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

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