Monday, November 29, 2010

Riley County Commission Nov. 29, 2010

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

Assistant County Counselor Craig Cox reported on a seminar he attended based on a new book, “The Cybersleuths Guide to the Internet”, and sponsored by the Kansas Bar Association. He was surprised at all the information about individuals that can be found at no cost by using the internet. He sees the information gained as a great help in locating persons who may have moved out of the area but in need of notification concerning their tax delinquent property.

Jennifer Wilson announced the annual meeting of the Extension Council will be held Wednesday, December 1, at Nelson’s Landing. Elections will be held for the 2011 board.

Emergency Management Director Pat Collins reported on a grass fire in Ogden apparently started by children. Another fire stemming from an illegal trash fire at Tuttle Terrace Trailer Court burned approximately six acres and destroyed a mobile home.

Doug Messer, with the Fire Department, cautioned people to be careful during the holidays. December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. Generally roughly two out of five home fires start in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires.

Emergency Services Director Larry Couchman thanked the Commissioners for their support in obtaining new ambulances. He invited all present to see one of the new ambulances waiting in the parking area behind the building. He described the extensive equipment and safety features for the patient and the attendants.

Commissioners approved a request from EMS Director Pat Collins to replace a vehicle used for emergency management and fire response. Request approved. He reported on bids for 911 consoles and asked for funding approval. The consoles are used to direct help when emergency calls are received. Request approved.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek discussed the $33,000 cost increase for the LEC parking lot overlay. Following discussion the Commission approved the transfer of $135,000 out of the General fund with $100,000 going to the County Building fund and $35,000 to the RCPD fund.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

USD 383 Board of Education

Nov. 17, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:
Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, presented the board with the latest information about state funding. The school district may not receive all of the state funding it was anticipating receiving when the board set the budget. The state may lower its per pupil funding by $75, reduce the amount of aid districts receive for the Local Option Budget, and federal stimulus funds have ended. The total decrease in funds for USD 383 will be approximately $2.7 million. Dr. Shannon plans to reconvene the finance committee to begin working on options for reducing the budget.

The board was presented with new course information and course title changes for the middle schools and high school in business and computers. The business courses needed to be revised to meet Dept. of Education requirements. The middle schools currently don't have enough staff to offer the new courses proposed, so board members were being asked to approve the courses in advance of when the courses would actually be available. The board approved 7-0 the proposed courses with the exception of the middle school courses, which were tabled until such time as there is sufficient staff to be able to offer them.

Board members discussed the city's intention to charge the school district for drinking water used in attendance centers, which had been provided free to the district due to an agreement established in 1887. Dave Colburn said that he thought the city was wrong to go back on the agreement, but he didn't think it was the district's responsibility to make the city accountable. Colburn did not want to spend any taxpayer money pursuing the water issue. Doug Messer agreed and said the city and the school district should be able to figure out a way to handle the situation without paying attorneys. Nancy Knopp was concerned about how much legal action would cost the district and wanted assurance that the board would be provided with regular updates and be able to stop proceedings at any point. Pete Paukstelis said he thought the water issue was worth pursuing with legal action because it's a matter of principle. Paukstelis also said the city has honored the agreement for 123 years and then decided not to because it wasn't convenient anymore to do so, and he wondered what other agreements between the city and the school district might the city decide to no longer honor. The board approved 5-2 to direct the board's attorney to take the necessary steps to enforce the district's water rights. Colburn and Messer dissented.

The board was presented with a bid to perform a feasibility study for the district's vacant property in Miller Ranch to determine if the site was appropriate for a school. When the board discussed the property during its Oct. 27 meeting, board members had indicated a desire to have a disinterested third party perform the study. BG Consultants of Manhattan had been asked to submit a proposal, and Knopp and Messer expressed concerns that more bids hadn't been submitted and that the firm might have an advantage over other firms if the district did decide to build a school on the site in the future. Paukstelis suggested that the agreement made with BG Consultants could include making all documents available to potential architecture or engineering firms to eliminate any advantage. The board approved the bid 7-0.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Riley County Commission

Nov. 22, 2010

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

Commissioners signed the contract with ACH to provide health services to the Law Enforcement Center. A licensed practical nurse will be available up to 40 hours a week to see to the health needs of prisoners.

