County Commission 4/14/2014

Riley County Commission April 14, 2014

Commissioners Boyd and Wells present

Contrary to the headline in the Mercury, the discussion of burning and air quality was not a contentious one.  Pat Collins and Jason Orr said there had been quite a number of calls on this topic.  They explained the purpose for burning.  They said the heaviest "fallout" (the ash that some folks experienced) was from counties some distance from here.  Orr gave tips for reducing adverse health effects including awareness of air quality reports,limiting strenuous outdoor activities, staying indoors with windows closed and keeping hydrated.  More info on open burning and regulations atwww.ksfire.org.

Deb Nuss alerted the commission about the upcoming community needs
assessment.

Julie Merklin, observer

Riley county Commission May 29, 2014

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Boyd presiding.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman announced a breakfast meeting with local legislators will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Monday.  Representative Swanson will not be available but his wife intends to attend.  Susie Swanson is running for her husband’s seat in the House.  The Commissioners will, however, address their questions only to sitting members of the Legislature and not to any candidates not currently elected.  The meeting is open to any persons wishing to attend.

Shelly Williams, Community Corrections Director, made a request for consideration of County support in the coming year.  Erica Christie, Three Rivers, also made a request for financial support from the County as next year’s budget is developed.  Commissioners pointed out the potential drop in tax support for counties due to actions taken by the Legislature will impact their ability to fund any new efforts.  Consideration also will have to be given to increased costs resulting from the concealed and open carry gun laws also passed by the Legislature.

Commissioners agreed to transfer any cash balance carryover from last year into the CIP fund.  That fund is used for purchase of equipment, facilities, building and repairs etc.

The Commissioners passed motions agreeing to support requests from the Health Department of application for grants to fund the Healthy Families Program as well as the March of Dimes “Becoming a Mom” program.  No new County funds are required as match.

Commissioners approved a Resolution and Review of a Publication Notice Authorizing Sale of Certain Real Property.  The request was made by a couple wanting to purchase a .36 acre easement to access their property located south of the viaduct.  The couple is planning to build a zip line attraction.

Robert Ott, with the City of Manhattan, discussed improvements needed to Airport Road.  The City is asking the County to fund half of the cost of developing a cooperative plan to build a sewer system needed to handle storm water.  The sewer system must be installed before improvements to the road itself can be made.

Riley County Commission April 24, 2014

Joan Strickler, observer

County Treasurer Eileen King asked for clarification regarding access to her office for use of the postage machine.  All departments in the County use the postage machine located in the Treasurer’s office.   ATA had previously been housed in the County building but has since moved into its new facility.  Personnel do, however, continue to have access cards to use the postage machine.  The Commissioners agreed to allow ATA to use the postage machine but to provide only one access card for that agency’s use. Commissioners Wells, Lewis and Boyd present, Boyd presiding.

Commissioners discussed the process for filling the position of IT Director following the resignation of Robert Nall.

County Attorney Barry Wilkerson said his office is looking into the advisability of initiating a grand jury system.  In situations involving felony offences with three or four defendants, the grand jury can establish probable cause with one trial instead of the three or four trials needed if each defendant is tried separately.

Commissioners signed a letter to members of the Riley County Legislative Delegation opposing passage of SB 298, repeal of the Mortgage Registration Fee.  Repeal of the fee would result in the need for property tax increases at local levels.  

County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson reported the volunteer income tax preparation program experienced a 2% increase over last year in handling 462 returns.  This resulted in approximately $700,000 in refunds to persons requesting the help.  She noted a number of the volunteers assisting in the program are K-State students majoring in accounting.  The program provides assistance to the low income persons and experience for the students.  Many of those assisted with tax returns were K-State students. 

Riley County Commission April 21, 2014

 Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Wells, Boyd and Lewis present, Boyd presiding.

The Commission convened as the Board of Health and heard from Brenda Nickel, Health Department Director.  She spoke of the role of the public information officer in dealing with getting out routine information to the public and, especially, the importance of presenting information clearly and concisely during emergencies.

The Commissioners agreed to allow the director and public information officer to participate in an out-of-state training session.  The Commission then reconvened as the County Commission.

Martha Seaton said the 10^th Annual Enid Stover Poetry Recitation will be held in the rose garden at Manhattan City Park at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.

