Joan Strickler, observer
Commissioners Kearns and McCulloh present, Johnson absent. Kearns presiding.
Budget and Finance Director Johnette Shepek reviewed annual budget amendments in a public hearing. The amendments traditionally are adjustments to reflect actual needs and expenditures at the end of the year compared to the estimates made at the beginning of the year.
Larry Couchman, EMS director, displayed a 2011 calendar distributed by Professional Ambulance featuring a picture of Riley County’s new ambulance for January. He reported his department will have $110,000 in the reserve account at the end of the year and requested permission to use $55,000 to replace a vehicle and the rest to retain for unexpected emergencies. County Counselor Clancy Holeman pointed out the funds could be used only for capital expenses. It was agreed to table the request until the Commissioners have a better idea of the budget status in January.
Holeman and County Engineer Leon Hobson discussed a letter received from an attorney representing a relatively large group of home owners concerned about flooding problems mostly related to Wildcat Creek. The attorney expressed an interest in meeting with County officials. Since the issues involved affect the City and do not fall under the County’s responsibilities, Commissioners questioned the need for such a meeting. Shepek noted the County does not have flood insurance on the Law Enforcement Center. It was agreed that such insurance should be purchased.
Assistant Counselor Craig Cox said the County has been able to recover approximately $20,000 in back taxes as part of a $90,000 estate settlement. Cox saw a newspaper notice of the estate settlement and contacted the attorneys involved. That resulted not only in the County being able to recoup back taxes but benefited the City and other taxing authorities as well.
Hobson reported on progress in working out agreements with the Kansas Department of Transportation about maintenance responsibilities on roads involved in K-18 construction. The freeway will be built south of K-18 and responsibilities for the section of K-18 from Scenic Drive west will belong to the County.
Holeman discussed a proposed resolution which could allow the County to establish a fee higher than the existing $3 cost per acre specified by State Statute pertaining to costs of dealing with soil erosion mitigation. Commissioners agreed to pursue such changes by seeking to establish a $15 per acre charge.
Commissioners agreed to go ahead with efforts to charter out from Paving Benefit District Statutes. Some roads are up to 20 years old and can no longer be repaired but would have to be reconstructed at high costs to the County.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Riley County Commission
December 23, 2010
Joan Strickler, observer
Commissioners Kearns and Johnson present, Kearns presiding.
Commissioners discussed a building with a collapsing roof located in downtown Ogden. It had housed a dry cleaning business and there are concerns about environmental and health related issues. It was agreed the problem rests with Ogden and the Health Department should be called in to investigate. Apparently Ogden officials are reluctant to deal with the costs that may be involved.
Some discussion followed about companies interested in the development of the NBAF facility not willing to make commitments to move to Manhattan until the NBAF walls begin to go up. The Chamber of Commerce, perhaps related to the NBAF issue, appears to be looking at opposing the Living Wage effort.
County Attorney Barry Wilkerson said his office may have only one more trial that will take place before the end of the year. He hopes that will give Court personnel a chance to catch up on their backlog of work. He felt the year was successful in putting a lot of “bad guys” behind bars. His office is seeing more drug traffic as gang members move from one place to another using major highways such as I-70 and stop off at adjacent towns. Commissioner Kearns asked if young women in Aggieville were still being drugged and assaulted. Wilkerson replied the problem is more that binge drinking occurs in private residences then the people go to Aggieville and assaults occur. Kearns asked if some bars tended to have more bad incidents than others. Wilkerson suggested that question be asked of the police.
County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson reported her office had received a grant of more than $10,000 to hire a site coordinator to staff a free tax preparation service to be located at the Manhattan Public Library beginning February 1. Currently 23 volunteers have agreed to help. Many are student members of the K-State accounting honorary. Persons may apply for help at the Extension office located in the Courthouse beginning January 15.