Commissioner Kearns mentioned the many court hearings being held, some for lengthy periods. He wondered what the County spends on jury fees. Later Johnette Shepek, budget and finance officer, reported jury costs have generally run about $16,000 a year but they are budgeting for up to $20,000 next year in anticipation of increased needs.

Assistant County Counselor Craig Cox reported on a violation to a nuisance enforcement contract in Randolph. Apparently up to 30 unregistered and inoperable cars are parked in a lot on Seacrest Street and must be removed.

Treasurer Eileen King said all offices in the Docking State Office Building in Topeka will be closed at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, November 24 for maintenance on the electrical systems. Since this includes Motor Vehicle and Driver’s licenses operations Riley County will not be able to perform any driver’s license functions that afternoon. All systems should be back up and running by Monday, November 29.

Assistant Counselor Craig Cox reported on some work he has been doing in the area of animal control resolutions, code complaints, and zoning issues. He is dealing increasingly with Health Department sanitary code violations usually involving out of compliance septic systems. The violations often occur with new construction or remodeling. He said it is amazing what some people do to avoid compliance. Other work involves recovering tax obligations from banks when foreclosures occur. He complimented the staff in the Treasurer’s office for being cooperative and helpful as they work with him on tax issues.

Public Works Director Leon Hobson said, due to some misunderstandings between his office and the contractor, the work on the parking lots at the LEC will run about $81,000 instead of almost half that cost. It appears the contractor did not understand the front lot was to be improved as well as the back necessitating 700 tons of asphalt instead of 400.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek provided her estimates for the 2010 ending General Fund Balance. The beginning cash balance combined with estimated tax revenue should amount to approximately $21,165,101. Expenditures and disbursements are estimated at $17,591,665 leaving the estimated ending cash balance at $3,573,437. She said this is a lower amount than ending balances in previous years so 2011 could find the County dealing with a very tight budget.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

BOCC November 18, 2010

All Commissioners present

Representatives from Piper Jaffray were present and explained the new bond issues and refinancing of previous bond issues. Although the interest rates are not at the historic low of mid October, they stressed that the County would save a substantial amount of money by re-issuing the older bonds. This savings includes all costs involved with the re-issue. They also stressed that interest, while not as low as in October, is still very low.
The panel of attorneys who represent Child in Need of Care, Indigent Defense, etc presented their requests for the new contract which would cover the next 3 years. Because of the increased complexity, increased costs and broadening of scope of these cases they are asking for increased compensation. Currently the compensation is $4000/month for each of the 5 attorneys and $4300/month for the administrative atty. with a total cost $291,600/year. With the proposed 2.9% increase the total cost for 2011 would be $300,056. The increased proposed for 2012 is 3.9% for a total of $311,759 and for 2013 an increase of 4.9% totaling $327,035. The BOCC will look at these proposals and report in mid December.
Andrea Feldkamp announced that Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary Counties will partner for the third collaborative Officer Training Session at Pottorf Hall on Monday Nov. 29. Officers will learn about the different parts of a meeting. Each officer will have a session specific to their office. Officer training helps reinforce the skills of responsibilityl, communication and working with others.
Eileen King reported on investments and YTD interest. The rate on active checking accounts is 0.15% and on one year investments 1.20% She said that sales tax revenue so far is 28% above the budgeted estimate.
Remember that the Riley County Budget can be found at the Riley County website:
http://www.rileycountyks.gov/documents/Budget%20and%20Finance/DOC018.PDF
Julie Merklin observer

