Thursday, September 27, 2012

Riley County Commission September 27, 2012





Joan Strickler, observer 

All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.

A favorable 2011 financial audit report was presented indicating no exceptions were found and nothing was out of compliance.

A public hearing was held to discuss the creation of the Lakeside Heights Sewer District.  All property owners except one signed the agreement to develop the district.  The dissenting property owner said his one room property could not be lived in full time and is only used occasionally on trips to the lake.  No one spends the night there.  Commissioners voted to approve the formation of the district with the exception of the one property.

Susie Kufahl, Riley County Health Department Director, asked for permission to restructure a staffing arrangement by boosting the authority level of one position at a cost of approximately $1500.  Permission was granted.  She also asked for approval of a software upgrade required by regulatory authorities to meet the standards of accreditation of a medical facility.  Commissioners voted to approve the purchase.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reported the County has had one request from an individual to have the person’s personal information withheld from public records in accordance with the passage last year of HB 2427.  Apparently Johnson County has had six such requests. Holeman stressed the importance of pursuing efforts to have the law overturned in the next legislative session.  He said it is a costly mandate in that, to comply, software would require extensive retooling to handle the changes.  He said decisions in Topeka can have heavy impacts fiscally on local governments.

A public hearing was held on shifting the definition of the Sanitarian’s position location to the Health Department in compliance with the law.  There were no questions or disagreements.

Anne Smith, director of the aTa Bus, asked the Commission to extend the timeline for payment of the promissory note pertaining to the building of the transportation facility.  The time period for the note needs to be extended due to delays in getting construction underway.  Federal funds to reimburse the costs will not be received until the construction is completed.  The Commissioners voted to approve the request.  According to Smith the busses are well used and she expects some 100,000 passengers will have received services  by the end of the year.  New requests come in daily.

Community Corrections Director Shelly Williams spoke of her concerns about future funding of the Community Corrections programs.  Her office has been asked to submit a budget proposal reduced by 10% from that of the current year.  Since most of the budget pertains to staff, such reductions could result in dropping seriously, chronic violent offenders currently supervised in the community.  Services to juveniles would be extensively cut.  The loss of State funds also could possibly reduce access to some federal funds.  The passage in last year’s Legislative session of extensive tax cuts to business firms is expected to greatly reduce State revenues.  Such reductions could result in property tax increases at the local level to pick up the loss of State support.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Riley County Commission September 24, 2012





Riley County Commission September 24, 2012
Joan Strickler, observer
 

Commissioners Lewis and McCulloh present, Lewis presiding.

The Commission is in the process of meeting with Manhattan Public Library personnel about moving the County Law Library into the public library.

Plans tentatively were made to hold a ceremony to celebrate the naming of the Law Enforcement Center in honor of Alvan Johnson sometime during the first week of December.

A motion to pay for acquisition of property in Fairmont Park out of CIP funds was approved.

Commissioner McCulloh expressed concerns about potential cuts in funding for community corrections programs. She said without community corrections alternatives more people are likely to be  incarcerated and kept so for longer periods.  She asked that the issue be placed on the agenda for Thursday’s meeting.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman announced an agreement has been reached with the Indigent Defense Panel to accept a cola increase in compensation this coming year.  A conference will be held with local legislators on December 6, at noon, in the Commission chambers.  Of major concern is last year’s passage of legislation allowing individuals to restrict access to their personal information in public records.   

Tim Hegarty, with the Riley County Police Department, said the Department’s twitter account has more than 2000 followers.  This is a higher percentage than that of law enforcement offices  in Wichita and Kansas City.  He says, through twitter, the RCPD is able to reach out to a population it needs to have positive relations with.  Crimes have been solved through twitter contacts.  Crime Stoppers also has been effective.  Through it persons may report crime information by phoning, sending emails or texting.  When appropriate, police have been closing off Moro for about one half hour around 1:00 a.m. The action is taken to avoid accidents after people have been drinking heavily.

Apparently the ballot for this November’s general election will include a Constitutional amendment question involving the taxation of watercraft in Kansas.  Currently watercraft are valued and taxed as personal property.  The ballot question asks voters to choose whether or not to allow the Kansas Legislature the option of changing this.  The ballot question does not prescribe any particular or specific changes to the current ad valorem method of property taxes for watercraft.  Any potential changes would have to be enacted by the Legislature if the constitutional measure passes.  A similar ballot question failed narrowly in the 2000 general election.  The wording of the question will be lengthy and is expected to be very confusing to voters.

Jerry Haug, with the Kansas Department of Transportation, said there will be lots of changes in traffic on Highway 18 over the next several months.  Airport access will be worked on.  He warns drivers to be very careful and watch the signs.  The estimated completion date for the entire project is fall of 2013.

