Joan Strickler, observer
Riley County Commission 12/31/09
Commissioners Kearns and McCulloh present, Kearns presiding.
The Commissioners voted to sign a contract for services with Pawnee Mental Health.
There was general discussion with staff about the importance of offering as many services as possible on-line to save money and staff time.
County Counselor Clancy Holeman presented a request by Dara’s Fast Lane for a Resolution Authorizing Sunday Sales of Cereal Malt Beverages. Such a resolution would affect all unincorporated areas of Riley County. The Commissioners agreed to have such a resolution prepared and submitted to the public. It will specify a 60 day period which would allow for a valid protest petition to be filed. Such a protest petition would force the issue to be subject to voter approval.
Craig Cox, assistant county counselor, presented a revised draft of a long term lease on county land for the aTa transit facility. The Commissioners agreed by consensus to submit the suggested lease to the Kansas Department of Transportation for their approval.
Following a presentation by Dawn Shoffner, assistant director of technology, it was agreed to accept, with minor changes, a revised version of the proposed new home page for Riley County’s website.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Riley County Commission Dec. 28, 2009
Joan Strickler, observer
Commissioners Kearns and McCulloh present, Kearns presiding.
The Commissioners agreed to send a letter to the state expressing concern about the recent decision to have responsibilities for inspections of restaurants and hotels transferred from local health agencies to the state.
Rod Meredith, public works, reported on the effects of the snow storm which hit over the Christmas holidays. The county received from 8 to 12 inches of snow resulting in high drifts, sometimes higher than a dump truck. Employees were out for three days solid attempting to get the roads cleared. He noted the cost of the clean up will be high since staff can receive up to two and a half times their regular salary to work on official holidays.
County Counselor Clancy Holeman said the lease agreement for the RCPD substation in Aggieville will remain the same in 2010. Renewal of the contract for the Indigent Defense Panel will be negotiated with attorneys to cover another three year period. One issue will be how to track expenses for interpreters.
Assistant County Counselor Craig Cox discussed provisions to be included in a lease agreement with the Federal Transportation Administration regarding the proposed ATA building. The structure will be built on county land leased to the ATA program.
Dawn Shoffner, assistant director of technology, reviewed a new design suggested to replace the current Riley County website. The agency department heads will meet with the Commission later to discuss the content they feel should be included regarding the services of their agencies.
Commissioners Kearns and McCulloh present, Kearns presiding.
The Commissioners agreed to send a letter to the state expressing concern about the recent decision to have responsibilities for inspections of restaurants and hotels transferred from local health agencies to the state.
Rod Meredith, public works, reported on the effects of the snow storm which hit over the Christmas holidays. The county received from 8 to 12 inches of snow resulting in high drifts, sometimes higher than a dump truck. Employees were out for three days solid attempting to get the roads cleared. He noted the cost of the clean up will be high since staff can receive up to two and a half times their regular salary to work on official holidays.
County Counselor Clancy Holeman said the lease agreement for the RCPD substation in Aggieville will remain the same in 2010. Renewal of the contract for the Indigent Defense Panel will be negotiated with attorneys to cover another three year period. One issue will be how to track expenses for interpreters.
Assistant County Counselor Craig Cox discussed provisions to be included in a lease agreement with the Federal Transportation Administration regarding the proposed ATA building. The structure will be built on county land leased to the ATA program.
Dawn Shoffner, assistant director of technology, reviewed a new design suggested to replace the current Riley County website. The agency department heads will meet with the Commission later to discuss the content they feel should be included regarding the services of their agencies.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
BOCC Dec. 21
BOCC meeting of Dec. 21, 2009
Julie Merklin observer
The atmosphere was very relaxed in a crowded Commission room. Commissioner McCulloh was present via a conference call from San Francisco, Kearns presided, Johnson was absent.
The important item of the day was the expression of appreciation to four County employees who are retiring. The individuals were Linda Smith who worked for the county for 21 years, Larry Larson – 27 years, Delores Grater – 22 years and Janice Buchman – 21 years.