Monday, November 8, 2010

Riley County Commission mtg 11-8-10

All Commissioners present. After routine business, Rich Vargo gave the YTD Expenditure and Budge reports. As of end of October, 83.33% of the year has elapsed. A few departments or funds are over 83% of budget, but none are out of line enough to cause problems. If some departments need to exceed 100% at year's end, budget amendments will be necessary, but there are funds in General fund allowed for such cases.
Pat Collins. Emergency Services, said he will arrange the car for Commissioners to ride in the Veterans Day Parade Thursday. Ms McCulloh volunteered to drive.
Chris Welchhans, GIS Director, discussed projects his department has been working on and meetings he has attended and/or organized.He distributed samples of a few of the maps they produce.More than 10,000 out of approx 15,000 address points have been completed for Manhattan City. The software upgrade continuts.
At the press conference, Paul Miller, of Tuttle Creek Lake Association, presented a certificate of appreciation to the Commissioners for their in preserving and improving the Rocky Ford Fishing Area, protecting natural resources and providing
a recreation area for generations to come. He particularly cited Mr. Johnson for his efforts.
Jennifer Wilson, Extension, reminded those on Medicare that open enrollment for prescription plans is from Nov 15 to Dec 30. This year there are 30 plans in Kansas to choose from, down from 45 last year. But all coverage has been maintained. For help, go to medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE or Area Agency on Aging 776-9294.
Gregg Eyestone, Extension, said to keep watering unless it rains. Desired moisture level is 12" Roots should be wet before freeze.
Leon Hobson gave a road report. Eureka Drive has 15 working days (nominally) to completion.
Rich Vargo said Riley County had 42% turnout for the Nov 2 election.He said Geary and Riley Counties have lowest official turnout rates mostly because of our transient populations. State law does not allow expungement except after two general lections (4 years) unless they receive notice from voter him/herself. (They do keep up on obituaries.)
Mr. Kearns announced Veterans Day activities this Thursday, beginning with $4.00 breakfast open to public. The parade begins at 9:30, from Town Center to City Building. At 11:00 public is invited to ceremony at City Hall Auditorium and at 6:00 American Legion sponsors a banquet honoring all veterans. He urged the public to participate in honoring our veterans.
Ms McCulloh. urged all people to get their flu shots. This year's vaccine includes seasonal and H1N1. There has already been one fatality from flue in Kansas this year.
Jolene Keck, County Clerk's Office, directed the canvass of votes in Nov 2 election. For those provisional ballots that were not accepted, a reason was given (mostly because voter was not registered; there were two cases of people trying to vote after they had already voted. These were caught in the routine operations, demonstrating the protections and safeguards which are now in place preventing voter fraud.) Approx 67% of provisional ballots were accepted. Commissioner voted 3-0 to accept and certify the results of the election .
Johnette Shepek, Budget officer, requested Commissioners choice of 15 or 20 year term on large bond issue. She explained that going with 15 years would cause County to come up with about $26,000 extra the first year, but over term they would save nearly $280,000. Commissioners chose 15-year term, 3-0.
Write-in Board will meet today at 2:00 (not enough ballots to change any races).
No RE Bd of Commissioners mtg on Thrusday. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

USD 383 Board of Education

Nov. 3, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:
Board members discussed the city's intention to begin charging the district for drinking water for schools (the district already pays for irrigation, sewer, and water in nonattendance facilities). Curt Herrman said the water costs are just being switched from one taxing entity to another, and he said he would like to know what services the school district provides to the city at no cost. Walt Pesaresi commented that the district approved the TIF agreement for downtown redevelopment and has had to increase property taxes to compensate for revenue lost to the TIF. During a recent City Commission meeting, Susan Marshall said city commissioners spent more time discussing the new Dick's Sporting Goods than they did the water issue. Nancy Knopp said the board would likely discuss the water issue during its executive session with the district's attorney.

The board received a report on the Ft. Riley partnership program, which is intended to provide communication and opportunities. Some of the program's activities include providing a "family life consultant" at Ogden Elementary and four schools are participating in an "adopt-a-school" program. In the "adopt-a-school" program, a military unit visits the schools three times a week, and soldiers eat lunch with students and help with P. E. activities.

