Thursday, February 25, 2010

Riley County Commission 2/25/2010

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Kearns, Johnson and McCulloh present, Kearns presiding.

It was noted that Sen. Brownlee had called expressing concern about the slowness of an ambulance response to a 911 call in Manhattan. Apparently her daughter had called for an ambulance when one of her sorority sisters was experiencing problems. It seems the driver of the ambulance went, at first, to the wrong address.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 16 in the Commission hearing room in regard to proposed day care regulations. It seems the new requirements currently would affect only two providers of child day care in Riley County.

Commissioner McCulloh reported on a conversation with Mandy Semple, director of the Manhattan shelter serving homeless individuals. In addition to difficulties in obtaining services for some clients through the health department, it seems mental health needs are often not available. Due to severe funding cuts, Pawnee Mental Health has had to limit services. Also, the center now charges all clients at least a small fee for services. Persons served by the shelter usually have no money to pay even minimal charges.

County Attorney Barry Wilkerson said it is now being considered that courts be closed on Thursdays and Fridays instead of being furloughed for longer periods at a time. He is concerned that this will be disruptive to juries as well as attorneys in that it could require some cases to be heard over an extended two week period rather than one. While crimes appear to be down, the jail inmate population is up. He attributes this to more serious offenses and the result of DUI’s now being considered felony offenses, particularly when there are multiple offense cases involved.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reported HB 2445, the military encroachment bill, was amended in the House. One of the amendments would require all affected jurisdictions to, effectively, have all their local zoning regulations and plans match with the other jurisdictions. This is seen as unrealistic and efforts will be made to have the amendment removed in the Senate. SB 346, which would provide for the State to send prisoners back to local jurisdictions for the last 10 days of the sentence, has also been amended. The basic issue is, if the prisoners are sent back to local jails, who pays the cost? Counties see this bill as an effort by the State to dump responsibility and costs on local governments.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Riley County Commission 2/22/10

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Kearns and McCulloh present, Kearns presiding.

Pat Collins, emergency management director, suggested a review process be established to consider how well emergency response calls are handled. Currently individual complaints from callers are investigated, but there is no provision for an ongoing review of the quality of call responses generally.

Randolph officials have proposed a change in language in the contract with Riley County regarding provision of ambulance and other emergency medical services. Some staff concerns were raised about needing flexibility in providing emergency ambulance coverage. The contract will be reviewed again at a later time. Commissioner Kearns and staff will meet with the Randolph people.

Mandy Chapman-Semple, director of the Manhattan emergency center, said the demand for services has doubled in the past year. Federal stimulus funds have helped by making it possible to move some people into their own housing over the last few months. Many clients have multiple medical needs and are referred to the Free Clinic. She said the Health Department is not seen to be quite as accessible except for women’s health needs.

Currently there is a 3.2% unemployment rate in Riley County. Foreclosures have risen somewhat and sales have decreased slightly. Sales data can be accessed at the County’s website at: www.rileycountyks.gov/parcel. Check on E-Gov Services>On-Line Appraisal Data. The temporary User Name is (informal and Password (appeal). Information will be available until March 15.

A brief discussion was held with department heads regarding the death of John Cowan, director of the GIS department. It was generally agreed the GIS director’s position is a critical one and that separate department status should be retained. A committee will be formed to develop a list of qualifications and position description to make it possible to initiate a search for a new director as soon as possible. Commissioner McCullogh suggested there may be ways to consolidate some of the City’s needs into the County operations for cost savings.

Friday, February 19, 2010

USD 383 Board of Education

Feb. 17, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:
The board received a report on Professional Learning Time (PLT) at the high school. One of the activities PLT engages in is the Student Academic Intervention System, which targets students who are earning a "D" or an "F" in at least one course. The students work with faculty in small groups to develop a plan to improve their grades. The intervention program was able to remove 83% of the students from the "D/F" list because their grades had improved.

The district's project manager for the construction projects reported that Wilson Elementary's design development was temporarily on hold because an asbestos coating applied to plaster ceilings had been discovered and will need to be addressed.

