April 25, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Special meeting:
The board met briefly to review the applications received to fill the vacant seat on the board and to discuss the procedure to appoint someone to fill the vacancy. Nine citizens had submitted applications to fill the vacant seat, and Dave Colburn remarked that all of the applicants' resumes indicated they were extensively involved in the community. The board planned to narrow the field of applicants and will formally interview the top three. Not all of the board members had had the chance to review the applications, so board members planned to bring their list of the top three applicants to the May 2nd board meeting. Three candidates will be interviewed during a special meeting on May 9th, or during additional special meetings as applicants' schedules allow.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
USD 383 Board of Education
April 18, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Board members discussed the board vacancy created when Doug Messer resigned. The board has received four letters of interest thus far, and the deadline to apply is April 24th. The board will hold a special meeting on April 25th to review all of the received applications.
Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, led a discussion that followed up on topics discussed during the board's winter retreat in February. The topics included senior early release, daily start time at MHS, open/closed lunch at MHS, scheduling options at MHS, and planning and collaboration time for teachers. Dr. Shannon recommended that a committee examine senior early release and bring recommendations to the board. For MHS start time (which would affect other grade levels if it were changed), Dr. Shannon recommended that the board hold a public hearing on Oct. 10th and get input from the public. Similarly, Dr. Shannon recommended a public hearing for open/closed lunch on Sept. 26th. Small committees will work on developing recommendations for MHS scheduling options and teacher planning time.
The board approved 6-0 to increase school meal prices $0.05 for the 2012-13 school year. The increase is necessary due to dietary guidelines that require more servings of fruits and vegetables, which are more expensive. The increase is also needed due to federal mandates which require schools to provide the same level of financial support for full-pay students' meals as they provide for students who qualify for free lunches.
Board members also discussed student fees and textbook rental fees for the 2012-13 school year. Administration recommended a 3% increase in student fees and textbook rental fees. The board approved 6-0 the recommended increases. The board also discussed textbook purchases to provide several courses with updated material at MHS and also to adopt the Math In Focus curriculum for 6th grade. Previously, Math In Focus had been adopted for grades K-5, and 6th grade math had been aligned with the 7-12 grade curriculum. Recent changes in math standards make it more appropriate to align 6th grade math with grades K-5.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Board members discussed the board vacancy created when Doug Messer resigned. The board has received four letters of interest thus far, and the deadline to apply is April 24th. The board will hold a special meeting on April 25th to review all of the received applications.
Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, led a discussion that followed up on topics discussed during the board's winter retreat in February. The topics included senior early release, daily start time at MHS, open/closed lunch at MHS, scheduling options at MHS, and planning and collaboration time for teachers. Dr. Shannon recommended that a committee examine senior early release and bring recommendations to the board. For MHS start time (which would affect other grade levels if it were changed), Dr. Shannon recommended that the board hold a public hearing on Oct. 10th and get input from the public. Similarly, Dr. Shannon recommended a public hearing for open/closed lunch on Sept. 26th. Small committees will work on developing recommendations for MHS scheduling options and teacher planning time.
The board approved 6-0 to increase school meal prices $0.05 for the 2012-13 school year. The increase is necessary due to dietary guidelines that require more servings of fruits and vegetables, which are more expensive. The increase is also needed due to federal mandates which require schools to provide the same level of financial support for full-pay students' meals as they provide for students who qualify for free lunches.
Board members also discussed student fees and textbook rental fees for the 2012-13 school year. Administration recommended a 3% increase in student fees and textbook rental fees. The board approved 6-0 the recommended increases. The board also discussed textbook purchases to provide several courses with updated material at MHS and also to adopt the Math In Focus curriculum for 6th grade. Previously, Math In Focus had been adopted for grades K-5, and 6th grade math had been aligned with the 7-12 grade curriculum. Recent changes in math standards make it more appropriate to align 6th grade math with grades K-5.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Riley County Commission April 23, 2012
Joan Strickler, observer
All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.
