Thursday, June 28, 2012

Riley County Commission June 28, 2012



Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.

In answer to concerns expressed by the Commissioners, Pat Collins, who is in charge of fire protection for the County, said there has been no effort to date to ban fireworks due to the dry, hot weather.

Commissioner Lewis said he had been approached by several accounting firms regarding the County’s annual audit plans.  Lewis suggested the Commission request bids from interested firms.  Commissioner McCulloh agreed and said it was her understanding they had made the decision to solicit such bids last year.

County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson reported on plans for the Riley County Fair to be held July 26-30 at the Riley County Fairgrounds.  In addition to the usual amusements and entertainment the Boy Scouts will sponsor their Pinewood Derby on Sunday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m.  Commissioner Lewis said he will try to arrange his schedule so he can participate in the judging of the Fresh Salsa Contest.

Information Technology Director Robert Nall reported on work his office is involved in updating and placing on the County website the Road Identification Map.  It was suggested he also look into the cost of having printed maps available for distribution.  Nall said he has two students from KSU’s GIS Department serving as interns in his office.  Commissioner McCulloh suggested he look into working with the University to develop work-study positions so student interns can be paid.  Nall also gave a demonstration of information that is now available on the Riley County Police Department website regarding crime types and the locations where they occurred in the County.

The Commissioners approved a $212,000 match for the Healthy Families Contract for the Health Department.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek conducted a budget work session to assist in making funding decisions for the coming year.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Riley County Commission June 25, 2012




Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.

There was informal discussion of the need to plan on a regional level.  Often smaller communities are resentful when a larger community government controls planning efforts because they feel their concerns may be overlooked or downgraded.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reported on his contact with the Kansas Attorney General’s office pertaining to the status of Riley County’s request for an AG opinion regarding the issuance of the local tax levy.  Apparently an opinion has been drafted but has not yet gone through the review process.

Larry Couchman, director of emergency services for the county, talked about medical service requests over the weekend at the Country Stampede.  He said medical personnel were busier this year because attendance was up.  He was not aware of any significant medical issues due to underage drinking.  Apparently a significant number of people attending come from out of state.  Some, such as a couple from California, plan their vacations around the event.  Couchman said the “hard core” stampeders often leave after the Saturday night performance and Sunday attracts a more family-oriented crowd.

Tim Hegarty, Riley County Police Department, said their officers were not particularly busy since much of the security is handled by the Pottawatomie County sheriff’s office. He added, due to the many years the Stampede has been held, much of the work has become routine.

County Treasurer Eileen King announced she has been appointed to the Racing and Gaming Commission.  She said vehicle registrations are operating much as usual; yet most staff members are voluntarily working longer hours when the new system fails to transfer over certain information correctly.  She said the system tends to slow down on Friday afternoons and cautions people not to wait to Fridays to deal with vehicle issues.




Thursday, June 21, 2012

BOCC June 21

County Commission June 21, 2012

All present

Amy Manges, Deputy Register of Deeds reported on revenue for the year as of June 18 and compared this with figures from 2011

Total Mortgage Amount for 2011 was $146,490,993 and for 2012 it was $207,766,973. Mortgage Registration tax (2011) $380,877 and (2012) 540,194. Recording fees were up about $10,000. Adding in Tech Fund and Copy fees gives year-to-date Revenues of (2011) $ 465,587 and (2012) $642,065

Register of Deeds Staff have been in ongoing professional development with work at KSU and at seminars. Both Debbie Regester and Amy have reached the gold level for re-certification for 2012.

Brad Schoen, RCPD director, talked about a proposed new training site development. The lease for the current shooting range will be up in 2018 and now is the time to begin planning. Building a comprehensive training facility here would allow more of our officers to receive this specialized training since presently they have to send people out of town. The cost of this (travel and lodging) can get expensive. If a site were developed here, other cities could send their officers here. The proposal is in 6 parts, planning for 6 years.

