Monday, September 28, 2009

Riley county Commission 9/28/09



All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.

Counselor Clancy Holeman told the Commissioners they have been notified by the judge assigned to the Lowery case that the date scheduled for the hearing will be November 12, in Wichita. All members are expected to be present. Eddie Lowery is seeking $15 million from the Riley County Police Department, Riley County, and the cities of Manhattan and Ogden. He served 10 years for a rape conviction that was later vacated.

The Health Department expects the first of the swine flu vaccines to arrive shortly in the form of the inhaled mist. The mist is made from a live virus and generally considered not as desirable as the shots, which are made from a dead virus. Persons considered eligible for the mist must be younger than 49 and have no major health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart problems or immune deficiency complications. Vaccines are considered good for one year only.

The County will hold a public auction of excess property on October 10, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at the Riley County Public Works facility on Tuttle Creek Boulevard. The sale items will include appliances, audio visual equipment, cameras, calculators, desks and file cabinets as well as large equipment vehicles and a snow plow.

Joan Strickler, observer

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Riley County Commission mtg Sept 24, 2009

All Commissioners present. Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, gave a report of the Budget and Planning Committee, updating Commission on balances of CIP, County Building Fund, Economic Development Fund, and half-cent tax fund for August. She also discussed the Law Enforcement Center surplus.
Robert Nall, Information Technology Director, gave a staff report. First item reported a virus which infected County computers. This was a very difficult and "sneaky" virus, which took three days to find and two weeks to clear out. It originated in a computer belonging to an employee who was almost terminated because of it, but it was discovered that said employee was not in the office when the virus originated. This virus generated web trafficking in pornography, so was considered very serious and great efforts were made to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Commissioners and Mr Nall agreed that it would be wise to remind County employees to be very careful of any e-mails they open--never to open one whose sender is not known, limiting personal use of County computers to only essential activities. Many sites are blocked by the IT Department, including games and puzzles, pornography, racist and "hate" sites. Special individual permits are granted for necessary use (e.g. police department use of certain sites others do not need).
Mr Nall's other item was that his department hopes to use CIP funds to upgrade the County's phone system in 2011. The present is very outdated. The update is estimated to cost between $250,000and $400,000. Ms. Shepek suggested that it might be possible to finance the project, as the saving of $40,000 to $50,000 per year would pay the annual costs.
Clancy Holeman discussed the renewal of the County's participation in the Non State Public Employer contract with Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission. County employees consider this to be a very desirable coverage, and other Counties are frequently asking our officers about how to obtain it. If nothing is done, the contract will be automatically renewed as of October 1. The change is that the County may not opt out of the plan subsequently for three years, as opposed to the one year option previously available. The Blue Cross system (which is the provider) may, however, choose to disconnect the County in one year. Blue Cross also has the option to increase rates at any time "for cause." Since it is non-profit, "cause" would be possibly limited. Commissioners expressed consensus to continue with the plan.
Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Board of County Commissioners
Julie Merklin observer

Johnson and McCulloh present

It was a fairly short meeting.
Rod Meredith Asst. Public Works Director/Parks director presented an update on park projects and priorities.
He said progress continues on Rocky Ford. Final enhancements proposed include putting limestone on the landing at the bottom of the stairs. This will make it look more attractive. They are checking on using solar lights.
Pottorf Hall has cracks in the wall which will have to be fixed and also mudjacking needs to done again. This seems to be a continuing issue every few years. They are searching for someone to do that work
Other projects that continue include installing the disk golf baskets and working on the dog park, both at Fairmont Park..
During the press conference Jerry Haug said that the replacement of the bearings on the Fancy Creek Bridge will cause some intermittent traffic delays of 15 minutes or so.
Lori Feldkamp from Big Lakes Development Center told the commission that there has been a cut in funds of $300,000 which is 4% of their budget. So far there have been no cuts to services to clients but there have been 9 staff positions lost through attrition. Meanwhile the state- wide waiting list for services grows.
Susan Kufahl from Public Health Dept. said that as of now the H1N1 virus is looking less deadly that was feared. It should require only 1 shot of the vaccine. When it will be available is still not known for sure.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

County Commission Sept 17

Board of County Commissioners September 17
Julie Merklin, observer

All commissioners present.

