Sunday, November 23, 2014

County commission 11/20/14

Riley county commission Nov 20, 2014

Commissioners Wells and Lewis present

Commissioners Wells and Lewis present

Debbie Regester reported on collection and distribution of Mortgage Recording Fees.  On Jan. 1 2015, the recording fees and registration fees change.

Regester also reported on the continuing re-scans of old records.  The examples of improvement in legibility were striking.

Jennifer Wilson, county extension Director explained the focus of an action plan focussing on global food security.  The concern is having enough food to feed the projected world population of 9billion.  She said studies show that 40% of food is wasted before consumption, and that consumers need education in how to prevent wasting of food.  Much ends up in the garbage.

Brad Schoen, RCPD told the commission about problems from parties at Britts Garden Acres.  The warehouse there is rented out for these events and Britts say they have no responsibility for these activities. There seems to be lack of control, and alcohol laws violated.  Schoen said that the RCPD will stay on this.

Pat Collins, emergency management director explained to the Commission the need for updating the 911 system.  The need is urgent and there is enough money in the budget specifically for this.  Estimated cost is $423,000.  Revenue for this fund comes from monthly fees on cell phone service and phone lines.  The commissioners approved.

Leon Hobson, Public Works Director told the commission that the bridge on south 32 street must be replaced because the wooden pilings that support it are rotting. This project is priority.  A State of Kansas program could fund 90% of construction and design costs.  The commission gave approval to
proceeding with design plans.

The commission convened as the health department and heard the report of
Director Brenda Nickel.

Julie Merklin, observer

Saturday, November 22, 2014

USD 383 Board of Education

Nov. 19, 2014
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board approved two new courses for MHS:  General Psychology and Introduction to Sociology.  Both courses will provide concurrent college credit and will be offered through a partnership with the Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC).  The board also approved name changes for a handful of courses in order to align them with concurrent college credit with MATC.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

County Commission 11/17/14

Riley county commission Nov. 17, 2014

All commissioners present

Cheryl Collins and Linda Glaskow from the Riley County Historical Museum informed the Commission labout various professional meetings they and  staff members have attended.  All these meetings were in Kansas and were very informative.

Clancy Holman discussed hiring a lobbyist to represent Riley County interests at the Statehouse.  It is likely that the County would share the cost of the lobbyist with the city of Manhattan.  Any conflicts of interest would have to be worked out.

There was quite a discussion about taxing internet sales.  If there is a "nexus" I.e. a facility of the vender in the state then, they add on the proper sales tax.  (Amazon has  some facility in KS so they charge sales tax on items ordered from  KS). People are supposed to declare on their income tax forms if they bought items on the internet and weren't charged sales tax.  Nobody complies with this.  It is estimated that there will be$175 million in unreported sales tax in 2014.  This has to be acted on at the federal level. The National Conference of State Legislatures estimate losses nationally in 2012 to be $23.3 billion.  Merchants feel it would be more fair if everyone were treated equally.

Because of the latest gun laws in Kansas, the courthouse will have to spend an estimated $230K on renovating and securing entrances if they wish to ban guns.
According to the law, By(1/1/18) all public buildings must have approved signage and security to ban the carrying of firearms. This includes state supported Colleges/Universities and State/Local Government buildings.  Architect Bruce McMcMillan presented proposed plans to renovate entrances to the Courthouse to comply with the requirements.  These plans included a more secure area for transfer of jail inmates from vehicles to the courthouse.
Julie Merklin, observer