Thursday, December 20, 2012

Riley County Commission mtg 12-20-12

All  Commissioners present.

After routine business, Pat Collins, Director of Emergency Management, asked for approval of the plan to donate surplus equipment to the State Dept. of Forestry. It is mainly older air bottles, some not up to current standards, but which could be brought up. All of his department's new bottles are certified at high pressure. The gift would be with the condition that they be brought to certification level by the Forestry Dept. Commissioners approved the request 3-0.

Josh Kyle, RCPD, presented a request for fencing along an unwanted foot path to prevent damage to grass and exposure of vehicles to vandalism. KS Fencing, Inc. submitted the only bid for a chain link fence at a cost of $7,380.13, installed, and a decorative fence would cost $18,797.40. Funds are available in the maintenance fund. Commissioners Approved the chain link fence 2-1.  Ms. McCulloh objected to the expense and suggested maybe a sidewalk would be more practical.

Clancy Holeman, Counselor/Dir. of Admin., presented the latest draft of the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization's agreement on transportation planning, including make-up of the policy board. Several approval stages are planned through the end of December and early January. All the governing bodies involved must approve a final version as soon as possible, according to KDOT. Proposed changes should be presented by Jan. 4. The city is expecting to approve a version on Jan 22.  The county will vote on Jan. 10, including the Fiscal Agreement, which is a separate document.

Jennifer Wilson, Extension Director, said a statewide survey process will help them with program development for next fall. There are 2 vacancies on the Fair Board. Ms. Wilson recommended Mark Fritson for District #1, and she is waiting to hear from two potential appointees for District #3. This is a very active board, and they meet 6 times per year and work extra during the fair and its lead-up. Kristin Garcia, Extension 4-H Project Director, said the program kick-off was a huge success. Fifty people came through, including many enthusiastic families. Activities included making yeast bread, creating food gift baskets, and "gifts in a jar." The next subject will be "Fiber Fun: needlework, sewing, and fashion." Ms. Wilson said they currently have 297 4-H members, of which 51 are first year. In answer to a question from Ms. McCulloh, she said maybe by next spring or summer they would work out an agreement with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Brad Schoen, RCPD Director, said there have not been many accidents since last night's snow. Officers are responding only to accidents involving injuries or road blockage. People in minor accidents should report to RCPD within 48 hours. There will be two funerals on Saturday for fallen police officers in Topeka. RCPD has offered to send officers to help with traffic and dispatch so Topeka officers may attend the funerals and joint gatherings to follow.  The RCPD honor guard will attend the funerals, and our flag will be at half staff until after the ceremonies. The HVAC work at LEC is postponed since the crane broke down. They will continue the work the week of Jan. 7.  In February or March, they will begin their budgeting process. Director Schoen has met with the 2 newly-elected Commissioners. Plans for New Year's Eve are basically the same as last year, with minor changes. The celebration in Aggieville has usually presented no exceptional problems for RCPD. When asked about Fake Paddy's Day, he said he hopes to have conversations with Aggieville merchants and work out cooperative plans.


Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

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