Kearns discussed the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center and its cash flow problem. The new philosophy concerning juvenile offenders is to not automatically detain them in such a center. Because it costs over $900,000 a year to operate and the charge to entities using the center is $140, a drop in use results in insufficient income to operate. Planning is needed for 2010 and staff is accumulating data to help with this.

Asst. Fire Chief Doug Messer gave an update on the replacement of rural fire stations at Swede Creek, May Day, and Blue River Hills. The new buildings will be larger, partly because modern fire trucks are larger. These projects are scheduled to be finished by the end of the year.

Jennifer Wilson announced that there is a new energy challenge from NACo. They will be asking for pledges to take energy saving actions in offices, homes, etc. Last year Riley County won a quantity of compact fluorescent bulbs because of the number of pledges they got. This year Walmart will give $5000 grants to winning counties.

Brad Schoen, RCPD Director, told the commission that it is difficult to make sure inmates are getting proper medical care. A medical professional is at the jail usually only once a week. Sometimes inmates describe their symptoms and officers have to decide if they are serious enough to warrant going to the hospital. Inmates will sometimes bring their medications from home. There is no trained person to supervise the proper use of these meds. Right now the secretary is doing the handling of medications but a supervisor will be doing this in the future.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

USD 383 Board of Education

Sept. 16, 2009

Kathy Dzewaltowski, Observer

Work session:
The board was presented with preliminary schematic designs for the construction planned for Lee Elementary. Lee is currently a smaller elementary and will be expanded to being a large elementary. The designs included plans for courtyards, and board members expressed concerns about maintenance and security for the courtyards.

Regular meeting:
Board members approved 7-0 the final designs and specifications for the construction projects planned for Amanda Arnold and Ogden Elementary Schools. The plans will need to be reviewed by the State Board of Education's architect, which could possibly take until the end of November.

The board was updated regarding construction discussions taking place at the high school and elementary schools, and many of the meetings are scheduled during the work day. Board members strongly suggested that meetings be scheduled for times when working parents and other community members would be able to attend and provide input.

The board approved 7-0 to discontinue accepting quarter-cent sales tax funds (approved by voters in 2005). The board had voted to discontinue assessing the tax Dec. 31, 2006, but the district was still receiving small amounts of delinquent taxes. The amounts had dwindled to the point of no longer being worth the staff time to manage the accounting.

Board members approved 7-0 to finalize a contract to purchase the house at 122 Westwood Rd. as part of the expansion plans for the high school. Administration would like to purchase three additional properties near the high school but have not yet been able to establish an agreement with the property owners. The board authorized 7-0 a survey of the properties as a first step toward condemning the properties if an agreement can't be reached.

Supt. Bob Shannon had declined an increase in his salary, but the board still wanted to reward Dr. Shannon and approved giving him an additional three days off for the next year.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Riley County Commission mtg 9-14-09

