Manhattan/Riley County Board of Health

May 26, 2010

Funding continues to be major concern for the Department and Board.
More cuts are possible despite passage of the 1% sales tax. The amounts won’t
be known until July for KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment)
grants. Charles Murphy, Department Administrator, is hopeful that the Childhood Block Grants will be protected so that Smart Start and Early Childhood programs will remain intact. The formal budget presentation will be June 17, 2010 at 4:00 PM at City Hall.
Since the Kansas Legislature passed “Lexies’s Law” which ensures that all child care facilities in Kansas have stronger guidelines to follow in order to provide for the safety of the children in their care, the department will need to assess the law’s effect on the new city ordinance requiring child care facility inspections. It takes some time before new laws are vetted and put into practice. In the meantime the department continues the Smart Start programs and currently over 156 care providers are participating the program. “Smart Start” assists providers in utilizing the developed “Creative Curriculum” in their facilities.
The Department is still looking for a new ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) for the clinic. In the meantime Dawn Searles, RN, BSN is working with the Medical Director (Dr. Cary Herl) to coordinate patient care. Staff continues to change though the Department was able to hire back Katy Brower as Food Safety Inspector. Joshua Jones has been hired as new Emergency Preparedness Planner and Evin VanAnne is the new Administrative Assistant replacing Kim Nies who is now in charge of billing.
The new web site is expected to be up and running in August. Half of the cost is covered by Federal H1N1 funds. Enclosed in the board handouts is a news release from KDHE which discusses the H1N1 situation and possible reemergence of the need for vaccination programs to resume in the fall. It was written by Jason Eberhart-Phillips, MD who is Kansas State Health Officer.
Lisa Ross reported that participants in the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program in Riley county are 3015 and the value of the WIC checks redeemed in Manhattan Grocery stores in the month of March was $64,835.56.
The board was provided with a copy of the letter sent to the City Commissioners requesting interpretation of the smoking ordinance in relation to “electronic” smoking. The letter noted that the two top brands of electronic cigarettes found tobacco specific nitrosamines which are cancer causing and diethylene glycol, a component of antifreeze in the ingredients.

Sue Cohen, Observer

Riley County Commission 5/27/10

Joan Strickler

Riley County Commission May 27, 2010

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

During public comment, Commissioner Kearns mentioned one issue to be resolved concerning planning for NBAF--who is responsible for law enforcement issues at the facility, the local or federal government?

County Attorney Barry Wilkerson reported his office currently is fully staffed. The cases they are dealing with generally involve aggravated assaults, robberies, sexual assaults and drugs. A couple of cases involve homicides. In regard to a local police officer accused of criminal behavior, that case will be investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by the Attorney General.

State hospitals currently are not accepting voluntary commitments, only involuntary. With lack of treatment options many persons with mental illness wind up in the jails. Medical expenses at the jail in general are growing. The Law Enforcement Center has expressed a need to have a nurse on staff to deal with medications management. It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Law Board asking for details about medical issues needs with cost estimates.

Assistant Public Works Director Rod Meredith described a newly developed scoring system for determining the status of roads – county or township. The Commissioners agreed to remove from the Riley County township road system a portion of township road West 69th, which is experiencing increasing traffic due to the K-State Equestrian Center and use by Manhattan Technical Training students.

Representatives of the Kansas Public Transit Project reported on progress in setting up the transportation system to serve the seven counties surrounding Ft. Riley. While there are about 100 transportation providers in the State, eighteen counties remain unserved. The local area system is expected to get underway this summer. The Kansas Department of Transportation will fund 100% of the project the first year and 70% thereafter.

Riley County Commission

May 24, 2010
Joan Strickler,observer


All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

A final public hearing was held pertaining to a regulatory amendment concerning special events. Monty Wedel, Planning/Special Projects Director, reviewed input received during public meetings in regard to the proposed regulation. The regulation would impose varying levels of requirements depending upon the size of the event as well as its duration and frequency. Commissioners voted to adopt the regulation as amended.

Assistant County Attorney Wes Garrison described events held celebrating Law Day on May 1. Presentations were made to grade school students by law professionals in the area. The event is funded by the Riley County Bar Association. Commissioner Kearns suggested expanding the event to high school age students by holding mock court trials.

County Treasurer Eileen King announced all “E-F-G” tags are due. Production problems are causing the State to discontinue issuing new plates for all renewals. People coming into the office will not receive a new plate however persons submitting mail requests will be sent the plates.

Commissioners expressed continuing concerns about the budget request submitted by the Health Department. They are asking for greater clarification between City/County funding and grant funds.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reviewed statutory requirements pertaining to soil erosion reviews held following complaints. The Commissioners conducted such a review that afternoon.