Shelly Williams, Community Corrections Director, presented
her agency’s grant application to the Commission for approval. The application is basically similar to the
one filed last year which ranked first among similar applications received by
the State. Williams is proposing to
outsource cognitive education training due to lack of funds to maintain the
staff assigned to the program. Overall funding
remained level while increases in staff salaries resulted in fewer dollars for
the services.
The Manhattan Mercury will be appearing in a new format as
of May 1. While the number of pages will
remain the same, the width of the paper will be reduced by eliminating one
column.
Tim Hegerty, with the Riley County Police Department, said burglaries
occurred recently west of the High School, all while people were at home. Property was taken, but nobody was hurt. He said the Department anticipates increased
calls next month as many students move out of houses and apartments. K-18 work has not presented as many problems
trafficwise as feared.
Kym Nies with the Health Department reported the recent
Health Fair was a success. Apparently
480 persons received health services, information and education, up from the
number last year.
Doug Messer provided a first quarter report for Riley County
Fire District #1. The firefighters
responded to 42 fire calls, 34 involving grass fires, 5 vehicle fires and 2
other calls. There were 49 rescue
calls. He said 19 of the fire calls were
false, but not intentional. These often
come from strangers unfamiliar with the need to burn pastures in this area.
An open house will be held at the historic Wolf House on
April 29th.
Commissioner Johnson announced the April 26th
meeting of the Commission will be held in Riley.
Ann Smith, director of mass transportation services,
announced this was the first day for the fixed route public transportation system
to get underway. Fares are free for this
inaugural week. The system is operating
with 14 busses and 1 mini van. Some 500
riders were served last Saturday at the KSU open house.
Ron Trewyn, KSU Vice President for Research, provided an
update on NBAF. He said the reassessment
committee that was formed to provide recommendations on the future of NBAF is
meeting and expected to provide its report in June. The three issues to be addressed are: 1) The size and scope of NBAF as
designed. 2) Would it be advisable to
look at something smaller? 3) Should Plum
Island remain open and research farmed
out to other countries when it cannot be done in that facility.
Trewyn said he is impressed with the expertise on the
committee. He believes the strong
consensus is that, if the level 1V facility is to be built, it will be built in
Manhattan. He pointed out that Plum
Island is not capable of meeting
the level 1V biosecurity requirements and it would be costly and ineffective transporting
work to and from other countries. Since
NBAF would be the only level 1V lab in the United
States that deals with large animals, it
would make sense to build it big enough to meet increasing demands. He maintained that, if you can solve zoonotic
diseases at that first level, you can control the threats to humans.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
County Commission
County Commission April 19. 2012
All present.
Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, discussed with the commission the proposed county-wide ballot question on the ½ cent sales tax. There have been discussions with the city of Manhattan on coordinating, efforts but they seem to have some different views on how it should be presented to the public – wording, etc. The county’s wording would specify the use of the tax as infrastructure (roads and bridges, etc.) and economic development. Much more on this later.
Jennifer Wilson reported on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program activities. In 2012 they assisted with 442 e-filed federal returns, 482 state returns. Refunds claimed totaled $596,488. Tax liabilities paid were $33,124. The average income of taxpayers using the VITA service was $18,377. There were 61 persons who received education credits, 109 receiving Earned Income Credit and 109 received Child Tax Credit
Wilson also announced that Extension will offer the Park Quest program this summer. This year’s parks will be 1. Flint Hhills Discovery Center/Konza Prairie, 2. Pillsbury Crossing Recreation Area, 3. Tuttle Creek Park (areas that will not require admission permits) 4. Northeast Community Park, 5. Annenberg Park, 6. Washington Marlatt Park, 7. Leonardville City Park, and 8. Bala Park. This is a family-oriented activity. The goal this year will be to visit 6 of the 8 parks during the summer. Participants can pick up a “passport” and, at each location, stamp it or answer a question. Completed passports will be entered into a drawing for a prize.
Julie Merklin, observer
All present.
Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, discussed with the commission the proposed county-wide ballot question on the ½ cent sales tax. There have been discussions with the city of Manhattan on coordinating, efforts but they seem to have some different views on how it should be presented to the public – wording, etc. The county’s wording would specify the use of the tax as infrastructure (roads and bridges, etc.) and economic development. Much more on this later.
