All Commissioners present. After routine business, Clancy Holeman Discussed allowing beer at the Rodeo at the County Fair.Current Resolution prohibits consumption, possession or sale of any alcohol in CiCo park. The revised resolution suggested would allow beer only, for three hours, three days in a year,i.e. during the Kaw Valley Rodeo and only in the arena area. The vendor would be responsible for insurance and agree to "indemnity and hold harmless" for County.The agreement would be for only one year, cancellable annually. Consensus was to accept the change on a trial basis for one year. In other business, Holeman said Senator Reitz will introduce a bill to allow Counties to have the same authorities as Cities to accept credit card payment for services. The House bill concerning sexually oriented businesses would possibly pre-empt local authority, which some oppose. Farm Bureau will not pursue legislation this year in regard to soil erosion oversight of County Commissions. The Commission does not to judge matters they are not expert about. This portion of the law may be dealt with.
Jennifer Wilson, County Extension, discussed the Take Charge Energy Challenge. Manhattan and 16 other Kansas towns will compete (friendlily) to save the most energy. The competition between Manhattan/KSU and Lawrence/KU will run simultaneously. This latter runs through September. Westar will measure wattage use between the two cities. The winner will receive a prize of $100,000 (half to city, half to University). Wilson mentioned four ways to save energy: 1) have a home energy audit (currently $100, as against the usual $300-800), 2) change light bulbs to compact fluorescents, 3) enroll in Westar Enegy program (described in MERCURY), 4) attend a Take Charge event. There will be booths at Garden Show and Home Show.
Brad Schoen, Director, RCPD, said the PD had changed insurance coverage to Sunflower Insurance Group recently and saved $60,000. The insurance company would like to discuss division of responsibility for facilities between RCPD and the County. There are various issues of liability. (Police departments have high liability.) Commission said the insurance company should start discussions with Rich Vargo, County Clerk, and probably consult Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, and Leon Hobson, County Engineer, in charge of facilities. Schoen inquired if County was at all interested in joining a pool for self-insurance for Workers Compensation. PD recently lost coverage when the insurer became financially unsound. They have interim coverage, but since City is already self-insured, Schoen felt he should propose the possibility of City, County and PD to form a large pool and self-insure. Commissioners agreed by consensus to look into the matter. Schoen reported a recent low crime rate, probably due to the cold weather. They have already begun to make plans for police activity during "Fake Paddy's Day" which will probably attract many many drinkers from all over Kansas and beyond. They will continue to handle the crowds in more-or-less friendly manner this year i.e., no fencing, gates, closing off Aggieville, etc. If things get out of control, they will have many officers, including detectives patroling. Next year if they feel it necessary they might try the "ton of bricks" approach. Schoen commented that he was told of an Irishman who came with a family from Omaha last year and commented "You guys sure do drink a lot of beer."When asked, Schoen said PD could handle beer at the Rodeo just fine. Rodeo security (with whom he has consulted) is confident of their ability to control it.
Eileen King, Teasurer, gave monthly report. Year to date investment and interest income is at 12.26% of budget: $24,521.55. She receives 1.05% rate on CDs (more than other counties). November sales tax collections were $21,573.19 higher than November 2009. In calendar year 2010 there were 70,590 motor vehicle transactions. There are more than 50,000 vehicles registered in Riley County.
Leon Hobson, Public Works Director/County Engineer, conducted a work session on University Park water and sewer district rate increases. There were no representatives of University Park present. The last raise in rates was in December 2004. Hobson apologized for not seeing into the future at that time that rates would need virtually annual increases. Capital outlays were very heavy in the last few year, because of aging infrastructure. The capital reserve fund is depleted. Even fixed expenses have steadily increased. All portions of the charges will be increased in the proposal Hobson brought to Commission. There was consensus that the increases were necessary and not unreasonable. Hobson will go forward with implementing the changes. Commission will take no formal action on rates until Clancy Holeman draws up a Resolution to be discussed on Thuirsday, Feb 24. (NO MEETING ON MONDAY FEB 21--Presidents Day.) Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg
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