Monday, January 31, 2011

USD 383 Board of Education

Jan. 26, 2011
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:
Board members discussed Gov. Brownback's State of the State and education funding. The governor had proposed to reduce state per pupil aid by $75 for this year and reduce it by $137 for next year. The school district will be able to receive additional funding for new facility weighting for the construction projects completed so far. The second military enrollment count date in February might also help the district's funding, but the second count date is set to expire in 2013.

Dr. Bob Seymour, Assoc. Superintendent, presented the board with a report about enrollment projections. The report estimated that by 2015-16, the district's enrollment will be 7,100 - 7,200 students (current enrollment is 5,900). The projected increase in enrollment is due to an increase in births, an increase in the number of students retained (i.e. not moving out of the district), and an increase in the number of students moving into the district. The enrollment projections were very close to what the board used when determining additional space needs with the construction projects. The report did not include estimates for students moving into the district due to NBAF.

John Armbrust, director of the Governor's Military Council, also provided the board with information about military numbers and how the district might be impacted. Armbrust said Ft. Riley will be at "full nest" by 2012 with all units at Ft. Riley and none deployed, which will be about 18,000 troops. The region could see as many as 3,000 more families, with possibly 420 of those families living in Manhattan and Ogden. Of the 420 families, about 40% will have two children, which could bring 340 children to the district.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Riley County Commission mtg 1-27-11

All Commissioners present.

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, as Chair of the Budget and Planning Committee, gave Commissioners tentative year-end (2010) balances on CIP, County Building, and Economic Development funds. Final balances will be available at the end of February after all bills incurred in 2010 have been paid. The tentative balance in the Capital Improvement Fund is $3,373,088.14. This fund NEVER has a surplus as more projects are always waiting. $2.2 million will be paid out of this fund for what was borrowed (from another fund) for road and bridge work. The County Building Fund has a cash balance (tentative) of $171,700. The Economic Development Fund has had no activity since July. The County is for City agreement on 50/50 split on Konza Water project.

Robert Nall, Information Technology Director, updated Commissioners on his department. They are still studying options for a communications upgrade. Three systems are under consideration.

Clancy Holeman requested an executive session of 10-min to discuss a confidential legal matter. Upon their return, Holeman summarized legislative matters. Senator Reitz has introduced a bill allowing Counties to do emergency repairs without going out to bid. It has passed favorably from committee. Since the Legislature's website crashed before the session began, it is very difficult to get information on the status of bills. Senator Schwartz has said that the soil erosion inspection bill may be presented to the newly established Office of the Repealer. The Revisers Office is studying credit card fees to the public for all County offices (currently only the county treasurer's office and city and state offices can pass fees to public.). Other matters pertaining to work-site insurance, beer sales at County Fair, the question of making the Health Department a responsibility of only the County, and mental health cuts filled out Holeman's presentation.

Ms. Shepek continued her presentation of year-end balances. With $21,472,000 in resources available and total expenditures of $17,324,075, the ending cash balance for the County is $4,148,743. This latter figure includes encumbrances. These figures will be revised and finalized by end of February. The ending variance from Budget is positive, unlike last year: +$758,785. This is good news.

Shepek then showed Commissioners what CIP projects had been completed in 2010. Most projects were in Public Works, but IT, Emergency Management, Appraiser, Noxious Weed and Parks each had at least one project.

Shepek continued the Budget and Planning Committee report with an update on the 1/2 cent sales tax.

Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, was scheduled to report on Courthouse Plaza emergency guide, but he was ill and could not come to the meeting. His presentation was rescheduled to Monday, January 31.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg

Monday, January 24, 2011

Riley County Commission

January 24, 2011

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners McCulloh, Johnson and Lewis present, McCulloh presiding.

The Commissioners voted to approve a letter to be sent to the Governor in support of the need for mental health services.

Commissioner Lewis initiated discussion on a suggestion by City Commissioner Bob Strawn to have the Law Board composed only of elected officials, specifically all City and County Commissioners and the County Counselor. Commissioner McCulloh gave some of the background on the issue. It was generally agreed to hold the issue for discussion at a later date when new City Commissioners take their seats and Commissioner Lewis has had a chance to familiarize himself with all the issues.

R.C. Museum Curator Cheryl Collins updated the Commission on activities planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Kansas becoming a state. The first of six lunchtime lectures will be held Tuesday, January 25 at the Museum. Coffee and tea will be provided and people are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. The first lecture will deal with notable Kansas women with a Riley County connection. A birthday party will be held at the Historical Museum on Claflin from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28. A special “sneak peek” at the newly restored Goodnow House State Historic Site will be offered. All interested persons are invited.

Planning and Special Projects Director Monty Wedel asked for direction in planning a 2011 retreat for the County. It was agreed to shorten the time to a half day and hold it in late May after legislative decisions are made. The retreat will focus on County funding needs, in particular department requests for new and replacement equipment backlogs.

Officer Tim Hegarty gave the Police Department update. There have been three minor damage accidents at the new roundabout at 4th and Bluemont which is a welcome reduction from the time before the roundabout was constructed. Some of the previous accidents resulted in serious injuries.

County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson encouraged eligible persons to apply for the earned income tax credit. Persons must file a federal tax return to receive the credit which they may be entitled to if they earn $48,000 or less a year.

County Clerk Rich Vargo noted Homestead Tax Refunds may be applied for at the County offices for persons earning $33,800 or less. This could be available to persons who own their home as well as those who rent.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

County Commission Jan. 13, 2011

Riley County BOCC January 13, 2011

All present.