Julie Merklin, Observer

BOCC June 18, 2012

BOCC June 18, 2012

All present

Rod Meredith, parks director, told the Commissioners about a group of citizens who have organized with the aim of developing a multi-sport indoor recreational facility. This Little Apple Fieldhouse Committee is considering a location in Fairmont Park. They are asking $2500 from the County to match other funds for developing a feasibility study. They are also asking the City for the same amount, the Manhattan Community Foundation is being asked for $5000 and private donations of $10,000 are being sought to fund the $20,000 needed for the study. The Riley County Park Advisory Board voted to recommend the $2,500 if the City of Manhattan contributes $2,500. The BOCC made no commitments. There are several other items that have higher priority at this time.

Larry Couchman, during the Press Conference, said that there are a number of health and safety things people should consider when going to the Country Stampede this weekend. Be sure to stay hydrated, use sunblock, wear a hat and proper shoes, and seek shade when you can. Have an emergency plan because storms or other emergencies can occur without a lot of warning.

Susie Kufahl, Riley County Health Department Director gave an orientation to the services in the public health department.

Julie Merklin, Observer



Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Riley County Health Department Board Meeting


Observer Report submitted by Sue Cohen

Interim Riley County Public Health Advisory Board
May 30, 2012 12 Noon
The  Charter for the Public Health Advisory Board has been published and at the end of 60 days (to allow for public scrutiny) the regular Board will be formed and begin to act. 
Members present were Paul Benne, Brady Burton, Karen McCulloh,
Dr. Derek Mosier, Debby Nuss, Rick Fulton DDS, and ex officio and Department Administrator, Susanne Kufahl.  Also present, besides me were Jeff Burkhart from KMAN and Kym Nies, Administrative Assistant.
Susanne Kufahl distributed draft copies of budget information for each of the entities offered by the Health Department. The “General Department Budget” shows that in 2013 a  minus $33l,773.  As I understand it this number is not the final one as there is a reserve (which had been part of the former administrator’s plan for “rainy day” funds and to have matching funds available in timely fashion) which has not yet been completely calculated and which will have to be determined as to its use when the new Board and the County make the decision.  
The change to a County Health Department from a City-County Health Department has caused an increase in salaries for some and a major increase in health insurance costs.  The health insurance is much improved from the former insurance plan but is more costly.
The Board reviewed each of the department’s draft budgets. Karen McCulloh, County Commissioner commented several times that this activity made understanding the functions and costs of the Health Department much more understandable.
Income for the department comes from many places including Federal and State grants, many other grants which are applied for each year and fees from individuals using the clinic (self pay on a sliding scale), Medicaid or other insurance, and fees for such things as immunizations and the Health Fair. 
The following are the departments whose budgets were reviewed.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) 
A Federal Grant supports this program and the expected funding is projected to be $544,841 in 2013.
Child Care Licensing
This is a mandated activity supported by Federal and State grants. It is unknown at this time but it is likely the grants will be less rather than increased.
Emergency Response 
This has to be local and regional.  The Federal Grant will be significantly less than 2012 (which was less than 2011).
Susanne Kufahl noted that she was not sure the regional grant still existed.
Family Planning
This is a mainstay program and historically very important part of maintaining public health and may receive the biggest hit from both State and Federal grant amounts. It requires 9 employees.
Healthy Families Contract.
This is a state grant ($200,000) and dovetails with 
other Health Department missions. 
Healthy Foods and Health Education
This had been supported for years with the Tobacco money, but now it is by a state grant which has decreased.  It is a one person department with mileage a large item.
` HIV case management
Provides case manager and counselor plus food pantry help.  Susanne Kufahl noted that State doesn’t give much hope that it will be continued.
Immunization Action Plan
This is the only department that comes in in the Black. But because of so much competition this income will dwindle.
Primary Care/Prescription Assistance
Takes most staff mostly nurses including an ARNP who
are in short supply and expensive.  Susanne Kufahl noted that in talks with State she feels somewhat positive that grant will be continued.
Smart Start/ECBG (Early Child Block Grant)
This is well supported by outcome statistics and is part of the Block Grant system.
MCH
Also a long time mainstay of Public Health and has State and Federal grants as well as fees and Medicaid and other insurance payments.
Submitted by Sue Cohen
   

