Thursday, January 22, 2015

Riley County Commission January 22, 2015







Joan Stickler, observer

Commissioners Ron Wells and Ben Wilson present, Wells presiding. 

Kevin Howser, the new IT/GIS Director, gave an update on his staff’s work in various departments of the County.  Among current needs is installing an upgraded camera safety monitoring system for the Riley County Museum.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman talked of issues being discussed in the new 2015 session of the Kansas Legislature.  He noted the great help it has been to have a lobbyist, Dick Carter, who has been hired by Riley County to keep track of potential legislation that might affect local government.  Holeman said discussions are underway concerning possible changes, once again, regarding the oversight of tax appeals.  Talks center on whether to have a Court of Tax Appeals or a Board of Tax Appeals.  This is an area that very much has affected the tax income raised by counties. 

Two new gun bills could remove all penalties for carrying guns, concealed or otherwise, even in prohibited buildings.

Jason Orr, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, talked of regional training efforts.  He is working with a northeast Kansas coalition of multiple agency representatives that might be involved in public health emergencies.  These include access to 9-1-1, hospitals, doctors, alternate care sites, even such needs as mortuary services.

County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson provided an overall view of Extension services.  She noted help in filing tax returns will again be available starting February 1 at the Manhattan Public Library.   Help also is available to persons in understanding health care insurance options and Medicare.
Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds, said it appears fee schedule changes by the State are causing the County to run behind in projected income.
 

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

USD 383 Board of Education

Jan. 7, 2015
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Board members discussed a request from the City of Manhattan to construct a bicycle pathway along the vacated portion of Houston Street that runs through MHS East Campus.  Houston Street has been designated as a bike boulevard, and a bike path through the campus of MHS-E would provide for connectivity.  The bike path would involve no cost to the school district.  Board member Curt Herrman said he was not completely comfortable having a bike path through a school district parking lot and wondered who would have the right of way when students are crossing the bike path to attend gym class, who would be responsible for maintenance of the bike path, and wondered what happens if an accident should occur in the parking lot?  Darell Edie suggested putting up a speed limit sign that would limit bikes to 5 mph.  Pat Hudgins suggested signage that would deter usage of the bike path during the school day and also expressed concerns about students crossing the bike path as they walk to and from gym class.  Dave Colburn said the bike path would include a "yield to pedestrians" sign and agreed that a speed limit sign might be a good addition.  Leah Fliter said that maybe the board should invite representatives from the city to attend the second reading of the item.  The board approved 6-1 on first reading to accept the agreement to grant to the City of Manhattan a pedestrian and bicycle easement at MHS East Campus, with Herrman dissenting.