County Commission July 28

BOCC July 28, 2011

All Commissioners present.
The official hearing on the budget will be at the regular August 15 meeting. The budget will be published in the Mercury before the hearing.

Commissioner McCulloh reported on the Riley County Health Board meeting she attended on Wednesday and said that there have been some applications for the position of head of the dept.

Barry Wilkerson, County Atty. said that his dept. has hired a new attorney to replace one that left. With school beginning there will be more activity to deal with. The stresses of the heat this summer has had the effect of increasing the number of people with mental health problems and resources at Ossawatomi are limited. They can only keep people in the hospital a few days and then must return them to their community with the result that they often end up being kept in jails. There are no tax savings, and no help for these patients or the communities they return to.

Robert Nall, information tech director, told the commissioners that the Health Dept. computers will eventually have to be replaced – they have a mix of machines acquired over time when grant money was available. It will be much more efficient when all are the same as the rest of the county computers, upgrades can be coordinated and repair simplified in the future.

Jennifer Wilson, County Extension Director reported on the county fair. It went well despite the heat. There were 398 open class entries, up 38 from last year. The commercial/organizational booth spaces sold out, generating $9670. These funds will be set aside to help pay for fair grounds improvements.

Steve French reports that the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association had no problems with beers sales (as far as violations of minimum age, etc.) the total attendance for the Rjodeo was 5027, up slightly over the five year average of 5015.

The 2012 Fair is scheduled for July 26-30

USD 383 Board of Education

July 27, 2011
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Special meeting:
The board held a special meeting to discuss mill levy options for the 2011-12 budget. Option 1 kept the capital outlay mill levy unchanged from the previous year at 4.0 mills, Option 2 would set the capital outlay mill levy at 5.3 mills, and Option 3 would set the capital outlay mill levy at 6.0 mills. The board was provided with information that outlined the capital outlay projects that could be funded with the different mill options. Darell Edie said that 4.0 mills is unacceptable, and he would prefer at least 5.3 mills. Other board members expressed similar support for Options 2 or 3. Several board members also expressed concerns about Amanda Arnold's aging HVAC system and the need to set aside and accumulate funds for replacing the unit.

Walt Pesaresi also suggested an option that would raise the Local Option Budget (LOB) by 1% because funds generated for the General Fund would have more flexibility and could be used for salaries or health care costs in addition to being able to be used for capital outlay. Doug Messer said he was hesitant to increase the LOB because the board's philosophy had been to hold back on raising the LOB in order to save it for "a rainy day."

The board will discuss the various mill levy options and the increase to the LOB option at its Aug. 3 meeting with the plan to have a public hearing on the budget on Aug. 17.

Riley County Commission July 25, 2011

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.

It was announced that the Garrick Company currently is giving a demonstration on pulverizing wood for the County. Staff is impressed with early results on how quickly the pulverizing is occurring.

During public comment, a request was made to record meetings and make copies available to the public. Commissioner Lewis said the Commission is in the process of installing an improved communication system to assist with hearing but that the approved minutes of meetings stand for the public record.

Jennifer Hancock with the SMH Company reported on the results of her drainage study of the Valleywood development. Apparently water is not draining from the housing area and mosquitoes are a big problem. Hancock presented two alternatives for dealing with the drainage. One would be to build concrete flumes and the other to build yard drains. She recommended yard drains which would be lower cost and less intrusive on property. Costs would fall on the township residents, not the County. A public meeting will be scheduled in September.

At the press conference it was reported that the County Fair is going well despite the heat. No problems were seen as a result of allowing beer at the rodeo.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman suggested some dates in October to try to schedule a conference with local legislators. He will check with them and get back to the Commission. He suggested a possible concern would be any move to change the RCPD funding formula. Commissioner McCulloh noted the Governor’s proposal to gradually eliminate income taxes could result in shifting more costs to local government.

Recently the Court of Tax Appeals has proposed a large increase in court fees. Charges currently in the $100’s would increase to the $1000’s. While the County has no control over the Court’s proposals, Holeman said Commissioners might receive some complaints.

A public meeting has been scheduled to hear a resolution to vacate Pleasant Hill Road. No properties will be denied access in the process. The Commission voted to approve the resolution. A second resolution would repeal County daycare requirements due to the passage of a new State law now making the County regulations redundant. Commissioners approved the resolution. According to Susanne Kufahl, with the Riley County Health Department, currently there are 22 registered daycare operations in the County.