Extension specialist Greg McClure announced a series of classes on farm management will be offered which are designed specifically for women and called “Annie’s Project”. He noted that women are often becoming the responsible party for managing the business aspects of the farm and need to learn how to determine the cost of production, understand financial statements, make marketing decisions and develop marketing plans. Sometimes a woman may inherit a farm or her spouse may find it necessary to hold a second job leaving much of the farm management details to the wife. Registrations are due in the Extension office by January 28 along with a $40 registration fee.
Joan Strickler, observer
Commissioners Kearns and Johnson present, Kearns presiding.
Commissioners discussed a building with a collapsing roof located in downtown Ogden. It had housed a dry cleaning business and there are concerns about environmental and health related issues. It was agreed the problem rests with Ogden and the Health Department should be called in to investigate. Apparently Ogden officials are reluctant to deal with the costs that may be involved.
Some discussion followed about companies interested in the development of the NBAF facility not willing to make commitments to move to Manhattan until the NBAF walls begin to go up. The Chamber of Commerce, perhaps related to the NBAF issue, appears to be looking at opposing the Living Wage effort.
County Attorney Barry Wilkerson said his office may have only one more trial that will take place before the end of the year. He hopes that will give Court personnel a chance to catch up on their backlog of work. He felt the year was successful in putting a lot of “bad guys” behind bars. His office is seeing more drug traffic as gang members move from one place to another using major highways such as I-70 and stop off at adjacent towns. Commissioner Kearns asked if young women in Aggieville were still being drugged and assaulted. Wilkerson replied the problem is more that binge drinking occurs in private residences then the people go to Aggieville and assaults occur. Kearns asked if some bars tended to have more bad incidents than others. Wilkerson suggested that question be asked of the police.
County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson reported her office had received a grant of more than $10,000 to hire a site coordinator to staff a free tax preparation service to be located at the Manhattan Public Library beginning February 1. Currently 23 volunteers have agreed to help. Many are student members of the K-State accounting honorary. Persons may apply for help at the Extension office located in the Courthouse beginning January 15.
Extension specialist Greg McClure announced a series of classes on farm management will be offered which are designed specifically for women and called “Annie’s Project”. He noted that women are often becoming the responsible party for managing the business aspects of the farm and need to learn how to determine the cost of production, understand financial statements, make marketing decisions and develop marketing plans. Sometimes a woman may inherit a farm or her spouse may find it necessary to hold a second job leaving much of the farm management details to the wife. Registrations are due in the Extension office by January 28 along with a $40 registration fee.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Riley County Commission mtg 12-20-10
All Commissioners present.
Rod Meredith updated Commissioners on Park projects. They talked about the advantages of a trail beside the river. Meredith said they are looking for a new supplier for a natural gas pump for the natural gas powered vehicles they own. Gas is still cheaper than "petrol."
Gary Rosewicz, Asst County Engineer, presented bids for the replacement of surface of Health Dept parking lot. There were eight (8) bids, ranging from $34,988. to $47,163. Commissioners voted 3-0 to refer the bids to staff for study and recommendation.
Leon Hobson gave a road and bridge report. Contractors will be taking holiday leaves, to return Jan. 3.
Rod Meredith gave a very informative presentation on the procedures for snow removal/winter activities. They have 9 truck routes and 6 motor grader routes. Snow conditions are graded in 5 levels in order of intensity. When storms are predicted, they get at least two trucks ready to go before anything falls. Usually they try to prepare roads before major public travel hours, often starting as early as 4:00 a.m. In plowing, they begin with the most traveled routes. The ultimate aim is bare pavement. Meredith commented on the great efficiency of the new indoor storage for the vehicles, which makes all the work easier and is better for longevity of vehicles.
Ms McCullogh said people wanting advice on choices for Medicare enrollment or tax preparation should call the Area Agency on Aging.
Clancy Holeman conducted administrative work session. Appraisals of housing on Ft Riley; ATA Bus; County property in Leonardville; an intern for Holeman's office; RCPD concerns about how to enforce a possible quarantine for an epidemic.
