Wednesday, June 30, 2010

USD 383 Board of Education

June 30, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski

Regular meeting:
The board was presented with information for the "guaranteed maximum price" (GMP) for the construction projects at MHS and Bishop Stadium. Adolfson and Peterson, the Construction Manager At-Risk for the projects, established the GMP as approximately $37 million. The board approved 5-0 the GMP.

The board was also presented change orders for the projects at Ogden Elementary and MHS. At Ogden, wood studs and plaster need to be replaced in order to tie in more seamlessly new doors and door frames, and the board approved 5-0 the change order of $16,880. For MHS, the existing mobile unit is being moved to Bluemont Elementary so that it's out of the way of the construction at MHS and will also provide flex space during construction at Bluemont. Board members approved 5-0 the change order of $12,500.

The City of Manhattan is planning to expand sanitary sewer lines in Miller Ranch and proposed purchasing an easement on the property in Miller Ranch owned by USD 383 for $1,802. Administration recommended donating the easement because the sale would amount to a transfer of local tax dollars and because the city has been cooperative in waiving permit fees for the district's construction projects. The board approved 5-0 to donate the easement.

Board members approved 4-2 on second reading (Doug Messer joined the meeting via speaker phone) a technology bid to purchase desktop and laptop computers. When the proposal was first presented to the board in May, board members had directed the technology department to reduce the bid due to the district's budget problems. Nancy Knopp and Walt Pesaresi still thought it was too much money to be spending at this time and voted against the purchases.


Tuesday, June 29, 2010

County Commission June 28,2010

All Commissioners present

Rod Meridith showed pictures of the extensive damage done to roads by the heavy rains. Many roads were badly damaged and/or had gravel shoulders washed away. In one place, when a hole was probed, they found it was nine feet deep! There are work orders for 100 different sites. Some places had 7 inches of rain in one hour.

Meridith continued his remarks during the press conference. He announced the roads that are closed by high water in Tuttle Creek Reservoir. This situation should improve when the outlet tubes are opened. The lake level was 1101ft. on Monday. Conservation level is 1075.

Laurie Harrison, co-coordinator of RC Emergency Management said that the appraiser’s office estimates that damages from the heavy rains in Keats, West Anderson, Highland Ridge, Garden Way, Redbud Estates and Ogden stands at just over $5 million. This includes multi-family, single family residences along with businesses.
Some of the public infrastructure damage:
Riley County Roads and bridge, $80,000 and Wildcat Township $19,790 for flood damage to roads. The City of Manhattan had $118,542 in damage to Anneburg Park and $14,660 in lightning damage to lift stations.

Larry Couchman reported on the Emergency responses at the 2010 Country Stampede..
He gave comparisons to three previous Stampedes and showed that emergency situations were lower this year. The number of EMS patients was 119, compared to 148 last year. Ambulance transports 14, compared to 20 last year. The total number of people treated was 500, down from 668 last year. This included 381 first aid patients..

Rich Vargo said that the assessed property value for July in Riley County was over $500 million. The County itself is one of 48 taxing entities in the county area. There are whole or parts of 8 school districts, cemetery districts, etc.
Julie Merklin observer

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Riley County Commission June 24, 2010

Joan Strickler, observer


All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

County Attorney Barry Wilkerson said his office would be dealing with two trials next week but things generally are quieter in the summer and pick up again in the fall. A question was raised as to who has jurisdiction for crimes taking place on the NBAF federal property once the facility is built. Wilkerson replied that because the land is federal does not mean local jurisdictions cannot investigate. For instance, Riley County can be involved at Ft. Riley in certain non-military cases.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman mentioned the check pertaining to the ambulance settlement still has not been received nor has he been able to find out the amount of the check. He intends to speak to the supervisor of the person he has been dealing with.

In regard to property on Ft. Riley that may owe taxes to Riley County, he has been working with Geary County officials gathering information. He does not see any immediate answer to the issue. If it should be found that a considerable amount of property is involved, that could generate lots of tax disputes. Holeman asked that the Commissioners consider reinstating $16,000 in his budget request to allow for outside counsel in case such tax disputes occur.

The rest of the meeting was devoted to the budget development work session. One issue of concern was the need for building expansion for the emergency response team. EMS for several years has been requesting expanded space to include separate sleeping arrangements for women and men and added stalls for ambulances.

The Commission will not meet on July 5.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Riley County Commission June 21, 2010

Joan Strickler, observer


All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

Continuing concern was expressed about the RCPD budget for 2011. The County and City are still dealing with union negotiations which delays the finalizing of the overall budgets. A number of scenarios were reviewed and the Commissioners seemed to settle on one in which only step increases would be allowed for RCPD salaries and not COLA increases. An alternative would be to give higher increases and lay off personnel. The step increases were favored primarily because they are merit based and keep salaries in line with similar positions in the private sector.