Jennifer Wilson reported on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program activities. In 2012 they assisted with 442 e-filed federal returns, 482 state returns. Refunds claimed totaled $596,488. Tax liabilities paid were $33,124. The average income of taxpayers using the VITA service was $18,377. There were 61 persons who received education credits, 109 receiving Earned Income Credit and 109 received Child Tax Credit
Wilson also announced that Extension will offer the Park Quest program this summer. This year’s parks will be 1. Flint Hhills Discovery Center/Konza Prairie, 2. Pillsbury Crossing Recreation Area, 3. Tuttle Creek Park (areas that will not require admission permits) 4. Northeast Community Park, 5. Annenberg Park, 6. Washington Marlatt Park, 7. Leonardville City Park, and 8. Bala Park. This is a family-oriented activity. The goal this year will be to visit 6 of the 8 parks during the summer. Participants can pick up a “passport” and, at each location, stamp it or answer a question. Completed passports will be entered into a drawing for a prize.
Julie Merklin, observer
Monday, April 16, 2012
Riley County Commission mtg 4-16-12
All Commissioners present.
Rod Meredith, Asst. Dir. Public Works, introduced the consultant hired to produce the plans for the new playground at CiCo Park. He showed projections of structures and ground plans, which display a wide variety of different play areas, e.g. slides, swings, rock climbing areas, log and post play areas, a "zip" line, and sand play area. There are also picnic areas and a "farm" area. The plan has been approved by the Park Board. Commissioners approved the plan 3-0.
Capt. Rick Fink, RCPD, conducted a public hearing on the Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for the Riley County Police Dept. They plan to use it to update mobile radios so as to comply with FCC requirements for 2013. The grant is for $3,158. Commissioners approved 3-0 the purchase of radios to replace obsolete radios which cannot be upgraded.
Rod Harms, Wildcat Creek Watershed Council, introduced the "Save and slow the rain" project, with 400 rain-water collecting barrels for sale at $20 apiece. The use of these barrels by people in the watershed district would make a small dent in the flooding problems, but would help to raise consciousness of the problems and encourage people to use rainwater instead of treated potable water in their gardens. The educational segment of the project is meant for all area residents.
Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, invited the public to an Open House at the Wolf House Museum, 630 Fremont, Sunday, April 29th, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The open house will feature special demonstrations of 1880s life. She also introduced Barbara Poresky, 36-year employee of the Riley County Historical Museum, who is retiring. A retirement reception will be Friday, April 27th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Historical Museum, with remarks at 3:30. The public is invited.
Dave Ball spoke about "Go Orange Day in Kansas." April 23-27 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. The focus is on safety of motorists and workmen in work zones. Distracted drivers cause an overwhelming proportion of work zone accidents, especially fatalities. Most are cell phone users, including hands-free models. It is not your hands, but your brain that is distracted. You can put your phone in trunk or glove box; change voicemail greeting to say you are driving, thus unavailable; turn the phone to "silent"; or pull off the road for urgent calls. Tell a driver you aren't comfortable riding when he/she is on the phone. Don't keep talking on the phone to someone who you learn is driving. Twenty-five percent of crashes involve cell phones, and texting increases the chance of a crash chance from 8 to 23 times more likely.
Eileen King, Treasurer, updated Commissioners on procedures for going live with new motor vehicle system. The Treasurer's office will NOT PROCESS ANY MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS from May 1 to May 7. They WILL BE OPEN FOR TAX PAYMENTS ONLY. (No driver's licenses either there or at regular driver's license location. Car tags for names beginning with C and D should be processed on line by April 26 or by mail by April 27 to receive tag before May 1. This information will be published in the Mercury, on KMAN, and at Fort Riley. State employees will work 24-hour days three days to accomplish the change-over.
