Thursday, March 26, 2015

Riley County Commission March 26, 2015

Joan Strickler, observer




Riley County Commission March 25, 2015

All Commissioners present, Wells presiding.

Commissioner Wells said he would like to see regional participation in cost sharing for building the new firing range to train law enforcement personnel.

Greg Lund, parks manager reported Randolph is requesting support for a new bathroom in its recreation area.  The current facility was built 50 years ago and is so badly in need of repair it would make no sense in trying to upgrade it.  A new facility would be ADA accessible.  They are requesting $12,000 from Parks funds but will need an additional $62,000 to complete the project.  They are looking into the possibility of grant support.

The Riley pool needs a new security system.  People are getting into the pool after hours.

The Commissioners refused a request from the Veterans Administration Home Loan Center to put their link on the County website.  There were concerns about opening the option to a multitude of requests.

Johnette Shepek, budget and finance officer, reviewed the extensive schedule for gathering and reviewing information to help in developing the 2016 budget which is due in August.

The portion of the review process dealing with holding executive sessions with department heads was questioned by Commissioner Wells.  He expressed the opinion that Commissioners were getting into micromanaging the staff.  Commissioner Boyd disagreed saying the Commission has a responsibility to provide such leadership.  Commissioner Wells said he felt it led to a waste of time for Commissioners and staff.  A vote to reduce the sessions to two, one in July and the other at the end of the year passed.  The discussion, however, was renewed at the close of the meeting as the two debated the role of commissioners in terms of providing good leadership vs. micro managing.

Human Resource manager Cindy Volanti reported on her participation in a meeting with State officials on KPERS and deferred comp benefits.  There are many concerns about changes that may occur to the KPERS program as a result of actions by the Kansas Legislature.

Emergency Management Director Pat Collins thanked the local media for their coverage given to the need for additional fire crew volunteers.  Apparently five new volunteers have been recruited as a result of the attention.  Collins also reported on an investigation he was involved in the night of the party at Britts which occurred during Fake St. Patty’s Day activities.  At the time he was there a possible problem with overcrowding was handled.  More concerning problems involving firearms occurred later.

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