The conference call was a way for a quorum to be present. It met the “open meeting” criteria because everyone could hear what was being said via the speakerphone. There was general agreement that this is a useful process when a Commissioner can’t be there.
The press conference for next Mon. was discussed and the minutes were corrected and approved . There is no BOCC meeting on the 24.
Julie Merklin observer
The atmosphere was very relaxed in a crowded Commission room. Commissioner McCulloh was present via a conference call from San Francisco, Kearns presided, Johnson was absent.
The important item of the day was the expression of appreciation to four County employees who are retiring. The individuals were Linda Smith who worked for the county for 21 years, Larry Larson – 27 years, Delores Grater – 22 years and Janice Buchman – 21 years.
The conference call was a way for a quorum to be present. It met the “open meeting” criteria because everyone could hear what was being said via the speakerphone. There was general agreement that this is a useful process when a Commissioner can’t be there.
The press conference for next Mon. was discussed and the minutes were corrected and approved . There is no BOCC meeting on the 24.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Riley County Law Board
December 21, 2009
Bob Kruh, Observer
The Board heard a progress report on the jail expansion. Cells are finished, and utilities are being installed, with completion expected in February.
The Board noted that the triennial accreditation of RCPD has just been completed and that the outcome was described as "stellar." RCPD is the first of Kansas' six law enforcement agencies to be nationally accredited by the professional agency, CALEA. [NOTE: The League submitted a letter of support for RCPD as part of the process.]
There was a lengthy presentation by Chief Schoen on the possibility of consolidating the dispatch of emergency services now handled separately by RCPD, the Manhattan fire department, Riley County fire department, and county emergency medical services. The current situation works, but it suffers from inefficiency involving potential dangers. Although a single dispatch center might come later as the area continues to develop, a unified operation could nevertheless be established soon through additional staffing and integrated procedures. KSU police would remain as a separate entity. Required funding could be phased in over the next several years in order to make the public cost manageable. It was noted that, in Kansas, Manhattan/Riley County is the only population base of its size that does not have a unified dispatch center. The separate agencies here are supportive, and there was general agreement as to the desirability of such a move. The proposal will receive further attention.
Another presentation by Chief Schoen laid out the comparative cost of operating RCPD, with reference to similar operations in the region. Notwithstanding marked differences in budget and accounting categories among various jurisdictions, considerable care was used to compare like quantities operationally. To allay concerns that decisions about comparable categories might be slanted, Chief Schoen explained that, in compiling data, such judgments were made to the disadvantage of RCPD.
Health insurance is the largest line item for RCPD, accounting for more than 10% of its budget. It was noted that total personnel costs account for about 86% of the budget, and, aside from salaries, the department now spends $19,500 per employee for health insurance, retirement, workers compensation, social security, and liability insurance.
The study included Leavenworth County, KS; Saline County, KS; Story County and Ames, IA; and Payne County and Stillwater, OK. It turns out that, per capita, Riley County's adjusted cost is at the lower end of the group -- $204 per person -- with the most spent in Saline County -- $309.
Beyond the effort to create valid structural comparisons, there was no good way to make allowances for different contexts -- with Riley County being the only one with both a major university and a large military installation within its area. It was nevertheless apparent that Riley County is the beneficiary of a highly effective police force operated at reasonable cost.
Bob Kruh, Observer
The Board heard a progress report on the jail expansion. Cells are finished, and utilities are being installed, with completion expected in February.
The Board noted that the triennial accreditation of RCPD has just been completed and that the outcome was described as "stellar." RCPD is the first of Kansas' six law enforcement agencies to be nationally accredited by the professional agency, CALEA. [NOTE: The League submitted a letter of support for RCPD as part of the process.]
There was a lengthy presentation by Chief Schoen on the possibility of consolidating the dispatch of emergency services now handled separately by RCPD, the Manhattan fire department, Riley County fire department, and county emergency medical services. The current situation works, but it suffers from inefficiency involving potential dangers. Although a single dispatch center might come later as the area continues to develop, a unified operation could nevertheless be established soon through additional staffing and integrated procedures. KSU police would remain as a separate entity. Required funding could be phased in over the next several years in order to make the public cost manageable. It was noted that, in Kansas, Manhattan/Riley County is the only population base of its size that does not have a unified dispatch center. The separate agencies here are supportive, and there was general agreement as to the desirability of such a move. The proposal will receive further attention.
