Riley County Commission

May 23, 2011
Joan Strickler, observer


All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.

During public comment Paul Foltz asked about an article in Sunday’s Manhattan Mercury concerning the boundaries of Riley and Pottawatomie Counties. He expressed the opinion that Riley should maintain that the shift in the Blue River channel caused by a flood occurring 100 years ago should result in Riley adding to its boundaries the area to the east between the former channel and the current river channel. County Counselor Clancy Holeman explained precedents established in case law have determined that boundaries do not change when the river channel shifts due to flooding. Holeman has asked the Mercury to clarify that as his opinion since it was reported incorrectly in the paper.

CASA Director Jayme Morris-Hardeman and County Attorney Barry Wilkerson spoke of the importance of CASA volunteers. Wilkerson said CASA is a great asset to courts and his office and the agency’s support has resulted in a better life for children. Morris-Hardeman said currently there are about 75 active volunteers but, to meet the need, that number should be doubled. In particular there is a need for more male volunteers.

Greg McClure, Riley County Extension, announced a tour of a wheat variety plot will be held at 6:30 p.m. on a plot located 8 miles north of Randolph and owned by Wendell Anderson. A free supper will be served. Contact the Extension office at 785-537-6350 or gmcclure@ksu.edu. He reported the wheat crop currently looks good for Riley County.

County Engineer Leon Hobson asked for Commissioners to give him input regarding a public information meeting to be held that evening at the fire station off Kimball and Denison. The meeting is being held to discuss provisions of Charter Resolution #8 pertaining to maintenance responsibilities of township roads. Problems occur when township roads are paved but deteriorate to the point of needing to be reconstructed at considerable cost. The proposed resolution would include a right for the County to establish a maintenance fee through special assessment to deal with reconstruction costs of paved township roads. If over 50% of the residents file a protest, the County will have no responsibility to continue to maintain the road. Only paved roads are affected.

Assistant County Engineer Gary Rosewicz reported costs, particularly fuel costs, are running high in operating the Solid Waste Facility. Commissioners approved a $3 increase in the cost charged per haul.

It was mentioned that Ogden was being cited for water quality problems due to low chlorine levels. Reportedly a child became sick from a microbial contaminant after swimming in the pool.

Hobson said the overlay on McDowell Creek Road should be completed by June 3. Improvements to Wildcat Creek Road will be dealt with in 5 or 6 phases.