USD 383 Board of Education

May 19, 2010

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Work session:

The board was presented with the pre-schematic design plans for Roosevelt Elementary. The plans included a new kitchen, gym, and stage addition on the southeast side of the building, and relocating the main office to the existing gym in order to create a secure entrance.

Regular meeting:

The board was presented with a proposal to add a math enrichment program for grades 4-6 which would replace elementary Spanish. A math enrichment program is already in place for grades K-3. In addition to providing extra math instruction, the program also provides classroom teachers with a larger block of planning time. The board approved 7-0 to add math enrichment in the place of Spanish for grades 4-6.

Elizabeth Matthews, Food Service Director, presented board members with a recommendation to increase student lunch prices $0.05 for the 2010-11 school year, which would generate approximately $15,000 in revenue. Pete Paukstelis said the increase was reasonable and reflected the increase in the Consumer Price Index. Susan Marshall was concerned that the district's lunch prices were already higher than similar school districts. The board approved 4-3 the recommended price increase.

The board discussed raising student fees, textbook fees, driver's education fees, and a parking permit fee for MHS. Administration recommended increasing student and textbook fees by 3% (which would be $1 each), increasing driver's ed. fees by 19% (which would be $32), and keeping the parking permit fee flat ($40). Mr. Paukstelis suggested increasing the parking permit fee to $50. The board approved 7-0 to increase the student, textbook, and driver's ed. fees as recommended and to increase the parking permit fee for MHS to $50.

Board of County Commissioners May 20, 2010

All present, Kearns presiding

A change order on the County Courthouse project was approved The original design didn't call for replacement of the expansion tank or any of the valves on the mainline. The tank does not show leaks now but it is quite old and two of the mainline valves are frozen in the open position which would require the entire system to be drained if work on the pumps was needed in the future. The bid submitted was $9534.29. Staff believes it prudent to do the work at this time to avoid extra costs and possible interruption of service. The Board approved the order.

The Board approved a contract for recycling services with Howies Recycling. They would compensate Howies up to $15,000 per calendar year for any net loss on recycling of glass, steel cans and plastic

Leon Hobson, Public Works Director brought up the proposal for solid waste disposal. Ham company has been doing it but the Board wants to ask for more information on fuel surcharges and flow control.

Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds said that Revenues in her department are lagging behind. There is hope that with the end of the school year, there will be more turnover of property.
She said that the new system in her department is working very well with some modules not up and running yet.

Commissioner McCulloh brought up the question of new windows in the building the commission uses. The existing ones are decidedly not energy efficient nor can anyone really see out of them. It was suggested that the project could be bonded out along with other smaller projects that needed to be done. Specifications will have to be drawn up so that the project can go out for bids.

Jennifer Wilson, County Extension Director, said that they are developing a "boot camp" for community board members and/or potential members, It would cover such things as developing budgets, open meetings law, parliamentary procedure, etc.
She also announced that the county fair will be July 22-26.

Brad Schoen, RCPD director, said that the RCPD, County and City are conducting a review of insurance coverage and whether any consolidation would be advantageous or cost saving.

Rich Vargo, County Clerk, discussed what his staff members do when they are not involved in budget and election activities. He presented a list of 2010 projects that include but not limited to such things as scanning of records, training workers, automating payroll and other records,

Julie Merklin, Observer

Riley County Law Board, May 17, 2010
Bob Kruh, Observer

Present: Casper, Kearns, McCulloh, Morris-Hardeman, Sherow, Snead, Urban, Wilkerson

Chairman Snead withdrew from the Board in view of his major time commitment to the office of mayor, and City Commissioner Sherow was sworn in. The Board elected Jamie Morris-Hardeman as chair and Karen McCulloh as vice chair.

Trent Armbrust reported on the emerging activities of the newly constituted Community Advisory Board, noting its intent to gain input from the community, to increase community awareness of the RCPD’s activities, and to serve as a sounding board to the department.

Consultant Steve Rothlein, a veteran of 30 years on the Miami-Dade Police Department, reported on his recent review of the RCPD’s Internal Affairs Division, a group that handles complaints about police activities. He made a number of laudatory comments and presented recommendations for adjustments in operations, concluding with the assignment of an overall grade of A+, a rating he’d never previously given.