Lyle Butler, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce reported on new businesses opening in the downtown redevelopment north end. These include Longhorn Steakhouse which will open soon. A little later Long John Silver, Noodle Company will open and then Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Summer. He said that there are other businesses investigating Manhattan, many in connection with KSU and involving largely biotech and related fields. Some “call center” companies have expressed interest in the two empty “call center” buildings but are offering low wages unless they are given “incentives”.

Eileen King, Treasurer presented the monthly financial reports. She said that investment income and year-to- date interest are lagging behind the budgeted amounts ($268,508 compared to budgeted $300,000). Interest rate on the active checking account is 0.15% and interest on the CD’s is 1.05% However, sales tax amount budgeted was $2,000,000 but came in at $3,123,684. - $1,123,684 over the budgeted amount.

Julie Merklin observer

Monday, January 10, 2011

Riley County Commission mtg 1-10-11

All Commissioners present.

Newly elected Commissioner Dave Lewis was sworn in. Karen McCulloh was elected Chair; Al Johnson is Vice Chair. After routine business, Rich Vargo reported on YTD (Dec 31, 2010) budget and expenditures. A few budget amendments were necessary at end of year for departments exceeding expenditure expectations. This is a routine procedure and adequate funds were available. The budget stabilization funds have never been spent for at least 14-yrs. Notably, the new method of dealing with medical expenses of jail inmates saved the County an estimated $200,000.

Chris Welchhans, Director of GIS, gave a staff update. One notable accomplishment is the virtual completion of the address points. Every address is located, including the City; apartments within large complexes are also pinpointed. This is very important for emergency services (fire, rescue, and police). Using new automated software, his office checked over 33,000 land parcel entries and found only 30 errors, which was very good.

Rod Meredith, Assistant Director of Public Works, quickly updated the Commission on snow removal and road clearance in connection with the current storm. They have proceeded as planned and this morning were beginning the second round of all routes. Eight truck routes and six motor grader routes are continuously being monitored. Three trucks broke down, of which two are back in use. So far there has been approximately five-inches of snow throughout the County.

Greg McClure, Extension, said that the Coffee Shop Agronomy will meet January 13 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Nelson's Landing in Leonardville. The topic is “Tree and Brush Control and Smoke Management Plan” presented by Walt Fick.

Doug Messer, Assistant Riley County Fire Chief, reminded rural residents that they must renew their burn permits as of January 1. Burning without a permit can result in a Court appearance and fine. They must also pay any damages. He urged people to use space heaters safely, check fireplaces and woodstoves, and install smoke alarms and CO detectors with strong fresh batteries.

Rich Vargo announced there will be a city and school board election on April 5. If necessary, a primary election will be held on March 1. The deadline for filing is noon on Tuesday, January 25.

Ms. McCulloh said Riley County now has cases of flu and reminded people to get their shots. She introduced new Commissioner Dave Lewis, who spoke briefly.

Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, distributed copies of the statute governing appointment of members of the Law Board to Commissioners. Commissioners discussed the issue at length, ultimately deciding (3-0) to appoint Ms, McCulloh as the County Commission representative and Mr. Lewis as the County's at-large appointment. They expressed regret that they were not re-appointing Gail Urban to the Board and praised her very efficient and effective service. But, since the County now has only to appointees, (on rotational system with City) they felt rural residents were sure to feel underrepresented. Both Ms. Urban and Ms. McCulloh live in City. Ms. McCulloh's district is basically all in the City. Commissioners recognized the feelings of many citizens that some non-elected representation is desirable, but decided rural representation was paramount.

Other matters Holeman introduced included proposed legislation to allow counties to hire contractors in emergencies without going out to bids; regulation of "jake braking" by trucks on Hwy 177 south of Manhattan; notification by #383 school superintendent that a portion of Bishop Stadium where the school district proposes work belongs to County; a lawsuit by a company against another division of itself in regard to funds paid for repair of LED flooding (Note: the County is NOT suing the City in this matter.). Holeman suggested Mr. Lewis subscribe to the Hawver reports on Legislative activity (other Commissioners and many employees and laypersons subscribe for complete coverage).

Thursday, January 6, 2011

USD 383 Board of Education

Jan. 5, 2011
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:
The board approved 6-0 the construction documents for Roosevelt and Wilson Elementary Schools. Both schools will be adding an elevator. In other construction news, the construction projects were completed and the new spaces moved into over winter break at Amanda Arnold. The improvements planned for Bishop Stadium revealed that the current structure extends 2 feet over the property line onto property owned by Riley County, so that's a snag that will need to be worked out with the county.

The current Director of Maintenance and Transportation is retiring in June, and the board discussed the possibility of separating the position into 2 positions. Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, was of the opinion that the current position is too much for one person to manage and needs to be divided into 2 separate positions, especially in light of the numerous construction projects increasing the district's overall square footage and number of systems. The directorship positions had been combined into one position at a time when the district was struggling financially, enrollment was declining, and buildings were closed. Nancy Knopp said that she was struggling with the thought of adding an administrator because the district is experiencing a similar financial hardship as it did when the positions were combined. Pete Paukstelis expressed similar thoughts about the timing of creating 2 positions, although he concurred that there is a need for them. Knopp and Doug Messer wondered if it would be possible to have a director and an assistant director or supervisor instead of having 2 directors. Dr. Shannon indicated that some funds were available in the transportation budget that could be reassigned for salary, and it might also be possible to eliminate a position that could then become one of the new, separate positions. The board directed administration to provide more information on funding for the 2 separate positions, the possibility of eliminating a position, and options for position titles.