The board was presented with design development information for the construction project planned for Marlatt Elementary, which will be adding a new gym and kindergarten classrooms. The project also includes adding a fire lane and addressing drainage issues. Board members wondered why drainage was the district's responsibility, and Knopp suggested that the district dialogue with the city about drainage. The board approved 7-0 Marlatt's design development.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Health Board Report

RILEY COUNTY - MANHATTAN
BOARD OF HEALTH
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2010


The Department Highlight was presented by Dawn Searles, Nursing Supervisor and concerned the Flu clinics given by the Health Department. There are many places in town giving flu shots including Wal-Mart and Walgreens. Charles Murphy, Health Department Administrator, noted that by law the pharmacies can not give flu shots to children. There has been some consideration about doing a drive-by clinic but this has not yet been decided.
The Administrative report noted the conclusion of the H1N1 grant. By utilizing regular staff and paying them for overtime rather than hiring new temporary staff and by adding the vaccinations into the regular system the Health Department was able to bill Insurance companies and collect $20,000 and to save $50,000 from the original grant. This funding may be used, under the criteria of the grant, by the Health Department for other health needs. An example is the new phone system, useful during the HINI crisis, can now be used by the Department.
Mr. Murphy announced that on November 9th “Raising Riley”, which is the name used as an umbrella for all the children’s programs, will provide an information program at the Wharton Center. Keynote speaker will be Ken Wagner from Health and Human Services who will discuss the new Health Reform Law as it applies to children. The public and especially the Board are encouraged to attend.
The Board then went into Executive Session to consider the Administrator’s contract for 2011. The first session was 20 minutes, then extended for 10 minute and then extended for 15 minutes. Upon returning to the open Board meeting, Dr. Derek Mosier made two motions, First, there would be no cost of living increase in the contract due to the difficult economy. Second, there would be no merit increase again due to the economy and not because Mr. Murphy was not doing a good job.
The motions passed with 5 ayes, one abstention and one nay.
In consideration of the Grease Traps and Food Service Ordinance changes, Mr. Murphy explained that the City administrative staff has proposed that the Health Department administer the proposed “grease trap ordinances”. This would include, in part, collecting fees, which would go to the city, giving permits, receiving and tracking all maintenance logs, as well as denying, revoking and/or suspending licenses. Mr. Murphy contended that the Department did not have the clerical staff to do all the required paper work nor a staff attorney to conduct the possible enforcement requirements which would, without doubt, include hearings and appeals. He said that when he agreed to doing grease trap inspections with the food inspections he did not envision administering the ordinance in total . He has scheduled a meeting with the city staff on November 2nd to discuss this issue and requested input on the issue from the Board. Lauren Palmer, who is Assistant City Manager,was called on to clarify what the issues were from the City’s point of view. She stated that the proposal was a draft and would be expected to be rewritten before agreement was reached. She noted that because the City agreed to pay for food inspection by the Health Department that the City thought that that money should also include the total administration of the ordinance. In the discussion Board members indicated that the issue was at least in part a Public Works issue and supported Mr. Murphy’s contention that, originally, there was not an intention that the Health Department be involved in enforcement of the ordinance. Mr. Murphy noted that no other Health Department in the state was doing enforcement. He also indicated that he felt it would be necessary for the city to pass another ordinance giving the authority to the Health Department to do enforcement before it would be appropriate for the Health Department to take this on. Ms. Palmer reiterated that further negotiations would be taking place.
Brady Burton, President of the Board, then suggested that a committee be appointed to prepare a tool for Administrator Evaluation and the search plans for seeking a replacement for Mr. Murphy when he retires. Deb. Nuss and Dr. Derek Mosier will co-chair. Dr. Daniel Winter and Lauren Palmer will be the other members.
In conclusion, Mr. Murphy discussed two informative handouts concerning drug resistant “super bugs”. One suggested that food can be conducting drug-resistant “super bugs” to residence in human intestines where they can grow and overwhelm the body when antibiotics are given for other infections since the ”super bugs” would be resistant to the antibiotics. The second dealt with the fact that there is only one drug left that effectively treats Gonorrhea and that drug resistance to that one is bound to come. And then there will be no effective drug treatment for this common Sexually Transmitted Disease. The Health Department routinely tracks these diseases. The information was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sue Cohen, Observer