Friday, October 28, 2011

Riley County Commission October 27, 2011

Joan Strickler, observer


All Commissioners present, and McCulloh presiding.

Commissioners approved a contract for the purchase of real estate which will give better access to Fairmont Park They also signed a letter to Manhattan Mayor Sherow regarding the ballot question language on an interlocal agreement regarding property taxes.

County Attorney Barry Wilkerson said his office currently is dealing with three homicide cases. This is a large increase over the number of such cases ten years ago and becoming very costly and time consuming for his office, the RCPD, and the courts.

A lengthy hearing was held with the residents of the Valleywood edition in regards to ongoing drainage problems. Residents complained of pouring money into years of efforts to alleviate flooding of properties. Several who spoke resisted agreeing to pay for any additional such efforts.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman said Westar has agreed to pay for guard fences for two large utility poles that could present a danger in case of vehicle accidents. There was some concern expressed about Westar not informing the county of its plans and failing to request permits.

The Commission agreed to seek bids for its 2012 financial audit.

Register of Deeds Debbie Regester said the County is running $130,000 over income estimates for this year due to several large commercial loans. She said counties and states increasingly have to deal with problems resulting from tactics used by some financial institutions, such as "robo" signing of contracts for housing loans and cloudy paperwork.

Jim Williams and Phil Anderson said they are willing to raise funds for a sign on the east pier of the river. The problem to be resolved is determining whether the city or the county owns the pier. The electronic part of the sign would advertise only non-profit events.

Following a lunch for local legislators, a discussion was held about legislative priorities of the county. The first issue involves the use of credit cards. Currently, the state and cities are allowed to accept credit card payments and pass on fees to the purchaser, but counties cannot pass on such fees.

County Commissions have a statutory obligation to immediately conduct soil erosion inspections. The Commission would like to have a requirement for some expert opinion added, such as evaluation by representatives of soil conservation districts.

The county treasurer described problems relating to Kansas counties' inability to title boats. In addition to the loss of income, it makes it difficult for law enforcement to deal with thefts. Mr. Wilkerson said some boats are stolen in Missouri and sold in Kansas, knowing no title is required. Also discussed was the loss of revenue to counties that the state formerly provided, which results in property tax increases at the local levels.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

USD 383 Board of Education

Oct. 19, 2011
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:
The board discussed the proposed changes to the state's funding formula that had been presented at the Kansas Association of School Boards' conference. Potential changes included reducing the 20 mills collected locally that go to the state to 10 or 15 mills, eliminating the cap on the local mill levy which would allow local boards to set the levy at the level they desire, keeping special education funding the same, and using a county sales tax for education funding, which could be problematic for districts like USD 383 which encompass more than one county. Dave Colburn said he was not personally buying it that the changes to the formula will be better for Kansas.

Carol Adams, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, presented state assessment results to the board. The district as a whole had achieved 93 "standards of excellence." The greatest gains in performance were for students with disabilities and students who are English language learners. Adams reported that 38% of 4th graders who had been students in USD 383 for at least two years had made gains in their reading scores. There was still an achievement gap between minority students and white students, but the gap had decreased from a peak in 2006. Colburn commented that the achievement gap had been the impetus for creating the diversity coordinator position, and minority students had experienced gains since the creation of the position. (The diversity coordinator position was eliminated for the 2011-12 school year as a means to reduce the budget.)

Board members discussed compensation for substitute teachers. Administration had recommended increasing the pay by $3/day. When the item had been previously discussed, the majority of the board had preferred to raise the pay by $5/day to be more competitive with nearby districts. Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, said that increasing the pay by $5/day would put the district right at the amount budgeted for substitutes, and if there were more illness than usual, contingency funds could be used to fund any overrun. The board approved 7-0 to increase substitute teacher compensation by $5/day.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Riley County Commission October 24, 2011

Joan Strickler, observer


All Commissioners present, and McCulloh presiding.

Rod Meredith with Public Works reported that he and a K-State wildlife specialist checked into concerns about a dog being attacked by a coyote near the dog park area. It was agreed they did not expect safety problems inside the perimeter of the dog park.