Leon Hobson gave a project update: Wildcat Creek Road; the Advisory Board; plaza projects; removal of trees. Monty Wedel discussed the advice he received from historical building preservation people about windows for the "telephone building." The County is interested in getting a tax credit by replacing windows in historic style/materials. Cheryl Collins (Hist Mus Dir) is researching the present windows to find which are original and which replacements.
About 15 members of the public attended a discussion of a dispute between two farm families about claimed erosion of soil. The County Commission at one time made a ruling that the accused farmer was not causing undue erosion, listing measures they had been told were necessary by NRCS. The complainer continues to complain. Mr. Kearns outlined the history of the problem succinctly and clearly. The crux of the problem, as seen apparently by nearly everyone present, is the ridiculousness of the law which requires the County Commission, a body of non-soil experts, to make a judgement on such matters. A contributing problem is the difficulty they found in getting experts to help them come to a judgment. Mr. Kearns promised to attend the Legislature to urge revision or rewriting of this law. He invited Mr and Mrs Hoobler (the accused) to testify before the appropriate committee. Discussion of this matter was so extensive that it impinged on further agenda items. Two members had urgent need to leave, so one item was quickly approved without discussion and others were postponed.
Then they adjourned. Happy holidays to one and all. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Riley County Commission mtg 12-16-10
All Commissioners present. After routine business, Commissioners went into Executive Session to discuss evaluation of Leon Hobson, Director of Public Works/County Engineer. They then went into another Exec Sess to discuss evaluation of Greg McHenry, Appraiser.
Clancy Holeman conducted an administrative work session. They discussed appraisal questions relating to housing built in Riley County for people visiting Ft. Riley. They also came to agreement that Holeman should make efforts to get City Commission and local funeral directors to set up a definite base price for cemetery lots for unclaimed bodies that is fair to funeral directors and to tax payers.
Executive session: Robert Nall, Information Technology Director.
Brad Schoen, Director, RCPD, requested that Commissioners renew discussion of Consolidated Dispatch (911) Center, including financing options. Schoen said the personnel of the proposed center would probably be 3 County employees and 2 City employees (County has EMT system and Rural Fire Dept). Schoen noted that there may be changes on the Law Board after the spring election.
Executive Session: Dennis Peterson , Noxious Weed Director
Exec. Sess: Rod Meredith, Asst Public Works Director
Exec. Sess: Monty Wedel, Planning/Special Projects Director
Eileen King, Treasurer, reported on 2010 accomplishments in her department and 2011 goals.Mr. Kearns passed along a compliment to King and her "efficient, friendly" office.
Apparently there is to be a whole new system for Motor Vehicle licensing and registration to be installed July 1 to July 5. During this time there will be no availability of the office to the public.King expressed dissatisfaction with progress on this change. The new computers have arrived, but many urgent decisions have not been made. King said Joan Wagnon has been very helpful, but the (un-named) Motor Vehicle Director is doing nothing helpful, only delaying. One improvement King has requested is the ability to print titles that have no liens on them in the local office. All employees must be trained in the new system and pass a test (called a "summary exercise."King also mentioned that Kansas is one of the few States that does not title boats. She feels this makes theft recovery difficult. Banks also would like boat registration.
Mr Kearns noted that King will be President next year of the national association of County Treasurers and Finance Officers.
Rod Meredith requested permission to purchase a truck lift for approximately $115,000. The present system does not accommodate large trucks, ambulances, etc. Workers must lie on their backs on the floor, with trucks suspended on floor jacks. Meredith said they have a residue of the FEMA Grant reimbursement which would cover the cost. When the new shops were planned and built, they constructed the floor to accommodate such a lift, expecting to add it when able to pay for it. Johnette Shepeck, finance officer, when asked, said the FEMA grant would cover the purchase, avoiding a budget violation. Request Approved 3-0.
Commission planned another executive session. I left. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.