Another presentation by Chief Schoen laid out the comparative cost of operating RCPD, with reference to similar operations in the region. Notwithstanding marked differences in budget and accounting categories among various jurisdictions, considerable care was used to compare like quantities operationally. To allay concerns that decisions about comparable categories might be slanted, Chief Schoen explained that, in compiling data, such judgments were made to the disadvantage of RCPD.
Health insurance is the largest line item for RCPD, accounting for more than 10% of its budget. It was noted that total personnel costs account for about 86% of the budget, and, aside from salaries, the department now spends $19,500 per employee for health insurance, retirement, workers compensation, social security, and liability insurance.
The study included Leavenworth County, KS; Saline County, KS; Story County and Ames, IA; and Payne County and Stillwater, OK. It turns out that, per capita, Riley County's adjusted cost is at the lower end of the group -- $204 per person -- with the most spent in Saline County -- $309.
Beyond the effort to create valid structural comparisons, there was no good way to make allowances for different contexts -- with Riley County being the only one with both a major university and a large military installation within its area. It was nevertheless apparent that Riley County is the beneficiary of a highly effective police force operated at reasonable cost.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
USD 383 Board of Education
December 16, 2009
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, reported that a finance committee has been meeting to discuss how the district may need to make budget cuts due to reduced state aid. The committee estimates that the district will need to cut $1.5 million at the minimum and possibly $3.5 million at the maximum if additional funding cuts are made at the state level.
The board was presented with schematic design plans for Wilson Elementary. The plans call for adding 6,300 sq. ft. on the southeast side of the building. Wilson is an older, two-story school, and Pete Paukstelis asked if an elevator would need to be added. The project architect said that he has been told that an elevator will not be needed because the programming spaces that a student would have to have access to are all on the main level. The board approved 7-0 the schematic design plans.
The board discussed the construction timeline for Amanda Arnold Elementary and the construction firm recommended to do the project based on its bid. Board members expressed concerns about the timeline because construction will not be finished by the time school starts in August. The principal said they will be able to work around the construction projects and doing so will allow them to save $100,000 that can be used to fund alternates. The board approved 7-0 to contract with Ferrell Construction for the improvement projects at Arnold.
Dr. Bob Seymour, Associate Superintendent, reported that a design idea being considered for the high school includes relocating the cafeteria and the library to the hallways next to the commons, and relocating wrestling to the fitness center (which is a separate, detached building) and moving P.E. classes from the fitness center to the main building. Changing how the fitness center is used during the school day would allow the building to have a secure perimeter because students would not need to be walking outside to the fitness center.
The board approved 7-0 a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kansas Department of Education to participate in a federally funded school reform program over the next four years. Areas of focus will include standards and assessments, data systems, improving teachers and leaders, and improving the lowest-achieving schools.
Riley County Commission mtg. Dec 17, 2009
Mr Johnson absent. Jennifer Wilson, Co Extension Director, asked approval for Economy Electric to do repair of breaker at Casement Hall, CiCo Park, even though their bid was higher than is nominally allowed for such work. Approved 2-0. She said a retiringstaff member will not be replaced immediately, to savethe County money. They will hire a part-time student and redis-tribute the workload. They will hire a nutrition assistant for the Food and Nutrition program. which is funded entirely by Federal grant. The grant will also buy the assisant a computer. Riley County came in second nationally in the Energy Star program. We were first last year. A county in Virginia was first this year, so we do not get the $5000 award.
Rod Meredith showed picutres of the sand-salt trucks that are deteriorating to a dangerous extent. Each of 3 trucks has 300,000 miles. On at least one, the rust is so bad that it is in danger of collapsing the frame. This could be disastrous for the driver and possible the public. The worst truck has been in service for 12 years. They have money in their budget to replace the truck and a deteriorated snow plow which is probably 25 to 30 years old. The cost is approximately $150,000. Meredith said they can probably get some money out of the old truck anc ploy, since the engine is still relatively sound. Other government entities have expressed interest. Since it may take up to 6 months for a new truck to arrive, the consensus was to act as quickly as possible. Commissioners authorized requests for sealed bids, 2-0.
Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds, reported YTD revenue throuth Dec 14. The number of pages is up, but revenue is down. Including Tech Fund, total revenue is $1,047,000. Her department received 121 applications for a job opening. They have narrowed to 8, all excellent, and will decide who to hire next week. Job begins after Jan 1.
Clancy Holeman conducted Exec Session. An attorney from Counselors ofice explained the ob-jections Day Care providers had to City proposal to institute inspections, and explained how the city and Health Dept answered the objections. The County will begin to process regulations for the Day Care providers of Riley County which are outside Manhattan City. They will hold an early public meeting.
Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, asked permission to dispose of used Self-Contained Breathing Appratus(es). They replaced 40 this month, at $350 per unit. Some people in surrounding Counties are willing to upgrade their own units with the ones Riley is replacing. The RC police Dept wants 10 of them, for instance. Other entities may pay as much as $250 per unit.Commissioners recessed as County Commission and then constituted themselves as the Rural Fire District Board, approved sale of the old SCBAs for best availaable price, 2-0, then recessed as RFDB an reconstituted as RCC. (This procedure is all legal).
Brad Schoen. RCPD Director, said they have just completed the on-site accreditation update inspection with flying colors. Both instpectors complimented the RCPD on their achievement. Only 3 standards out of over 500 needed adjustment. They will be awarded their certificate in March at National center in Texas.He said they have just completed a study of the economic aspects of Consolidation compared to other counties that have both Police Dept and Sheriff. The Riley County costs are very favorable, second in State for efficiency.
Leon Hobbes asked advice on nominees for Road and Bridge Advisory Board and Hunters Island Board.
Board again went into Executive Session. Agenda finished. submitted by Lyndal Nyberg
Rod Meredith showed picutres of the sand-salt trucks that are deteriorating to a dangerous extent. Each of 3 trucks has 300,000 miles. On at least one, the rust is so bad that it is in danger of collapsing the frame. This could be disastrous for the driver and possible the public. The worst truck has been in service for 12 years. They have money in their budget to replace the truck and a deteriorated snow plow which is probably 25 to 30 years old. The cost is approximately $150,000. Meredith said they can probably get some money out of the old truck anc ploy, since the engine is still relatively sound. Other government entities have expressed interest. Since it may take up to 6 months for a new truck to arrive, the consensus was to act as quickly as possible. Commissioners authorized requests for sealed bids, 2-0.
Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds, reported YTD revenue throuth Dec 14. The number of pages is up, but revenue is down. Including Tech Fund, total revenue is $1,047,000. Her department received 121 applications for a job opening. They have narrowed to 8, all excellent, and will decide who to hire next week. Job begins after Jan 1.
Clancy Holeman conducted Exec Session. An attorney from Counselors ofice explained the ob-jections Day Care providers had to City proposal to institute inspections, and explained how the city and Health Dept answered the objections. The County will begin to process regulations for the Day Care providers of Riley County which are outside Manhattan City. They will hold an early public meeting.
Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, asked permission to dispose of used Self-Contained Breathing Appratus(es). They replaced 40 this month, at $350 per unit. Some people in surrounding Counties are willing to upgrade their own units with the ones Riley is replacing. The RC police Dept wants 10 of them, for instance. Other entities may pay as much as $250 per unit.Commissioners recessed as County Commission and then constituted themselves as the Rural Fire District Board, approved sale of the old SCBAs for best availaable price, 2-0, then recessed as RFDB an reconstituted as RCC. (This procedure is all legal).
Brad Schoen. RCPD Director, said they have just completed the on-site accreditation update inspection with flying colors. Both instpectors complimented the RCPD on their achievement. Only 3 standards out of over 500 needed adjustment. They will be awarded their certificate in March at National center in Texas.He said they have just completed a study of the economic aspects of Consolidation compared to other counties that have both Police Dept and Sheriff. The Riley County costs are very favorable, second in State for efficiency.