Due to budget constraints, administration recommended that elementary summer school for general education students not be offered for the summer of 2010 and that summer school would only be available for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP). This school year the district began offering extended learning opportunities before and after school to provide additional instruction for at-risk students, and online materials and work packets will also be provided for students in the summer. Summer school for middle school students will also only be provided for students with IEPs. High school students will continue to be able to recover credits in the summer, instruction will be provided for students with IEPs, and driver's education will be offered, with fees covering the majority of the costs of driver's education. The board approved 7-0 the plans for elementary and secondary summer school.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

BOCC Feb. 18. 2010

Board of County Commissioners, February 18, 2010
McCulloh and Kearns present, Kearns presiding

Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds reported that revenue in her department was down $14000 from this time last year.

Clancy Holeman, counselor/Director of Administrative Services, gave an update on proposed legislation. HB 2445, the Military Encroachment Bill is set for hearing next Wed, the 24. Local officials will be present to testify.
Proposed Senate bill 368 sets the incarceration penalty for 4th time DUI. There is concern about who will be responsible for pharmaceutical and/or medical costs for prisoners put in local jails.

Ginny Barnard, County Extension Agent, reported on the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). Currently she gives classes at the Job Corps Center. After 10 weeks of class the students get certificates which can be put in their résumés. This program is federally funded. In the future she hopes to expand coverage.

Brad Schoen, RCPD Director, discussed more efficient use of police personnel. For example, if a bicycle is stolen and the insurance company says one must file a police report, an officer wouldn’t be needed to come out to do that. Such instances could be handled at a lower level, perhaps by a phone call.

Schoen reported that January and February prisoner populations were higher than average( as high as 124) and required temporary use of E pod. Supervision was handled by people working overtime. Eventually more people will have to be hired when the new part of the LEC is opened.

Eileen King, Treasurer, reported on investments and year to date interest. Total amount in CD’s is $12,000,000, in Cash/MM $11,908,571.63. Total on Deposit, $23,908,571.63.
Year to Date Interest is $28,922.76.

Julie Merklin, Observer

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Riley County Commission mtg Feb 11, 2010

Mr Johnson absent. Leon Hobson, with staff members from IT, discussed the necessity for an emergency power generator for IT Dept. If Information Technology loses power, virtually all computer activities are interrupted for the County, including the Courts, public works and other services. Emergency Management and Public Works will have emergency power of their own, but IT services are vital to both Departments' functions in emergencies. Commissioners agreed Counselor, and Monty Wedelby consensus to have final plans for a generator for IT to be drawn up for approval to be put up for bids. The generator is planned to be installed on the roof of the County Office Building. It will have 125 KW, which allows some capacity for future growth.
Lyle Butler, Chamber of Commerce, gave an update on economic development. The Chamber plans to draw up anew strategic plan to update the last, made in 1999. Butler emphasized the need to encourage small local businesses. KSU Center for Entrepreneurship recently gave out awards to young entrepreneurs. Mrs. McCullogh mentioned the need to move away from the development idea of "rob thy neighbor," the seeming "buying" of businesses. Mr. Kearns mentioned that military research done at Ft Riley could make use of KSU facilities, to the benefit of all.Butler said the sersvsices of their Small Business Development Center are free, and not restricted to Chamber members. Tallgrass Brewing Co, in Pottawatomie County, will receivethe Small Entrepreneur of Kansas award.
Clancy Holeman, Counselor, and Monty Wedel, Planning, discussed pending legislation meant to regulate wind power installations. They and Commissioners agreed that the bill as proposed has many omissions and some undesirable provisions. All felt further study and discussion on the issue is essential. Mr. Kearns said he would volunteer to serve on any study committee the Legislature forms. He felt that Riley County's previous study would be useful to work with.
Leon Hobson introduced a representative of Bartlett and West, the engineering firm hired to develop a model for the new drainage system at Tecumseh-Quivera. The represented explained details of the proposed project. They will be a public open house on Feb 17 at 4:00 [presumably at City Hall]. The City Commission will hold a work session on the subject on Feb 23 at 5:00. Consensus was to provide the easements necessary so the plan can move ahead. City will pay for the work.
Johnette Shepek and Leon Hobson updated Commissioners on the 1/2-cent sales tax projects. Many of the culverts, bridges and reconstructions are completed. All of the planned asphalt overlays are finished. The projected cash balance for this fund is $2.7 million for 2012, when the tax expires. Commissioners were asked to consider changing the priority list by eliminating the South Manhattan Street project and the South Wildcat Creek Road project. Landowners in the S.Manhattan Street area do not like giving up productive land for straightening out 90 cegree turns on the road. The K-18 project makes complications for the S Wildcat Creek project. Also, almost all of it is within City limits. There are many other smaller projects waiting, which Hobson's department feel are more necessary. The process of changing the priority list is long and complicated, with extensive procedural activity, since it was part of a referendum, but it can be done. A unanimous vote will be necessary, to include currently ailing Al Johnson. Commissioners asked Hobson to prepare a list of priorities.
Hobson reported on the KDOT K-18 traffic study. Riley County people have asked that the speed limit between Manhattan and the point at which it becomes K-14 (west of the city) be lowered. KDOT's study found 85% if druvers gi 66-70 mph (current speed limit is 65).They do not recommend changing the limit, because of normal human behavior.
Dennis Peterson, Noxious Weed Director, presented his annual report for approval of County Commission, signatures and submission to Kansas Department of Agriculture. Musk thistle is the #1 weed this past year, and bindweed #2. The Noxious Weed budget is divided into: Chemicals, Labor, Equipment, and Miscellaneous. Mr. Peterson explained details of expenses and income of his department. Commissioners approved the report 2-0. It will be signed and submitted.
Mr. Wedel mentioned that to accommodate NBAF facility an animal resource area will have to be moved, involving the County only to the extent of some road work.
Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Riley County Commission mtg 2-8-2010

