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.
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