Riley County Commission November 25, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

In casual discussion at the beginning of the meeting it was mentioned that, contrary to recent accounts of public opposition, the board members of Manhattan’s Chamber of Commerce appear to have no problem with the concept of establishing a public building commission.

Brenda Nickel, Health Department Director, presented information compiled by Kansas Action for Children.  The statistics for Riley County cause concern in the area of infant mortality.  The rate in the county exceeds that of the state and its peers.  Riley County’s infant mortality rate was 7.65% per 1000 births compared to the state rate of 6.07% and peer rate of 5.58%.

Riley County also falls behind in high school graduation rates.  During the 2011-2012 school year only seventy-six percent of high school students graduated which is nearly eight percent lower than that of both the state and peer counties.  Nearly seventeen percent of Riley County children live below the poverty level.

John Armbrust, with the Governor’s Military Council, expressed concern that funding uncertainty has left Ft. Riley without a clue as to what its operating budget will be.  He said cuts are made at the federal level with little information regarding the effects on local bases and communities.

Some areas of the country are establishing Veterans Courts to deal with domestic abuse cases in an effort to get combat veterans into treatment rather than prisons.  Armbrust did not address the issue of protection provided for the abused person through Veterans Courts.

EMS Director Larry Couchman presented a review of potential building sites for a new, comprehensive EMS building.  All of the Fire Department locations were considered as well as Pioneer Part, Cico Park and KSU owned land along College, Denison and Kimball.  The County Shop site offers another possibility but presents the problem of increased response time for heavy demand areas in Manhattan.  Commissioner Lewis said he was opposed to Pioneer Park.  The park is located adjacent to the historic Goodnow House and the Riley County Historical Museum and is considered part of that total historical preservation site.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman mentioned several legislative issues being lobbied for strongly by the realtor’s association and bankers association.  Their positions would result in loss in fees now collected by counties and result in a heavy negative impact on county budgets.   

Riley County Commission Nov.21, 2013

Riley County Commission November 21, 2013

The wording of the Public Building Commission draft bylaws was discussed.  The difference of opinion was whether an advisory board "may" be formed or "shall" be formed.  Commissioner Boyd wanted it to be mandatory.  The other two commissioners felt that two public forums should provide enough input for the citizenry .  The wording was not changed

Jennifer Wilson, Riley County extension director announced that John Jobe is the new 4H Youth Development Agent, beginning Dec. 2.

Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds reported the year to date revenues through November 12,compared with 2012.  Totals for 2012 were $1,138,447 and for 2013, $1,124,581.  October revenues in 2012 were $84,734 and for 2013 $69,339.

The longest discussion was over Bart Thomas' request to rezone a parcel of property south of K18 west of Scenic Drive.  The request was to change from AG, agriculture to D1, industrial park.  The planning board sent the request to the county commission with the recommendation to disapprove.  Their reason was that D1 would allow enterprises that would not be good for that location.  The possibility of a PUD was discussed but Mr Thomas was against that for reasons of cost.  The Commission decided to postpone any decision.
Julie Merklin, observer

Riley County Commissioners Nov. 18, 2013

BOCC

Nov. 18, 2013

 

All commissioners present, Dave Lewis presiding

 

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer presented the Road and Bridge 1/2 cent sales tax projects.  The McDowell Creek project, estimated at $6 million dollars, was the most costly.  Other projects included Anderson Ave. Asphalt Overlay, two bridges, four culverts, design for  two more bridges and 4 more culverts.  Total project estimate was $8,185,000. Resources available are $3,500,000.  There isn't adequate funding to complete all projects.  One option is a General Obligation Bond Issuance  for McDowell Creek.  Commissioner Boyd urged prudence and said McDowell Creek is still serviceable.  :Public Works Director, Leon Hobson, said that most important are safety concerns for drivers.  The probable increase in cost of materials, if the project were postponed, was also  mentioned.  The motion to approve the project passed, two to one with Commissioner Boyd voting no.

 

     Eileen King said that the Treasurer's office has begun mailing the 2013 tax statements.  Information is available on the Riley County website under Online Property Tax Search.

