Riley County Commission mtg 6-27-11

All Commissioners present. Rod Meredith, Asst Dir Public Works, presnted a revision of his departments budget request. He mentioned that if the sales tax is not renewed, they will have trouble keeping to the road maintenance schedule.
Ralph DeZago requested that the Commission extend the permission granted for hot dot sales in Courthouse Plaza be extended three months (through end of September). In light of the City's action to grant him permission to buy permit ($300 per year, not pro-rated), undergo background check, prove he has insurance and join business organization, and sell hot dogs on Saturdays, Commissioners found no objections to the extension. Motion passed 3-0. McCullogh suggested they must hold a work session (when pressure of Budget work is finished) to formulate a policy on such activity. Consensus agreement.
Doug Messer, Asst County Fire Chief, presented suggestions for fireworks safety in July 4 celebrations. Highlights included: have adult supervision; have water nearby; never throw fireowrks at people or carry in pocket; never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers, or in or near a roadway or street. He encouraged everyone to attend public fireworks displays. Riley County sales begin July 1, for those who have applied for a permit by June 27 (today).
Tim Hegarty, RCPD, said arrests at Stampede were down this year; RCPD had only three DUI arrests (Highway Patrol numbers are separate). Hegarty said crime is down slightly this summer so far. Almost all serious crime is committed by permanent residents of Riley County; student influx increases "nuisance" crimes in general
Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, introduced Melissa Kirkwood, Development Office of Flint Hills Discovery Center, who encouraged County residents to find and contribute interesting items for a 50-year Time Capsule which will be incorporated into the Discovery Center building.Items might include photographs, tools and objects, household/business items, cultural objects, ephemera of 2011, toys or music for children, etc.Contributions may be taken to Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau or RC Historical Museum by July 8.
Collins also noted that Barbara Poresky was elected Treasurer of Kansas Preservation Alliance Board of Directors. Rheba Howard was elected Director, and Linda Glasgow was elected President.
Rod Mer4dith said June 27-July 1, an asphalt seal will be applied to RC 376, Fancy Creek Rdl/Winkler mills Rd and RC 875N Wilkler Rd. Drivers should try to find alternative routes. The oil will stick and is hard to cleran off. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.
Ginny Barnard, Extension representative, said Children's cooking classes will be held July 2 and July 23. They will buy materials at Farmeer's Market and cook in County building. Preservation classes will be held in conjunction with HyVee Dietitian, at HyVee kitchens. July 6 Tomatoes & Salsa; Aug 10 Pickled Products; Sept 7 Jams & jellies. further info at County website.
Larry Couchman, RC Emergency Services, said in 16 years of Country Stampede, this year was the "best ever" from his perspective. Good Weather help in crowd behavior and attendance, and quality of entertainment was high. Their contract with Mercy covered their divect personnel expenses. They had only 9 ambulance transports (6 or 7 of which were alcohol related). Grand total of patient count for all days was 425, most of which were first aid calls. There were 23 primary alcohol problems and 34 heat related problems included.
Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, said Budget deadline is July 14. The Consumer Price Index for May was 3.8%. This will be used for COL adjustments. All Dept Heads have submitted their requests. 80-90% of most department budgets are personnel costs.
Clancy Holeman Administration, requested Executive Sessions for two separate litigation matters.
Chuck Murphy, Director, RC Health Dept, discussed possible repercussions of City's proposed withdrawal from contributing to Health Dept. They would lose $50,000 off the top in State matching funds. Total from County is $380,330. Lost feom City would be $311,000. Over the last three years Health Dept has lost $617,000 in funding. The mill levy in Riley County is $7.50. State average for counties is $15 (per capita).80% of Riley County's assessed valuation is within the City of Manhattan. Part of the City is in Pottawattomie County. There are several structural matters that would have to be dealt with, many serious issues. Clancy Holeman, County Counsel, said a charter resolution is needed immediately. Health Department is on entirely different pay scale. They have a different Health insurance plan. Their systems and computers are entirely separate from the rest of the County. Services such as Child Care, Restaurant inspections, epidemic control, vaccination programs, etc would need to be contracted by the City. Audit and legal expenses would have to be increased. There may also be factors unknown at this time. Mr Holeman will present this information in a respectful and informational manner to the City Commission Tuesday night (tomorrow, June 28). County w
ould appreciate as long a transition period as possible, at least until January 1, 2013. Some such transitions have taken 4 to 5 years.
Johnette Shepek summarized CIP requests for 2012. $1.9 million in IMPERATIVE expenditures are unfunded in the budget. There are many more possible projects not imperative. 2012 is the last year in which mercy will make a payment for purchase of Memorial Hospital: $650,000. Commissioners agreed tentatively to finance the payment to the City on Konza Water project in order to have a better ending balance.
Adjourned. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg

BOCC June 23, 2011

Board of County Commissioners meeting
June 23, 2011

All Commissioners present.