Anne Smith, ATA bus, said they are looking for fluent speakers of Mandarin Chinese, Arabic and Spanish to complete work on their brochure for the fixed route bus service. The brochure will contain routes and schedules with times for each stop. They have been awarded grants in the amount of over $800,000 from the state. Geary County has agreed to match a grant intended for the purchase of a vehicle (which will be used for Geary County service). A ribbon cutting will occur at Bosco Plaza on Friday, and there will be free hot dogs and demonstration rides. For now, the system will work without signage.
Gary Rosewicz, Asst. County Engineer, presented bid openings for McDowell Creek bridge rehabilitation. There were three bids, plus an engineer's estimate. Bids referred (3-0) to staff for review and recommendation.
Clancy Holeman conducted an executive session.
Leon Hobson, County Engineer, and Rod Meredith, Asst. Public Works Director, presided at bid openings for University Park operator (one bid); Terra Heights sewer operator, (one bid); asphalt seal oil (4 bids); 3/8 inch limestone chips (2 bids); and BM-2 hot mix asphalt (2 bids). Each group of bids was submitted (3-0) to staff for review and recommendation.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Dir., proposed discussion of Julie Lane, but it was determined by questioning of Mr. Vanderstill, the concerned member of the public, that he would be bringing a lawyer to represent his interests. Mr. Holeman, County Counsel, opined that no discussion of the matter should take place absent a full complement of those concerned: County Commission, County Counsel, Mr. Vanderstill, and Mr. Vanderstill's lawyer.
Meeting adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg
Rod Meredith, Asst. Dir. Public Works, introduced the consultant hired to produce the plans for the new playground at CiCo Park. He showed projections of structures and ground plans, which display a wide variety of different play areas, e.g. slides, swings, rock climbing areas, log and post play areas, a "zip" line, and sand play area. There are also picnic areas and a "farm" area. The plan has been approved by the Park Board. Commissioners approved the plan 3-0.
Capt. Rick Fink, RCPD, conducted a public hearing on the Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for the Riley County Police Dept. They plan to use it to update mobile radios so as to comply with FCC requirements for 2013. The grant is for $3,158. Commissioners approved 3-0 the purchase of radios to replace obsolete radios which cannot be upgraded.
Rod Harms, Wildcat Creek Watershed Council, introduced the "Save and slow the rain" project, with 400 rain-water collecting barrels for sale at $20 apiece. The use of these barrels by people in the watershed district would make a small dent in the flooding problems, but would help to raise consciousness of the problems and encourage people to use rainwater instead of treated potable water in their gardens. The educational segment of the project is meant for all area residents.
Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, invited the public to an Open House at the Wolf House Museum, 630 Fremont, Sunday, April 29th, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The open house will feature special demonstrations of 1880s life. She also introduced Barbara Poresky, 36-year employee of the Riley County Historical Museum, who is retiring. A retirement reception will be Friday, April 27th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Historical Museum, with remarks at 3:30. The public is invited.
Dave Ball spoke about "Go Orange Day in Kansas." April 23-27 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. The focus is on safety of motorists and workmen in work zones. Distracted drivers cause an overwhelming proportion of work zone accidents, especially fatalities. Most are cell phone users, including hands-free models. It is not your hands, but your brain that is distracted. You can put your phone in trunk or glove box; change voicemail greeting to say you are driving, thus unavailable; turn the phone to "silent"; or pull off the road for urgent calls. Tell a driver you aren't comfortable riding when he/she is on the phone. Don't keep talking on the phone to someone who you learn is driving. Twenty-five percent of crashes involve cell phones, and texting increases the chance of a crash chance from 8 to 23 times more likely.
Eileen King, Treasurer, updated Commissioners on procedures for going live with new motor vehicle system. The Treasurer's office will NOT PROCESS ANY MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS from May 1 to May 7. They WILL BE OPEN FOR TAX PAYMENTS ONLY. (No driver's licenses either there or at regular driver's license location. Car tags for names beginning with C and D should be processed on line by April 26 or by mail by April 27 to receive tag before May 1. This information will be published in the Mercury, on KMAN, and at Fort Riley. State employees will work 24-hour days three days to accomplish the change-over.