Public Works Director Leon Hobson discussed master planning for Riley County space needs. Identified needs are prioritized as A, B and C. The priority A level need is to hire a master planner to determine if it is appropriate to maintain the existing office building with regard to energy conservation, usage, operational efficiencies and security needs. The cost of such a study is estimated at $63,000. Commissioner McCulloh was concerned about making the fund commitment given the questions regarding the availability of tax dollars for the county next year. She said if the Governor is serious about cutting taxes, counties will have fewer dollars to work with.

Hobson stressed that the study is needed if the county is going to consider remaining in the current building. It would not be wise to invest dollars into the current building unless it is deemed feasible for Commissioners and personnel to remain there in the future. There was some discussion of the church building across from the courthouse.

Commissioner Lewis made a motion to fund the study. The motion passed unanimously.

The RCPD reported complaints about traffic on McDowell Creek Road on game days.

Health Department Director Chuck Murphy said the first flu case has now hit the county. He said the season is just getting started and urged people to get their immunization shots now. The vaccine takes up to two weeks to build immunity.

Treasurer Eileen King reminded people that county treasurer’s offices statewide will not be able to do motor vehicle transactions from December l through 7 as Kansas converts to a new record keeping system.

The Commissioners discussed the new visitor’s center to be built at the junction of Hwy 177 and I-70. It will include a tower to allow people to view the Flinthills. A problem to be solved is getting water to the center. Possible solutions would be digging wells, tying into a rural water district or into the Manhattan water system.

Planning/Special Projects Director Monty Wedel worked with the Commissioners as they began an extensive review of proposed amendments to regulations to implement the Vision 2025 plan.

County Commission Oct 20, 2011

Board of County Commissioners October 20, 2011
Commissioners McCulloh and Lewis were present.

Clancy Holeman, Counselor/ Director of Administrative Services, participated in a work session reviewing the extension of a payment deadline on a promissory note from University Park Benefits District. The remaining principal is $8,332; the simple interest of 6% on this is $499.92 for a amount due on Oct. 7, 2012, of $8,832.92. The commissioners approved.

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, gave a history of the REACH committee. There was a discussion of the future direction of this committee. The committee was formed in 1999 at the request of the BOCC and called “Esprit de Corps Committee.” The mission was to help give the BOCC the employees’ perspective, promote good employee relations and promote communication between county departments. These objectives are facilitated by Employee of the Month/Year recognition, blood drives, a Giving Tree and a monthly informational newsletter as well as other activities.

Cindy Volanti, Human Resources, talked about the changeover of the health department (from city/county to just the county) effective January 1, 2012. All health department employees including the administrator will follow all Riley County personnel policies and procedures, as well as all pay schedules and benefit plans. The current administrator’s contract concludes Dec. 31, 2011. McGrath Consulting Inc. is making a classification and compensation study which will include the administrator’s position. This position will be eligible for a cell-phone allowance, use of county provided vehicle for business use, and volunteer benefits of supplemental insurance plans and deferred compensation

Clancy Holeman presented a draft version of a possible structure and role that a Public Health Advisory Board would take on Jan. 1. The main concern was what authority the new board would have. The BOCC has the final responsibility, but the advice and expertise of the Health Advisory Board will be essential. Deb Nuss, a member of the current Health Advisory Board, said that since commissioners come and go, we could see a shift of philosophy when it comes to public health. The concern was also expressed that if the Advisory Board really had no power, it could be difficult to get people to serve.

Julie Merklin, observer

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

BOCC Oct. 17, 2011

County Commission Oct. 17, 2011

Commissioners McCulloh and Lewis present.

Manhattan Township petitioned Riley County to take over a number of roads in the Fairmont area. The Commission agreed to designate only two roads, Messenger and Rannells, because use of Fairmont Park increased the use of these two roads.

Resurfacing of road ways within Lakewood, Driftwood and High Meadows has begun. The cost of this will be assessed to the residents on these roads.

Andrea Feldkamp announced the 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus program garage sale Friday and Saturday at Pottorf Hall. The proceeds will be used to help fund the trip to Washington, D.C. Citizenship Washington Focus, is a summer educational conference held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center. Through hands-on educational workshops and sightseeing tours in Washington, D.C., they will learn about the history of our nation, the leaders who have shaped it, and how they can apply the leadership and citizenship skills they learn during CWF when they return home.