Leon Hobbes asked advice on nominees for Road and Bridge Advisory Board and Hunters Island Board.
Board again went into Executive Session. Agenda finished. submitted by Lyndal Nyberg
Monday, December 14, 2009
Riley County Commission mtg 12-14-09
Battery died, blog lost. Start again. MrJohnson absent. GIS is working on maps for ATA to be used in applications for funding.Rod Meredith reported on ice and snow clearance. Total cost including overtime, fuel, and salt purchases, $60-70,000.SusanneKufahl, Health Dept, says vaccine for H1N1 is now available to all. They gave 17,000 shots in 7 weeks. Cheryl Collins said the Museum is now on Facebook (www.facebook.com.) Police Sgt Schuck gave tips on winter driving: slow down, use seat belts, don't drink and drive, do not use cruise control on ice, increase following distance, prepare your car (full tank, good wiper blades,charged cell phone), move to left lane to pass emergency and stopped vehicles on shoulder. Rich Vargo announced that hunting licenses can now be purchased on line. Riley County employees attended Midwest Election Officials Conference. They exchanged information with other counties, e.g. electronic poll books in Butler County. Many changes in election procedures are coming, such as all mail-in ballots. The 5-year contractswith much voting equipment are expiring, and a leap in expense is expected. Leon Hobbs gave an update on County projects. The City is planning to correct the flooding problem on Tecumseh Road: an impoundment structure will be placed on land belonging to Riley County, on Health Dept land. After a 5-minute executiver session, Clancy Holeman updated Commissioners on changes to bylaws for regionalplanning board and other matters.Cheryl Collins reported that the Museum is working its way through State programs and training on the way to beginning the process of becoming Nationally certified.She said that three of their trustees are retiring, and presented the names of potention replacements with her recommendation. Staff will check District residence requirement and then act on appointment. Monty Wedel introduced representatives of the consulting firm Clarion Associates, who will work on land use, subdivision regulations, etc. The consultants said they have a large number of "tools" for such purposes. Rich Vargo announced that the Direct Deposit Policy and Paperless/Secure Pay Stub Access has been approved, and the software is almost ready. It is more efficient than previous payment methods. Paper checks may still be requested by County employees. Approved 2-0.Eileen King requested that her department be allowed to make an exception to Leave Policy. Two of the employees who did not work on Wed, Dec 9 did not have enough leave because they are new, and would have had to do without pay for the day. Ms.King said since the State was closed, customers who came in could not be served. She assumed Mr. Johnson would approve her closing the Treasurer's office, but Mr. Johnson did not return her call, so technically she felt she had to act on her own. Mr. Kearns said she should have called him.Another employee volunteered to give two days of her accumulated leave to the two employees. Ms. Volenti, Personnel, said this is against the policies of the county. Mr. Kearns and Ms Mccullogh agreed.After extensive discussion, commissioners decided to break policy and allow the trade of leave so the two employees could be paid. Mr. Kearns emphasised that he would not EVER approve such a thing again. No Prececent. submitted by Lyndal Nyberg
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Observer Report
Riley County-Manhattan Board of Health
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
This was the longest board meeting in my experience lasting from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM, though not entirely surprising as the agenda was completely devoted to various funding requirements. Mayor Bob Strawn was the only board member not present.
Health Department Administrator Charles Murphy reported on the HINI vaccination program. 4000 doses of the vaccine have been given at the Health Department since the middle of October. With inclusion of other providers such as Fort Riley, La Fene and Mercy Hospital approximately 11,000 doses have been given in the County to date. Vaccination clinics are being held in 18 schools in the County. Charles Murphy also stated that they now have enough doses to begin offering vaccinations to the general public.
The City Commission will have the first hearing on December 15th on an ordinance to require all regulated child care to be inspected. Assistant Administrator Suzanne Kufahl and Mindy Robbins, Child care Licensing Supervisor will attend the commission meeting and an informational meeting for providers will be held at the
Health Department on December 3, 2009.