The Board heard a report on the jail population, which has consistently been over 100 for the current year, now averaging 125. At the current rate, bookings for 2010 might rise to nearly 5,000, where they’ve previously been in the 3,000s. Given the need to segregate certain categories of prisoners, all of the capacity may not be totally used at times – 109 spaces for males and 18 for females. It was surmised that recent increases are partly due to increased sentencing and to inmate’s lessened ability to bond out prior to trial. The pre-sentencing inmates comprise about 75% of the jail population on average.

Anticipating its final FY2011 budget recommendation to be made next month, the Board discussed several elements, noting the desirability of adding the corrections officers to staff the jail expansion, the need to avoid personnel reductions, and the hope that the decision can be held off as long as possible in order to gain more information on likely revenues. There was some hesitancy to consider increases in the personnel budget, except for health insurance costs. Kearns was especially concerned that the COs be added as soon as possible in order to assess the function of the new facility, now under a one-year warranty period beginning in April 2010.

Riley County Commission mtg 5-17-10

All Commissioners present. Mr. Kearns presiding. Rod Meredith, Asst Public Works Director, reported on Parks maintenance agreement with City. Approved 3-0. The City Pool with open next week. CiCo Pool design was approved 3-0. Meredith distributed a beautiful brochure showing County Parks. The Dog Park is very close to opening. They are finishing work on fences, gates and signs. The City has opened a disc golf course in Warner Park. The County relocated one "hole" at the disc golf course in Fairmont Park.

Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, presented a memorandum of understanding with KSU to Commissioners for approval and signature. Approved 3-0. KSU has received a grant which requires approval by the County. A discussion emerged of security arrangements at NBAF. At a meeting of Security people from NBAF, City and County, local people were not totally satisfied. The Level 3 currently at KSU's labs is dangerous. NBAF will be Level 4. Animal diseases, some of which are communicable to humans, will be dealt with in the labs. It was noted that workers at the present location of NBAF at Plum Island, NY, are NOT ALLOWED TO OWN PERSONAL ANIMALS, AND NOT ALLOWED TO VISIT THE LOCAL ZOO. Collins is concerned that additional security measures, especially in the event of a breach, will be a financial burden on the local community. Costs of bio-suits and equipments for responders should be covered by the Federal Government.Collins reported on status of work on rural fire stations. He said the public should be aware that commercial buildings in the County are required to submit a "code footprint" to the County Fire Department. They need to know what they are facing in a fire. He says a sprinkler system is very advisable. New settlers in rural areas sometimes do no realize the time involved in getting pumpers and water to their location.

Commissioners informally discussed the report in the Mercury about restaurant inspections, which seemed to imply that McCulloh and Kearns are in disagreement. They are not. Both feel the $75,000 additional costs since the State discontinued its program should be a part of the Health Department's budget. They can discuss the budget at the appropriate time.

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Fiscal Officer, presented a request from 4 Rivers, an organization that helps disabled people, for funding. Commissioners respectfully refused, by consensus.

Craig Cox, Asst County Counsel, updated Commissioners on his office's activities. BEMAS, an out-of-state contractor on the K-18 project of KDot, has dug barrow pit near the airport which may violate zoning laws. Another barrow pit off Scenic Drive is also questionable. It was felt that some enforcement of the regulations was necessary to point out the need for proper permits. The animal control committee is in process of revising standards. Commissioners discussed long term lease for ATA bus to store vehicles at the County Shops site.

Leon Hobson, County Engineer/Public Works Director, presented an update of projects. KDOT has ruled that Kk-18 overlay will be concrete, not asphalt. RCPD building is almost finished. They hope to have the cooling tower project done by the end of this month. The Courthouse Plaza project mini-park is underway. This will have a dedicatory plaque in memory of John Cowan, recently deceased and much respected Director of GIS. The cost to replace the windows in the "old Telephone building" is $155,000. Commissioners stated preference for doing the project one floor at a time, so as to avoid the need for bonding.

Monty Wedel, Planning/Special Projects Director, submitted the Strategic Plan Action Program to Commissioners. One amendment was to move Engineering/Public Works Dept out to the site on Tuttle Creek by 2011, Hobson stated that they would be ready to move by the end of 2010. This move would open up much needed office space for other departments. Department heads will meet to discuss distribution of space. On an issue of direct deposit and billing, Wedel will meet with the County Treasurer.

Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

USD 383 Board of Education

May 12, 2010

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Special meeting:

The board held a special meeting to discuss budget reductions and revenue enhancements. The meeting began with information from Bruce Stiles, Director of Business Services, that explained the impact on the district of the 1% sales tax increase approved by the Legislature. The district had been looking at making cuts totaling $1.5 million at the minimum and possibly more than $3 million at the maximum. The sales tax will lower the amount the district will need to cut to $1,028,000. Board members were in agreement, though, that they needed to continue discussing budget reductions to be prepared for the next few years should state funding not increase.