Riley County Museum Director Cheryl Collins announced an open house will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 26, at newly restored Rocky Ford School located off Tuttle Creek Road at Barnes.  The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and renovations were recently completed.

Tours for 4^th grade students will explore life in the 1880’s during tours of the Wolf House Museum April 28, 29, 30 and May 5.  Regular open hours are Saturday and Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rural Fire Chief Pat Collins reported 33 firefighters with 18 apparatus spent about 150 man hours fighting a fire that started at Holeman and Fairview Church Road last Friday.   Crews were called out again later and spent another six hours putting out rekindles on Saturday.  They were able to protect a house threatened by the flames.  The fire consumed about 130 acres.  The Commissioners agreed some special recognition should be given to all volunteer firefighters.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman said he is putting together information about licensed concealed carry and arranging for a presentation on a use of force individual threat assessment for a joint meeting of the County and City Commissions.

A work session on Public Building Commission issues will be scheduled in mid-June.

 

County commission April 17, 2014

All commissioners present.

Debbie Regester , register of deeds reported the 2014 year-to-date revenue of $268,750 compared to 2013 y-t-d revenue of $342,000.  Estimate of total revenue for 2014 is $955,000.  This is comprised of copy fees of $20,000, recorder fees of 95,000, and Mortgage Registration fees of $850,000.   This last fee is the one proposed for elimination.  Loss of this income obviously would have a major effect
on the budget.

Brenda Nickel, director of the Riley County Health Department  informed the Commission that USD 383 officials approached her about using the health dept. building for a Summer nutrition program.  A food and nutrition program is is established for low income children to provide free meals during the Summer.  The area north of the department's location with many eligible children.  The time span isJune 1 to Aug 8, M- F from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.  The site will be so designated through 2019.  Adults can buy lunches for $3.40 per meal.

Julie Merklin, observer

Riley County Commission March 27, 2014

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Wells, Boyd and Lewis present, Boyd presiding.

Monty Wedel, planning/special projects director, gave an update on a proposal by Steve Springer to clarify ownership of road access to his land.   Springer has expressed an interest in building a recreation area on land south of the mall off Hwy 177.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman provided a brief update on proposed legislation affecting Kansas counties.  It is difficult to keep informed at this stage of the legislative session.  Many bills are being bundled together in conference committee reports such as bills affecting mortgage registration fees, taxing of fixtures, and changes affecting operations of the Board of Tax appeals.  A number of these bills, if passed, could have an adverse impact on counties.

Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr gave a general update to the Commissioners on City activities.  Downtown alleys are scheduled for construction beginning in April and extending through August.  The alleys are located between Third and Fifth Streets on Humboldt St. and Poyntz Avenue, and between Third Street and Fifth Street on Poyntz Avenue and Houston St.  Construction on Bluemont in Aggieville hopefully will be finished in April.

The City Commission is promoting the taxing of internet sales with the Kansas Congressional delegation.  Internet sales are having a heavy adverse impact on brick and mortar stores in the community. 

The plans for Tallgrass Brewing Company to move all of its operations to Manhattan was welcomed by all.

RileyCounty Commission March 24, 2014

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Wells, Boyd and Lewis present, Boyd presiding.

The Commissioners discussed a fire that occurred at Pawnee Mental Health over the weekend.  Apparently three offices were damaged but the overall problems were not extensive.

John Armbrust, Governor’s Military Council, gave an update on issues affecting Kansas’ military installations.  He said support is building in Congress for additional Base Realignment and Closure actions.  His Council also is concerned about SB 323, now under consideration in the Kansas Legislature, which would remove the ability of land owners to designate conservation easements in perpetuity.  Such easements are important to military installations in terms of planning for future growth needs.  Bills that would place restrictions on airports and the use of drone vehicles also are of concern.

Brenda Nickel, director of the Health Department and Breva Spencer, supervisor of child care licensing, presented their recommendations for an increase in child care licensing fees.  The Commission approved the recommended changes.

County Treasurer Eileen King reported a team from Kansas Legislative Post Audit will be in her office on Tuesday, March 25, to examine the Motor Vehicle System that was implemented in 2012.  The audit also will occur in other treasurer’s offices in the State in an effort to learn how the system works and how to deal more effectively with such changes in the future.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman offered a video presentation by the legislative director of the association representing Kansas counties.  She reported that, given the time left in the legislative session, it appears some bills of concern to counties will be left to die in committees or be amended to include an acceptable compromise.