Riley County Commission September 30, 2010

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman discussed the possible impact on Riley County of the draft City of Manhattan Discrimination Ordinance. A major potential problem is that the proposal breaks new ground in civil rights violations in that it introduces a subjective standard. If someone thinks he or she will be injured or affected by discrimination, a complaint can be filed triggering an investigation. Currently the alleged act of discrimination must have taken place prior to an investigation. Usually a pattern of discrimination must be shown. The new proposal would specify that, if someone thinks they are about to be discriminated against, the City Director of Human Resources would conduct an investigation with a hearing to follow. Holeman sees the possibility of large numbers of complaints that may have no merit absorbing staff and employer time. The possibility of numerous complaints coming from persons confined in jail could be a problem. Commissioner Kearns said, given that no such requirement exists in State law, all the power would be in the hands of a municipal board and that concerns him. Without a state law there would be no formal procedures involving attorneys and hearings.

County Appraiser Greg McHenry said the newly mandated statewide Orion system is in the process of being implemented. His office is analyzing market data for the 2011 property values now, and hopes to start producing 2011 values by the end of October or early November. Legal descriptions and lot numbers for real estate parcels are now available on both the public and subscriber levels. Some appraisal work has been outsourced to regional and national experts such as appraisals involving unique properties like Colbert Hills Golf Course and Manhattan Town Center. Residential sales, though mid-September, appear to be ahead of last year’s pace and are similar to the number of sales seen in 2008, prior to the housing financial crisis. McHenry said an article appearing in Forbes Magazine regarding some top communities favorable to business listed Manhattan in third place and Lawrence in twenty-seventh.

Assistant Counselor Craig Cox discussed the proposed auction of several properties for non-payment of taxes. Of particular note is a house at 530 Fremont on which several parties have expressed interest in offering bids. That auction will take place October 19 in the Commission room.

Riley County Commission Sept. 27, 2010

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

Sink, Gillmore, and Gordon presented their 2009 audit report on the County’s finances. They found no material weaknesses in the system and reported no deficiencies in their comments. It was emphasized that all department heads report to the finance director, Johnetta Shepek, so she can keep track of all expenditures and receipts.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman said he is reviewing any impact the City’s ordinance regarding sexual orientation might have on the County. In October he will be discussing past legislative priorities of the Commission to prepare for an October 18th conference with the local legislative delegation. Commissioner Kearns asked Holeman to also look into the need for a policy regarding destruction of emails. There should be a requirement for personnel to protect email review in litigation cases.

Representatives from the Department of Transportation spoke briefly at the meeting. One lane closures near the airport should be open by the weekend. The railroad realignment disruptions will be in the process for the next couple of years.

County Treasurer Eileen King said new personalized license plates cost $46.50 and are good for five years. No duplicate plates will be allowed, not even when different counties are involved.

Tim Hegarty, with the Riley County Police Department, reported a slight increase in personal property crimes. He said the RCPD is running thin staff-wise and is in the process of hiring. It will be a year before the department can be fully staffed. As the County’s population increases there will be a need for more patrol officers. The issue of dealing with persons with mental illness in the jail continues to be a growing problem.

Robbin Cole, Pawnee Mental Health, continued the discussion of problems facing some mentally ill individuals in the County. During the summer there were two periods when the State closed its hospital doors to any voluntary admissions for two week periods because all beds were full. She said a new 30 bed unit at Ossawatomie State Hospital has been completed but the Legislature has not provided the funds to open it. Social and Rehabilitation Services is facing an $11 million deficit in its fee fund. If the Legislature does not provide the funds to deal with that deficit, community programs may find their support cut once again. The current SRS secretary, Don Jordan, is retiring this year assuring that a new secretary will be appointed by the new governor.

Cheryl Collins, director of the Riley County Historical Society and Museum, reported the Kansas Statehood/Civil War Commemoration Committee will meet Tuesday, October 5, at 4:00 p.m., at the Museum. The group will discuss local plans for commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Kansas becoming a state and the anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War.

