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.