Friday, May 27, 2011

USD 383 Board of Education

May 18, 2011
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, reported that the state per pupil funding will be reduced to $3,780 for next school year.

The board approved to award the construction project for Bluemont Elementary to Ron Fowles Construction. The board also approved a change order to improve the soil at Roosevelt Elementary to provide a more sturdy base for the new addition.

Board members discussed student fees and textbook rental fees for next school year. Administration recommended increasing fees by 3%. The board discussed increasing driver's education fees and the cost for a parking permit at MHS even more. Doug Messer was concerned about raising the driver's education fee too much such that students would seek out private driver's education courses. Walt Pesaresi and Susan Marshall also didn't want to raise the driver's education fees higher. The board approved 5-2 the proposed student fees, with Nancy Knopp and Pete Paukstelis dissenting. The board also approved 7-0 to raise lunch meal prices by 10 cents to account for inflation and other rising costs.

Board members approved 7-0 to transition from offering traditional film-based photography classes to offering digital photography and editing. The change will involve investing in digital cameras and computers, but other operational costs previously spent on film and maintaining a darkroom would be reduced.

The board approved 7-0 a new program called Project Search, which prepares students who have mental challenges for competitive jobs. The program is geared for students aged 18-21 who have met graduation requirements and are transitioning from school into jobs. The nationwide program has an 80% success rate of getting students competitively employed upon completion of the program. The Project Search program will be a partnership between USD 383 and USD 320 (Wamego) and USD 475 (Junction City).

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Riley County Commission

May 26, 2011
Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Johnson and Lewis present. Johnson presiding. Commissioner McCulloh joined the meeting at 9:00 a.m.

County Attorney Barry Wilkerson described a new communications system recently installed that allows visual presentations to be made to the court. He said the impact of the cuts in mental health funds are being felt by his office as well as the overall local corrections system. More persons with mental illness are jailed with jail personnel responsible for the administration of psychotropic medications. Three or four crimes have been committed by persons with mental illness including the rape of an elderly woman. The medications needed are not available in generics adding to costs for the County. He sees the cutbacks in mental health services as shifting costs to the local level, providing no savings to taxpayers.

Information and Technology Director Robert Nall described plans to equip the Commissioners room with a new wireless public address and projection system. The two projects can be combined and save costs if done together rather than separately.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reviewed plans for public meetings to discuss proposed Resolution #8 to provide for the assessment of costs to re-pave paved township roads. In addition to the legal document itself, a “laypersons’ version will describe changes proposed.

Grant Bannister, Indigent Defense Panel Attorney, described the work of the attorneys assigned to represent indigent clients. The panel was established in the mid-50’s and is composed of six attorneys. Many local attorneys have served on the panel over the years. They serve clients in a variety of situations including child in need of care cases. In such cases not only is the child entitled to an attorney, but the parents and/or grandparents are as well and may be eligible for free representation. Such cases involve a considerable amount of the panel’s time. Other assignments may include driving offenses, domestic battery, child support, theft, damage to property and the full range of juvenile offenders cases. There also have been some assignments involving murder. With the cuts to mental health services more cases arise out of involuntary commitment and care and treatment hearings. In answer to a Commissioner’s question, Bannister said a substantial number of cases are Ft. Riley related.

Katie Morris, K-State Research and Extension Office of Local Government, presented the Annual Kansas County Fiscal Conditions and Trends Report. The study indicates there generally has been a trend for counties to turn to “other” sources of revenue rather than the property tax, particularly through user fees and charges, but a countervailing trend is putting pressure back on the property tax. Recessions occurring in 2001 and late 2007 ending in June of 2009, coupled with the loss in State aid to local governments, has put pressure back on the property tax. Riley has handled this pressure better than many counties in that it is taxing at 63% of its sales tax capacity which is 81%. Sales tax capacity reflects the county’s relative taxable retail sales per person. In 2009, (the final year of the report), Riley County had a fiscal capacity of 81, indicating that its per capita taxable retail sales were 81 percent of those of the average Kansas county. The report can be accessed online through the Riley County website.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Riley County Commission

May 23, 2011
Joan Strickler, observer


All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.

During public comment Paul Foltz asked about an article in Sunday’s Manhattan Mercury concerning the boundaries of Riley and Pottawatomie Counties. He expressed the opinion that Riley should maintain that the shift in the Blue River channel caused by a flood occurring 100 years ago should result in Riley adding to its boundaries the area to the east between the former channel and the current river channel. County Counselor Clancy Holeman explained precedents established in case law have determined that boundaries do not change when the river channel shifts due to flooding. Holeman has asked the Mercury to clarify that as his opinion since it was reported incorrectly in the paper.

CASA Director Jayme Morris-Hardeman and County Attorney Barry Wilkerson spoke of the importance of CASA volunteers. Wilkerson said CASA is a great asset to courts and his office and the agency’s support has resulted in a better life for children. Morris-Hardeman said currently there are about 75 active volunteers but, to meet the need, that number should be doubled. In particular there is a need for more male volunteers.