Riley County Commission mtg 9-23-10

All Commissioners present. After routine business, Leon Hobson discussed carpeting replace-ment in County buildings. A representative of Regional Council from Topeka will meet with County and City officials Sept 24 at 9:00 at the Shops to discuss KDOT projects ("T-works"). Not all those projects deemed worthy can be done on the present budget. Riley County's main concern in this is K-18.

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Director, gave monthly report on several funds: CIP, County Building, Economic Development, and 1/2-cent Sales Tax Fund. A couple of these funds will require budget amendments at a later time, but none are alarmingly depleted.

9:20-9:35 Break

Robert Nall, Information Technology Director, gave a monthly update on his department. They are 98% finished with the "Orion" project: transferring to new system. Nall said he is glad Riley County has inhouse system in view of the recent (possibly ongoing?)service disruption of the State system. Also, the telephone system will be converted to a digital service. ATT has been notified. PBX hardware will no longer be necessary. There will be a 15-20% saving in the annual cost. A landline will be retained for emergencies (power outage, batteries dead, backup on-site generators out of fuel, for instance). They will rewire the Courthouse and Carnegie Building this winter.

Clancy Holeman conducted Admin Work Session. Requested executive session. Ten minutes. Holeman presented a revision to the County cell-phone policy of the County not providing cell phones to employees, but providing allowances for cell service on user-owned phones. Both Emergency Medical Services and Community Corrections have reason to need County-provided phones. Approved by consensus. Holeman will draw the legal document and bring for their approval.

10:00-10:20 Break

Commissioners opened bids for Office Building Standby Power. Three bids were submitted as "Base Bid" plus "Alternate 1 addition." They accepted the bids 3-0 and referred them back to staff for examination and recommendation. Commissioners discussed other routine business matters not on the agenda.

Clancy Holeman presided over a discussion of policy on City annexation of County roads. The statute states that the County may at any point request the annexation of any road that is contiguous to City land, land that receives City services. The County simply submits a legal description of the road and requests annexation. City is legally bound to annex. But questions arise for "island" annexations (roads not contiguous to City). Several options were discussed. Commissioners pointed out that at present discussions with the City on this issue have been dealt with in a cooperative, cordial manner. But in the future this might not be the case. Therefore, they felt a definite policy needs to be worked out.

Commissioners discussed timing of the 1/2-cent Sales Tax ballot question. Apparently the original measure was stated in such a way that County is required to bring it up for voter approval (or not) again before it expires. It remains in place until 2012. April 2010 was deemed not a propitious time. It could be done August (primary) 2012, Spring 2011, or by special election (expensive). The City has expressed wish to complete an Economic Development study before agreeing to a ballot measure. By consensus, Commissioners decided August 2012 was the best time. Then if it fails, the County alone cn request 1'4-cent sales tax for roads and bridges only (quite vital) in November.

Adjourned . Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Riley County Commission mtg 9-20-10

All Commissioners present. After business meeting, Rod Meredith, Public Works/Parks, updated Commissioners on Fairmont Park project, the Casement Trail, proposed sprinkler system (for grass area near Shop building), and effort to find new company to provide Natural Gas Fueling System. Previous company went under. One gas-powered truck has proven more fuel-efficient than gasoline powered similar vehicles, and is very powerful. Meredith said natural gas is very good for vehicles in limited ranges e.g. tractors, mowers, etc. but not for highway use yet because of fueling limits. Natural gas tanks require a lot of space, so range is limited.

9:10-9:30: Break.

Susie Kufahl of Riley County Health Department said they now have flu vaccine, which includes H1N1 along with seasonal flu. All people over 6 months of age should have the vaccination. No appointment is required; they accept any and all insurance. Children under 18 FREE. There will be a vaccine clinic at the Armory on Levy Drive in October. Cost is $25 or insurance.

Andrea Feldkamp, 4-H specialist, Extension, reported on Kansas State Fair results for Riley County participants. RC 4-H Club members performed excellently in many categories. Full results are availaable at www.kansas-4-h.org and click on $4-H Reslts from the Kansas State Fair."

Leon Hobson, RC Engineer, reported progress on Pickering Rd Bridge and Eureka Drive.