Friday, September 21, 2012

USD 383 Board of Education

Sept. 19, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board was presented with information about plans for private fundraising for an artificial turf field at Bishop Stadium.  The field is estimated to cost $800,000.  The MHS Booster Club has been working on fundraising and has been striving to secure three corporate sponsors who will each contribute $200,000.  The Booster Club wanted to know whether the corporate sponsors will be able to have their logos displayed on the field.  Walt Pesaresi wanted to know how large the logos would be before giving approval, and the Booster Club representatives said they would be in communication with administration as the efforts progress to make sure the board is satisfied.  The district's share of the costs could be financed with a transfer from the supplemental general fund to the capital outlay fund.  The grass field costs $30,000 annually to maintain, and the district's director of business services suggested setting aside the $30,000 each year for the next 10 years to provide the financing for when the surface will need to be replaced.  The board approved 7-0 the fundraising plans.

Board members discussed a proposal for an advisory period at MHS, which will be held on Wednesdays for 21 minutes.  The advisory period will focus on students' academic progress, career opportunities, and anti-bullying activities.  Pete Paukstelis and Pesaresi felt the board needed to be provided with more information.  Paukstelis wanted the program to be evaluated every year and to be able to put the time to better use if nothing is being accomplished.  Despite concerns, the board approved 7-0 to implement the program.

The board held a public hearing to provide citizens the opportunity to comment on the proposal to swap the high school's starting/ending times with the times for elementary schools.  Several parents of elementary students spoke against making the change, citing concerns about additional time after school spent in child care, waiting in the dark at bus stops in the morning, elementary students also need sleep, and a decrease in family time.  The opinions of parents of secondary students varied, with some favoring going to a later start time so students would be more alert at the start of the school day and others expressing concerns about how the late ending time would affect homework time and after school activities.  The board plans to make a decision about start/end times at the Oct. 10th meeting.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Riley County Commission mtg 9-20-12

All Commissioners present. Commissioners discussed variations in figures given to them for use in the presentations on the 1/2-cent sales tax renewal proposal. County Treasurer's figures differed from those given by Public Works. Johnette Shepek, Budget officer, will gather data and reconcile the figures. The figures are estimates, based on various data.
Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds, reported on year-to-date revenue. There have been four mortgages of over $1 million during the past month. The registration processes produce revenue for the County. The remote access has had 6,926 log-ins, 6,107 of them during working hours. These save staff time, and also bring in copy fees. Subscriptions to remote access are $100 per year. The revenue for the period is $11,642, which includes subscriptions and copying fees.
Clancy Holeman, Administration and Counsel, yielded time to Monty Wedel for Commissioners to discuss which map of boundaries and cost sharing they prefer for the Manhattan Area Planning Organization. They chose "map 4a," (by consensus )which includes Ogden with Manhattan, but not Fort Riley. Other entities are Junction City, Pottawttomie County, Riley County, and Geary County.
Mr Holeman said the trustees of the Law Library will be meeting with trustees of Manhattan Public Library to make final arrangements for moving the Law Library to the Public Library. It is expected to take about 6 months to complete the move. The Public Library will receive $5000 to assist in the move. Mr Holeman said they hope to have a contract signed by Oct 1. Commissioners emphasized the need for public access to the Law Library.
Ginny Barnard, Extension, discussed the summer nutrition program in Ogden. They had planned to have sessions for adults for 4 weeks and for children for 2 weeks, but found that parents remained for their children's sessions, and brought the children along for their own sessions. So they all worked effectively together. They emphasized such things as cooking skills, food safety, resource managements, physical activity, and family sharing of meals. Kristin Garcia, Extension, said that National 4-H week is Octobr 7-13. They have 11 local clubs, and about 350 youths participating. The project kick-off is Oct 20, 1-4:00 p.m. at Pottorff. Their fund-raising garage sale is this Friday from 6-8:00 and Saturday 8-10:30 a.m. at Pottorff. Items will be priced from 25 cents, bags $4.
Brad Schoen, Director of RCPD, updated Commissioners. They are going to start advertising for two additional positions (already budgeted): one Public Information officer and one Crime Scene Tech. The PIO will need to be skilled in modern communication methods such as Twitter. They have had interactions with other Police Departments as far away as Australia. Mr. Schoen said they should be prepared for a rise in Workers Compensation rates and higher deductibles on insurance. It may cost them $30,000 more next year for insurance. Mr Schoen will look into the possiblity that recent changes at the State level may make it possible for the RCPD to become eligible for the State Pool. In the matter of the renaming of the Law Enforcement Center in honor of retiring County Commissioner Al Johnson, they will discuss dates for the ceremony on Monday.
Bob Isaac, Planner, presented a request for replat of property in northern Riley County, owned by Robert and Marian Brandenburg. They asked for erasure of property line between two lots, to make only one lot. Study by Planning board on Sept 10 found no reason to deny. They recommended approval of the change, as did County staff. Approved 3-0.
Mr Isaac presented a request by Monte Poersch for Residential Designator Lot ("extraneous farmstead") for his property. Planning Board had approved the change; staff recommended approval. Approved 3-0.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Director/County Engineer, requested permission to fill a position of Administrative Clerk I, which has been vacant since April 2011. He said his present staff is overworked (one present worker will soon go on extended maternity leave, adding to the burden) with all the necessary paper work, and he needs the position filled as soon as possible. Ms McCulloh said she felt they should have McGrath (consultant) come in to evaluate the need and help them to attain greater efficiency with present staff. Mr Hobson said they have already improved efficiency in several ways, and McGrath could not have the expertise to evaluate their particular situation. Ms McCullogh reminded all present that if the sales tax renewal does not pass, there will be cut-backs in all departments, and they should plan for the future. Mr. Lewis said he disagrees on the refusal of the position, because it might compromise the service provided by Mr Hobson's department. Mr Johnson moved that they approve filling the position. Mr. Lewis seconded. Passed 2-1, with Ms McCulloh dissenting.
Motion to Adjourn after City/County/County meeting this afternoon. Passed 3-0. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