The board was presented with information on revenue enhancements, including "pay to play" for athletics and activities, "pay to stay" for all-day kindergarten, increasing fees for preschool, increasing fees for using district facilities, selling advertisement space in school newsletters, and raising the Local Option Budget (LOB). Some board members expressed an interest in raising the LOB at the same time that they would lower the capital outlay mill levy in an effort to keep the overall tax burden steady, and others were hesitant to raise the LOB because they wanted to leave that option open for the future if state funding doesn't increase.

The board reviewed and discussed items on the budget reduction list, including eliminating a high school assistant principal, eliminating the Professional Learning Time coordinator, and reducing a media position. Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, also presented the board with his prioritized list of reductions, and board members planned to discuss their own prioritized list at the next special budget meeting.

Riley County Commission mtg 5-13-10

Mr. Kearns absent. Monty Wedel, Planning/Special Projects Director, discussed the Strategic Plan Action Program with Commissioners. He said they were talking about already-agreed-upon goals. After discussion of several points, further consideration was postponed until 10:45 Monday, when all three Commissioners will be present.

Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, presented a draft of a Complex Emergency Plan. A final version will be distributed to all County Employees who might have to take certain actions in the event of an emergency. Evacuation of buildings and other possible actions in case of fire, tornado warnings, bomb threats, suspicious or leaking packages, etc. are to be covered. Collins said he would like to see regular evacuation drills of all County buildings. Department heads are currently reviewing this draft. Commissioners discussed the idea of posting plans in conspicuous places in the three central County buildings. There will be study and discussion of the draft at the Columbus Day Retreat.

Eileen King, Treasurer, presented the Monthly Financial Report. Interest income is down, since rates are currently very low. Sales tax revenues are holding their own. 50.71% of the annual budgeted tax amounts have been collected. [This is good.] Ms King said one thing that most people are unaware of is that the State Legislature promised Counties, when they passed tax exemptions several years ago, that they would compensate Counties for the lost revenue. They have reneged on their promise. This is a reason why local governments have had to increase their mil levies, simply to operate adequately.

Craig Cox, Asst. County Counsel, reported on current activities and accomplishments of the Administrative Services.

Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

BOCC May 10

Board of County Commissioners May 10, 2010

All present

Commissioner Kearns reported on the meeting of Kansas County Commissioners (KCCA,) Revenues are down all over, Sales tax revenues are flat, possibly due to on-line sales which can avoid the sales tax.

Rich Vargo, County Clerk, gave an update on year-to-date budget which seems to be in line with expectations, so far. RCPD expenses are difficult to predict because of the responsibility for inmates' medical expenses.

Mike Kearns and Robbin Cole presented the “May is Mental Health Month” proclamation. Cole said that 1 in 4 adults/children will experience mental health problems. Every 16 minutes there is a suicide. This shows the need for mental health providers. There is concern about the state budget( which had not been finalized) and may cut more money from the mental health allocations. At Pawnee, staff has been cut by about 25% requiring some reorganization.

Commissioner Kearns talked about property tax, what it funds, where it comes from. Riley County’s property tax levy per capita is low – 104th out of 105 counties. Only Harvey County is lower.

Julie Merklin, observer

USD 383 Board of Education

May 5, 2010

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Work session:

The work session focused on revenue enhancements for the district. The board discussed the possibility of creating a "pay to play" program for middle school and high school athletics. The Budget Advisory Committee had developed a proposal of charging fees, and the committee had considered charging one fee for the school year regardless of the number of activities a student participated in and recommended waiving or reducing fees for students who qualify for free and reduced school lunches. Nancy Knopp was not supportive of charging fees but said that if a "pay to play" program was implemented, she wanted a fee to be charged for all activities that require a paid coach or supervisor and not just for athletics. Board members were split 3-3 when asked to indicate their support of implementing a "pay to play" program.

The board also discussed charging a fee for families who want their students to attend all-day kindergarten. The state reimburses the district for half-day kindergarten, and the second half of the day is currently paid by the district with at-risk funds. The fee program would charge $275-300 per month, and fees would be waived or reduced for students who qualify for free and reduced school lunches. Susan Marshall was concerned that the students who need all-day kindergarten the most might be the ones who don't stay for the full-day option. Board members favored continuing pursuing implementing a fee program by an unofficial vote of 4-2.