Commissioner McCulloh said that anyone can find out the estimated monetary value of any tree at www.arborday.org/calculator. give zip code, type of tree and diameter. Most value is calculated as fuel costs for heating and cooling.

Commissioner Kearns reminded that November 11 is Veterans' Day. The Flint Hills Veterans Coalition will provide a breakfast at the VFW for $4. At 9:30 local schools, Ft Riley, bands, floats, old vehicles, etc will parade on Poyntz. Coalition members will be visiting retirement homes to visit veterans and will make presentations at local schools. They are devising a new program to provide scholarship help to KSU for veterans. Kearns urged citizens to attend a Coalition meeting Wed 9:30 a.m. at Chamber of Commerce building at 5th and Poyntz, and volunteer.

9:55-10-10: Break.

Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, conducted an administrative work session. He and Commissioners were disappointed in a response from Senator Brownback indicating that he considered the provision of broadband to rural areas to be an issue of too much Federal regulation, seemingly not necessary for rural people.

Commissioners discussed several other matters.

Leon Hobson said they had asked for bids on resurfacing the parking lots at County Historical Museum and Law Enforcement Center. Staff felt that a thin overlay was the most economical and stable and strong method, in the long run, although slightly more expensive initially. After discussion, Commissioners approved the method, 3-0. Commissioners felt sources of funds would be adequate.

Hobson recommended acceptance of the Shawnee Mission Ford bid of $30,111. for a half-ton 4X4 pickup truck. Accepted 3-0. Hobson discussed other projects.

Adjourned 10:50. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

USD 383 Board of Education

Sept. 15, 2010

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:

The board received reports on the Adult Education and Open Door programs. Adult Learning had a record of 197 students enrolled in the program. Open Door had 126 students enrolled, which was a slight decrease due to changes in the enrollment policies.

Dr. Bob Seymour, Associate Superintendent, presented a report on overtime for classified employees. The board has been wanting to more closely monitor overtime hours in hopes of reducing the amount of overtime hours and reduce expenses. Many of the overtime hours occurred in August when staff is preparing for the start of a new school year and also in the winter when additional hours are spent in snow removal. Administration plans to continue to monitor overtime hours with the goal of reducing the amount of overtime by 25%.

The schematic design plans for Marlatt Elementary were presented to the board. The plans call for adding a gym on the north side of the building and a kindergarten wing on the south side. A parent addressed the board and encouraged the board to also redesign the student drop off/pick up area. Dave Colburn said that the board had made the decision to not include parking improvements in the planned bond projects as a means to reduce the overall bond costs. The board approved the design plans 6-0.

Riley County Commission mtg 9-16-10

All Commissioners present. After business meeting, Clancy Holeman conducted an administrative work session. Karen McCulloh was appointed the County's representative on the Board dealing with Transit implementation. Holeman reported other items.

9:35-10:00 break.

Jennifer Wilson, Extension, reported an inquiry from a local organization about using parts of County-owned land to build a horse park. The land in question is the proposed future site of the County Fair. Commissioners agreed that there is not sufficient acreage for both projects. They are amenable to the concept of a horse park, and wished to keep the kialog open, perhaps encouraging the organization to purchase adjoining land. Wilson introduced two Extension employees who discussed their school enrichment program. This program was used in every USD 383 school last year. It is adapted to the science curriculum, and teachers are happy to use it. A current project deals with the development of tadpoles into frogs.

Brad Schoen, Director of RCPD, explained the new insurance coverage the department is putting into effect. It has better coverage and lower cost. The jail population is holding since the drop in midJuly. It is currently 110. He also mentioned HVAC problems in the new pod, which are being dealt with, and the efforts to help fraternities and KSU administration to cooperate with City ordinances on noise. RCPD is developing good relationship with KSU people.

Rod Meredith, Public Works, conducted bid opening for one half-ton truck. There were three bids. Commission accepted and referred them to staff for evaluation and recommendation. (3-0)

10 minute break.

Meredith conducted bid opening for one bridge plank. There were two bids. Commissioners accepted and referred them to staff for evaluation and recommendation. (3-0)

10 minute break.