USD 383 Board of Education
Dec. 15, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Regular meeting:
Dave Colburn reported on the Kansas Association of School Boards Convention that he had recently attended. At the convention, it was estimated that the state will have a $50 million shortfall in funding for education. To address the shortfall, the Legislature may propose a $300 reduction in the base per pupil funding, which was regarded as a "best case scenario."
The board was presented with 95% construction documents for Roosevelt Elementary, and the documents should be 100% by the board's next meeting. The plans included a new gym, kitchen, stage, and new connecting link to the 1983 west addition which will include a wheelchair lift. The board approved the documents 7-0.
The board discussed possible topics for discussion for its winter retreat. Suggested topics included the district's Miller Ranch property, Junior ROTC, budget cutting process, professional learning time in light of expected budget cuts, health care, the sale of bonds, and enrollment projections.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
BOCC 12/13/10
Board of County Commissioners 12/13/10
All commissioners present
Rich Vargo reported on the year to date budget and expenditures. With 91.67% of the year completed, most departments are within budget . However, the Coroner, as an example, was budgeted for $26,923 but spent $36,868. Because unattended deaths are dealt with by the coroner and sent to Topeka for autopsy, there are expenses for transportation, autopsy, etc. Since the number of these deaths are hard to predict, budgeting will sometimes not be exact. .
During the Press conference, Tom Finney from the Council on Aging said that they get reports from 11 agencies around the county including the Senior centers in Riley, Manhattan, and Zeandale, RSVP, ATA bus, Meals on Wheels and the Silver Hair Legislature. The Council goes over their budget requests with them.
Leon Hobson told the Commission that the good planning of the Highway 18 project by the many stakeholders had resulted in the “Makes a Difference” award from KDOT and he presented the Commission with a plaque in recognition. .
Cheryl Collins said that as part of the Riley County /Manhattan Sesquicentennial in 2005, the RC Historical Society placed an historical marker in each of the 14 RC townships. The RC GIS Dept. has prepared a map showing where each of these markers are located.
She also remarked that when the striping for the Museum parking lot was done recently they also painted (in blue paint) the dimensions of the Steamship Hartford so that people could get a graphic idea of its size. Barbara Poresky had made this suggestion
Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds said that revenues were down $5,625 from last year at this time with both copy and records fees being lower. However the Mortgage Registration Tax was up. She said that her department is continuing to cross train the staff so each of the staff can do another’s work if necessary.
The hearing on amending the 2010 budget will be held Dec. 27 at 9:00 a.m in the Commission meeting room. There will be detailed budget information available at the hearing.
Julie Merklin, observer
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Riley County - Manhattan
Board of Health Meeting
December 1, 2010
Mindy Robbins, Child Care Licensing and Smart Start Supervisor presented the Department Highlight in the continuing development of the Board’s understanding of the activities of the Health Department as well as getting to know the staff and their responsibilities. Ms. Robbins presented a power point delineating the ongoing plan for eliminating registered child care and replacing it with licensed child care which provides care givers with education and inspection. The state is involved as a consequence of “Lexie’s” law passed last year when a child died in child care because of insufficient supervision and dangerous equipment. Last year there were 94 licensed childcare facilities and 23 registered. This year there are 104 licensed child care rease trap” issue and do the paper work involved as well as the issuing and revoking of permits. Mr. Murphy contends that the Health Department does not have the staff to carry out these functions. The city then suggested that in that case, the funding for local food inspections may be rescinded. Mr. Murphy will be meeting with the city in January and wants guidance from the Board.
Mr. Murphy set out three options for the Board to consider.
1. Give the Grease trap responsibility to the City and split the County and City food inspector between them. Mr. Murphy states that this option severely limits the inspections.
2. Accept the entire “grease trap” program and hire additional staff and buy the addition equipment needed. This option requires additional budgeting at a difficult time.
3. Split the responsibility between the City and the Department leaving the paper work and the enforcement to the City and the inspections to the Health Department.
After a thorough discussion principally considering the second and third options the Board voted to back the third option.
Under new business, the Board changed the usual date for the next meeting to the third Wednesday in January so that more Board members could attend.