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, presented the 2012 CIP budget for a work session. To provide background information, she said that the beginning cash balance in 2011 was $3,536,253. In January a budgeted transfer of $620,000 was processed; in July a payment of $250,000 plus interest will be received from Mercy Regional Health Center (for the sale of the Memorial Hospital facility) which means in 2011 total resources available is approximately $4,406,253. Expenditures and Lease/Debt payments are estimated to total $2,500,000, leaving a cash balance of $1,906,253. Bridge projects totally $970,000 are expected to carry over into 2012. The final payment for Memorial Hospital will be in July of 2012. With this revenue, total resources available in 2012 if $2,556,253, Expenditures that are budgeted will leave an estimated cash balance in CIP for 2012 of $1,074,891.

Shepek then explained in great detail the many items in the budget development worksheet. She said that budget work sessions should be finished by mid-July, the budget published in the newspaper in August , then hearings held and adoption of the budget August 25.
Bob Isaac, Planner, presented a request from Richard Brit for a plat and rezoning for 3.10 acres of property. The re-alignment of K-18 requires Britt’s Farm Market to abandon the current location and Brit wants to relocate to the proposed area with a new structure and rezone to allow a mixture of different but associated uses. After discussion the BOCC approved the request.

Julie Merklin, observer

BOCC June 20

Board of Riley County Commissioners June 20, 2011
Commissioners McCulloh and Johnson present

Commissioner McCulloh read the statement that she will present at the Manhattan City Commission meeting on Tues, June 21. The statement is in support of the fixed bus route proposed by the Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency. The City is being asked to contribute $15,000 as a match toward federal funds that will allow the Agency to begin implementing the system. She will also send a letter to this effect to the City Commissioners. The BOCC approved her actions in behalf of the County.

Laurie Harrison, Emergency Management coordinator asked the Commission for permission to take the Mobile Command Post to Wamego for the July 4th festivities. The City of Wamego is concerned that their communications command and control may not be adequate for the event which is larger every year. Harrison said that the Mobile Command Post was received through Homeland Security grant funds and this would be a very effective way to use its regional communications capability. The understanding is that in the event Riley County needed it for an incident in our county it would be returned. The BOCC agreed to this request.

Linda Teener of UFM presented a proposal to use “FEMA buyout land” which is located on Hunters Island for expanding the Community Garden program. The current Garden site does not have room for expansion and there is a waiting list of gardeners. The request is to lease the land from the county.
The BOCC thought this was a good idea. UFM will be back with a final proposal

Lyle Butler from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce presented a budget request of $85,000 which is $35,000 higher than the previous year. The majority of the additional funds would support the Community Military liaison which the Chamber has paid for with City appropriations and private funds since its beginning in July 2006. The motivation is to encourage Ft. Riley and other military personnel to enjoy activities and spend additional money in Riley County. Funds will also be used to promote the Rodeo during the Fair as well as the “Manhattan 24/7” campaign. The result should be to bring new sales tax and property tax into Riley County. The request will be considered when the county budget is determined.

During the press conference Larry Couchman explained preparations for the Stampede and cautioned attendees to have adequate sun protection, wear adequate shoes and keep hydrated. He also said people should have a plan in case of emergency.

Laurie Harrison said that SBA disaster assistanceis available in the form of low interest loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes who were affected by the flash flooding of June 1&2..

The Manhattan Emergency Shelter Inc. submitted an appropriation request of $11,000 for the 2012 budget to support their efforts in helping the homeless help themselves.

Clancy Holeman, addressing the Manhattan City Commission’s concerns in funding the RCPD, investigated the statutes and said that KS law says that tax levy should be “sufficient to fund” - in this case the RCPD. It was noted that in several years Riley County has had to dip in to the General Fund when unexpected costs arose for the RCPD. Often these were unexpected medical expenses of inmates that could not be foreseen or budgeted for. The feeling seemed to be that the City might just have to do the same.