The RCPD presented a certificate of recognition to Laurel Martin, a Riley County citizen who called 911 after she witnessed a car accident. The victim had been thrown out of the vehicle and Ms. Martin helped keep her calm and shaded her with a blanket to keep her and the emergency responders out of the 105 degree heat. Martin knew the victim and arranged to pick up her son from the Riley pool and care for him until the victim was out of the hospital.

Gregg Eyestone, told the Commission that there would be a tree tour in City Park on Wednesday at 5:30. The tour would highlight 35 varieties of trees, and the hope is that people would consider planting their own trees. Brochures with information about the trees and their locations are available in the park and at the Parks and Recreation offices.

Julie Merklin, Observer

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Riley County Commission mtg 10-13-11

Mr. Johnson was absent.

Eileen King, County Treasurer, gave monthly financial reports. The interest on one-year investments is 0.30%, and the interest on the checking account is 0.02%. Earnings so far this year are $142,144.41, which is 71.07% of the budget for the year. Sales tax revenues are healthy and are over $2,295,000, which is 95.62% of the annual budget. Motor vehicle tax collections are at 82.72% of the budget. Ad Valorem tax collections are at 97.45% of the budget. Ms. King said there is every indication that the county will have income to meet budget estimates.

Clancy Holeman, Counselor/Dir. of Admin. Services, conducted an administrative work session. Holeman and Leon Hobson, County Engineer, discussed their meeting with township officers, KSU representatives, KCC, and Westar officials concerning utility poles at College and Marlatt Avenues. They are seeking alternatives to moving the poles. Each pole has a cost of $100,000 and consists of steel with a concrete apron, set 30 feet into the ground. Apparently, the poles are not actually on the county's right of way but are deemed hazardous. KCC has no jurisdiction because the lines do not carry sufficient power.

Holeman said he is preparing the charter resolution for the new Board of Health. It will be presented to the present board for discussion on October 26. The charter requires two publications at intervals with time following publications before it can be adopted. One question of vital importance is the position, powers, responsibilities and enforcement procedures for the Health Officer, who becomes a crucial actor in case of health emergencies (e.g. epidemics). Commissioners felt the Health Officer must be given enforcement power in cooperation with the RCPD. Composition of the Health Board, which will on January 1 become only advisory, should continue to include medical professionals such as doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, veterinarian, etc. as well as expert or experts on public health. Holeman will attempt to assemble a final draft in good time, although if the deadline of January 1 is missed, the board will function under the old rules.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg

Monday, October 10, 2011

USD 383 Board of Education

Oct. 5, 2011
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:
The board approved 6-0 the sale of the remaining bonds in the amount of $6,125,000 and also approved refinancing some outstanding bonds from 2001.

The board was provided with an update on the construction project at Wilson Elementary School, which has been behind schedule and has had problems with the quality of work. Wilson's principal said he was feeling cautiously optimistic about the project due to the general contractor's hiring of a new project superintendent. It was anticipated that staff and students will be able to move into the new spaces around Oct. 27-28. Curt Herrman said he had recently toured the building and thought the new addition looked good, but the restrooms still looked terrible. The district's program manager said there will be a list of repairs and a schedule for completing them. The program manager also said he plans to report on Wilson's project at all board meetings.

Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, presented a recommendation to increase the pay for substitute teachers by $3/day to be more competitive with neighboring districts (Junction City pays $20/day more) and to be able to attract quality substitutes. Pete Paukstelis asked if the district has had difficulty in being able to find substitutes, and Shannon said that some days it has been "tight," and he was worried about what might happen during flu season. Dave Colburn suggested increasing the pay by $5/day, and Shannon said that the board might have to use contingency funds in order to do so. Paukstelis said he would like to pay substitutes more, but not if that meant using contingency funds. The board approved 4-2 to increase the pay for substitute teachers by $5/day, with Paukstelis and Herrman dissenting.

The board discussed the county's half-cent sales tax that will be up for renewal in 2012. Paukstelis and Leah Fliter had attended an intergovernmental meeting and also a City Commission work session to discuss the possibility of using some of the generated sales tax for the school district. The tax's structure could include schools, roads, and jobs. The City Commissioners had said they were willing to listen to ideas.

