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.
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