County Commission Sept 17, 2012

County Commission Sept. 17
All Commissioners were present
Susan Kufahl, Riley County Health Department Director told the commission that work continues on upgrading the IT systems. She said she would be able to present more definite information in about a month. The object is to permit (with security) information communication.
She also said that 300 - 400 "flu" shots have been given. One case of flu has been reported. October 11 will be "Ocfluberfest" promoting inoculations for flu and TDAP.

Craig Cox, Assistant county Counselor, announced that there is a purchase contract for the property at 101 Noon St. in the Fairmont Park area. It has been a struggle to even find out who really owned the property with several entities having held the mortgage over time along with some mis-information. The Register of Deeds was lauded for helping to straighten things out.

Jennifer Wilson announced classes on "Medicare Basics" for those becoming eligible for Medicare or those caring for someone with medical issues. This free class will be Monday, Sept 24 6:30 - 8:30 in Junction City at the Public Library. Register with Debra Wood at dwood@ksu.edu or by calling 785-238-4161.
In Manhattan the class will be Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Pottorf Hall, CiCo Park. Register at www.riley.ksu.edu or by calling Sharon at 785-537-6350.

Julie Merklin, Observer

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Riley County Commission mtg 9-13-12

All Commissioners present.
Shelly Williams, Director of Community Corrections, said she and another staff member were attending a specialist class in Yoder, KS, on ways of assisting offenders in making decisions about their education, work and life situations. They are learning ways to help offenders realize the extent of and overcome the barriers for felons in society--to help them become more resourceful and develop the ability to work under pressure. The class is a full two weeks, 60 hours. They discovered after enrolling that they could have signed up to receive 3 hours of graduate credit for the course. Ms Williams said they are now out-sourcing some of their educational classes, at a savings in salaries and benefits. Their finances continue to be of concern. They face a 10% cut after 18 months. Since over 90% of their budget is salaries, the cuts must inevitably result in loss of services. She pointed out the obvious fact that with less community corrections service, the crime rate inevitably rises. One practice they are adopting to help meet Constitutional requirement for a speedy trial is use of video conferencing for preliminary hearings in some cases. Several judges are comfortable using IT, thus saving the County transportation costs. They are cutting caseloads by requesting that "payment only" offenders (those low risk offenders who have only to pay court costs and fines) be transferred to "collections," thus not requiring supervision. They have put one position on hold pending further data on the impact of budget cuts. This position would deal with Children in Need of Care, juvenile placement services. They average 30 intakes per month in this category.
Lyle Butler, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, introduced their new employee, Trent Armbrust, who will concentrate on dealing with existing local businesses. The Chamber has decided to focus at this time on helping already present businesses to grow and add employees. They will assist all businesses, regardless of Chamber membership. Mr. Armbrust is a doctoral candidate at KSU, and has been associated with the Veterinarian School for years. He has served on the Advisory Board for Law Enforcement. Mr Butler said they are taking an active part in promoting the upcoming ballot proposal for extending the 1/2-cent sales tax for County and City projects. They plan to emphasize that this is not a new tax, but an extension of the present one. Ms McCullogh pointed out that the ballot will contain a State Constitutional Amendment to do with taxation of water craft. This a very long statement, and will be printed in "first place" on the ballot, since it is a State issue. So advocates of the 1/2-cent sales tax matter should emphasize that voters should be persistent. They also discussed the matter of favoring local businesses in awarding contracts after bidding. Ms McCulloh said they of course must take the lowest, best bid, but local businesses could be given the opportunity to match low bids. She reported that all department heads of the County work to give business to local companies on non-bid purchases, whenever feasible.
Clancy Holeman, Counselor/Director of Administration, asked for input on the date for the Legislative Conference. Among the possible dates, Commissioners chose December 3 by consensus. They will plan to have a catered meal and then meeting from 12:00 to 2:00 with all legislative candidates (some elected by then) and County Commission candidates, as well as previously serving Legislators not running for for re-election (Schwartz, Tadiken, and Reitz).
Mr Holeman said since the lease on the Law Library building expires September 30, they are talking with the Public Library, hoping they can provide space for it. The present owner is willing to make 4-6-month lease while they move.
When he meets with the KAC policy committee, he will emphasize that the unintended consequences of the law to restrict public access to information on certain public office holders, can amount to tremendous repercussions (for instance, difficulty in selling or buying a house).
After other routine business, meeting was adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Riley County Commission mtg 9-10-12