Under New Business Charles Murphy requested that the Board approve a 1% salary increase noting that the City of Manhattan and Riley County is also awarding a 1% increase as is the State of Kansas. Part of the discussion noted the increased competition for medical staff and the higher salaries being offered in other institutions. In addition Mr. Murphy asked the board to approve the giving of bonuses from the grant received to administer the HINI vaccinations to those employees of the Health Department who went well beyond their usual workday to help with the vaccination program. Discussion included the suggestion that a policy should be developed to give “merit” recognition and that the word “bonus” not be used. The Board approved the request and also suggested that a full study of the salary situations be carried out in 2010.
Mr. Murphy requested that the Health Department be allowed to establish a Capital Outlay Fund under State Statute 65-204. County Counselor Clancy Holeman was present and reported that the statute did not permit such a fund. Discussion continued with board member Karen Mcculloh asking why such a fund was needed. Mr. Murphy stated that there were a number of needs such as expansion of the building and parking lot problems. It was suggested that a list be made of the needs and that a long range plan be developed. Mr. Murphy stated that it was important for the Health Department to have such a fund as they depend on grants which usually require matching funds and that the Department needs to have these funds readily available. Of historical interest Mr. Murphy noted that at one time the Health Department had a mil levy devoted to it like the library and other entities do now.
The Board approved the purchase of a 2010 Ford Fusion from Dick Edwards for $17,999 as the low bid,
Karen McCulloh asked about the suggestion she made to have the County IT staff also provide support to the Health Department. Mr. Murphy stated he had met with the county IT staff and concluded that it would require at least a half time person to be at the Health Department for this to be feasible.
Sue Cohen, Observer
Riley County-Manhattan Board of Health
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
This was the longest board meeting in my experience lasting from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM, though not entirely surprising as the agenda was completely devoted to various funding requirements. Mayor Bob Strawn was the only board member not present.
Health Department Administrator Charles Murphy reported on the HINI vaccination program. 4000 doses of the vaccine have been given at the Health Department since the middle of October. With inclusion of other providers such as Fort Riley, La Fene and Mercy Hospital approximately 11,000 doses have been given in the County to date. Vaccination clinics are being held in 18 schools in the County. Charles Murphy also stated that they now have enough doses to begin offering vaccinations to the general public.
The City Commission will have the first hearing on December 15th on an ordinance to require all regulated child care to be inspected. Assistant Administrator Suzanne Kufahl and Mindy Robbins, Child care Licensing Supervisor will attend the commission meeting and an informational meeting for providers will be held at the
Health Department on December 3, 2009.
Under New Business Charles Murphy requested that the Board approve a 1% salary increase noting that the City of Manhattan and Riley County is also awarding a 1% increase as is the State of Kansas. Part of the discussion noted the increased competition for medical staff and the higher salaries being offered in other institutions. In addition Mr. Murphy asked the board to approve the giving of bonuses from the grant received to administer the HINI vaccinations to those employees of the Health Department who went well beyond their usual workday to help with the vaccination program. Discussion included the suggestion that a policy should be developed to give “merit” recognition and that the word “bonus” not be used. The Board approved the request and also suggested that a full study of the salary situations be carried out in 2010.
Mr. Murphy requested that the Health Department be allowed to establish a Capital Outlay Fund under State Statute 65-204. County Counselor Clancy Holeman was present and reported that the statute did not permit such a fund. Discussion continued with board member Karen Mcculloh asking why such a fund was needed. Mr. Murphy stated that there were a number of needs such as expansion of the building and parking lot problems. It was suggested that a list be made of the needs and that a long range plan be developed. Mr. Murphy stated that it was important for the Health Department to have such a fund as they depend on grants which usually require matching funds and that the Department needs to have these funds readily available. Of historical interest Mr. Murphy noted that at one time the Health Department had a mil levy devoted to it like the library and other entities do now.
The Board approved the purchase of a 2010 Ford Fusion from Dick Edwards for $17,999 as the low bid,
Karen McCulloh asked about the suggestion she made to have the County IT staff also provide support to the Health Department. Mr. Murphy stated he had met with the county IT staff and concluded that it would require at least a half time person to be at the Health Department for this to be feasible.
