Riley County Commission December 29, 2011

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.

The Commissioners signed an agreement allowing for a 2% increase in the amount of compensation paid to attorneys representing indigent clients.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman presented his recommendations regarding handicap accessible parking spaces in parking lots owned by the county. The recommendations were in line with those offered by an independent company that provides advice on accessibility issues. Some county staff members have challenged the recommendations, and the issue will be revisited at a future time.

A public hearing will be held on January 30, at 11:15 a.m. in the Commission room. The hearing will address definitional changes to regulations affecting the Public Health Department as it operates under the government of Riley County beginning January 1, 2012.

A public hearing was held regarding 2011 budget amendments. None of the amendments would affect the county mil levy.

County Commission Dec 22, 2011

County Commission December 22, 2011

All commissioners present.

County Attorney Barry Wilkerson told the commission that it has been a busy year. A capital case scheduled for next June will take a fair amount of time, and that, of course, also means money. The several bank robberies over the last few months are federal crimes.

Johnette Shepek, budget and planning committee, reviewed the expenditures and budget for capital improvements, county building, economic development, and the ½ cent sales tax was also discussed.

Formal steps continue in the transition of the Health Board to the jurisdiction of Riley County. It is required to have a health officer who is licensed to practice medicine or an advisor who is licensed. Since the Commission passed a resolution appointing Susanne Kufahl, who is not a physician, to be the local health officer, the medical consultant for the Riley County Health Department will be Dr. Cary Herl. An interim Public Health Advisory Board was also established. All of these actions will take effect January 1, 2012.

There was some discussion about having elected officials serve on advisory boards. There were arguments on both sides of this question. It was agreed that having officials ‘sit in’ on these boards’ meetings helps familiarize the officials with the workings of the boards.

Julie Merklin, Observer

County Commission December 19, 2011

All Commissioners present.

Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, led a discussion about floor space assignments. This is because of more offices moving out to the Public Works buildings on Highway 24. The Commissioners agreed that Collins’ department could use this empty space on a temporary basis, especially for storage of firefighting equipment. No reconstruction or remodeling would be needed. Everyone agreed there needs to be a thorough examination of space needs for future planning.

During the press conference, the holiday hours for the transfer station were announced. Gregg Eyestone talked about Christmas tree disposal, and Rich Vargo reminded people that KMAN would be the conduit for information on department closings because of inclement weather.

County offices will be closed Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 because of the Christmas/New Year's holidays. On Dec. 24th, the treasurer’s office will close at noon, and the Register of Deeds office will close at 3 p.m.

Eileen King, County Treasurer, announced that the first half of 2011 property taxes are due on Dec. 20th, and payments by U.S. mail must have a Dec. 20 postmark. Payments may also be made by internet or by phone as well as in person.

A representative of the RCPD discussed precautions to take to prevent burglaries during the holidays, both in homes and automobiles. Neighbors should be informed if you will be away, take valuables out of your car, and be sure it is locked.

Julie Merklin, Observer

Riley County Commission mtg 12-15-11

All commissioners present.

Commissioners approved the issuance of financing for construction projects, acted on appointmenst of Fair Board members, and did routine business.

Susanne Kufahl, Health Department, clarified the Health Dept.'s requests for certain personnel changes. Some positions carried multiple varied responsibilities, involving training in more than one area. Some responsibilities carried by Health Dept. employees will now be covered by county employees. Other positions will be somewhat modified for efficiency and suitability. Ms. Kufahl emphasized the need to include a public health role within the emergency response position. This position works with other emergency entities and is required by the CDC and KDHE for funding. The Health Officer, who directs operations in severe emergencies such as dangerous epidemics, will be sworn in at the first of the year. (Ms. Kufahl will replace retiring Chuck Murphy). Ms. Kufahl said the Health Dept. will be initiating the process of becoming accredited (it takes years). The Commission agreed that the director of NBAF should be included in meetings of emergency preparedness personnel.

Clancy Holeman, Counsel/Administrative Services Director, conducted an administrative work session and also reported on several items. The indigent defense contract is nearly ready to be signed. Holeman has had discussions with the Geary Co. Counsel on the tax status of residential properties on Ft. Riley. He discussed with Commissioners the inspection intervals for food and lodgings in statutes. Intervals depend on "risk level" -- 24 months for low risk, 18 months, 12 months and 9 months for succeeding levels. Commissioners felt these intervals should be shortened. Holeman also reported that Riley County is a pass-through point for hazardous materials under Emergency Preparedness for funds. Six other counties need documentation to participate. Holeman discussed the Westar electrical substation. Such things are not exempt from regulation by the county, even though the substation is on KSU property.