It was decided that no cost of living raises would be give in 2011, The Board discussed the cafeteria Contributions for 2011. These were passed by the Board as presented.
Mr. Murphy requested approval for a replacement of a pickup truck at $18306. Brady Burton, Board President offered a suggestion that a used vehicle can be available at half the price from a reliable entity that deals only with institutional purchases. Mr. Murphy stated that the Department does not have a vehicle maintenance department as schools do and that a new vehicle is a safer choice. The Board approved the purchase of the new vehicle but suggested that the used plan be investigated the next time.
Deb Nuss, a member of Clean Air Manhattan, suggested that the Health Department might want to join in the effort to educate students about tobacco use. The Board decided to invite Dr. Gardner, who is planning the effort at the High School,
to come and talk to the Board at a future meeting. Mr. Murphy reminded the Board that the department had lost their tobacco money.
Karen McCulloh added to the agenda a discussion of an Accreditation and Consolidation study. Mr. Murphy noted that Accreditation takes a great deal of time and effort but at some time it may be important to receive federal funding.
Sue Cohen, Observer
Board of Health Meeting
December 1, 2010
Mindy Robbins, Child Care Licensing and Smart Start Supervisor presented the Department Highlight in the continuing development of the Board’s understanding of the activities of the Health Department as well as getting to know the staff and their responsibilities. Ms. Robbins presented a power point delineating the ongoing plan for eliminating registered child care and replacing it with licensed child care which provides care givers with education and inspection. The state is involved as a consequence of “Lexie’s” law passed last year when a child died in child care because of insufficient supervision and dangerous equipment. Last year there were 94 licensed childcare facilities and 23 registered. This year there are 104 licensed child care rease trap” issue and do the paper work involved as well as the issuing and revoking of permits. Mr. Murphy contends that the Health Department does not have the staff to carry out these functions. The city then suggested that in that case, the funding for local food inspections may be rescinded. Mr. Murphy will be meeting with the city in January and wants guidance from the Board.
Mr. Murphy set out three options for the Board to consider.
1. Give the Grease trap responsibility to the City and split the County and City food inspector between them. Mr. Murphy states that this option severely limits the inspections.
2. Accept the entire “grease trap” program and hire additional staff and buy the addition equipment needed. This option requires additional budgeting at a difficult time.
3. Split the responsibility between the City and the Department leaving the paper work and the enforcement to the City and the inspections to the Health Department.
After a thorough discussion principally considering the second and third options the Board voted to back the third option.
Under new business, the Board changed the usual date for the next meeting to the third Wednesday in January so that more Board members could attend.
It was decided that no cost of living raises would be give in 2011, The Board discussed the cafeteria Contributions for 2011. These were passed by the Board as presented.
Mr. Murphy requested approval for a replacement of a pickup truck at $18306. Brady Burton, Board President offered a suggestion that a used vehicle can be available at half the price from a reliable entity that deals only with institutional purchases. Mr. Murphy stated that the Department does not have a vehicle maintenance department as schools do and that a new vehicle is a safer choice. The Board approved the purchase of the new vehicle but suggested that the used plan be investigated the next time.
Deb Nuss, a member of Clean Air Manhattan, suggested that the Health Department might want to join in the effort to educate students about tobacco use. The Board decided to invite Dr. Gardner, who is planning the effort at the High School,
to come and talk to the Board at a future meeting. Mr. Murphy reminded the Board that the department had lost their tobacco money.
Karen McCulloh added to the agenda a discussion of an Accreditation and Consolidation study. Mr. Murphy noted that Accreditation takes a great deal of time and effort but at some time it may be important to receive federal funding.