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, as chair of a committee of County Dept heads studying Inmate Medical insurance coverage, reported their tentative findings. They have compiled a list of what is needed, including personnel and services. A suggested cost was felt to be too high, but the cost seems to be negotiable with the company that has expressed interest in providing coverage. Shepek pointed out that other counties of comparable size have 3rd party provision. The County hopes to start the program on Jan 1. Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the concept that they request development of a proposal for health care for RCPD.

Cindy Volante, Human Resources Manager, distributed to Commissioners the plans for the Training Day for employees on Columbus Day, when County offices will be closed. Several guest presenters have been acquired.

Mr. Holeman requested a 5-minute Executive Session. Granted. Adjournment assumed. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Riley County Commission mtg 9-13-10

All Commissioners present. Rich Vargo, County Clerk, reported on YTD budget and expenditures. With 66.67% of the year past, expenditures are slightly over budget in certain departments; storms have caused some excess overtime. RCPD medical expenses for inmates and facilities maintenance are hard to predict for budgeting. A major cost will be repair of LEC elevators.

Chris Welchhans, GIS Director, updated Commission on his department's activities. They have produced maps for various purposes and are working on a new viewing tool to make their site more user friendly.

Jennifer Wilson, Extension, said they will be giving seminars on Medicare Basics. Geary County's presentation will be at the Library in Junction City on Sept 29., 6:30-8:30; Riley County: Pottorff Hall, 6:00-8:00; Marshall County: Courthouse in Marysville, Wed Oct 27, 6:30-8:30.

Greg McClure, Extension Agricultural Agent, discussed what crops are being harvested and what are coming up. Corn price is "decent." Yields seem to be lower than expected. Last cutting of alfalfa should be by end of September, so it has time to produce new growth to hold soil.

Monty Wedel, Planning, said the public meeting for study of Gateway corridor plan is Sept 30, 4:00-8:00, open-house style, at Manhattan Christian Fellowship Church. The steering Committee has drawn up the plan to account for expected changes because of water and sewer lines being put in.

Leon Hobson, County Engineer, explained what the resolution for a bond issue must include: all the projects planned, with estimated costs. They plan to request almost $2 million. It is possible at a later date to add or subtract projects as funds are spent. Most of the projects are bridges and culverts. Resolution approved 3-0 with caveat that all must be examined for legality. Hobson also reported status of road projects, reglazing of Courthouse windows and was granted permission to allow University Park Water and Sewer District to borrow $15,000 from Riley County General Fund, to be paid back by assessments at 6% interest. 3-0.

Craig Cox, Asst County Counsel, said the Tax Foreclosure sale will be Oct 19, in the Commission meeting room. Registration 8:45-9:45, sale begins at 10:00. There are 24 parcels of land, of which one has a structure on it: 530 Fremont. It has been condemned by City as unfit for human occupancy.

Cheryl Collins, RC Historical Museum Curator, reminded Commissioners that the presentation of "Baby Doe" Tabor is tonight, 7:00 at the Public Library. (Mercury covered details.)

The Museum currently has 4 College interns. Collins requested approval of the suggestion that Pioneer Park (area around Goodnow House) be renamed Lowell Jack Pioneer Park, to honor recently deceased Mr Jack, who was very active in Riley County historical study and preser-vation, and was largely personally responsible for that particular park being created. Commissioners approved by consensus. City Commission and Parks and Recreation Board will also be consulted.

Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds., said two large mortgages ($9.5 million and $10 million, respectively) had brought in a lot of revenue for registration. (City of Manhattan holds one of these mortgages.) They are both related to the "Downtown Entertainment District." Regester displayed a letter of praise and thanks from a client to her staff for their work. In a recent study, Riley County Register of Deeds office was deemed #2 in the State for efficiency.

Eileen King, Treasurer, gave monthly financial report. Interest income YTD if $192,601.97. Down from last year, but 63.76% of budgeted. Sales tax revenue continues to be very good. At this date 100.89% of the annual budgeted amount has already been collected. The delinquency rate on ad valorem taxes is down about 1% from last year. Collections are good enough that there is "no red flag."