Greg McClure, Riley County Extension, announced a tour of a wheat variety plot will be held at 6:30 p.m. on a plot located 8 miles north of Randolph and owned by Wendell Anderson. A free supper will be served. Contact the Extension office at 785-537-6350 or gmcclure@ksu.edu. He reported the wheat crop currently looks good for Riley County.

County Engineer Leon Hobson asked for Commissioners to give him input regarding a public information meeting to be held that evening at the fire station off Kimball and Denison. The meeting is being held to discuss provisions of Charter Resolution #8 pertaining to maintenance responsibilities of township roads. Problems occur when township roads are paved but deteriorate to the point of needing to be reconstructed at considerable cost. The proposed resolution would include a right for the County to establish a maintenance fee through special assessment to deal with reconstruction costs of paved township roads. If over 50% of the residents file a protest, the County will have no responsibility to continue to maintain the road. Only paved roads are affected.

Assistant County Engineer Gary Rosewicz reported costs, particularly fuel costs, are running high in operating the Solid Waste Facility. Commissioners approved a $3 increase in the cost charged per haul.

It was mentioned that Ogden was being cited for water quality problems due to low chlorine levels. Reportedly a child became sick from a microbial contaminant after swimming in the pool.

Hobson said the overlay on McDowell Creek Road should be completed by June 3. Improvements to Wildcat Creek Road will be dealt with in 5 or 6 phases.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Riley County Commission mtg 5-16-11

All Commissioners present. Susanne Kufahl, Health Department, was scheduled to request a letter of support for a grant. She was ill and did not come Commissioners agreed that Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, would draft a letter of support anyway.
Leon Hobson presided over opening of four (4) bids for remodel project at Public Works Site. lower level. Commissioners voted 3-0 to refer bids to staff for review and recommendation.
Cheryl Collins, Director of RC Historical Museum, announced that she will present a lunch-time lecture at noon on May 17 at the Museum, on Josiah Pillsbury "the Man, the Bridge, and the Crossing." This is one of six Kansas 150 lunch time lectures. Others will be July 12, September 13, and November 15.
Bridget Howland discussed "Cycle CASA," a bicycle-riding fundraiser for CASA. It will start in Anneberg Park on Saturday May 21.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Director, said a public meeting will be held at the fire station on May 23 at 7:00 for landowners in special paving benefit districts. Questions? 539-2981.
Simm Road will be briefly closed for maintenance. McCowell Creek Road will be narrowed to one lane. Traffic will be permitted, but expect delays. Project finish date estimated June 3.
Public works asst director said Wildcat Creek Road will be closed south of Eureka Drive starting May 23, for a 9-month project.
Rich Vargo presented highlights of the Kansas Association of Counties research report on demographics and population, and fiscal information. Riley County has 71,300 population, making it the 7th largest County in KS. At $499 million, RC is 9th in assessed valuation. RC is 96th (of 105) in mill levy, and taxes of $226.00 per capita, make it 104th.
Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, conducted an administrative work session. He will attend a meeting of County Counselors in Saline, where he has been invited to participate in a panel. He intends to share ideas Riley County has put into action which help to make the County function more efficiently: e.g. regular Department Head meetings, and County Officials luncheons. In other business, Holeman discussed his latest findings regarding river channel changes affecting boundary between Pottawatomie and Riley Counties.
Eileen King, Treasurer, gave monthly financial report. Investment income is at 35.2% of budget (at 33% of year elapsed). Overall sales tax collections are at 42.8% of budget, though Jan and Feb sales were down. Auto sles are up from last year, utilities down.
Ralph, DeZago, who happens to be City prosecutor in Junction City and is a former public defender, requested permission to continue selling hot dogs on County Property (Courthouse Plaza). He wishes to bring his cart only from 9:00 to 3:00 or so on Saturdays. He is willing to apply each week and pay for a permit, and submit to any other regulations the Commission wishes to exert. He has a State Board of Health license and several others, including City. He has been opposed by some businesses, especially in Aggieville, which is not downtown, and has been refused permission to set up on Poyntz Avenue. The City Commission is in discussion about his requests, which would seem to have legal standing through a loophole in a Kansas statute dating from the times when TB was a major factor. The City seems to be concerned about other vendors becoming a clutter in the streets. City discussed matter at work session, voted (not binding, since work session) 3-2 to pass an ordinance repealing the ordinance allowing vendors. The matter is apparently to be dealt with on the consent agenda, next Tuesday, which precludes public discussion at a legislative session. [Comment to LWV members: Is this an irregularity in procedure?] County Commissioners discussed Mr. DeZago's request, and could not find a reason to deny it. They agreed to give provisional permission on a weekly basis until July 1.
Cindy Volanti, Human Resource Manager, requested a change in the Personnel Policy - D-2 (d) Pay Increases. The change would allow seasonal workers who accumulate over 2000 hours over more than one season to receive a one-step pay raise. Approved 3-0.
Commission went into Executive Session to discuss performance of non-elected personnel.
Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, will give her report on RC bonded and indebtedness at a future meeting. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

USD 383 Board of Education

May 4, 2011
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Board members discussed the possibility of not filling an assistant principal position at MHS for the second year in a row. Board members were concerned about the remaining assistant principals becoming worn out by extra duties created by being one position short. MHS Principal Terry McCarty said the other assistant principals have been able to handle the extra work and will be able to do so for another year, but MHS would like to have the position filled when the high school remodeling project is completed.