 

     It was announced that the Riley county Health Dept. is holding "Flu Shot Friday" through the end of the year, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. They have received free vaccine from KDHE to be provided to the county's uninsured residents.  There is a $14 administration fee.

 

     Clancy Holeman, County Counselor discussed the effects on Riley County Revenues if, as has been proposed , the Legislature ends the Mortgage Registration Fee.  This is being pushed by Realtors and Bankers association.  Riley County would lose $1,072,000 and, statewide, counties would lose a total of $46,648,356.  He suggested that, if it passes, counties should start thinking of what services should be cut.  He said this amount in Riley County, would equal two mills in real estate tax.

Riley County Health Department Advisory Council Report
September 30. 2013
Submitted by Linda Morse

Judy Wagner has resigned from the Advisory Council because she has moved to Wichita.  The Council is interested in having a representative of Mercy Hospital nominated as a replacement appointment. T he Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will make the appointment.  If anyone has a suggestion, please get in touch with Debbie Nuss
and/or Karen McCulloh

The Health Department received a $113,000 KDHE Title X grant for Family Planning (Reproductive Health).  The amount is matched for a total of $249,000 to serve approx 750 clients.  Director Nichols distributed a copy of the local agency management requirements for the grant.  Most provisions are routine, however, one provision requires the establishment of a 5-9 member Advisory Committee to review family planning educational information and
provide guidance in the development, implementation and evaluation of the program.  The committee must meet annually and includes consumers utilizing the program.  The Public Health Department Advisory Council decided they will take on the role of the Advisory committee for this local Family Planning Program. They will add up to 5 clients for the purpose of fulfilling the requirement.   Debbie Nuss and Karen McCulloh ( League members) were advocates and made a difference in the discussion.

The monthly Director's Report:


Brenda Nichols distributed the September Board of Health/Health Department's  Budget Report (which is the same as provided to the BOCC).
1)  Primary Care Clinic:  Projected revenues for the year are at 53% of the budget; expenses are at 35% of the budget. 
     Expenses are reduced due to the inability to hire a full-time Advanced Practice Registered Nurse since February '13.  Without that position, Medicaid patient base did not increase, so that fees could not be realized and thus less client revenue.
2)  Immunization Revenue: Expenses stand at 59 percent.  Medicaid revenue is a concern because it may be lower  than projected.  Private insurance revenue is expected to be higher than projected. The upcoming Flu Shot Clinics will boost revenue. There are 18 off-site clinics scheduled; locations to be announced.
3)  The Department has moved the Pottawatomie County WIC Clinic from St. Mary's  to Wamego (1st Baptist Church).   Per an agreement, Pottawatomie County pays Riley County to support the Clinic.  It is open twice per month to serve approx.72-75 families. 
4)  The Health Department currently  has a budget deficit of $20,000. The Director is working with the Konza Clinic to partner for the primary care program.  
5)   The  Health Department's Time/Cost Study will be conducted this month. The last study was done in April of 2012.  
6) Brenda Nichols, Director, noted that the Department is pleased to join the exercise in cooperation with the  Animal Borne Disease Table Top - October 9-10 with  Federal authorities, KSU, EOC, Riley County Police (and maybe others) in preparation for NBAF.
7)  Oct-FLU-Ber Fest will be  from 4-7 pm on Thursday, Oct 10. It is an event with entertainment to encourage flu shots. 
8)  Flu-Shot-Fridays - from 8 - 11:30 a.m. every Friday from Oct-Dec.  They will have 3,500 doses and 22 off-site flu shot clinics.
9)  Although only high level discussions to date, theDepartment is working cooperatively with Kristin Cottom and Renee Hanahran from Mercy Regional Health/Via Christi to develop a Community Health Assessment Plan by July 2014. There is consideration of a contract with Envisage (an outside firm)  to conduct broad health assessments in the outlying communities.
11) The Department has moved  staff and programs to better utilize the 2nd Floor space.  Planning to add Emergency Preparedness staff also.  Health Department Administrator  Brenda Nichols is featured in the new issue of Manhattan Magazine which is  available free at the Public Library. 























Due to the holidays, the NEXT MEETING will combine the Nov & Dec meetingS and will be held in early December.

Linda
Linda Morse
313-5612