics.

Other items of discussion included funding via the interlocal agreement, quarantine and isolation procedures in the event of an epidemic or pandemic, child care scholarships, and the grand opening of the Konza Dental Clinic.

A report of the audit of the 2008 financial records found the records in good standing with no instances of fraud.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Riley County Commission Aug. 24, '09

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reviewed proposed County Administrative Regulation changes regarding administrative leave in the event of epidemic or pandemic illness breakouts affecting county personnel. The County Commission would have the authority to grant administrative leave to employees and to close county buildings. Questions were raised about maintaining critical work positions including payroll operations. While employees might be able to work from home, this is complicated by the safeguards built into accessing the county’s computer system. Most home computers would not have that power or capabilities. It was agreed critical work positions needed to be identified. The proposed CAR changes will be presented for vote at the next meeting.

County Treasurer Eileen King reported all M-N-O license tags are due as of Monday, August 31. A new Motor Vehicle Processing system now being designed will require a driver’s license to be shown at the time of registration. It would be advisable to have the license number of co-owners as well. The procedure will allow the Treasurer’s office to quickly identify all vehicles owned by one person by accessing the driver’s license number.

Commissioners agreed to begin looking at the implications of the expiration of the City/County tax authority providing funds for economic development and roads and bridges. That tax is set to expire in 2012.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

USD 383 Board of Education

Aug. 19, 2009

Kathy Dzewaltowski, Observer

The board held a public hearing on the budget.  Two members of the public spoke in opposition to the increases in the proposed budget.  The board approved the budget 6-1, with Nancy Knopp voting "no," saying that she disagreed with increasing the budget in light of the current economy.

Aug. 19 was the first day of school, and Dr. Robert Seymour, Associate Superintendent, said that preliminary enrollment numbers show a decrease of 57 students.

The board discussed at length the language in the "request for proposals" (RFP) document for the Construction Manager At-Risk approach that will be used for the high school construction project.   Board members also discussed in detail how to weight the criteria that will be used to evaluate firms that respond to the RFP.  The RFP was approved 7-0.

The board ratified 7-0 the negotiated agreement with teachers and approved increasing classified employee wages by $0.05 per hour per year of employment to be capped at two years.   

Traditional Summer School will likely not be offered the summer of 2010, partly due to the construction projects which will be underway at several buildings.  With that in mind, the board discussed offering an extended school day, both before and after school, at all elementary and middle school buildings to improve academic achievement in the place of required Summer School.  The extended school day would be academically focused, and students would have lessons tailored to meet their individual needs.  The program would be funded with At-Risk money and also Title I stimulus funds.  The board approved 7-0 the proposal for an extended day program.


Thursday, August 13, 2009

Riley County Commission mtg 8-13-09

All Commissioners present.
Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, conducted a Public Hearing on the final version of the Budget for 2010, and the Riley County Agency Appropriations list. Approved after brief discussion. 3-0.There was no "public" in attendance, only County officers, Mercury representative, and LWV observer.
Shepek mentioned that the training for use of the Purchasing Card is now in progress.
Lyle Butler, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, presented an Economic Development update. He said HyVee's opening this week was highly successful so far. A representative of Dial realty told him other tenants in the north redevelopment project are doing well. Butler observed that he had seen many license tags in HyVee's parking lot from more remote counties, indicating a wide attraction area. Of the 3000 some counties in the US, Butler says Riley Co KS has been reported as one of the most recession-proof. Low unemployment, low foreclosure rate, and good growth in personal income are indicators. Butler reminded Commissioners of the ceremony at the airport for the inauguration of American Eagle flights at 2:45 August 25. The Chamber continues working on their marketing campaign, "24/7."
Eileen King, Treasurer, reported that investment income for July was $231,725. Investments are now earning .19%. She has put $400,000 of County funds out for bid with a company that offers CDs distributed so that they are all FDIC covered, and offering 2.5%. Other Counties are calling King to ask for advice on investments.
Sales tax revenue for July ($238,700) was below last year but above budget. Car sales and retail have decreased; energy and groceries have increased. In a brief discussion of delinquent property taxes, King said that the penalty for late payment was 9% per annum, plus a $16 charge if it has been published. This penalty is set by State statute.
Clancy Holeman conducted an administrative work session. No LWV issues.
Monty Wedel, Director of Planning and Development, consulted Commissioners about the final revisions to the Vision 2025 Plan. Commissioners agreed by consensus that Wedel should prepare a Public Hearing Draft.
Leon Hobson, Director of Public Works, presented a staff report on a complaint from a citizen. This had to do with the responsibility of property owners and the County to keep drainage ditches clear so that they drain properly. The citizen in question was present, along with several County employees concerned in the matter. The determination was that the County has no responsibility in this particular case, and that the property owner (citizen) has only the responsibility to remove certain obstructions, as she has been informed previously. The preceding may be of interest to LWV, inasmuch as our County officials dealt with it in a most courteous manner, and were scrupulous to present the legal aspects of the case, as well as photographs and historical narrative.
Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Riley County Commission mtg 8-10-09

