Tuesday, March 30, 2010

USD 383 Board of Education

March 25, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Special meeting:
The board held a special meeting to discuss the budget and to hear input from the public about the budget.

Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, presented his list of suggested budget reductions, which included items such as closing all buildings in the summer with the exception of the buildings used for summer school, removing all small personal appliances from buildings (i.e. coffee pots, microwaves), reducing MAP testing by eliminating it for first, second, and ninth grades, reducing the communications coordinator position, reducing paid overtime by using compensatory time off, and reducing elementary instrumental music by eliminating the 5th grade program and not beginning the music program until 6th grade.

Board members accepted public comment, and 15 people spoke on topics such as the importance of elementary instrumental music, retaining social workers, and retaining school nurses.

The board will discuss the budget again on March 31st and requested that administration provide more information about the financial impacts, feasibility, and hidden costs associated with items being considered for cuts or reductions.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Riley County Commission March 25, 2010

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

In preliminary discussions, it was agreed that the health inspections of restaurants and hotels should be placed back in the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Contacts will be made with local legislators asking for their support in removing the inspections from the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture.

County Attorney Barry Wilkerson reported on the high costs of prosecution in capital cases. The transient nature of the local population due to Ft. Riley and the University often requires funds to transport witnesses from other locations. Commissioner McCulloh noted the increase in the number of non-English speaking persons and the increased costs to public defenders and the courts in providing translators.

Information Technology Director Robert Nall made a plea for an office assistant to relieve technical staff of their general office duties. Commissioners made it clear there will be no staff increases. Commissioner Kearns suggested contact be made with RSVP to request senior volunteer assistance.

Assistant County Attorney Craig Cox announced the Governor had signed the military base boundaries bill but is considering also holding public signings in locations such as Riley. He explained also that, since RIM Development in Ogden has declared bankrupsy, both Riley County and Ogden could stand to receive payment for back taxes through the court settlement.

County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson said the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program will end on April 6. More than 280 persons will have been assisted by twelve volunteer preparers – mostly K-State students. Refunds amounting to $363,000 in federal and $56,000 in state taxes were realized.

Commissioners agreed to publish for public comment proposed regulations pertaining to large events held on private property. The need for such regulations became evident when the Konza Music Festival requested permission to hold such an event last year.

USD 383 Board of Education

March 24, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Work session:
The board was presented with the preliminary schematic designs for the construction project at Bluemont Elementary. The plans called for adding an addition on the north side of the building adjacent to the kindergarten wing and also adding space by filling in the open gap between the limestone portion of the building and the west addition.

Regular meeting:
Bruce Stiles, the district's business director, reported on a bill being considered in the Kansas House which would require districts to fund with local taxes 10% of the state per pupil funding. If the bill were to pass, Manhattan's mill levy would automatically increase by 2 mills.

The board discussed a report on the activities of the diversity program. State assessment scores for low-income students, English language learners, and African-American students have improved, although there is still an achievement gap between these students and white, middle class students. Dr. Tiffany Powell, diversity coordinator, developed the REAL Scholars Project that helps students develop leadership skills and encourages them to take challenging courses. Students involved with REAL Scholars have improved their GPAs, enrolled in advanced classes, and the seniors are all planning to attend a post-secondary program. Several members of the public addressed the board about the benefits of the diversity program as well as the importance of continuing the program.

Board members approved 7-0 to begin charging a $50 enrollment fee for the College Hill preschool program. This past year, the preschool had the problem of families pre-enrolling and then moving or making other arrangements before the school year started, leaving the district with several open slots. For families whose children attend the preschool, the $50 fee would be deducted from the first month's fees.

The board listened to a proposal for a summer program for students in the autism spectrum. The program would be funded through grants and fees and would not require district funds. The cost to the district would only be for the use of a facility, and the program could share the facility already scheduled to house the district's summer school program. The item was for discussion only, but board members were generally supportive of the summer program and the use of a district facility.

Board members decided to delay a discussion of hiring KPERS retirees until they hear the superintendent's budget recommendations.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Riley County Commission

March 22, 2010
Joan Strickler, observer


All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

Commissioner Kearns said he had seen a bill, SB 575, which would appear to result in the State’s reduction of city/county funding for counties such as Riley in an effort to repay those counties previously underfunded due to software problems in the Kansas Treasurer’s office.

Public Works Director Leon Hobson reported work at the Law Enforcement Center is expected to be completed by April 1.