Anne Smith, ATA bus, said they are looking for fluent speakers of Mandarin Chinese, Arabic and Spanish to complete work on their brochure for the fixed route bus service. The brochure will contain routes and schedules with times for each stop. They have been awarded grants in the amount of over $800,000 from the state. Geary County has agreed to match a grant intended for the purchase of a vehicle (which will be used for Geary County service). A ribbon cutting will occur at Bosco Plaza on Friday, and there will be free hot dogs and demonstration rides. For now, the system will work without signage.
Gary Rosewicz, Asst. County Engineer, presented bid openings for McDowell Creek bridge rehabilitation. There were three bids, plus an engineer's estimate. Bids referred (3-0) to staff for review and recommendation.
Clancy Holeman conducted an executive session.
Leon Hobson, County Engineer, and Rod Meredith, Asst. Public Works Director, presided at bid openings for University Park operator (one bid); Terra Heights sewer operator, (one bid); asphalt seal oil (4 bids); 3/8 inch limestone chips (2 bids); and BM-2 hot mix asphalt (2 bids). Each group of bids was submitted (3-0) to staff for review and recommendation.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Dir., proposed discussion of Julie Lane, but it was determined by questioning of Mr. Vanderstill, the concerned member of the public, that he would be bringing a lawyer to represent his interests. Mr. Holeman, County Counsel, opined that no discussion of the matter should take place absent a full complement of those concerned: County Commission, County Counsel, Mr. Vanderstill, and Mr. Vanderstill's lawyer.
Meeting adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
County Commission April 9, 2012
County Commission April 9, 2012
All members present.
The Commission endorsed a resolution asking the governor’s administration to exempt the proposed system for long-term care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the Jan. 2013 implementation of Medicaid managed care and that they maintain the current state/community developmental/disability system for administration, dispute resolution and appeals. They ask for a reconsideration of how the proposed savings on long-term care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be achieved with Medicaid managed care without reducing benefit levels, provider reimbursement or eligibility. They also ask that proposed venders of managed care be vetted for history of fraud, abuse of public funds, customer satisfaction, timely reimbursements for services rendered and improved health and financial savings outcomes.
A citizen asked the Commission about the KPL substation going in along Purcell Road and the problems being caused. A staff member chatted with him about his concerns outside the Commission room.
Rich Vargo, County Clerk, presented the year-to-date budget and expenditure reports.
Johnette Shepek, budget and finance officer, presented the 2013 budget baseline which will be used, along with previous years’ figures in forming the new budget. Commissioner McCulloh hoped that departments which were able to spend less than budgeted this year will not be penalized in forming new dept. budgets.
In her report, Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, announced that the Wolf House 4th grade tours will be April 23-25 and on April 29 from 2 to 5 p.m., the public will be able to enjoy an open house to see the special demonstrations. Admission is free.
Julie Merklin, Observer
All members present.
The Commission endorsed a resolution asking the governor’s administration to exempt the proposed system for long-term care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the Jan. 2013 implementation of Medicaid managed care and that they maintain the current state/community developmental/disability system for administration, dispute resolution and appeals. They ask for a reconsideration of how the proposed savings on long-term care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be achieved with Medicaid managed care without reducing benefit levels, provider reimbursement or eligibility. They also ask that proposed venders of managed care be vetted for history of fraud, abuse of public funds, customer satisfaction, timely reimbursements for services rendered and improved health and financial savings outcomes.
A citizen asked the Commission about the KPL substation going in along Purcell Road and the problems being caused. A staff member chatted with him about his concerns outside the Commission room.
Rich Vargo, County Clerk, presented the year-to-date budget and expenditure reports.
Johnette Shepek, budget and finance officer, presented the 2013 budget baseline which will be used, along with previous years’ figures in forming the new budget. Commissioner McCulloh hoped that departments which were able to spend less than budgeted this year will not be penalized in forming new dept. budgets.
In her report, Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, announced that the Wolf House 4th grade tours will be April 23-25 and on April 29 from 2 to 5 p.m., the public will be able to enjoy an open house to see the special demonstrations. Admission is free.