Grant Bannister, Indigent Defense Panel Attorney talked about the Panel’s contract request. There may be a need to consider a couple of options, one that eliminates covering high level juvenile felonies. These take more time and expertise than the typical cases such as ‘child in need of care’ cases. There will be more discussion of this.

Julie Merklin, Observer

USD 383 Board of Education

June 15, 2011
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board was presented with information for a development agreement with the city regarding moving and improving a portion of the sewer line for Bluemont Elementary. Part of Bluemont's sewer line is underneath the building and was established at a time when city codes allowed a building to be built on top of the sewer line. The western portion of Bluemont's sewer line does not currently have a building on top of it, but an addition is planned as part of Bluemont's construction project which would cover the western sewer line. Current code doesn't allow this, and so the western portion has to be rerouted. The new line will also be made larger to limit the possibility of backflow and to eliminate the need for an expensive "lift station." Bluemont is sited on a "public square," which means the city owns the land beneath the school. Nancy Knopp and Pete Paukstelis thought the city should waive inspection fees for the sewer line since the city owns the property. Other board members agreed. The board approved 7-0 to make the sewer line improvements and to ask the city to waive inspection fees.

Dave Colburn made the suggestion that board members who are interested in serving as vice president or president for next year should state their interest at the June 29th meeting. Colburn hoped this would make the process of selecting president and vice president more transparent. Other board members thought it was a good idea and should be continued in future years.

Riley County Commission June 16, 2011

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.

Commissioner Lewis said the juvenile detention center will be raising the rates it charges to serve inmates sent from non-participating counties. A video is being made in the hope it will convince additional counties to agree to join as sponsoring participants. Lewis is voicing the video.

Commissioners agreed to sign a letter to support a request for public transportation
assistance from KDOT for Big Lakes Developmental Center, Inc.

Register of Deeds Debbie Regester reported she has contracted to obtain backup storage of computer information with a Montana company. Such safeguards are important to guard against loss of records in disaster events.

It was agreed to amend the existing “pledge” resolution on the countywide ½ cent sales tax to remove mention of the south Manhattan avenue project. Apparently both the township and the landowners are against the road work as proposed.

County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson announced “farmer’s market cooking classes” will be held July 22 and 23 for children in grades 3 through 5. Students will shop for food items at the farmer’s market and learn to cook them. Interested persons may sign up for the classes at the County Extension office. The Riley County Fair will be held July 21st through 25th.

Riley County Police Department Director Brad Schoen said crime is down somewhat in the area and particularly in Ogden. He expressed concern about possible plans by the City to underbudget funds to deal with tax delinquencies. Typically budgets are developed on a projected 3% delinquency, however rates are running currently at about 6%. There is some question as to who is responsible for covering the costs running in excess of those budgeted by the City and County. Reportedly the City Commission has suggested that RCPD reserve funds could be used. The law, however, appears clearly to place funding responsibilities with the City and County. The RCPD reserve fund is to be used for emergencies only, not to cover day to day expenses. Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek said the County adds dollars from its general fund account when the budgeted amount is exceeded.

Riley County Commission June 13, 2011

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.

Of particular interest to the League was a proposal by Commissioner McCulloh to include $150,000 in the 2012 budget for a new position of county manager. She noted some top employees are nearing retirement age and questioned the ability of three persons meeting twice a week to manage a multi-million dollar business. She noted the staff has been excellent but the need exists for an overall manager. Commissioner Johnson is opposed to the position. Commissioner Lewis said he is reluctant to include the position in the 2012 budget but is willing to agree to appoint a task force to study and make recommendations. Commissioner McCulloh pointed out Commissioner Lewis had campaigned in support of the need for the position. Mr. Lewis said he is “open to it but not ready to commit”. He agreed there is a strong case for the need of an administrator, but he is concerned about cost and voter mindset against tax increases.

The Commissioners agreed to hold off on considering redistricting maps until mid-July when budget negotiations are completed. County Clerk Rich Vargo has prepared several maps to suggest possible redistricting options. These will be posted as a PDF on the County website.