Sue Cohen, Observer
Thursday, December 3, 2009
USD 383 Board of Education
December 2, 2009
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Work session:
The architects for the MHS construction project updated the board regarding the latest plans they are working on. One plan adds new space on both the northeast and southwest corners of the building, a second plan adds new space only on the northeast corner, and a third plan adds the majority of the space on the south side of the building. Improving the high school's HVAC system had been scheduled to be a Phase 3 project, but the board has expressed interest in moving the HVAC project to a higher priority. The architects requested direction as to whether they should be planning to update the HVAC system, which would involve increasing the scope of their services. The board's consensus was to expand the architects' scope to include HVAC updates. The board also discussed how to address security issues with the high school's fitness center, which is a separate, detached building. Board members felt they needed more information about the fitness center.
Regular session:
The board was told that the state plans to reduce per pupil funding by $206, which will result in a net reduction of the district's general fund budget of $631,000.
The board approved 7-0 the design development for Lee Elementary. Seventeen spaces will be added to the building.
The board was presented with pre-schematic designs for Wilson Elementary, which will add space to either the south or east sides of the building. Board members expressed concerns about the amount of square footage being added, thinking it looked like more than what had been planned. The architect responded that the additional square footage meets the board's guidelines.
The board approved 7-0 the contract with Adolfson and Peterson to be the Construction Manager At-Risk for the high school project.
The board approved 7-0 to renew the capital outlay resolution and set the cap at 7 mills for the next five years.
The board discussed new courses for the high school. The proposed courses included Algebra IA and Algebra IB, which will allow the typical Algebra I course to be taught at a slower pace and spread over two years, and also Intermediate Algebra, which is intended for students who have taken Algebra I and Geometry and who may not be ready for Algebra II. The courses are being proposed to meet the needs of students who have struggled to be successful in Algebra. Board members expressed concerns about how students will be counseled to take these courses, and the "track" that students will be in and whether they will be able to meet the requirements for attending a regents' school. The need for the courses will be re-evaluated in three years. The board approved the new courses 7-0.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Work session:
The architects for the MHS construction project updated the board regarding the latest plans they are working on. One plan adds new space on both the northeast and southwest corners of the building, a second plan adds new space only on the northeast corner, and a third plan adds the majority of the space on the south side of the building. Improving the high school's HVAC system had been scheduled to be a Phase 3 project, but the board has expressed interest in moving the HVAC project to a higher priority. The architects requested direction as to whether they should be planning to update the HVAC system, which would involve increasing the scope of their services. The board's consensus was to expand the architects' scope to include HVAC updates. The board also discussed how to address security issues with the high school's fitness center, which is a separate, detached building. Board members felt they needed more information about the fitness center.
Regular session:
The board was told that the state plans to reduce per pupil funding by $206, which will result in a net reduction of the district's general fund budget of $631,000.
The board approved 7-0 the design development for Lee Elementary. Seventeen spaces will be added to the building.
The board was presented with pre-schematic designs for Wilson Elementary, which will add space to either the south or east sides of the building. Board members expressed concerns about the amount of square footage being added, thinking it looked like more than what had been planned. The architect responded that the additional square footage meets the board's guidelines.
The board approved 7-0 the contract with Adolfson and Peterson to be the Construction Manager At-Risk for the high school project.
The board approved 7-0 to renew the capital outlay resolution and set the cap at 7 mills for the next five years.
The board discussed new courses for the high school. The proposed courses included Algebra IA and Algebra IB, which will allow the typical Algebra I course to be taught at a slower pace and spread over two years, and also Intermediate Algebra, which is intended for students who have taken Algebra I and Geometry and who may not be ready for Algebra II. The courses are being proposed to meet the needs of students who have struggled to be successful in Algebra. Board members expressed concerns about how students will be counseled to take these courses, and the "track" that students will be in and whether they will be able to meet the requirements for attending a regents' school. The need for the courses will be re-evaluated in three years. The board approved the new courses 7-0.
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