Riley County Commission May 30, 2013

Riley County Commission May 30, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

 

All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

Commissioners held a general discussion about events attended and issues to be addressed.  Commissioner Lewis mentioned the need for considering the traffic system around the K-State campus as the University cuts off traffic through campus.  As vehicles are parked in the Snyder Family Stadium lot, this will increase the need for bus transportation to and from the main campus.  Development relating to the NBAF building will affect the need for road  traffic system updates.

County Counselor, Clancy Holeman, provided a brief report on the Legislative session.  It appears there is agreement on the budget bill, the problem is disagreement on the tax bill.

Robbin Cole, director of Pawnee Mental Health Services, noted her program has been operating for 56 years and serves a 10 county area.  More than 7000 clients were served last year, of which 2,377 were from Riley County.  In FY ’07, statewide funding for community mental health services was $31,066,330.  Cuts to that amount occurred in fiscal years ‘08, ’09, and ’10.  While $5 million was restored in FY ’13, that amount was cut in the Governor’s budget recommendation for FY ’14.  This would represent a 68% cut in funding for Pawnee in the coming year.  Funding for families with children with serious emotional disturbances would be cut entirely in the Governor’s recommendations for FY ’14.

Reimbursement for persons served under the new KANCARE managed care system has been falling short of actual costs.

Following the regular meeting Commissioners participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Manhattan Town Center Mall.  The ceremony was held to draw attention to a new traveling exhibit sponsored by the Riley County Historical Society and Museum, “Americans by Choice: the Story of Immigration and Citizenship in Kansas”.   

County Commission 5/23/13

County commission  May 23, 2013

All commissioners present

Johnette Shepek gave an update on  the budgets for CIP. county Building, Economic Development and 1/2 cent sales tax.  The balances were in line with expectations for this point in the year.

Robert Nall reported on progress in the aerial photos of the county.  These are taken every so often, since there are frequent changes within the county and they need to be up to date.

Eileen King presented totals of auto and other tax revenues.  These are slightly above the budgeted amounts.

Monty Wedel and the commission discussed regulations on digital signs located on the property of the business or, in this particular case, the church.  The concern is the distraction to motorists if the sign is animated.  A six month moratorium was decided upon, which could be extended if necessary.

Julie Merklin, observer

Health Department Advisory Board Report 4-24-1013

Health Board Advisory Board Meeting Report.

    The Riley County Health Department Advisory Board met at 4PM on April 24th at the Health Department. The meeting was chaired by Ginny Barnard from Riley County Extension.  Other
members present were Michael Cates, KSU Public Health Program Director, Judy Warner, Vice President at Mercy Health, Brad Starnes, Superintendent USD 378 Riley County, Paul Bennes, MD
Fort Riley Public Health Director, and Karen McCulloh, community representative as well as City Commissioner.
    Also present were Bob Boyd, County Commissioner, Rich Vargo, who is acting in part until a new Administrator is hired if critical decisions have to be made, Paula Pedersen, new office manager for the Health Department since Mindy Robbins has resigned, and Katy Vaughn, Health Educator and Accreditation coordinator.
    After the minutes were approved Karen McCulloh stated that the Derek Mosier, Veterinarian representative  and Rick Fulton, DDS had indicated that the 4PM meeting time was not convenient for them and that the former meeting time at noon would suit them better.  This item, however, was not discussed.
    Handouts included the budget calendar listing necessary actions culminating in the adoption of the final budget on August 25, 2013. Also included was a  listing of personnel allocation as of 4-24-2013.  Marcia Tannehill took on the task of explaining the activities of each department considered in the budget separately.  The in depth discussion of what each department attempts to provide was applauded by the members of the Board. At the conclusion of the presentation Dr. Paul Henne stated his opposition to having a primary care clinic at the Health Department as not the purpose or the proper activity for the Public Health Department.  Karen McCulloh discussed the reason the Primary Care clinic was started and that it had come from a perceived need in the community and that much discussion and research had been done before the clinic was begun.  Dr. Henne suggested that there was a better way to serve this need and stated that there was interest from the Primary Care Clinic in Junction City to expand and that they are better set up and funded for such a clinic in Manhattan.  The “Flint Hills” clinic that is open one night a week is not ready to take on a full time primary care clinic. Further discussion of the issue is certain to take place as the budget activities and funding sources are examined in the coming weeks and months. There was
discussion of possibly appointing a sub committee to come up with “What the Priorities of the Health Department Should Be”.     Karen McCulloh stated that as funding will be a major issue, it will be important for the Advisory Board be able to lobby for necessary funds for the Department and thus have in depth knowledge of the needs and how best to meet them.
    Michael Cates, KSU member reported that interviews for a new administrator had started.  There were six candidates for the first round of interviews.
    The next meeting will be May 8th at 4PM.

Submitted by Sue Cohen