Sue Cohen, Observer
Friday, December 3, 2010
USD 383 Board of Education
Dec. 1, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Work session:
The work session focused on a change order needed for the construction project at Northview Elementary, which was the result of code requirements. Prior to the state Dept. of Education eliminating the state architect position, the state architect had reviewed Northview's project and required a certain number of drinking fountains and toilets based on occupancy. With the elimination of the state architect, the project now falls under the city's code department's jurisdiction, which also reviewed the project, interpreted occupancy loads differently, and is requiring additional drinking fountains and toilets. The construction team is still in the process of working with the city on the matter but was requesting additional funds as a "worst case scenario" so the project can continue to move forward.
Regular meeting:
The board was presented with a report on the district's anti-bullying programs. The funding sources for the programs have ended, and the report indicated that the district has a good foundation of materials, but sustaining the programs through professional development will be challenging without funding.
Board members approved 6-0 the change order for Northview discussed during the work session and also approved bids for new classroom furniture at Northview.
The board discussed the request for a feasibility study for the district's vacant property in Miller Ranch. The board requested the study in order to determine if the property would be an appropriate site for an elementary school. When board members had previously discussed the proposal submitted by BG Consultants to do the study, they had asked to see a fee breakdown, to make all data collected available to future architects and engineers to eliminate any advantage BG Consultants might have, and to include information about fire truck access and water main capacity for a fire sprinkler system. BG Consultants agreed to the board's additional requests, and board members approved 6-0 to accept the proposal to do the study at a cost of $14,500. Dave Colburn cautioned that the board's looking at the feasibility of the Miller Ranch property does not mean the board has made a decision to build a school on the site.
Board members were presented with information about the district's attendance boundaries. The boundary lines will need to be adjusted when the construction projects are completed. The board approved 6-0 to keep the attendance boundaries the same for the 2011-12 school year. Board members also reviewed the recommended timeline for implementing new boundaries beginning with the 2012-13 school year. A redistricting committee will be formed in the fall of 2011, which will review options for redrawing boundaries, the committee will make a recommendation to the board in early 2012, the board will approve the new boundaries in Feb. 2012, and the new boundaries will go into effect with the start of the 2012-13 school year.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
Work session:
The work session focused on a change order needed for the construction project at Northview Elementary, which was the result of code requirements. Prior to the state Dept. of Education eliminating the state architect position, the state architect had reviewed Northview's project and required a certain number of drinking fountains and toilets based on occupancy. With the elimination of the state architect, the project now falls under the city's code department's jurisdiction, which also reviewed the project, interpreted occupancy loads differently, and is requiring additional drinking fountains and toilets. The construction team is still in the process of working with the city on the matter but was requesting additional funds as a "worst case scenario" so the project can continue to move forward.
Regular meeting:
The board was presented with a report on the district's anti-bullying programs. The funding sources for the programs have ended, and the report indicated that the district has a good foundation of materials, but sustaining the programs through professional development will be challenging without funding.
Board members approved 6-0 the change order for Northview discussed during the work session and also approved bids for new classroom furniture at Northview.
The board discussed the request for a feasibility study for the district's vacant property in Miller Ranch. The board requested the study in order to determine if the property would be an appropriate site for an elementary school. When board members had previously discussed the proposal submitted by BG Consultants to do the study, they had asked to see a fee breakdown, to make all data collected available to future architects and engineers to eliminate any advantage BG Consultants might have, and to include information about fire truck access and water main capacity for a fire sprinkler system. BG Consultants agreed to the board's additional requests, and board members approved 6-0 to accept the proposal to do the study at a cost of $14,500. Dave Colburn cautioned that the board's looking at the feasibility of the Miller Ranch property does not mean the board has made a decision to build a school on the site.
Board members were presented with information about the district's attendance boundaries. The boundary lines will need to be adjusted when the construction projects are completed. The board approved 6-0 to keep the attendance boundaries the same for the 2011-12 school year. Board members also reviewed the recommended timeline for implementing new boundaries beginning with the 2012-13 school year. A redistricting committee will be formed in the fall of 2011, which will review options for redrawing boundaries, the committee will make a recommendation to the board in early 2012, the board will approve the new boundaries in Feb. 2012, and the new boundaries will go into effect with the start of the 2012-13 school year.
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