Monday, June 11, 2012

Riley County Commission mtg 6-11-12

All Commissioners present. Rich Vargo gave the YTD Budget and Expenditures report. All is nominal, nothing alarming. 41.67% of year is past. RCPD has far exceeded $45,000 pool allowance for inmate medical. The daily jail population average is 85, but will rise.
Craig Cox, Asst Counsel, held a public hearing on method of assessing for paving in three areas. Driftwood and High Meadows are each assessed (by resident voting) per landowner. In question was Lakewood. Landowners had voted and petitioned to be assessed by lot. The question was whether people who had replatted to make two or three lots into one should pay the pre-platting rate or be able to pay for one lot. One (of about a dozen) member of the public presented a logical and human case for the "one-lot" alternative. Commissioners discussed the justice of the case at length, citing possible unfairness to those who had not replatted to pay a higher amount (fewer lots total). They decided (3-0) to assess at the post-replatting rate. Petitions will henceforth be worded as counting lots as of the day petition is submitted, thus preventing a recurrence of the problem.
Anne Smith, Director, invited everyone to the groundbreaking for aTa Bus transit Facility on Friday. It was financed by a $2 million grant. It will incorporate geothermal heating/AC, translucent garage doors and good insulation.
Greg McHenry, Appraiser, reiterated (see 6/7/12) that people should check ID of people claiming to be from Appraiser's office. The real appraisers will be conducting Annual Reviews from now to about November. Each appraisers will visit nearly 1,000 properties. Of 24,000 real estate parcels in Riley County, this year about 20% will be reviewed.
Dennis Peterson, Noxious Weed Director, said all e-waste should now be taken to Howie's for recycling. Everything is free except leaded glass TVs and monitors. Charges are: TV under 20", $5; 21-29", $10; 30"-plus,$15. Computers are $5. Howie's accepts credit cards and checks.
Gary Roswicz, Asst Dir Pub Works, said McDowell Creek Road bridge work will begin Monday, June 18. The road will be one lane only, with stoplight at each end. Ten-minute delays.
Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance officer, said Department heads and agencies are now presenting budget requests, several today and more on Thursday.
Ms McCulloh thanked all those who participated in the highly successful Garden Tour
Leon Hobson, Dir Pub Works, gave an update of current projects. County has been mowing, cleaning and repairing sewer lines, spraying for dust control, inspecting fire alarms, etc.
Clancy Holeman, Counselor, asked Commissioners if they preferred June 23 or June 30 as the date for a joint meeting with Geary and Pottawatomie County officials. Either date seemed acceptable to Commissioners, with slight preference for June 23. He had received a call from Senator Reitz, who was alertly looking out for the County's interests in a possible piece of Legislation.
Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, made her Budget request. The only changes were a request for $1,000 for advertising in legal publications, and a request to be allowed to attend the national conference of Mountain and Plains Museums in 2013, in Lincoln Nebraska. Their new employee begins working July 2.
Dalanna Nichols, Court Administrator, requested $5 more than last year in her Budget. She has rearranged other moneys to buy a new printer ($2000).
Judge Wilson discussed whether Riley County wants to dispose of the Law Library books and go to all on-line research (Douglas County, among many others, has already done so).Riley County pays about $50,000 per year in rent and utilities to maintain the books. For on-line research, we need only a room for computer terminals. The public would still have access. Wilson commented that the PolyComp (sp?) system saves RCPD a lot in transportation by allowing preliminary hearings for mental illness by on-line connection to Larned and Osawatomie Hospitals. Leavenworth, Douglas, and Shawnee Counties all have a paperless system. He said he is concerned about security in the Courthouse; events of the last few months have demonstrated the need for 24/7 system. The Courthouse does not have WiFi for attorneys. If Riley County received the additional Judge position they are qualified for, there would be no room--no office, no Courtroom--for him/her. The Legislative power of the small western counties makes it possible for them to thwart efforts to eliminate the "one County, one Judge" law. Some Judges try 500 cases a year; others try 2,500.
Barry Wilkerson, County Attorney, said his office will try to hold off another year in adding another employee. His budget request is for $5,000 less than this year. They will have tried three capital cases this year, and hope not to have those next year. In view of the recent instance of a many-year-old case coming back to haunt them (the suit for false arrest and imprisonment which cost a large settlement to be paid) the Attorney's office will keep all paperwork, and store old records. Commissioners decided that for the upcoming "big" trial, 14 reserved parking spaces for jurors and 4 for witnesses would be enough.
Lunch break.
Grant Bannister, Indigent Defense Counsel, made the appropriation request. The attorneys feel they are being underpaid. They have received minimal increases recently. These 6 attorneys carry on most of the Court's work, and their contractual obligation sometimes prevents them from using the other 1/2 of their time in private practice, because they are always on call. Ms Shepek said that their allocation was tentatively set at $350,000.
Asked about the Judge search (to replace retiring Judge Paul Miller) Bannister said the panel would be interviewing candidates next week and recommend 2 or 3 to the Governor, who will then have a month to decide.
Gina Scroggs, Downtown Manhattan, Inc., presented her appropriation request. She said this is an exciting time for downtown. After waiting 12 years, the Poyntz Avenue renovation plan will now be put into action. "Downtown" has expanded both south and north. The walkability of the area, including the Mall, has been widely admired. More signage is needed on Third Street to protect pedestrians. Fourth Street has become a thoroughfare, with heavy traffic. Her appropriation request is for slightly more than last year.
John Pagan, Eco Devo VP of Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, presented a "Power Point" show about economic indicators that Manhattan is becoming a leader in the State. Lyle Butler, Exec Dir, reminded Commissioners that the local Chamber makes its own decisions, and is not directed by the State Chamber of Commerce.
Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, presented budget estimates for the Commission's own allocations and expenditures, for Insurance, Bond and interest, County Eco Development Fund, half-cent sales tax projects, RCPD, General Services and Coroner. These funds do not have "advocates," but their services are presided over by County Officers. Projections were not final. Treasurer's data will be available soon to be included in calculations. Consensus was that the County has shown frugality and integrity in not exceeding allocations except in areas over which they have no control (such as Juvenile Justice, Coroner, RCPD inmate health expenses). Apologies for the length of this report. At budget time, meetings are detailed and long, but the public needs to know how these things are done, and be able to trust their officials. Sermon finished. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Riley County Commission mtg 6-7-12