Brad Schoen, RCPD Director, in formal discussion, said Atchison and Atchison County are considering law enforcement consolidation. He said the ESRI contracts (GIS activities) of RCPD and Riley County should be merged when they come up for renewal in January. The cost to each entity is $15,000. By merging, they save $15,000. The agreement is all worked out except for final wording and signatures. Schoen also reported that Oficers Grubbs and Reiniker are retiring. Reiniker, an experienced lab tech, will return as a civilian at a later date as his expertise is needed. Schoen said some readjustments and new personnel assignments will be made soon. Fake Patty's Day is "almost upon us," and the RCPD is working closely with emergency services and city offices to prepare for it. Twenty additional law officers will be present from KSU, Pottawatomi County, and probably from the city of Emporia. They will work under a reciprocal agreement, with Riley County paying only housing and food costs for the officers. "Rescue operations" with police and health workers will take place in the City Park Pavilion. The city plans to enact an ordinance allowing closure (for 24 hours) of overcrowded premises. Schoen explained that people in the street waiting in line are NOT drinking, and hence are less likely to misbehave. Evacuations will be through back doors. The Wichita police department decided that it was too risky to contribute their mounted police.

Bob Isaac, Planner, conducted a session to explain how the Westar electrical substation came to be partially constructed before approval. Eleven "conditions" were presented, mostly concerned with rain water runoff during construction. Westar is basically taking responsibility for assuring no private or public property is damaged by the construction process. Commissioners reminded Westar representatives present that the Commission should have been consulted BEFORE construction was begun, since they have authority over property, including that owned by KSU. Ft. Riley had expressed concerns about the substation for their aircraft operations because the "posts" are of varied heights, up to 85 feet. The 11 "conditions" listed seemed to satisfy Commissioners. The Planning Board had recommended approval, and county staff also recommended approval. Commissioners approved the substation 3-0.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

USD 383 Board of Education

Dec. 7, 2011

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Work session:

Over the course of many months, the board has developed a long list of "future meeting items" and used the work session to prioritize the items. A couple of items that the board indicated were still a high priority included developing a facility preventive maintenance plan and investigating sites for future schools.

Regular meeting:

The board was presented with a preliminary plan for redistricting that a committee has been working to develop. School boundaries will need to be redrawn because the construction projects have changed the capacities of the elementary schools. Several members of the public addressed the board with their concerns regarding the latest redistricting plan, with most expressing views that the proposed shifting of students doesn't follow the redistricting guidelines. Board members expressed their appreciation for the input, and the redistricting committee will continue to meet to refine the plans.

The board received a financial audit report from Varney and Associates, which did not find any budget violations. The board approved 7-0 to accept the report. The board also approved 7-0 an agreement with Varney and Associates for auditing services for the next three years. In addition, board members provided direction to administration to arrange a separate audit of the construction bond funds.

Riley County Commission mtg 12-12-11

All Commissioners present.

Rich Vargo gave year-to-date budget and expenditure reports. The county is at 91.67% of its annual budget at the end of November. This is satisfactory. No departments are in budget violation.

Cindy Volanti, Human Resources Manager, explained the McGrath Classification process and outcome for the Health Department. This is the instrument whereby the Health Dept. employees will be brought into equal status in pay, leave, and time off policies with other county employees of equal rank and responsibility. Each employee's pay was ranked on a scale. If an employee was outside 40-60% of the average "minimum market," (compared to other comparable counties) he/she was classed as either overpaid or underpaid. Underpaid employees will be brought up. Overpaid employees will not have cuts but will be somewhat "frozen," except for a 4% raise each year. These figures do not include employees classed as "exempt." Susanne Kufahl, Director of the Health Department, was present and felt the process was a fair one, and she was basically in agreement with the outcomes. She said her staff is very eager to be informed of their status, since the change take place January 1. Commissioners accepted the report, assuming further details will be discussed later.

Robbin Cole, Pawnee Mental Health Services, updated Commissioners on the latest blows mental health has received in Kansas. Although the budget and size of the service has grown enormously in 55 years, it has fewer employees and a smaller budget now than 4 years ago. The Kansas Medicaid plan has been changed by gubernatorial decree as of January 1, 2013. Instead of contracting with Kansas Health Solutions (for substance abuse) and Value Option (for mental health), Pawnee will deal with a large all-inclusive managed-care corporation, which will operate three managed-care mental health plans. This will add to administrative costs. Recipients will have to be educated and assisted in selecting the best plan for themselves (similar to Plan D decisions for Medicare). Since the state has announced its intention to slow the trajectory of more expense for mental health each year, services will have to be cut. Patients have already been cut from 50 visits to 14 visits to their therapists per year. Mental health services have been moved from SRS to the Dept. on Aging.

Gregg Eyestone said "real" Christmas trees should be kept watered, and if the needles become brittle, the trees should be disposed of.

