Tuesday, January 31, 2012

USD 383 Board of Education

Jan. 18, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board was presented with the redistricting committee's recommendation for redrawing school boundary lines. Approximately 375 students, which is about 11-12% of the elementary student population, will be changing schools. Pete Paukstelis wanted to know if 5th and 7th grade students could be "grandfathered" and not have to switch schools, and there was additional discussion that those students could be given priority to remain at their current schools one more year but with no guarantees. Two members of the public addressed the board and asked the board to consider special family situations and extenuating circumstances before requiring a student to switch schools. The board approved 7-0 on first reading the redistricting plan.

Terry McCarty, MHS principal, provided the board with information about creating an advisory period that would provide opportunities to develop relationships between students and faculty and to provide support for students. The advisory period would be 21 min. in length and would take place once every two weeks. The advisory period would have scheduled activities and would start during the 2012 spring semester. The board approved 7-0 to implement the program.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Riley County Commission January 26, 2012

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.

Commissioner Lewis said he felt positive about meetings now taking place with Aggieville businesses in regard to Fake Patty’s Day. The bar owners are open to purchasing liability insurance and are looking into ways to reduce the problems. Fire Department officials plan to offer training to businesses on safety issues.

Ann Smith, director of Riley County aTa Bus transportation, said the fixed route transportation for students and faculty at K-State is being used heavily, and her office may have to look into obtaining larger buses. The routes run from Jardine housing to the two dining centers and to the Child Development Center. Students and faculty ride free, others can travel for $2.00. Buses run at 30-minute intervals.

The regional transportation system use has grown overall to 72,000 persons served, approximately 50 % over the previous year. The regional system soon will be expanding to include St. George and Pottawatomie County. Smith said discussions are still occurring with Manhattan.

Some concern has been expressed by the courts about the use of loudspeakers at demonstrations at the Courthouse plaza. The noise interferes with trials. Commissioners will look into ways to avoid the problems.

Information Technology/GIS Director Robert Nall reported on installing technology at the Health Department. He said the new director and personnel have been very cooperative. His staff also will assure that a voting satellite at the K-State Union will be available to accommodate student voting during the presidential election. County Clerk Rich Vargo said the satellite voting option will not be available for other elections. In the past, only a few students made use of that option.

County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson said 129 persons received counseling on Medicare options during the open enrollment period. It is estimated the counseling saved about $45,000 for those served. Her office is now accepting requests for assistance with tax preparation. The service will be offered at the Manhattan Public Library. At the present time, 20 volunteers have agreed to provide the counseling.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Riley County Commission January 23, 2012

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Alvan Johnson presiding.

There was informal discussion about the future of the current city/county sales tax levy. Apparently, the city is considering pursuing a city tax only, which would incorporate that section of Manhattan located in Pottawatomie County. The tax would cover only that part of the county located in Manhattan. The proposal would be placed on the August ballot. The city might offer 30% of the amount collected to the county if that tax is approved by voters. If not, the city and county could pursue asking for the existing tax levy to be renewed on the November ballot.

A concern was raised about the possibility that the city may want to regain control of transportation matters instead of continuing participation in intergovernmental planning. It was generally agreed that intergovernmental planning was wiser than having each entity do its own thing.

Meetings are being held to deal with disagreements between the county and Kansas State University. KSU has produced copies of laws showing they do not have to consult with the county on building plans. The county has submitted laws stating the county has jurisdiction on all zoning matters. Commissioners expressed general frustration at not being included in K-State’s discussions regarding matters such as NBAF. County resources will be affected such as fire control and emergency response operations.

Meetings are currently underway with law enforcement, emergency personnel, the fire department and Aggieville businesses regarding problems and complaints about Fake Patty’s Day celebrations.

Mary Jo Harbour, president of the Riley County Council on Aging, gave an update of services and activities. Mickey Chance-Reay will represent the county in the Silver Haired Legislature.

Greg McClure with County Extension said a Country Living Expo is planned for February 4, at the St. George Elementary School in St. George. The major topic will be laws that must be observed when living in the country, such as those pertaining to fences, leases, liability related to livestock, and wandering dogs as well as other requirements.

Progress is finally being made in resolving the county’s lawsuit against Deutsche Bank. The bank foreclosed on property thought to be in private hands but later found to belong to the county. Things have become more complicated since the bank sold the property to Atlantic Housing in California. That company is complaining that they never received the deed. It seems generally agreed among the attorneys that the lawsuit might be resolved through journal entries to the documents filed with the court.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek reported the estimated 2011 ending cash balance in the general fund will amount to $4,431,466.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Riley County Commission mtg 1-19-12

All Commissioners present.

