Thursday, February 28, 2013

Riley County Commission February 28, 2013





 Joan Strickler, observer 

All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reported HB2285, referred to as the fixtures bill, would result in shifting more of the tax burden from large corporations to small businesses and farms.  Another bill, HB2185, could present a problem for Riley County.  It pertains to the consolidation of cities and counties and does not address situations such as City of Manhattan’s inclusion in both Riley and Pottawatomie Counties.

Information Technology/GIS Director Robert Nall reported on the recommendations of the website design committee.  A concern expressed is that the current website appears too cluttered and needs some re-design work.  The committee recommends that all posting on the website be handled on a centralized basis. Rather than allow people to post their own information directly, it would be better to have someone in charge of pulling information together and organizing it into an appropriate format.  The County’s Facebook page also needs redesigning.

Nall said the Judges seem to think things are going well in using paperless warrants.

Counselor Clancy Holeman discussed the legalities involved in establishing drainage districts and watershed districts.  The topic currently is under consideration by the group now studying  the flooding of Wildcat Creek.  Once these districts are formed they are permanent.  Each has the power to tax up to 5 mils without putting the issue to a vote. All power over drainage districts is exercised by a three member board of directors.  Watershed districts are controlled by an elected board of directors.   Both entities have the ability to exercise eminent domain and condemn property both inside and outside its boundaries.  Once they are formed the County has no control over either type of entity.  Such districts are highly litigated because of their extensive powers.

Though the County has no control the State would have some authority over watershed districts.  It is possible, however, that federal controls could be implemented.  The Commissioners expressed concern over the lack of County control and the possibility of federal authorities coming in.

Riley County Police Department Director Brad Schoen spoke about needs regarding the RCPD firing range and safety issues involved.  He said there is land owned by the County near the transfer station that might be utilized if the current range site is not adequate.  He suggested that the new land could also be large enough to provide for training other than firearms use such as driving areas to train emergency vehicle operators.  The topic will be discussed more at next Monday’s meeting.

There was some discussion of how to proceed in filling the newly vacant position of Health Department Director.

 

 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Riley County Commission February 25, 2013





Joan Strickler, Observer
All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek provided an overview of the County’s CIP policy and procedures.  Capital projects valued at $5000 or more, with an expected us of one year or more, fall under the category of CIP.  They are ranked in four categories – Imperative, Essential, Important, and Desirable.  In practice, it is usually only those on the Imperative list that are funded.

County Treasurer Eileen King said the royalty costs for specialty license plates can now be collected in the Treasurer’s office.  Royalty fees go to the entity represented on the plates.  For instance, K-State receives a $50 royalty fee on each K-State plate.  The amount of the fee is different for the various organizations and institutions.  In the past the fees had to be paid up front to the organization or institution to obtain the permit to buy the tag.

The Riley County Appraiser’s Office has completed mailing of the 2013 Change of Value Notices for each of the approximately 24,000 real estate parcels in the County.

Residential value has increased 2.8% from 2012, while Commercial value has increased 7.6% from last year.  Agricultural value has increased 10.7%.  Not for Profit property has decreased 12.8%.  Some 27% of total valuation is exempt from taxes.  This represents an increase of 7.4%.  Most of the increase in overall values is due to new construction.

Following an Executive Session, the Commissioners unexpectedly announced the acceptance of the resignation of Riley County Health Department Director Susie Kufahl.

Planning Director Monty Wedel reviewed a proposed property maintenance code.  It was decided to shelve the code for consideration next year.

Public Works Director Leon Hobson briefly reviewed a long range facilities study prepared by Brent Bowman AIA.  The study deals with 20 year projections for office space needs.  It was agreed to set up a retreat to consider the long term space needs of the County.

 

 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

USD 383 Board of Education

Feb. 6, 2013
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Dr. Bob Seymour, Assoc. Superintendent, provided the board with the mid-year enrollment report.  Enrollment in the elementary grades was down 37 students but had increased by 21 students in preschool, resulting in a net decrease of 16 students.

Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, reported on the numerous bills introduced in the Kansas Legislature that would impact K-12 education.  Current proposals call for the state's per pupil funding remaining flat for the next two years and then increasing by $12 per pupil in the third year.

The board was provided with information for summer programs for 2013.  Programs will include MHS credit recovery, driver's education, field biology, enriched learning opportunities, special education services, virtual school, and Flint Hills Summer Fun Camp, which includes autism spectrum students.  The board approved the proposed summer programs.

The board approved hiring architectural firm Gould-Evans, which is the firm that worked on the MHS West Campus project, to conduct a facilities study for MHS East Campus to determine needs and priorities.  Member of the public Alan Gast addressed the board to express his disappointment that the board had selected an out-of-town firm to conduct the study.