Cheryl Collins, director of the Riley County Historical Society and Museum, announced the opening of a new exhibit at Meadowlark Hills. The exhibit is open to the public and features the Perry/Harling/Burtis family. Dr. George Hazard Perry III and family came to Manhattan in 1870 and bought a home at 630 Fremont – currently the Wolf House Museum. They, their daughter Elizabeth Harling and her daughter, Gertrude Burtis, were associated with the Wolf House for 62 years. The exhibit will offer a window into the life of the family, the house and Manhattan during that time period.

The Riley County Police Department has a new website where persons can report crimes and view currant outstanding arrest warrants. The new Riley County website is up and running as well. Both sites can be reached through www.rileycountyks.gov.

Assistant County Counselor, Craig Cox, said regulations that provide for inspection of child care providers will be published this week. Inspections will be conducted initially with annual inspections thereafter. Followup inspections will be made when violations are cited.

The Kansas Association of Counties reports HB 2685, which would deny counties the right to prohibit the carrying of firearms, has been resurrected in the Legislature. A similarly restrictive bill, HB 2633, would pertain to regulation of adult entertainment. The Commissioners agreed to oppose both measures since they would preempt local government authority and control.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

BOCC March 18

BOCC March 18, 2010

All present

Two households in the Valleywood Sewer district reported sewer back-ups which proved to be caused by a clog in a main line. The residents have asked for compensation for the damage done.
Reimbursing the homeowners for their claims would total less than the $10,000 insurance deductible. The Commission, convened as the Vallywood Sewer District Board, voted to pay the claim, which would come from the funds of the Valleywood sewer district. The settlement will have to contain a release from liability.

Angel Dillon reported on the Riley County prescription discount card for persons without prescription insurance.. The cards have been widely dispersed in both English and Spanish and in some places the supply had to be replenished. In January of 2010 there were 58 utilizers of the card.

The Commission discussed attendance policy for members of advisory boards. They felt that strict standards for everyone were not the best idea but that boards can set their own requirements, encouraging members to attend regularly.

Craig Cox, assistant county counselor, reported on the meeting regarding regulations for Family Day Care in unincorporated areas of the county. One of the two providers had attended the meeting. The Board voted to accept the Regulations.

Brad Schoen, Riley County Police Department Director updated the Commission on his department. Budgetary constraints are causing the Department to consider when to open the new addition. Operating the new addition will require more employees, among other things.
The "Fake Paddy's Day" situation was discussed. Schoen said that they have been discussing this with the city and the Aggieville businesses and will continue to consider what needs to be done for next year by all concerned

Johnette Shepek presented the costs for consolidated Dispatch which will require 5 additional dispatchers. The total would be $221,555. How that might be divided among the entities is the question.
The entities in question are the City of Manhattan-MFD (fire dept.), Riley County rural fire dept, Riley County EMS (ambulance). The alternative which divides the total cost by the 80/20 percent split (Manhattan 80%, Riley County 20%) would have the least impact on Riley county. There will certainly be more discussion with the city before any action can happen.

Julie Merklin, Observer

Monday, March 15, 2010

BOCC March 15

Board of County Commissioners meeting March 15, 2010
McCulloh presideing, Johnson present Kearns absent

Julie Merklin observer

Rod Meredith, Assistant Public Works Director/Parks Director presented the list of Community Parks projects which would be funded with the $30,000 allocations from the parks budget. Projects include $2,500 each to Ogden, Riley, and Keats for playground equipment. Leonardville would receive $9,370 for a walking trail and $2300 for playground equipment. Randolph would receive $3500 for a shelter, $2000 for concrete and $1620 for picnic tables. Fairmont park would receive $4000 for playground walkways. This proposal was approved and will be sent to the communities for their action.

Leon Hobson, Public Works Director/County Engineer said that the Konza water project has several issues and will be sent back to the city and then to the advisory board.
The Law Enforcement Center project is close to being done with some smaller details still to be finished

During the Press Conference, Gregg Eyestone talked about spring yard grass preparation. It is still too cool and wet for much to be done. Doug Messer gave an update on Spring burning and safety measures. Those planning to burn need to get a permit and learn about how to do it safely

Debbie Regester,Register of Deeds said that she has been talking with people at Ft. Riley who report that soldiers have been advised not to register their DD214 with the Register of deeds. The reason to register the DD214 is, if the paperwork is lost, there is a copy on file in the Register's office. This form is needed for application for benefits. The rational for NOT registering it is that it formerly was public information but it is now no longer available except to a small select number and it is perfectly safe to register it. Regester will present this information again at the BOCC press conference next week.