Julie Merklin, Observer
USD 383 Board of Education
April 4, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Board members discussed and approved several construction bids, including bids for door hardware and security cameras, roofing projects, asbestos removal, and a change order for the project at Wilson Elementary. For Wilson, the asbestos abatement company did not complete the work on schedule, which caused delays in other aspects of the project. Kingston Environmental, the asbestos abatement company, agreed to a settlement of $15,730. First Management, the general contractor, also agreed to a settlement of $10,000 for delays it caused. The district's program manager said the deductions would cover the expense of busing Wilson students to Northview during the time that their classrooms were not ready, but the settlement amounts don't account for "pain and suffering." Three parents of Wilson students addressed the board and expressed their concerns that the project is still not completed. The board approved the Wilson change order 4-1, with Darell Edie dissenting because he didn't feel the settlement went far enough.
The board discussed the vacancy that was created when Doug Messer resigned. The board approved 5-0 to adopt a resolution to fill the vacancy. The board will advertise that interested citizens should submit a letter of interest and a resume. Depending upon the number of applicants, board members will narrow the field and then interview the top candidates during open session.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Board members discussed and approved several construction bids, including bids for door hardware and security cameras, roofing projects, asbestos removal, and a change order for the project at Wilson Elementary. For Wilson, the asbestos abatement company did not complete the work on schedule, which caused delays in other aspects of the project. Kingston Environmental, the asbestos abatement company, agreed to a settlement of $15,730. First Management, the general contractor, also agreed to a settlement of $10,000 for delays it caused. The district's program manager said the deductions would cover the expense of busing Wilson students to Northview during the time that their classrooms were not ready, but the settlement amounts don't account for "pain and suffering." Three parents of Wilson students addressed the board and expressed their concerns that the project is still not completed. The board approved the Wilson change order 4-1, with Darell Edie dissenting because he didn't feel the settlement went far enough.
The board discussed the vacancy that was created when Doug Messer resigned. The board approved 5-0 to adopt a resolution to fill the vacancy. The board will advertise that interested citizens should submit a letter of interest and a resume. Depending upon the number of applicants, board members will narrow the field and then interview the top candidates during open session.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
USD 383 Board of Education
March 28, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
At the start of the meeting, board President Doug Messer announced his resignation due to family, personal, and professional reasons. Messer left the meeting, and Vice President Dave Colburn presided over the remainder of the meeting.
The board listened to reports on construction activities, which included a letter from First Management that acknowledged the company had mismanaged the project at Wilson Elementary. The project at Wilson got behind schedule, which had necessitated delaying the first day of school, and some of the work was shoddy and had to be redone. First Management agreed to accept a $10,000 deduction in their contract. First Management may have owed the school district closer to $16,000 in damages, but it was estimated it would cost the district more than that if the matter had been pursued through arbitration, so the offer of $10,000 was viewed by the district's project manager as an acceptable compromise.
The board discussed the district's transfer policy and how it will apply to students who will be switching schools due to redistricting. Based on board members' previous recommendations, administration revised the policy to state that redistricted students would have the opportunity to request a transfer the same as other comparable in-district students. The board approved the transfer policy 6-0.
Keith Noll, Director of Maintenance, presented the board with a list of potential upcoming capital outlay projects. Projects included HVAC replacement at Amanda Arnold, new playgrounds for Marlatt and Bergman, new hot water systems for Amanda Arnold and Bergman, paving and lighting for the new south parking lot at MHS, and architectural studies for College Hill and MHS East Campus.
The board also planned to discuss at its next meeting how to address the seat vacated by Messer.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
At the start of the meeting, board President Doug Messer announced his resignation due to family, personal, and professional reasons. Messer left the meeting, and Vice President Dave Colburn presided over the remainder of the meeting.