A number of budget issues were considered. Counselor Clancy Holeman said he anticipated Mercy Hospital will be proposing a considerable jump in the cost of the ambulance agreements with the County. Apparently the agreement has remained at the same dollar level since 1982 and Mercy feels it is unfairly subsidizing the County’s ambulance system.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek said insurance for the various properties of the County is hard to predict given the fluctuating values of property from year to year. Charlson and Wilson is suggesting a 6% increase be budgeted for next year for a total amount of $440,000. Commissioner McCulloh suggested it might be time to go out for a bid on insurance rates. There appeared no eagerness to do so on the part of staff and the two other Commissioners at this time. The last time such bids were solicited the County paid a consultant to handle the bids and make recommendations. County Clerk Rich Vargo said sorting out and comparing such information takes someone very knowledgeable about insurance. The estimated cost for a consultant would be $20,000.

Inmate medical costs at the jail are running high due to the heavy medical needs of one inmate. The contract for Advanced Medical Care is expected to rise from $45,000 to $100,000 due primarily to that one inmate. The Commissioners urged County Attorney Barry Wilkerson to do whatever he can to get that trial underway.

County Engineer Leon Hobson said County Commissioners and personnel will soon be going to a card system to replace key use for entering the County building. The cards will provide an ongoing history of who enters a building, the time of entry, and how often that person enters. Most of the day was devoted to budget requests from departments and agencies.

USD 383 Board of Education

June 1, 2011

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board received a report on the district's summer programs, which included credit recovery for secondary students, driver's education, extended school year for special needs students, preschool programs, and an inclusive program for students with autism. The majority of the programs are self-supporting.

In construction news, several of the elementary buildings were boxed up and everything moved out for extensive summer construction projects. Demolition and asbestos abatement has begun at MHS. The board was also shown possible new furniture options for MHS.

Board members reviewed the budget and a list of items that could be eliminated to reduce the budget. The previous year's state per pupil funding was $4,012, current funding is $3,937, and next year's funding will be $3,780. The district is considering approximately $800,000 in cuts. A few of the options the board mentioned for addressing the budget included eliminating 11.4 full-time equivalent positions, a $30,000 reduction in the textbook fund, eliminating 5 paraeducators, eliminating a half-time psychologist, and using contingency funds.

Riley County - Manhattan Board of Health

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

As requested by Karen McCulloh, Board member from the County,

presentations from the Health Department staff continued with a report from

Myrna Wilson, Assistant Primary Care Staff, spoke of her role in assisting

clients to procure medications made available from pharmaceutical companies.

Clients, primarily with chronic conditions, receive free medications on a three

month basis which saves considerable money for the needy chronically ill.

Myrna described her job as managing this aspect of the Health Department

responsibility so that clients qualify for this help through medical prescriptions

and follow-up and that the client’s receive the needed medications in a timely

fashion. She noted that this is a PR action by the pharmaceutical companies.

Karen McCulloh requested a change in the minutes to reflect that

Lauren Palmer, Assistant City Manager, was a non-voting ad hoc member of

the Board.

In the Administrative Report, Charles Murphy, Administrator, noted that

there was a bill introduced in the Kansas House to get rid of all Health Departments

and much of the Environmental financial support. He stated that Sydney Carlin,

Manhattan Legislator, “went to bat for us” and it did not pass. However, he said

it was possible the Governor could “line item veto the state financial support”.

Deborah Nuss, also County member, and chairman of the subcommittee

preparing the Administrative Job Description/evaluation Tool reported and asked for

decisions on five items that had developed from the comments from Board members

on the report that had be submitted at the last Board meeting. After considerable

discussion the Board approved the tool with a beginning salary to be between

$80,000 and $100,000 and to request that the hired candidate try to live within

the County by six months taking into account the difficult housing situation. The

Board also approved beginning advertising the position immediately since Charles

Murphy will be retiring December 31, 2011.

The Board approved the Proposed Budget for 2012 and discussed its presentation

to the combined City/County meeting on June 16. Loren Peppard

stated unequivocally that the budget will be cut apparently regardless of need.

Discussion was held concerning how to present the budget with Mr. Murphy stating

that support from the Board would be very important. He also stated that referring

to the Health Department and the Police Department as “outside” agencies was

historically incorrect and hurtful to the image of both. “We are as integral to County/

City core provisions as any other part of the City/County government”.

The Board approved the opening of applications for the Infant/Toddler Unit sublease

at the FCRC (former Wharton Manor) taking into account the stated requirements

for leasing inherent in the original agreement when the property was

added to the Health Department. The Board also approved applying for the NACCHO

(National Association of County and City Health Officials) grant which is designed

to help Health Departments achieve several prerequisites for accreditation: 1) community

health assessment and 2) community health improvement plan.

Sue Cohen, Observer