All commissioners present.

Shelly Williams, Community Corrections Director, gave a monthly update.  In legislative matters, a different method of calculating whether drug offenders need treatment will be advantageous. More resources will be concentrated on those who have serious drug abuse problems, with an increase in Community Corrections involvement and fewer sent to prison.  A revision in DUI law restores some local control.  Private information of Community Corrections personnel is now exempted from public access (for security reasons).  Ms. Williams said they are taking full advantage of the Flex-Time policy with more evening counseling. With an ending balance from personnel shrinkage, she hopes to buy a much needed car through the state contract before the deadline of June 30.

Greg McHenry, Appraiser, reported a slight decrease in personal property valuation, which was a several-year trend.  Of 6 small claims hearings (under $2 million), two have been completed.  The county's value was upheld in both cases. There are five Court of Tax Appeals cases currently docketed for trial.  Four of these are at trial because they have tax reps, who have advised them to withhold documents.  Building permits are up slightly and residential home sales are receiving slightly higher prices than by this time last year.  The annual reviews for 2012 have begun. These are actual physical inspections of properties.  In rotation, each property should be inspected once every 6 years. Approximately 6,000 properties will be visited during April-November this year.  The public should take notice that suspicious activity of people pretending to be Pottawatomie County Appraisers has been reported.   the If someone claims to be from Riley County Appraiser, they should be in a clearly marked county car, have a county name tag, and possibly a logo on their clothing.  Mr. McHenry is President of the Kansas County Appraisers Association. Their conference will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, and approximately 135 people will attend.

