Joan Strickler observer
All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.
The meeting began with the Riley County 4-H King and Queen bringing their cookie jar to share with the Commission.
Commissioners engaged in an informal discussion on several topics. Commissioner Lewis noted Geary County charges Junction City $30,000 a month to house prisoners in the jail and also suggested Commissioners should check into what the Health Department is doing in contracted out services.
Commissioner McCulloh said the City staff is interested in seeing the County help fund a building inspector position. The City has a one-half time inspector and would like to see that made full time. Lewis said he talked to a builder who is concerned about the cost to house owners if building safety standards are required for construction in rural areas. He is concerned that Riley County could be put at a disadvantage with Pottawatomie County. Commissioner McCulloh expressed the opinion that the assurance of safety in the quality of the house would matter more to owners. Emergency Management Director Pat Collins was present and said some houses in rural areas are very sub standard and subject to fires.
Collins handed out brochures on the Kansas Vulnerable Needs Planning System. Persons with special needs, such as oxygen dependency, are asked to provide information on their needs to be used by emergency personnel to plan for assisting the vulnerable population.
Register of Deeds Debbie Regester reported revenue figures are ahead of last year’s figures. Total Mortgage Amount in 2010 was $167,677,161 while the amount for 2011 is $173,560,301.
Commissioner McCulloh said she has talked with K-State officials exploring the possibility of having K-State fund bus service from the Mall to the campus. Apparently Ft. Riley is encouraging soldiers and spouses to further their education. Bus transportation from the Fort to the Mall is available, but transportation is needed to get persons to the campus. Such cooperation would also make it possible to save three busses that may have to be returned to the Kansas Dept. of Transportation if not utilized.
County Counselor Clancy Holeman said he has reviewed the $500,000 loan agreement to construct the new aTa bus facility. Commissioners agreed to take the funds from the economic development fund. Holemam said it was important to get some specific understanding on the City’s suggestion to transfer some unspent Health Department funds to the County. He would like to get an agreement specifying actions in writing.
Commissioners agreed to a water rate increase for Hunters Island and Moehlman Bottoms.
Riley County Police Director Brad Schoen said the consolidated dispatch effort is on hold until the City and County Commissions come to an agreement. He hopes to see this accomplished soon. The RCPD will have a booth set up at the Fair and will have several police officers patrolling on bikes. Alcohol is allowed at the Fair for the first time this year.
The Commission held a special event honoring County Treasurer Eileen King for being named the National Outstanding Treasurer of the Year.
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