Regester reported her department revenue figures were down $106,500 from the same time period last year.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

USD 383 Board of Education

March 10, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Special meeting:
The board held a special meeting for planning the budget. They began by reviewing the reduction in state funding that has repeatedly occurred over the past months and has caused the board to have to make budget cuts. The board had appointed a Budget Advisory Committee (BAC), which met several times to prioritize a list of 157 proposed cuts and made recommendations to the superintendent.

The board spent the majority of the meeting brainstorming additional options for cuts, revenue, and items that they need more information about. Some of the ideas the board suggested included asking families to pay for participation in sports and other activities, reducing all-day kindergarten to half-day or asking families to pay for the second half of the full day option, closing the board office one day per week in the summer and asking staff to work four 10-hour days per week, raising the Local Option Budget, reducing the number of contract days for principals, eliminating 7th and 8th grade sports, and lengthening the school day to reduce the number of calendar days and save on utilities and maintenance.

Board members will rank the the items on the list developed by the BAC and submit their rankings to the superintendent. The board will have another meeting for the budget on March 25th and plans to discuss the BAC's list, the superintendent's suggestions, and the brainstorming list the board created.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Riley County Commission mtg 3-8-10

All three Commissioners present. Kearns presiding.
Rich Vargo gave the YTD Budget and Expense report. Routine.
Craig Cox, Office of Counsel, said there will be a Public Hearing on March 15 regarding proposed Family Day Care Regulations. State encourages Counties to have inspection regulations. The Health Department and County Counselor's office have worked together to compile the proposed regulations. The City has already adopted inspection regulations for both Licensed and Registered homes. Licensed homes in Riley County are now inspected once a year. The proposed regulations would add annual inspections for Registered homes in unincorporated areas. Interested parties have been invited, the public is welcome. Commission meeting room, 1st floor, Cthse Plaza E, 7:00 p.m. March 15.
Jennifer Wilson, Extension, said their free income tax assistance program has served 227 taxpayers over 5 weeks. The program, at Public Library, closes after March 10. Program is available only for simple filings: income under $42,000; no State filings except KS; no itemized, military, or international forms; no filings for State sales tax or homestead refunds without Federal income filing.
Laurie Harrison said March 8-12 (now) is Severe Weather Awareness Week. People should review their emergency procedures and disaster supply kits. March 9. Backup date in case of inclement weather (don't want to scare folks!) is March 11. At 7:00 on March 9 there will be a weather presentation at Pottorf Hall (free and open to public).Radio Shack will give a door prize of a weather radio. WARN (weather amateur radio network) will present educational program: preparation and safety information such as: there were 109 tornadoes in Kansas in 2009 (a record); explanation of term "wall cloud" etc. Harrison mentioned that there IS NO ALL CLEAR signal. A second siren sounding means "still danger."
Rich Vargo said Ogden special election on the question of recalling the mayor is tomorrow only in Ogden. Canvass will be on Friday, March 12.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Director, Bob Isaac, Planning, and Monty Wedel, Planning, discussed application for variance by owner of property on 59th Street, and issues regarding road being not centered in the right-of-way. Hobson has proposed a solution to the landowner and awaits a call back.Monty Wedel said they are applying for a grant whose availability has only recently been known. It would help pay for the crucial boiler and cooling tower repairs for the County Office Building.
Clancy Holeman discussed legislation relating to custody of prisoners. Custody implies responsibility for expenses, including medical. The County is concerned that the Dept of Corrections will not take responsibility for prisoners after they are sentenced, but not yet transferred from County jails.
Cheryl Collins, Museum Curator, asked permission for staff to attend American Assoc. of State and Local History in Oklahoma City Sep. 21-25. Approved 3-0. If the Legislature does away with their budgeted funds for the conference, Collins and others will pay for themselves. Museum personnel have been participating in many training programs in preparation for certification. The Wolfe House Book Sale was very successful.
Rich Vargo, County Clerk, led a discussion of a proposed policy of eliminating County-provided cell phones for Department Heads and some other employees. A committee of department heads has been studying policies in other counties and in Manhattan City. A majority of those concerned are happy to use their personal phones and receive a reimbursement allowance, but there is well-founded objection on the part of some. One employee said he felt he was on 24-hour call anyway, because of the nature of his job (emergency services). Another objected to having contractors and other people having his personal phone number. People on family plans as well as those not having personal cell phones would have to buy new ones. Some employees object to having to carry two phones. Commissioners felt the issue was more complicated than they had anticipatd. They will have a work session next week.
NOTE: The Thursday Mar 11 meeting will be in city of Riley. adjourned.
Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