The board approved 6-0 the criteria for redrawing school boundary lines, which include following geographic barriers, maintaining contiguous areas, maintaining diverse student populations, and maintaining a "feeder" school system for the middle schools.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Riley County - Manhattan
Board of Health Report
Wednesday, September 28 2011

The department highlight for the education of the board members was presented by Patti Grub, RN, Communicable Disease Nurse. Her specific activity is to investigate all reported communicable diseases in terms of causes and prevention as well as maintenance of records for future study and use. Her investigations vary from season to season and year to year. At the present time, the issue seems to be bats which could be rabid and that are getting into houses. One child was bitten, and so far, one bat has been found to be rabid. Her job also provides education to clients as to what to do, in this case, if bitten by a bat. She is usually informed first by Animal Control in the case of bats but receives reports from doctors and other clinics as well. A lively discussion followed concerning the cost of the vaccinations required if a bite from a rabid animal is suspected, which seems to hover around $2,000 or more. Dr. Hesse, board member from Fort Riley, reminded the board that Fort Riley has had a recent death from rabies in a soldier who was bitten in Afghanistan, and thus, are seeking all soldiers who could have been infected while on deployment. He noted that the supply of vaccine could become limited locally.

Next Michelle Crew from Varney’s & Associates presented the audit of the 2010 financial records. She delivered the assessment as “the best you can get,” or in other words “on a strong financial footing.” She commended Shelly Hays, Financial Officer for the department, for her excellent work and helpfulness during the audit. Her only suggestion was to consider doing periodic reviews. Charles Murphy noted that the state also performs audits, as do some of the grants, such as WIC (stands for Women, Infants, and Children). Discussion followed as to the audit procedure next year when the Health Department will be county only.

Charles Murphy, Department Administrator, reported on the possible purchase of a new pharmacy refrigerator to house vaccines if it becomes necessary. The cost would be $4,826.43. At present, the new temperature control monitor has been installed and seems to be working well. Susanne Kufahl, Assistant Administrator, stated that it was of primary importance that care be taken that vaccines are kept properly. Dr. Hesse suggested that careful power back-up is important. Loren Pepperd, representative of the City Commission, suggested looking into an emergency device that is hooked directly to the refrigerator and comes on automatically. Charles Murphy will look into this in terms of possibly replacing the present generator now in use for this purpose.

The major item of business was the discussion of whether the Health Department should begin accepting Medicaid clients in the Primary Care Clinic. Susanne Kufahl presented a great deal of information about Medicaid itself and the department’s ability to provide care for this population. If anyone is interested in having this information, the Kansas Health Institute’s web site, www.khi.org, is a good place to find it. Ms. Kufahl reported that she had contacted all other Medicaid providers, all of whom were supportive of the idea. It is expected that the numbers of Medicaid clients will increase. Access for Medicaid clients to the medical community is limited, and many are turned away. Dawn Searls, Clinical and Nursing Supervisor, stated that it is very hard to have to turn away Medicaid clients.

The present Primary Care Clinic, begun 20 years ago, is designed to serve poor and uninsured residents of Manhattan and Riley County who could not access care at private physician practices, Fort Riley or Lafene Student Health at Kansas State University. Dr. Cary Herl, who is the supervising physician for the clinic, stated that he was for allowing the Health Department to accept Medicaid clients and felt the department was well able to accommodate the additional patients. He stated that this would be phased in gradually and can be limited at any time it seemed necessary. Children would not be part of the Medicaid clients as they are already taken care of by the pediatricians in town.

Dr. Paul Hesse, who had indicated earlier that he is philosophically opposed as he believes the department will be overwhelmed, indicated that accepting Medicaid patients will be a distraction to the major requirements for providing for public health. He stated that it would be better to have a FQHS (Federally Qualified Health Clinic) for this purpose. Susanne Kufahl noted that she differed on the definition of public health practices in that, though public health focuses on connecting people to the care that they need, that when that is not possible, the Public Health Department should be providing that care.

The Health Department voted to begin to accept Medicaid patients using a phased-in process and with continued reviews. Dr. Hesse and Debbie Nuss voted no.

There is some disagreement between Charles Murphy and the city on the interpretation of the ordinances dealing with nuisances. Clancy Holeman, attorney for the county, will be
at the next board meeting to discuss the issue.

Finally, the board was given a preview of the new brochure produced to encourage Riley County’s long term investment in KIDS.

Submitted by Sue Cohen