Monty Wedel returned with copies of a memo to the city regarding Gateway Plan. Both Ms McCulloh and Mr Kearns plan to attend the Thursday evening meeting, but they declared that they would not speak to each other! This is assurance of compliance with Open Meetings Rules.

Wedel gave the names of the steering committee members (including our own Linda Morse.)

Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

August Health Department Board Meetiing

Report on the Riley County-Manhattan
Board of Health Meeting
August 24, 2010

As a means for highlighting the many programs and services offered by the Health Department, presentations at the regular board meetings, as time and need allows, will be made. This month Tara Gregory from the Wichita State University’s Center for Community Support and Research reviewed their evaluation of the Health Department’s Early Childhood Block Grant. This was the second year (of a three year contract) for their external evaluation using written surveys, online surveys, and telephone surveys with varying success in return rates. Phone conversations were most revealing but required repeated attempts and evening timing in order to reach consumers. The evaluation is most helpful in pointing out where increased effort is needed. For example, they discovered that the majority of the users were not aware of the proper method of placing infants down to sleep which can sometimes result in suffocation of the infant. Increased education on points such as this will be provided in the future. Questions from the board followed leading to a healthy discussion and increased awareness by the members of the board of the functions of the programs in the Health Department.
Presentation of the needed budget changes by Charles Murphy, Administrator, noted the number of cuts during the last two years from the State and other funding. An example of this is the cuts to the “Chronic Disease Risk Reduction“ program because of the No Smoking ordinance passed here. According to Charles Murphy, the state is still focussed on tobacco, while the Health Department would like them to broaden their focus and move on to other issues such as childhood obesity and increasing good nutrition which have been recognized as national goals. The board passed the needed changes in the budget as presented. In dealing with the flat funding as well as the cuts in funding the Department will be working to combine some of the grants which have slightly different emphases but deal with the same age children.
Charles Murphy presented the bids for replacing a vehicle, replacing telephone system, 13 HVAC for the old Wharton Manor building now being used by the Health Department and 10 HVAC for the Health Department itself, replacing 18 computers, replacement of the West parking lot. and the cost of the web site construction coming to a total of $249,000. Discussion followed especially questioning the great difference in bid amounts but the decision was made to accept the lowest bid for the HVAC’s after an assessment of it by the county engineer. The Board voted to table the parking lot replacement until further information could be acquired as to other city improvement projects in the vicinity of the Health Department in the planning stages.
The committee, Dr. Paul Benne, Doug Finney, and Dr. Matt Floersch reported on their meeting with the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation commitee with positive belief that the relationship would be fruitful. The Foundation focus is on improving public health through promoting citizens improved diet and exercise. Susanne Kufahl, Assistant Administrator, stated the impetus as similar with the “Live Well Lawrence” program.
The last item on the agenda, requested by Loren Peppered, concerned a form of evaluation designated as “360” evaluation. A committee was formed to further study the suggestion for presentation at another meeting.

Sue Cohen, Observer

USD 383 Board of Education

Sept. 1, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Dr. Bob Seymour, Associate Superintendent, presented the board with preliminary enrollment information and said enrollment had increased by a net of 135 students. Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, reported that elementary enrollment has increased by 800 students over the past 6 years.

The board was presented with the design development plans for Bluemont Elementary. The plans included adding two additions and an elevator. The board approved the plans 7-0.

Dr. Seymour presented a recommendation to hire an additional elementary teacher for Lee Elementary due to high enrollment numbers at Lee in the lower grades. The board approved 7-0 to hire the additional teacher.

The board approved 7-0 to accept a grant of just under $300,000 from the U.S. Dept. of Education for Readiness and Emergency Management. The district will work with the Kansas Dept. of Homeland Security and prepare an infectious disease plan, a food defense plan, and develop an emergency management plan for special needs students.

Board members discussed possible topics for the board retreat scheduled for Oct. 27. Board members indicated they would like to review the improvement projects scheduled for Priorities I and II of the bond projects, and also review the projects that were removed from the bond list and moved to capital outlay in order to reduce the overall bond costs.