Commissioners appointed Randy Martin to the Museum Board of Trustees, Vern Bulk and Wendell Anderson to the Road and Bridge Advisory Board, and Steve Hargrave to the 21st District Judicial Nominating Commission.

Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds, said that her office had a good year for revenue in 2011, especially the last three months. The 30-year-old carpet in her office is now replaced, and she is completing the rearrangements of the space. Now, genealogical research may be made sitting at a table instead of standing at the main counter.

Clancy Holeman, County Counsel, said proposed language for the parking resolution is still in consideration. The courts have asked for 12 passes for each jury after they are finally empanelled, dated from the beginning of the trial (flexible ending date). The Public Defender's Office has requested 5 permits. The magistrate judge, who is present once a week, needs 1 permit. The aim of the new regulations is to clear the parking lot behind the Courthouse for public parking on county business, especially at times when the Treasurer's Office (taxes) and Clerk's Office (advance voting) have high traffic. Rich Vargo said he has checked that parking lot three times a day, and usage varies widely. Some Wareham parkers have been discouraged from parking there. The lot is sometimes half full, and sometimes nearly full. Commissioners agreed by consensus that the court requests should be allowed.

The deadline for the 1/2-cent sales tax question to go on the August ballot is June 1. Language for the question should be fairly clear now, though certain city officials seemed to mistakenly believe the tax was tied to the inter-local agreement, which is not an agreement yet. Commissioners emphasized that the county tax question was not a city question, even though the city would benefit from its passage. The county is clear about its uses of this tax money, as they have been since it was first passed: roads and bridges, construction and maintenance. The city has not clarified what its tax money would be used for. Commissioners discussed the need for more parks, two additional fire stations, preparation for constructing the road leading to another bridge to be built across the Blue River between Riley and Pottawatomi Counties (the last to receive federal aid, it is hoped).

Brad Schoen, Director of the RCPD, updated Commissioners. He said that in the last 20 years, Manhattan had never before experienced a run of homicides such as we have just had. Also, other crimes are also up. He is particularly concerned about the frequency of car thefts that do not turn out to have been a form of illegal "borrowing," in which the car turns up locally. These other thefts are more permanent, with the car probably going to Kansas City or Mexico. When asked about shoplifting, he said large retailers have their own training programs. They get many calls from Wal-Mart, but prosecution usually depends on the dollar amount stolen. Someone suggested that smaller local retailers might be helped by seminars, possibly sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. They are working on finding a new site for the shooting range when the present lease runs out. They discovered that there are only two firms that deal with this. They have contracted the U.S. firm (for $3,000) to come and inspect and analyze a site they think will be suitable. A small group including representatives of the city, county, RCPD, and Law Board will meet and attempt to get a head start on setting up a budget. They have a deadline of Feb. 10th to present it to the Law Board. Fake Patty's Day is apparently to be left to the ABA (Aggieville Business Assoc.) for policy. Commissioners said their main concern is safety. Schoen agreed and added that the expense was also a major consideration. Kansas has a statute that forbids local authorities to enact an ordinance declaring (only) being drunk in public an offense.

Commissioners went into two executive sessions, one each to consider evaluations of department heads: Shelley Williams and Monty Wedel. Evaluations of Greg McHenry and Clancy Holeman were postponed because of lack of time.

Elizabeth Patton, a representative of Senator Moran's office, visited the Commission to ask about any actions the Senator's office might take to help Riley County. The Blue River Bridge project, support for Ft. Riley (assisting soldiers returning, staff for the hospital, and education for children on the Fort) and aid for USD 383 in educating military children were mentioned by Commissioners. They also discussed the HUD grant that forwarded regional planning and the necessity for flexibility in federal rules and regulations, as "one size fits all" is not applicable in many nationwide matters.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg

Friday, January 13, 2012

County Commission

County Commission January 12, 2012

All members present, Johnson presiding.

The Annual Regional Retreat was announced. There will be two speakers. Dr. Kirk Schulz, KSU president, will focus on the 2025 plan which aims to have KSU nationally recognized as one of the top 50 public research universities. The other speaker will be Gen. Mayville, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division at Ft. Riley.

