Riley County Commission

Joan Strickler, observer

April 12, 2010

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

The Commissioners agreed to table action on a proposed resolution on attendance requirements for advisory boards and committees.

The Commissioners asked Public Works Director Leon Hobson to develop an issue paper describing the possible impact on the jail of waiting to hire any new jailers until the middle of 2011. Also mentioned was the potential high cost impact to the County for providing for ongoing dialysis health care treatments to an inmate.

Mention was made of the report on salaries of public employees now being published in the Manhattan Mercury. Commissioner Kearns observed that the article pointed out the salary increases were well above the cost of living index over the period studied, but failed to mention the impact of implementing the recommendations of the McGrath Report. That report determined the salaries locally were low and non-competitive with other comparable entities in the area. Wages were adjusted in line with the recommendations in the study.

Cheryl Collins, director of the Riley County Museum, announced an Open House at the Wolf House will be held Sunday, April 25, from 2pm to 5pm. The dining room has been renovated through donations and a grant from the Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the luncheon they enjoyed recently at the House.

The Historical Society will hold a dinner meeting at 6:30 pm, Thursday, April 22, at the Public Works Building. A presentation will be made on the 1918 influenza pandemic and the impact on the local area.

Approximately 45volunteers helped fight13 pasture fires that went out of control on Sunday. A total of 137 controlled burns took place that day. It is estimated more than 50 percent of the pasture burning has been completed.

The Commissioners asked Leon Hopkins to submit a Committee Agenda Report regarding his proposal to expedite the design process on small construction projects through the use of engineering consultants.

Cheryl Collins introduced Bob Workman, Discovery Center Director. He reported on activities to date and anticipates construction to take about a year. The opening of the Center is projected for spring of 2012.