Mr Johnson absent. Rich Vargo, County Clerk,reported YTD Expenses and Budget. The snow clearing has gone over budget. Separation (retirement) payments may be high this year. Mr. Vargo emphasized that the reserve funds must be kept high to maintain our bond rating.
Lori Archer, GIS analyst, said her department is continuing to update the GIS website. Pat Collins, emergency services, asked dept to help with application for a 911 grant for wireless enhancement using aerial photography. The grant would come in July, at which time they would ask for bids. The USGS (Geographic Survey) is using LIDAR (a laser-beam based reflective technique to make it possible to produce maps showing elevation, relief and topography digitally. Users may view maps in layers. The river valley was mapped in 2006. USGS is expected to map the remainder of Riley and surrounding counties. These maps are available to the public FREE. They are now producing taxing unit maps digitally instead of on paper.
Ginny Barnard, Extension announced that Walk Kansas 2010 is not accepting registrations for teams. Registration closes after March 5. The program runs from Mar. 7 to May 1.
Greg McClure reported on the "very successful" Country Living Expo recently sponsored by Riley County Extension. This event was excellently reported in the MERCURY. McClure said they had up to 40 enrollees in the various presentations.
Karen McCulloh reminded that Howie's will accept household hazardous waste Saturday Feb 13.
Mr. Kearns presented a proclamation of Feb 21-27 as Food Check-Out Week. Melissa Wahl and Mary Mertz, representing Farm Bureau, spoke of their work encouraging healthful foods produced locally in environmenttally friendly ways, for good nutrition and good economics.
[Non-agenda: Ron Thornburg, KS Secy of State, is resigning to take a position as head of NIC sales.]
Leon Hobson, Public Works, updated Commissioners on projects.Commissioners approved, 2-0, the payment for crucial heating and air conditioning work on the Courthouse from the building fund ($65,000). Work cannot wait until they learn whether they will receive a grant.
Clancy Holeman, County Counsellor, requested three separate executive sessions to discuss personnel matters.
Cheryl Collins, Historical Museum Director, reported on the Kansas Day Open House Jan 29 to celebrate the 149th year of Kansas Statehood and also to congratulate past winners of the Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Award. All seven living winners as well as family and friends of the two deceased winnerswill be interviewed by K-State student volunteers for permanent record in RC Hist. Museum, Man. Pub Lib, KSU Lib, and KS St. Hist. Soc. Collins commended Doug Wadsworth, KSSHS physical plant supervisor and other volunteers who worked on moving contents of Goodnow House out for the renovation. Wadsworth is featured in the State Hist Soc magazine, REFLECTIONS.
Monty Wedel asked for permission for a technical minor violation of the con tract with Howie's Recycling. Granted by consensus. Wedel said Howie may possibly have to discontinue recycling glass, as it is too much of a loss.
Holeman recommended the County support HB 2445, with a host of amendments recently added. It will go to the floor soon.
Holeman requested another executive session for personnel matter. I left.submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