All Commissioners present.
Rich Vargo presented year-to-date Budget and Expense report. He pointed out areas Commissioners need to keep an eye on. It was remarked that Medicaid rates have saved the County $110,000 this year on services for jail inmates. Prescription and hospital expenses for inmates are worrisome.
PRESS CONFERENCE:
Military Affairs Committee presented a certificate of apreciation to the Riley County Fair Board for their efforts at including soldiers and their families in Fair and Rodeo activities. Over 1100 soldiers and family attended these activities.
Brian McNulty, Corps of Engineers, reported that the Dam stabilization project is on schedule, with certain parts of the project up to 90% complete and other parts making progress. Stimulus money is being used for upstream projects. The "Dam Break" warning system will be decommissioned by spring.
Dalton Henry, KSU Student Body President, said classes begin Aug. 24. The parking garage will have 3 floors completed by then. Enrollment seems to be healthy. Two new buildings, several new programs for student welfare.
The Master Gardener program will have fall garden sessions at Pottorff Hall on Aug 27, 6-8:00 p.m., Gregg Eyestone announced. Training for new Master Gardener applicants will be Sept 4 to Nov 6.
County Extension reported on the swine flu case, an 11-year-old boy. His illness was NOT H1N1, but a common pig flu, H3N2, which is very rare in humans, contracted only by very close contact with a pig.
Leon Hobswon updated Commisioners on projects that will cause closures or delays on County roads. W 69th will be closed today for 2 weeks. Note that fire trucks will have to go around by another route. Barnes Road, Mill Cove Drive and Harbor Hills Drive will have 1 to 2 day 1-lane conditions. There will be delays.
Mr. Kearns announced that next Monday, Aug 17, they will conduct a public discussion to consider the speed limit on K-18 between Manhattan and Ogden. Commissioners are considering requesting KDOT lower speed limit to 55 mph.
Hobson updated Commissioners on other projects in the County.
After an Executive Session, Commissioners unanimously voted to act on the executive session information and agreed to an award.
Clancy Holeman conducted a work session on HB 2169, to do with encroachment on Military Reservation. City of Riley, and Ft. Riley were represented. Consensus was reached by Commissioners that they were content with the document that had been produced by a "working group" for presentation to our Legislators, but that several minor changes that had been proposed were also reasonably acceptable.
Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

USD 383 Board of Education

August 5, 2009

Kathy Dzewaltowski, Observer

At its last meeting, the board had approved allowing the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMR), who will be in charge of the projects at the high school, to self-perform work.  As a result, Universal Construction Company, the district's program manager, submitted a request to the board to be allowed to apply for the CMR position.  Universal's contract does not allow for the firm to self-perform any work, but Universal thought the board's position may have changed.  Administration recommended that the board not make changes to the contract with Universal in order to allow the firm to self-perform.  Board members were split, with some board members concerned about changing the contract and how doing so would affect public perception, and others thinking that Universal should be allowed to apply because the firm has done great work for the district.  The board decided to hold a special meeting on Aug. 12 to further discuss the issue and to allow for time to consult the district's construction attorney.

The board was presented with design development documents for Ogden and Amanda Arnold Elementary Schools.  New construction at Ogden included exterior doors for every classroom (intended for egress, such as in the event of a fire), and board members were concerned about adding additional exterior doors when the board is trying to improve security and reduce the ways that the public can access a school.  The board approved 5-2 the preliminary design for Ogden, with the condition that the additional exterior doors would be an "alternate plan" until the board discussed it further.  Walt Pesaresi and Doug Messer voted "no."  The board approved 7-0 the plans for Amanda Arnold.  

The board approved 7-0 to publish the budget, using 5.5 mills as the levy for capital outlay, and to hold a public hearing on Aug. 19.

The board approved 7-0 to continue the elementary enrichment program for grades K-3.  The program uses additional enrichment teachers to focus on a specific content area, which then in turn allows the regular classroom teacher to be out of the classroom and to have a larger block of planning time.