Lyle Butler from the Chamber of Commerce said that their goals for the future will stress retention and expansion of existing local businesses. (Thriving local businesses are often recruited by other communities and states to move there.)

Eileen King, Treasurer, gave the monthly financial reports. We have on deposit in eleven local banks $56,064,152.45. This includes CD’s and cash/money market. Sales tax revenue for 2011 was over budget by $784,117.50.

The commission is in the process of implementing one-hour parking limits in their parking lot. Several representatives of attorneys and the courts are asking for a method of having permits for lawyers who have to drive to court, as well as for jury members. It is difficult to find parking for more than two hours within easy walking distance of the court. Of course, the county wants the lot available for their customers, especially when new automobiles are being registered, and someone has to come out and actually see the VIN number. There were no decisions made, and the discussion will continue.

Julie Merklin, Observer

Monday, January 9, 2012

Riley County Commission mtg 1-9-12

All of the Commissioners were present. In reorganization, Mr. Johnson was named chair.

Rich Vargo, County Clerk, gave year-to-date budget and expenditure reports for the end of 2011. With 100% of the year finished, the county is at 88.62% of its budgeted expenditures. No departments had budget violations. Only one department went very slightly over budget, but its funding is in the general fund; hence, no budget violation. Some encumbrances remained to be paid out of 2011 funds. The final report on 2011 will be given at the end of February.

Clancy Holeman, Administration Director, and Leon Hobson, Director of Public Works, presented the three options prepared by a consultant on handicapped parking requirements. Commissioners chose the option which lumps all five parking areas together into one "facility," making 81 places, which requires four accessible parking slots. Commissioners argued that a very large number of parking places in county lots are assigned to judges, commissioners, and county officials, and thus, are not available to the public anyway, reducing the number of available places.

Jennifer Wilson, Extension Director, said the Income Tax Assistance program will begin January 30 for the seventh year. Maximum household income for eligibility for this assistance is $50,000.

Gregg Eyestone, Extension Agent, said only young deciduous trees and perhaps a few evergreens need any water now. Early bulbs can take care of themselves.

Leon Hobson, Director of Public Works, updated Commissioners on projects. With only a few last details on Wildcat Creek Road for spring (road is open), all the previously selected sales tax projects are complete. With money left over, three other projects will be added. The finished projects have included 26 miles of overlay, 5 bridges, 5 culverts, and other improvements. There is still a lot of work, and things do keep crumbling.

Monty Wedel, Director of Planning/Special Projects, said the regulation amendments on agricultural usages are not formulated and ready for public presentation. The Planning Board will consider them on Jan. 19 in the City Commission meeting room. The public information meeting will be at the Kimball fire station on January 23, and another meeting will be Feb. 1 at Riley County High School. Wedel noted that the entire agricultural section of ordinances has been replaced.

Cheryl Collins, Director of the Riley County Historical Museum, said the Riley County Historical Society will hold its quarterly dinner meeting, Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m., at Zeandale Church. The program will be Melissa Kirkwood on "Discovering the Flint Hills Discovery Center."

Ms. McCulloh said Howie's will take household hazardous waste this Saturday, Jan. 14.

Leon Hobson updated Commissioners on further projects: Valleywood drainage, Konza Water, Health Dept. grounds, Courthouse window trim, and an electronic lock system for the county office building. Commissioners agreed by consensus to have Hobson proceed with proposals for the last two projects.

Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, suggested Randy Martin as a nominee for a vacant position on the Historical Society Board of Trustees. She described the work on providing off-street parking at the Wolf House. They have removed some trees and an old garage on the alley and will regrade and replant the area. This project is paid for by a bequest to the the Riley County Historical Society by Clarice Painter.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg

Thursday, January 5, 2012

USD 383 Board of Education

Jan. 4, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski

Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, reported that over the past five years, birth rates in the Manhattan area have increased by 37%. If the majority of the children go on to attend Manhattan schools as has been the trend, the elementary schools may be crowded in a few years.

The board approved 6-0 a design bid to relocate Bluemont Elementary's sanitary sewer line. The 1911 portion of the building had been built over the top of the sewer, which was allowed at the time, but current codes do not allow a structure to be located over a sewer line. The building improvements call for new construction over the sewer line area, and so it has to be rerouted.

The board also discussed possible topics for its Winter Retreat scheduled for Feb. 22. The retreat will focus on topics pertaining to MHS, including high school early release time for students, changing the start and release times for elementary and secondary schools, closed lunch at MHS West Campus, and curriculum and budget preparation.