County Extension agent Greg McClure reported on the situation of crops and harvest potential. Rain has delayed wheat harvest but wheat still looks fairly good. Crops planted generally in June, however, may be delayed because of the wet ground.

County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson announced $250 rebate checks are being sent to Medicare recipients who have reached the “donut hole” level causing increased costs for prescription medications. She stressed the checks will be sent automatically and there is no need to make out an application. She cautioned people to beware of fraud phone calls or people coming to the door asking for personal information related to the rebates.

Doug Messer with the Riley County Fire Department reviewed rules and requirements for the selling and purchasing of fireworks. Bottle rockets are illegal at any time. Fireworks may not be set off until July 1.

Melissa Wangemann, General Counsel for the Kansas Association of Counties, gave an update on possible 2011 legislative issues. She reviewed some bills introduced in the last session that did not pass but she anticipates efforts will be made to bring them to the 2011 legislature. One bill KAC favors pertains to the funding of 911 through some type of fee on phones. She also anticipates discussion will continue on rolling back some tax exemptions and believes budget deficits will continue to be a big problem. It is likely efforts will be made to up the local option tax limitation thus passing on to counties more responsibility for the funding of education.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Riley County Commission mtg 6-17-10

All commissioners present. Pat Collins, Emergency Services Director, asked Commission to approve a change in use of purchase cards for his dept. Approved 3-0. Commission also approved his request to take the Mobile Command Post to Wamego July 4 celebration.
Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds, reported that revenues are $50,000 behind 2009 figure. This is partly because residential mortgages are down, but also because there were two very large (over $1 million) mortgages in 2009. She has been certified in Kansas (one of only 2 in stat). The software conversion to new company is complete.
Susie Kufahl, Health Dept, requested approval and signature of Commission for a Federal grant tfor Healthy Families program tobe included in Health Dept budget, as it must be matched and approved by tax-assessing govt entity.
Clancy Holeman, Administration, Counsel, led discussion of responsibility for jail inmate medical expenses. State Dept of Corrections has been late in collecting certain inmates held by County after sentencing, and claiming that County is responsible. Statute states "...when person is in custody of DOC they are responsible for the care." Commissioners asked Holeman to reques change in statute so County does not have responsibility if DOC delays pick-up.
Jennifer Wilson, Extension, updated Commission on upcoming events. Pottorf Hall was used by Red Cross as emergency shelter for 14 people displaced by high water. She mentioned courses and publications to do with raising lambs and cooking skills. Over 150 volunteers have been recruited for the County Fair. Usually between 25,000 and 30,000 people attend. Andrea Schmidt Feldcamp told Commissioners about the youth trip by bus to Washington, DC sponsored by 4H.They will see sights on the way, and study Federal Government, learn to navigate the Metro, and visit our Representative and a KS Senator. They will be nome July 4. Greg Eyestone announced the Master Gardener Garden Tour, July 10 from 10:00 to 3:00. Included are 7 private gardens and 2 public gardents The fee is $7 in advance, $8 on the day.
A representative of RCPD said they are down 6 personnel, 2 of which are police officers. Daily inmate count is above average. The new part of LEC developed a leak after the recent heavy rains. He discussed a list of 26 habitual offenders which includes one person who is suspected of committing 5 crimes a week. An expert from Florida evaluated the dept's Internal Affairs department in early March. He pronounced it "very good," did some training, and made 20 recommendations. They plan to institute a mediation plan for disputes between police and the public.
Bob Isaac, Planner, conducted a public meeting regarding rules governing borrow pits. The revision was intended to include land areas of under one acre, which have not been regulated heretofore. Richard Britt, of Britt Farms, which sells topsoil and uses borrow pits spoke against the revision, saing it would put him at an economic disadvantage. Commissioners regretted causing Mr. Britt trouble, but decided that it is in the County's best interest to regulate lots under one acre ato the same degree that 1-5 acre lots are regulated. Passed 3-0.
Kathy Morris of KSU Office of Local Government in Extension, presented a report of findings in thorough study of Riley County Fiscal Conditions and Trends 2010. Commissioners have copies of the report.
In the afternoon, Leon Hobson, Public Works Director, presented a recommendation for solid waste disposal. Proposals were received from Ham, Inc. and Waste Management. In comparing bids including inflation increases and gasoline price increase adjustments, Hobson and Commissioners determined that Ham Inc's bid was preferable. Hobson will try to work out further concessions before signing a contract. Differences between Riley and Geary Counties in treatment of Solid Waste were discussed. Riley County has recycling of e-waste, which is by and large toxic, "white" appliance recycling, brush and compost programs, which are valuable to the community at large. Geary Co does not have these programs.
Shelly Williams, Community Corrections Director, requested approval for grant application for equipment to enhance their services in Justice jAssistance. Approved 3-0.
Cindy Volanti, Human Resources, Pat Collins, Emergency Services, Eileen King, Treasurer, and a number of other County officials, presented request for approval of allowances for Data Phone use. This would be needed only for certain eomployees: 17 individuals in 6 departments. Each would jreceive $60 monthly allowance (which is inclusive of normal Co employee allowance). Each must be approved by Commission and Department Head. Approved 3-0.
Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Riley County Commission mtg 6-14-10