Board President Susan Marshall commented on the letter the Board of Education had sent to the City Commission regarding the proposed amendment to the nondiscrimination ordinance. The previous evening, the City Commission had discussed repealing the ordinance, and it had been mentioned that the school district had been opposed to the ordinance because the district wouldn't know how to enforce it. Marshall read the board's letter aloud and said maybe the commissioners had misheard or misunderstood the content of the letter because it didn't say the district wouldn't know how to enforce the ordinance.

The board discussed at length whether to begin offering football as an extracurricular activity for 7th graders. The middle school administrators and athletic directors presented a proposal that would include 7th graders without increasing costs. Seventh and 8th graders would try out for available spots on the team, they would have equal opportunity to earn spots, and the resulting team would be comprised of a combination of 7th and 8th graders. Dave Colburn expressed concerns about exposing 7th graders to possible brain injuries and didn't want to add another year to when kids can be exposed to such injuries. Several board members emphasized that middle school sports is still on the list of potential cuts to reduce the budget and wanted supporters of 7th grade football to realize that it could still get cut later. The proposal to allow 7th grade football was approved 5-1 with Colburn dissenting.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Board of Riley County Commissioners

Riley County Commission
May 9, 2011

All present

Johnette Shepek reported on comparisons of Law Enforcement costs to 5 other counties in northeast KS including each one's largest city, and said that Riley county's per capita expenditures were next to the lowest. Comparisons can be difficult, however, because of various factors including having more than one sizeable city within the county..
A request had been made concerning the city/county RCPD funding split. When comparing the present and proposed city/county cost division it was determined that with current tax values and comparing a 75/25 cost split vs the current 80/20 split, the result would be a difference of 49 cents per year to a Manhattan home with value of $150,000.
Rich Vargo told the commission that 1/3 of the way through the year the wages and overtime expenditures average 29.33% of the budgeted amounts. In overall expenditures Juvenile detention was 49.87 % and RCPD was 48.8% while some other depts were below the average..
Cheryl Collins announced that Matt McDonough, Riley County Historical Museum Assistant was the recipient of the KSU Presidential Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. McDonough told the commission a bit about his philosophy of teaching history (get the students to care) and his research - American 19th Century Expansionism.
The Commission was updated on the progress with the Maplewood mobile home park owned by Lawrence Prawl. They are behind in paying taxes, have filed bankruptcy and notice of abandonment has been filed. The County is asking that the delinquent taxes be paid in full. The property has been sold and the new owners are positive about the future of the park.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Health Board Reports

Health Department Report for April 27, 2011


Susan Kufahl, Assistant Administrator presented a color coded

financial report that attempted to illustrate more clearly for the Board how the

funding from various entities, i.e. State, Federal, City and County and the many

grants which the Department depends on to fund many of the programs offered

by the Health Department. In the past various Board members have indicated

difficulty understanding why a standard monthly financial statement is not really

feasible because of the many differing dates when funding comes in and the many

differing requirements of grant funding such as matching funds. Brady Burton, president

of the Board thanked Ms. Kufahl and the finance department for this effort and

stated it was very useful.

Debby Nuss, chair of the committee working on the tool for the search for a

replacement for Charles Murphy, Health Department Administrator, who will retire

in December, 2011, presented a “draft” of a plan and initiated a discussion of how the

Board wants to proceed. The decision was to gather responses from the members of

the Board and to present a second draft at the next Board meeting and to decide then

on how the Board wishes to proceed.

Adopting the Proposed Budget for 2012 was put off until the next meeting allowing

time for the board members to study it. It was decided to send it on to the City and County

as the deadline for submitting it had passed noting that it had not yet been passed by the Board.

The ongoing discussion of allowing the Health Department to accept Medicaid

patients at their clinic. but not including children since all the Pediatricians in Manhattan

have indicated that they accept all Medicaid patients, was tabled until August when the

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Junction City may be granted expansion

which would provide for more medicaid access. Charles Murphy noted that Riley County’s

ration of primary care providers is 889:1. The national benchmark is 631:1 and that the number

of uninsured adults in Manhattan is around 25% versus a Kansas average of 16%.

The Board approved contracting with Varney Associates for the annual audit as

well as approving The Healthy Families America contract.

The Board had requested that Pat Collins, Riley County Emergency Planner,

who was unable to be present, still be requested to come and provide information to the Board.

Karen McCulloh also requested that presentations from the department”s staff be continued

to help the Board to understand the workings of the Department.

Finally, a discussion of the Riley County Health Rankings indicated that the main

problem is binge drinking but that the County fared quite well on other health assessments.


Submitted by Sue Cohen