USD 383 Board of Education

Feb. 3, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Work session:
The architects for the MHS construction project presented the schematic design plans to the board. The plans call for relocating the library to B-Hall, relocating the cafeteria to D-Hall, and then repurposing the library and cafeteria spaces. The plans show new additions on the east and north sides of the building, with some additional infill in other locations. Moving the library and cafeteria will require design changes to the HVAC system at a cost of approximately $1.3 million, out of the $5 million budgeted for updating the HVAC. The architects also presented "paneling" options for exterior materials which are available in a variety of finishes.

Regular meeting:
The Budget Advisory Committee has been meeting to develop recommendations for budget cuts due to decreases in state funding. The committee will present its recommendations to the superintendent the end of February, and the recommendations will come before the board on March 24.

The board received an update on the review process for selecting new math curriculum for grades K-5. A committee has been reviewing four program options and is on schedule to make a recommendation to the board in April about which program to select.

The board returned to the discussion of the MHS schematic design. The item was scheduled for a final action vote, even though the work session had been the first time the board had seen the schematic design, and the board had not taken a first action vote previously. Pete Paukstelis was concerned about providing the public with the opportunity to comment on the design for such a large project before taking final action. Other board members felt that the board had provided opportunities for the public to attend meetings and comment if there was interest. Several board members commented that they were pleased with the design and thought it was phenomenal. The board approved the schematic design 6-0.

Riley County-Manhattan Board of Health January 27, 2010

Observer Report

Dr. Paul Stagner, Board President, has resigned. Brady Burton, Vice President,was elected to replace him. Dr. Paul Hesse agreed to be Vice President and Doug Finney agreed to continue as Finance Chairman. Sharolyn Flaming-Jackson has completed a three year term. Charles Murphy, Administrator, extended his appreciation for her service. Bob Strawn representing the City Commission has been reappointed and all other county appointments have agreed to continue to serve.
The board discussed finding local funds to replace those cut by the state; most noticeable is the loss of food service inspection funds of $53,224. Prior to this cut there is also the loss of approximately $24,000 in sewer and water enforcement funds plus the loss of tobacco funds of approximately $83.000. Charles Murphy, Administrator, recommends seeking local tax dollars for the food inspection and the sewer/water enforcement but not the tobacco funds as “not as critical”. The board authorized Mr. Murphy to seek these funds. Mr. Murphy stated that the Health Department would continue these endeavors until it is known if the city and county will support them.
Lauren Palmer, board member from city staff, suggested that wording be used to try to prevent this request from becoming a permanent plan. i.e. allowing the state to continue to shirk its responsibilities and therefore either passing on the costs to the local level or endangering the public by cutting these services. Mr. Murphy noted that the state has started taking funds collected as fees. Mr. Strawn noted that the state sets the fee for child care inspections which will not equal the cost. Mr. Murphy also noted that interest income from investments meant to support the Health Department are “way down” and some expenses are up such as drug costs. He has requested reimbursement for the HINI vaccine program expenses and expects them to be close to what was spent.
Discussion of the 2009 finance report led to the request from Bob Strawn for monthly reports which he felt would be important in interest of transparency. Mr. Murphy felt that monthly reports might be misleading since supporting funds were not on any consistent basis depending on the requirements of the grants and the timing of other funding entities and some cooperative funding. Nevertheless Mr. Strawn thought monthly reports would be good to have. There was some discussion of perhaps quarterly reports. This issue was not settled.
The board voted to approve the write off of all bad debt for charitable care according to the board policy of doing this for accounts 2 years old. Mr. Murphy was pleased to note that the amount of $20,657 was half of last year’s amount of $40, 659.
He thought this was at least partly due to new software that helped in collecting these funds.
There was not time for the presentation concerning Smart Start and only a brief discussion of two issues requested by board member Karen McCulloh concerning IT needs for the department. A subcommittee to discuss this issue will be formed for later review. Ms. McCulloh also discussed a “Healthy Counties” program as related to the Health Department’s concerns.

Sue Cohen, Observer