Joan Strickler, observer
All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.
County Counselor Clancy Holeman discussed the possible impact on Riley County of the draft City of Manhattan Discrimination Ordinance. A major potential problem is that the proposal breaks new ground in civil rights violations in that it introduces a subjective standard. If someone thinks he or she will be injured or affected by discrimination, a complaint can be filed triggering an investigation. Currently the alleged act of discrimination must have taken place prior to an investigation. Usually a pattern of discrimination must be shown. The new proposal would specify that, if someone thinks they are about to be discriminated against, the City Director of Human Resources would conduct an investigation with a hearing to follow. Holeman sees the possibility of large numbers of complaints that may have no merit absorbing staff and employer time. The possibility of numerous complaints coming from persons confined in jail could be a problem. Commissioner Kearns said, given that no such requirement exists in State law, all the power would be in the hands of a municipal board and that concerns him. Without a state law there would be no formal procedures involving attorneys and hearings.
County Appraiser Greg McHenry said the newly mandated statewide Orion system is in the process of being implemented. His office is analyzing market data for the 2011 property values now, and hopes to start producing 2011 values by the end of October or early November. Legal descriptions and lot numbers for real estate parcels are now available on both the public and subscriber levels. Some appraisal work has been outsourced to regional and national experts such as appraisals involving unique properties like Colbert Hills Golf Course and Manhattan Town Center. Residential sales, though mid-September, appear to be ahead of last year’s pace and are similar to the number of sales seen in 2008, prior to the housing financial crisis. McHenry said an article appearing in Forbes Magazine regarding some top communities favorable to business listed Manhattan in third place and Lawrence in twenty-seventh.
Assistant Counselor Craig Cox discussed the proposed auction of several properties for non-payment of taxes. Of particular note is a house at 530 Fremont on which several parties have expressed interest in offering bids. That auction will take place October 19 in the Commission room.
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