The board listened to reports on construction activities, which included a letter from First Management that acknowledged the company had mismanaged the project at Wilson Elementary. The project at Wilson got behind schedule, which had necessitated delaying the first day of school, and some of the work was shoddy and had to be redone. First Management agreed to accept a $10,000 deduction in their contract. First Management may have owed the school district closer to $16,000 in damages, but it was estimated it would cost the district more than that if the matter had been pursued through arbitration, so the offer of $10,000 was viewed by the district's project manager as an acceptable compromise.
The board discussed the district's transfer policy and how it will apply to students who will be switching schools due to redistricting. Based on board members' previous recommendations, administration revised the policy to state that redistricted students would have the opportunity to request a transfer the same as other comparable in-district students. The board approved the transfer policy 6-0.
Keith Noll, Director of Maintenance, presented the board with a list of potential upcoming capital outlay projects. Projects included HVAC replacement at Amanda Arnold, new playgrounds for Marlatt and Bergman, new hot water systems for Amanda Arnold and Bergman, paving and lighting for the new south parking lot at MHS, and architectural studies for College Hill and MHS East Campus.
The board also planned to discuss at its next meeting how to address the seat vacated by Messer.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Public Health Board Report
Report of the meeting of the Interim
Riley County Public Health Advisory Board
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
A bare quorum of five members of the Interim Public Health Advisory Board met to finalize the organization of the actual Advisory Board for the Public Health Department. Brady Burton, the former president of the board, Karen McCulloh, Paul Hesse, Barbara Sollner, and Deb Nuss were present. Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, arrived later in order to provide guidance on the charter which authorizes the formation of the board. Susanne Kufahl, Public Health Department Administrator, completed the membership. A new arrangement of the chairs in a semi-circle facing the public greatly improved the ability of the public to hear what members of the Board were saying, and thus, actually provided a true open meeting.
The charter was felt adequate with the changing of the word "nurse" to "registered nurse," though it was noted that it can be amended by the board as needed. The number of members is to be nine, with members representing health professions and schools and the rest from the public. Consideration may also be given to including a representative from social workers. A total of nine members was decided upon as being a good size for a working group. It was suggested that the term be three years and that they be staggered so that there would not be all new members at one time. Discussion of term limits led to suggesting two terms, with the feeling that involving more people in the Public Health Department would be advantageous. Discussion also determined that a secretary and treasurer would not be needed as that work would be done by staff. Officers would be a chairman and a vice chairman who would be chosen at the first official board meeting. These will be changes to the by-laws as presented. The meetings would be the last Wednesday of each month commencing at noon.
Thus, the Interim Advisory Board has completed its work. It will be up to the County Commissioners to appoint the members of the actual Advisory Board.
Sue Cohen: Riley County/Manhattan League of Women Voters
Riley County Public Health Advisory Board
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
A bare quorum of five members of the Interim Public Health Advisory Board met to finalize the organization of the actual Advisory Board for the Public Health Department. Brady Burton, the former president of the board, Karen McCulloh, Paul Hesse, Barbara Sollner, and Deb Nuss were present. Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, arrived later in order to provide guidance on the charter which authorizes the formation of the board. Susanne Kufahl, Public Health Department Administrator, completed the membership. A new arrangement of the chairs in a semi-circle facing the public greatly improved the ability of the public to hear what members of the Board were saying, and thus, actually provided a true open meeting.
The charter was felt adequate with the changing of the word "nurse" to "registered nurse," though it was noted that it can be amended by the board as needed. The number of members is to be nine, with members representing health professions and schools and the rest from the public. Consideration may also be given to including a representative from social workers. A total of nine members was decided upon as being a good size for a working group. It was suggested that the term be three years and that they be staggered so that there would not be all new members at one time. Discussion of term limits led to suggesting two terms, with the feeling that involving more people in the Public Health Department would be advantageous. Discussion also determined that a secretary and treasurer would not be needed as that work would be done by staff. Officers would be a chairman and a vice chairman who would be chosen at the first official board meeting. These will be changes to the by-laws as presented. The meetings would be the last Wednesday of each month commencing at noon.
Thus, the Interim Advisory Board has completed its work. It will be up to the County Commissioners to appoint the members of the actual Advisory Board.
Sue Cohen: Riley County/Manhattan League of Women Voters
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