USD 383 Board of Education

March 3, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Work session:
Wilson Elementary's design development was presented to the board for discussion. The two-story school will be adding an elevator and a new classroom addition on the southeast side of the building. The asbestos coating on plaster ceilings is still being evaluated for abatement.

Regular meeting:
The board received an update on the review process for adopting a new math curriculum for grades K-5. The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers have begun a Common Core Standards Initiative for math (Kansas signed the initiative). Board members were concerned that if a new math curriculum is adopted by the district, it might be obsolete and not in line with the upcoming new standards. Textbook companies have indicated a willingness to work with the district and to create correlation materials to reflect the new standards. The curriculum committee's recommendation was to continue to move forward with adopting a new curriculum because it will take a few years for textbook companies to produce materials that reflect the new standards, and teachers and students need updated materials now.

The board received a report on the Professional Development Schools program, which is a partnership program with KSU that provides clinical instructors to supervise student teachers. Both KSU and the district contribute funding, and board members expressed interest in revisiting the funding model at a future meeting.

Board members discussed the proposed school calendar for 2010-11. The calendar includes inclement weather make-up days at the end of the school year, but the calendar adds the disclaimer that time may be made up during the school year by adding minutes to the school day. Board members liked the addition of the disclaimer because it makes it clearer to employees and families how the district may make up time missed.

The board approved 6-0 the design development for Wilson, which was discussed during the work session.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Observer Report
Riley County-Manhattan Board of Health
Wednesday, February 24, 2010


Dr, Paul Benne, Vice President, chaired the meeting in the absence of
President Brady Burton who had business at the State Capitol to attend to. The first order of business was a vote to require that additions or changes to the agenda be made prior to beginning the discussion of the agenda. Charles Murphy, Administrator. requested discussion and direction from the board concerning the Food Service Inspection position be added,
Mr. Murphy explained that since the loss of the state funding for local food service inspections he has reassigned the person who had held that position to HINI activities which had funds available as he felt that there was a good chance that the position of food inspector might be supported by the City and County in upcoming actions. He also requested the board’s approval for him to represent the board at subsequent meetings of the city and county commissioners for that purpose. Mr. Murphy stated the reasoning for this was to retain an already trained employee rather than start anew if the funding did become available. Discussion followed with Dr. Derek Moser making a very strong recommendation that Food Service Inspection was very important and that the state plan for taking over this activity was inadequate and that the Health Department certainly should plan to continue these inspections. The Board voted to instruct Mt. Murphy to use reserve funds to support the food Inspection program until and whether the city and county acts and to retain the already trained employee and that he seek support from the County and City.
A balance sheet, as requested by board member Bob Strawn, was reviewed Discussion followed and was defined by Mr. Strawn as not “micro-managing” but as an important requirement of board members to understand the financial situation and actions of the Department. Mr. Murphy again reminded the board that the Department does not function with standard funding coming and going each month but that since so much is done through grants and that each grant functions differently the income varies considerably. As an example he noted that they recently received notice that the Ryan White Grant will be cut by half which will impact the case management program. Another grant is being sought based on prevention. The department has 8 grant proposals due in March. A note to this is a reminder that the Health Educator position will not be filled after the present educator retires this month. Mr. Strawn requested continuing efforts to make the Health Department finances clear to the board.
A County Health Rankings report done by the Robert Woods Johnson foundation and the Wisconsin Population Health Institute have designated Riley County as the second healthiest county in Kansas. Three measures of greatest concern cited were Binge Drinking, Chlamydia, and Uninsured Adults.
By-Laws and suggested changes and updates were reviewed. The rule is to review the by-laws in one month and vote on them the next. The identified goals of the Health Department for 2010 as identified by the board were reviewed including strategies for attaining the goals. New Board members were introduced, Debby Nuss, who was present, is appointed by the County. and Dr. Daniel Winter, who was not present, will represent the Dental community,

Submitted by Sue Cohen