Robbin Cole, Pawnee Mental Health Services Director, made her 2013 appropriations request. She introduced three board members.  Legislative activity was positive for her department in that they appropriated $1million to unify the billing system of the three providers of KanCare, and the Governor did not veto it. The state still insists that the revised Medicaid program will be in place and ready to go by January 1st. There are five applicants (out-of-state) for the three providers to be selected. They submitted their Medicaid application by the April 26 deadline, but it was rejected because they did not include two tribal governments.  Family-centered treatment (children's mental health) survived without a veto. Screenings of patients for institutionalization will have $74,000 more than last year, which will save the state funds. No one knows what will be the effect of the new tax plan just passed. Pawnee served 9% more clients since 2008, with a 13% budget cut.  Ms. Cole requested a 5% increase in appropriations, which was the first requested increase in 4 years.

Jennifer Wilson, Extension Director, asked for a $620 increase in the budget for the Riley County Fair. For Extension, she asked for a 3% personnel COLA and merit increase. KSU has granted a 3% increase for their Extension employees. Ms. Wilson hopes county employees may receive a similar raise.

Mary Jo Harbour, Riley County Council on Aging, explained that her Council is a funnel for 20 agencies, including some very small senior centers in 5 towns in Riley County. Maintenence of the Riley County Senior Service Center in Manhattan is problematic because it is owned by three individuals, called Trustees. Some people are uneasy about county taxpayer money being used for maintenance of private property.  RCCA is requesting the same appropriation as last year.

Shirley Delano, Riley County Genealogical Society, said they have the only genealogical library in a 60-mile radius. They have a radio program on line, they publish books, provide research by an expert librarian, have computers available to the public, and usually present 10 programs per year at their library or at Meadowlark.  All employees are volunteers, with no paid staff. Their request is for $3,100 for utilities and insurance.

Dennis Peterson, Noxious Weed Director, said all spraying on bare ground has been finished (guard rails, gravel road shoulders, county parking lots, etc.).  They also spray for musk thistle and bind weed on county roads.  Mowing began 10 days earlier this year than normal.  Household Hazardous Waste collection is this Saturday at Howie's. The Solid Waste Committee meeting recommended that e-waste collection be privatized.  Now that almost all monitors and TVs are flat screen, they no longer have very heavy leaded glass, which is difficult to recycle and transport.  Howie's has said they may be interested in taking over the e-waste. There will be charges for recycling there.  Commissioners agreed to recommend privatizing e-waste recycling 3-0.

After lunch, Robert Nall, Information Technology Department Director, presented his budget request for 2013.  He needs $90,000 in support for the transfer of the Health Department systems. The cost for necessary aerial photography to update imagery is $80,000. Mr. Nall requested personnel additions of one administrative assistant and two interns. Additional requests are for incorporation of phone system and the replacement of desktop computers on the regular 6-year rotation.

Larry Couchman, Emergency Medical Services/Ambulance Director, said they had 4,215 total calls in 2011, of which 2,599 were transports.  Estimates for 2012 are for total of 4,154 calls, with 61.7% transports.  He asked for the same budget allocation as last year, since they are on "deficit basis," meaning they operate basically with compensation from Medicare, Tricare, and Medicaid. He asked approval for a 2.5% salary increase for personnel, based on longevity. They currently have five ambulances with one backup (including personnel). He would like to add one in light of increased population and added hazards of NBAF.  His main concerns are two:  space needs and education. His building was designed for 1,200-1,300 usages, with part-time employees.  Possible options are expansion at the main station, new site, new substation, or remodel without expansion. Ms. McCulloh said she felt expansion was definitely justified. Other Commissioners seemed to agree. Planning could begin in 2013, and it could be bonded out, with interim use of temporary notes.  In terms of education, all personnel are required to update their skills periodically. His crew is overworked and outgrowing the present system.  Mr. Couchman commented that the centralized dispatch is a great help.

Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.