All Commissioners present. Rich Vargo, County Clerk, gave Year-to-date budget and expenditures report. All funds are nominal, with no budget violations. He commented that 2012, being en election year, the County Clerk's office will have higher than normal expenditures.
Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, and two Museum employees, discussed the processes by which the current temporary exhibition at the Flint Hills Discovery Center was put together. It is a partnership of the RC Historical Museum; U.S. Cavalry Museum, Fort Riley; Environmental Division, DPW, Fort Riley; Historic Costume and Textile Museum, KSU College of Human Ecology; Morse Department of Special Collections, KSU Libraries; and the Discovery Center. These six entities worked together for one-and-a-half years to narrow down a list of 100 historical objects related the theme: "Forces: The Shaping of Manhattan, Fort Riley and Kansas State University" to 75 objects and then finally to the 60 objects used. They cooperated on research, photography, and the great task of re-labeling objects, some of which were originally labeled 90 years ago. One interesting object is a cabinet belonging to Seth Child, the postmaster, who regularly rode a horse to Leavenworth to pick up the mail. All objects were prepared, then wrapped for transportation, then carefully transported and put on display. The exhibition opened September 7 and will continue through January 13, 2013. More information is available on the web site: www.rileycountyksgov/museum. The site is constantly being updated and added to. Major funding for the project is from the Kansas Humanities Council. Saturday, September 22, is being made a free day by the sponsorship of Farm Bureau.
At the press conference, Ms Collins reiterated the significance of the Discovery Center exhibit and announced other activities planned by the Historical Society and Museum. Sept ll, Author Day will be celebrated at the Public Library from 4-6:00 p.m. Speakers and other activities are planned. Ms Collins will conduct a walking tour of historic downtown Manhattan on Sept 13, beginning at 6:00 p.m. from the Courthouse Plaza. On Sept 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the Public Library, William D. Keele, a professor of German at KU, will present "Hurrah, Frei Kansas! Germans Struggle Against Slavery in Kansas Territory, 1854-1861!" This program is also funded by the Kansas Humanities Council.
Kristen Garcia, Extension, said the Kansas State Fair began on Friday, Sept 7. There are 11,489 4-H entries, many of which are from Riley County. Sunday was K-State Day--a sea of purple, organized at the behest of KSU president Kirk Schultz. October 1 is the beginning of the 4-H year. Oct 20 is project kick-off at Pottorff Hall in Ci/Co Park. 4-H will hold a gigantic garage sale next week: Friday Sept 21 6-8:00 and Saturday Sept 22 8-11:00 a.m. at Pottorff Hall. Donations accepted Thursday and Friday a.m.
Greg Lund said the Dog Park at the NW corner of Ci/Co Park is now open. It is approximately one acre, fenced in so dogs can run leash-free. A "pet waste clean-up station" is included.
Ginny Barnard, Extension, said September is National Food Safety Month. She distributed a brochure about fighting food-borne bacteria. Extension will hold food safety training sessions at Pottorff. On October they offer a 1-hour class for employee-level for $10. On November 13, they will offer a manager-level course of 8 hours, for $100. This includes a book and the exam. Courses are approved by the Kansas Restaurant Association.
Eileen King, Treasurer, gave monthly financial reports. Investment income is not exciting. Sales tax revenues are healthy, currently at 77.27% of Budget estimates. Current collection rates are up from, last month, from August of last year, and from year to date 2011. Overall, collections are 4.96% over budget. A small number of very large ad valorem delinquencies brings down the surplus in variance to budget.
Clancy Holeman, Counselor/Dir of Admin. conducted an administrative work session. County has requested two stops for the ATA bus: one at Ci/Co and one at the Health Department.
The Indigent Defense contract is finalizing. The Law Library lease expires at the end of Sept. Commissioners will receive on Thursday a resolution to amend a small error ("end" instead of "expire") for the half-cent sales tax question. Other matters briefly discussed. Meeting adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.