All Commissioners present.
GSI reported they have completed the maps of mortgaged property in Ft. Riley and determined which are in Riley and which in Geary County. This will aid in distribution of tax revenues. It will also help the 2010 Census.
Susan Kufahl of the Health Dept said they publish weekly updates on Fridays to the Riley County web site. They have administered 450 seasonal flu shots through last Friday. Clinical trials for H1N1 vaccine for US use are in process. It contains one ingredient which has not been approved for US distribution. Riley County expects 30,000 doses. She enumerated the priorities for the vaccine (published numerous other locations).
Anne Smith, Director of ATA bus, reviewed the grants they have received. In August they had an average of 152.14 riders per day in the 21 active days (5 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) KDOT will order the "520" buses next month. They expect to receive them next summer. She praised the "Trapeze" software which they will be using, as very efficient. A radio tower is to be built in Clay County, which they will use for radio access in the buses. Smith displayed the plaque which she received at the statewide meeting in Wichita, recognizing her as "Rural Transit Manager of the Year."
Jayme Morris-Hardeman updated Commissioners on the activities of CASA. They served 138 children through August. The oldest case, from 2004, was finally closed happily with an adoption. They have 20 new trainees. In Family Services, they have 30 cases, and many many on the waiting list. Child advocacy includes victims of sexual abuse. Twenty children have been served. She noted that 50% of sexual abuse offenders are under 18 years of age. CASA receives excellent cooperation from the County Attorney's Office, the Police Department and SRS. Ft. Riley is also helpful.
Leon Hobson, Director of Public Works, discussed an addendum to an agreement for professional services, with Bruce MacMillan, Architect, for additional compensation.He discussed the playground improvements at the Riley County Family and Child Resource Center (at former Wharton Manor). Those concerned are advocating study of ADA requirements, "fall height" information, and signage of structures for age appropriateness. Hobbs updated Commission on other projects.
Clancy Holeman, administration, led discussion of department head meeting at which the policy on administrative leave for people (e.g.) on vacation was the topic. Further discussion is needed to reach consensus.
Cheryl Collins, Riley County Historical Museum Director, asked permission to move one display case (of several donated by the City Library) to the lobby of RC Office Building. Granted 3-0. She asked permission to house a large bell from the Bala Pioneer Society, which has closed its church, on Museum property. It has no clapper. The Bala Pioneer Society has agreed to move the bell. Approved 3-0. Collins attended a meeting in Topeka on 9-9-09 regarding plans for Kansas sesquicentennial of Statehood and also of the Civil War. Many arts and cultural organizations wish to participate, but as of yet no money is available.
Chuck Murphy, Director and Health Officer of the County Health Dept, presented a video summary of many questions relating to the H1N1 flu. Symptoms, treatments, availability of vaccine, preventive measures, and recommendations for dealing with a pandemic were among the subjects covered. People should distinguish between upper respiratory colds and the more serious flu. Fever over 100 degrees, aches, chills, often headache distinguish flu from colds. Anyone showing these symptoms should immediately be sent home and advised to exclude him/herself from company of other people. Rest and fluids are the recommended treatment except for cases which advance to bronchial and severe lung involvement--Then you go to hospital!Wash hands, cover your sneeze (not with hand), no kissing, avoid shaking hands. Do not go back to work/school until 24 hours after you have no fever WITHOUT medications, or seven days, whichever is longer. Antivirals are to be used in only very serious cases. Commissioners feel the County has a responsibility to be prepared for whatever contingency.
Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

USD 383 Board of Education

Sept. 9, 2009

Kathy Dzewaltowski, Observer

Special meeting:
Board members reviewed the 11 responses that had been received for the "request for qualifications" (RFQ) for the Construction Manager At-Risk for the high school construction project. Board members discussed their likes and dislikes for each of the firms that had responded to the RFQ and voted 6-0 to interview four firms. The four firms will be interviewed on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15, and the interviews will not be televised so as not to provide any advantage to the firms being interviewed on the second day.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

USD 383 Board of Education

Sept. 2, 2009

Kathy Dzewaltowski, Observer

The board approved 6-1 the Extended Learning Day Program that will provide extra instruction for elementary students before and after school during the regular school year, and the program will also take the place of Summer School. Curt Herrman voted "no" because he wasn't comfortable with completely eliminating Summer School.

The board was presented with drawings and color charts for the construction projects planned for Amanda Arnold and Ogden Elementary Schools. Board members expressed concerns about security and maintenance for courtyards planned for Amanda Arnold and for exterior classroom doors planned for Ogden. The plans were approved 7-0.

The school district has received 11 responses to its "request for qualifications" for the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMR) for the high school construction project. The board discussed the revisions to the "request for proposals" (RFP) for the CMR that board members had suggested at a previous meeting, and the board also discussed the pros and cons of the scoring system that will be used to evaluate the firms that will be interviewed for the CMR. The board approved 7-0 the RFP for the CMR.