Leon Hobson announced that sections of Purcell Road will be closed intermittently from Dec. 12 to 22. He also said Wildcat Creek is very near completion. They cannot guarantee pemanent markings applied from December to March, but Hobson said people are already moving the barriers and driving on the surface. He requested permission for the contractor to be paid to apply temporary markings to improve safety, which was granted 3-0. He also reported progress on sales tax projects on West 40th, Winkler, Casement, North Otter Creek, and Jerusalem Road. Washington County has been billed for its share of the cost of a bridge in both counties (11%).

Clancy Holeman, Counsel, reviewed some zoning violation cases. He said the lease for the RCPD site in Aggieville was up for renewal. The owner is asking for an increase from $770 to $800 per month for the coming year.

Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, said the Rocky Ford School at Barnes Road and Tuttle Creek Blvd., has been nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Collins has been asked by the governor to serve on the Council for Tourism. She was happy to accept, as she feels it is important for museums and attractions to be represented. The Board of Trustees of the Riley County Museum will meet tomorrow (Dec. 13), and not again until the second Tuesday of March. Three trustees' positions are expiring, and suggestions for filling the positions are welcome. Collins said that the Historical Society works with the Visitors and Tourists Bureau, Freedom's Frontier organization, and the Discovery Center.

Cindy Volanti presented plans for the staffing of an IT position. The Commission chose the plan of hiring the present IT/Emergency Response person as the full time IT and allowing the Emergency Response position to be filled by another employee. The Director of IT for the county said that all of his employees would be trained in special procedures for HIPA (privacy of health information) techniques and principles.

Commissioners voted 3-0 to shift custodial duties of all county buildings to county employees rather than contract labor. This will require hiring 2 custodians, one facilities person, and one parks department person. Ms. Collins said she has had a contract with the same custodial service for 30 years and does not like the idea of simply turning them away. The county employee plan will cost enough less compared to contracted work to nearly make up for the new hires. The possibility for direct contact and direct input with employees was mentioned. Another person mentioned that, however, there might not be backup for absent employees. This issue will be revisited. Ms. McCulloh reiterated that this is not a good time to be hiring new employees, but because of the present conditions, it was unavoidable.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Health Board Report

RILEY COUNTY - MANHATTAN

BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT

WEDNESDAY, October 26, 2011

I was unable to attend the October Board Meeting and unable to find a substitute. However, I think that in the interest of completeness, I would like to report that the Board at that meeting offered the position of Administrator of the Health Department to Susanne Kufahl, present Assistant Administrator, at a salary of $94,000, replacing present Administrator Charles Murphy, who is retiring December 31, 2011. Also, Clancey Holeman, Riley County Counselor, spoke to the Board concerning the charter resolution that will establish the Riley County Public Health Advisory Board. Further discussion of the charter for the new Board will be held with the Kansas Health Institute at the next meeting.

RILEY COUNTY - MANHATTAN

BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

At the public input portion of the agenda, Tex Morgan from the Flint Hills Human Rights Project presented a check for $456 to the Health Department for the HIV Clinic Food Pantry. Appreciation for this donation was expressed by Brady Burton, president of the Board, noting that this time of year there would be many needs, and this check would be very helpful.

Brady Burton announced that there would be a reception on Dec. 14th, in the Board meeting room, 4 - 5 p.m., to acknowledge 32 years of service of retiring Administrator Charles Murphy. Mr. Burton requested that anyone who wanted to speak at the reception e-mail him in order to organize for the reception. The Board also offered their appreciation for the service of Dr. Herl, who is the physician for the Primary Care Clinic for this year.

The rest of the meeting was devoted to discussion of the plans for the structure of the new Advisory Board of Health. Catherine Shoults, M.P.H. from the Kansas Health Institute, led the discussion. She referred to a memo for the Board and the County Commissioners concerning public health governance in Riley County, which the Institute had prepared and which was handed out to each member. She noted that there was nothing in the Kansas statutes about advisory boards. First in importance to understand is that the Board is not about conflict, and its intended purpose is to give information and make sure information is correct, that the major purpose of the Board is indeed to advise and not to make policy, though it certainly can and should make recommendations for strategies. Having members of the Board from many health related backgrounds is extremely important, and she noted that the present Board make-up is perfect. There is no need to “re-invent the wheel,” as there is ample information concerning advisory boards. It will be a question of making the by-laws of the Board fit Riley County. Lauren Palmer pointed out that the charter is doing that, but that it can be amended. One question that came up was whether the Board should adhere to the “Open Meeting” designation. Ms. Shoults thought that this should be stated in the charter.

Brady Burton thanked the members of the Board for their service and noted that this meeting was the last for this Board in its present status.

Submitted by Sue Cohen, Observer