Ms McCulloh absent. Rich Vargo reported YTD Budget and Expenditures.
Lori Archer, GIS Analyst, introduced the new Director of GIS: Chris Welchhans, a "website expert" KSU graduate with experience in several Kansas cities. In his address to Commissioners he said he would aim to make Riley County GIS website more user-friendly, with interactive maps. He will explore cooperative efforts with KSU and the City. He mentioned that RC maps are more up-t-date than Google maps, but they do not have driving directions.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Director, updated Commissioners on road projects.
Jennifer Wilson, Extension, said RC Fair is July 22-26, and reported on the 4-H Camp just completed. (both reported in MERC).
Steve Higgins, Zoning Enforcement Officer and Flood Plain Manager, showed flood plain maps to Commissioners which are to be used as basis for updating by RC, State, and FEMA. Revised maps are promised by July 2011. Riley County's input is mainly historical information and development information. He also discussed borrow pit regulations and Project Manhattan/Riley County. They collected 527 units of food and $192. which was distrib uted to Flint Hills Bread Basket, Ogden Food Bank, Riley Food Bank, etc.
Leon Hobson reported on Konza Water, LEC expansion, Cooling tower, Road and Bridge Committee meeting, waste disposal, and scanning in of records.
Clancy Holeman, County Counsel, conducted an Administrative session.
Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, reported on KS State Preservation Conference, with items for a new five-year Preservation Plan.Linda Glasgow reported on KS State Hisorical Society meeting. The Preservation Advocacy successfully lobbied the Legislature and Governor to rescind the cap on tax credits for contributions, which are essential to functioning of many worthy entities, including Preservation activities. Collins said preservation expert Mark Liebman (Sp?) explained that moisture in masonry can be dealt with using historical methods preferable to high-tech modern methods which maycompletely miss the mark.
Monty Wedel was present to discuss Building codes, possible adoption of new codes. This is a subject Ms McCulloh is particularly interested in, and it was felt that discussion should be continued when all three Commissioners are present. A representative of City was present, and stated that the City is favorable to the County adopting building code. Pat Collins, Dir of Emergency Services, said some County construction is very dangerous to firefighters because of likelihood of collapse. Emergency workers would appreciate building codes. Wedel said that good builders appreciate codes, which produce a "level playing field."
In the afternoon, Big Lakes Developmental Center, Downtown Manhattan, Inc, and Riley County Council on Aging presented Budget Requests.
Eileen King, Treasurer, presented monthly financial reports. Investment, interest income is down. Sales tax income is keeping steady (to date 63.29% of budgeted amount collected--GOOD!).Extended informal discussion of possible economic effect of "Big 12" upheaval.
Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

USD 383 Board of Education

June 2, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:
The board was presented with the schematic design plans for Roosevelt Elementary. The plans include a new gym addition and repurposing of the existing gym to be administration and the library. The board approved the schematic design 6-0.

Administration presented information regarding staffing for the 2010-11 school year, which indicated that two additional elementary teachers are needed due to increased enrollment. Teaching positions will be shifted around between schools and grade levels to accommodate changes in student numbers, with the net result being a need for two more teachers. The board approved 6-0 to hire two elementary teachers.

Board members were provided with information regarding the need to republish the district's budget. The number of students enrolled in virtual education increased, which resulted in additional funds coming from the state. The adult education program received a grant that will increase its budget authority. The number of students who qualify as "at-risk" increased, and categorical aid for special education also increased. All of these increases result in the district experiencing an increase in budget authority and a need to republish the budget. The board approved 6-0 to republish the budget and to hold a public hearing on June 16th.

Mike Ribble, Director of Technology, provided board members with information about purchasing laptop and desktop computers. During a board meeting in May, board members had directed the technology department to reduce the technology bid due to the district's budget problems. The proposed purchase for laptop computers was reduced by 17%, and the bid for desktop computers was reduced by 25%. Pete Paukstelis commented that computers are no longer luxury items but are basics like paper and pencils. Curt Herrman was concerned that the proposed bid only replaced existing computers and did not include any expansion. The board approved the recommendation 5-2, with Knopp and Pesaresi dissenting (Doug Messer joined the meeting by phone to vote on this item).