Regular meeting:

Several construction items were discussed. The board approved 6-0 the construction documents for Northview Elementary. The board was presented with information on design development for the high school and Bishop Stadium. The high school project is $1 million to $2 million over budget due to the board's previous decision to include upgrades to the school's HVAC system which had not originally been part of the project. Dean Youngers, project manager, said favorable project bids may help fund the difference, or the board could consider using capital outlay funds. The board approved 6-0 the design development. The board also was in agreement to pursue a different type of heat pump system for the three limestone schools that will use different ductwork that won't have to be run through the stone walls.

Board members reviewed bids for laptops and laptop carts for approximately $350,000. Walt Pesaresi suggested using the current equipment one more year before replacing it, and Doug Messer agreed. Curt Herrman said that the laptops scheduled for replacement don't work anymore without being plugged in, which makes them almost useless. Herrman suggested cutting back on what the district will purchase rather than rejecting the bids entirely. The board agreed with Herrman and directed the technology director to return with a reduced bid for only the technology items that are absolutely necessary.

USD 383 Board of Education

April 27, 2010

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Special meeting:

The board held a special meeting to discuss the budget reductions proposed by the Budget Advisory Committee and also reductions suggested by the board itself.

Board members worked through a list of proposed reductions and indicated their interest in keeping an item on the reduction list or removing it from the list. Some of the items that the board discussed removing from the reduction list included the diversity coordinator, an elementary social worker position, 5 elementary classroom teachers, the autism coordinator, eliminating 5th grade instrumental music, and eliminating 8th grade sports.

Some of the items the board decided to keep on the reduction list included eliminating the emotionally disturbed program at one middle school (the programs at the two middle schools would be combined), a 1% salary decrease across the board, and eliminating or reducing by half a middle school assistant principal.

The board also had a preliminary discussion about approaching the City Commission with a proposal to levy a sales tax that would benefit the school district. Board members discussed the possibility of having a ten-year sales tax that would support the district's general fund, technology, and possibly pay off the construction bond debt early. The school board does not have the authority to levy a sales tax and would need the City Commission's support to place a sales tax proposal on a ballot that would then have to be approved by voters. Board members were in agreement that the sales tax idea was worth pursuing.

Riley County/Manhattan Board of Health

Riley County-Manhattan Board of Health

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Two new members were introduced and welcomed to the board: Daniel Winter, DDS is the Dental representative and Loren Pepperd , beginning in May, will represent the City Commission in the place of Bob Strawn.
Charles Murphy, Health Department Administrator, reported that vaccines are now available for Hepatitis A and B . Funding will be through the Health Department supplying staff, administration and reporting and the rest will come from the federal government, local government, and fees. The Department turned down an offer of increased HIV testing of family planning patients because it couldn’t come up with the 40% cash match.
Additional cuts could come in the next month impacting the Child Care Block Grant, Smart Start. and Healthy Start.
Assistant Administrator Susie Kufahl has been elected president of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. Health Department staff met with Mercy Hospital staff to discuss low income needs and access. The Health Department continues to collaborate with the free clinic.
Charles Murphy also reported that the ARNP will be leaving and they are actively seeking another without much luck thus far. ARNP salaries are climbing and competing for nurses is increasingly difficult.
Charles Murphy thanked the members of the City and County Commissions for funding the rehiring of the food inspector - which is helpful as she is already trained for the position - and the half-time position in the Environmental office. Charles Murphy thanked the board for their support and especially Dr. Paul Benne, the Fort Riley representative, for speaking at the Commissions meeting. Charles Murphy stated that support of the commissioners for public health is gratifying. The board then approved unanimously the hiring of these two staff members.
Discussion of the budget continued. Charles Murphy supplied, as directed by the Board. three levels for the budget. One with a 10% increase. one with a 5% increase, and a level budget. to be submitted to both the City and County in their approved “inter/local” 55/45 split support for the Health Department. All showed decreased funding for the Department ranging from $110.521 from 2010 for the 5% increased funding budget, $84,125 for the 10% increased funding budget, and $111,737 for the level budget. All CIP funding was eliminated which means no new computers, not fixing parking lot, or other maintenance expenditures. Dr. Benne noted that not maintaining equipment can be more expensive in the long run. Karen McCulloh reiterated that “there is no money”. The Board voted to submit the level budget request.
Discussion of the electronic cigarette issue proposed by Dr. Benne resulted in passage by the board to request legal council as to whether the present law could also include electronic cigarette smoking prohibition. Dr. Benne noted that not much is known about the effects of the vapor produced by this type of smoking but that the state of New Jersey is working on such a prohibition. Loren Pepperd noted that he felt that ozone was in the vapor and not healthful for people.
The board approved the Varney and Associates bid to do the 2009 audit for $5250.

Sue Cohen Observer