Kufahl provided a map of the interior of Wharton Manor which now houses the Family and Child Resource Center. The facility is fully utilized except for one room. The Commission will tour the building on August 11. By consensus the Commissioners agreed to some working hour changes at the facility which are intended to provide access to families on an evening and, perhaps, on Saturday.

Riley County Commission July 21, 2035

Joan Strickler observer


All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.

The meeting began with the Riley County 4-H King and Queen bringing their cookie jar to share with the Commission.

Commissioners engaged in an informal discussion on several topics. Commissioner Lewis noted Geary County charges Junction City $30,000 a month to house prisoners in the jail and also suggested Commissioners should check into what the Health Department is doing in contracted out services.

Commissioner McCulloh said the City staff is interested in seeing the County help fund a building inspector position. The City has a one-half time inspector and would like to see that made full time. Lewis said he talked to a builder who is concerned about the cost to house owners if building safety standards are required for construction in rural areas. He is concerned that Riley County could be put at a disadvantage with Pottawatomie County. Commissioner McCulloh expressed the opinion that the assurance of safety in the quality of the house would matter more to owners. Emergency Management Director Pat Collins was present and said some houses in rural areas are very sub standard and subject to fires.

Collins handed out brochures on the Kansas Vulnerable Needs Planning System. Persons with special needs, such as oxygen dependency, are asked to provide information on their needs to be used by emergency personnel to plan for assisting the vulnerable population.

Register of Deeds Debbie Regester reported revenue figures are ahead of last year’s figures. Total Mortgage Amount in 2010 was $167,677,161 while the amount for 2011 is $173,560,301.

Commissioner McCulloh said she has talked with K-State officials exploring the possibility of having K-State fund bus service from the Mall to the campus. Apparently Ft. Riley is encouraging soldiers and spouses to further their education. Bus transportation from the Fort to the Mall is available, but transportation is needed to get persons to the campus. Such cooperation would also make it possible to save three busses that may have to be returned to the Kansas Dept. of Transportation if not utilized.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman said he has reviewed the $500,000 loan agreement to construct the new aTa bus facility. Commissioners agreed to take the funds from the economic development fund. Holemam said it was important to get some specific understanding on the City’s suggestion to transfer some unspent Health Department funds to the County. He would like to get an agreement specifying actions in writing.

Commissioners agreed to a water rate increase for Hunters Island and Moehlman Bottoms.

Riley County Police Director Brad Schoen said the consolidated dispatch effort is on hold until the City and County Commissions come to an agreement. He hopes to see this accomplished soon. The RCPD will have a booth set up at the Fair and will have several police officers patrolling on bikes. Alcohol is allowed at the Fair for the first time this year.

The Commission held a special event honoring County Treasurer Eileen King for being named the National Outstanding Treasurer of the Year.

Board of County Commissioners July 18

All board members present
Today was a very short meeting, adjourning just before 10 a.m.
Clancy Holeman, Counselor, discussed the upcoming shift of responsibility for the City/County Health Dept to Riley County alone. The question was posed as to how the City will transfer their Health Board funds to Riley County. The city charter ordinance states that there are several ways possible to do this. (It is actually even possible that they could retain the funds although it wasn’t clear how they could justify this). The BOCC all agreed that they need to know how much money is held by the city and that will go to the county citing the need for time to plan for the transfer which is scheduled for the beginning of January. McCulloh opined that the shift to the county was not necessarily a bad thing but there are many complicated issues to deal with and time is short. The topic will be discussed at the next city/county meeting.
The press conference included the announcement of a salsa contest - the relish, not the dance - sponsored by the Kaw Valley chapter of Our Local Foods Kansas. The recipe must include at least 2 fresh ingredients grown locally in Kansas.
Leon Hobson announced three roads where liquid dust control will be applied.
The county fair starts this week. Extensive information on the events was in a special section of the Manhattan Mercury.
The Law Board Agency is scheduled for noon.
Julie Merklin observer

Riley County Commission mtg 7-14-11

All Commissioners present. After routine business, Monty Wedel, Planning/Special Projects Director, requested action on a approval of a plat for Richard Britt. (No public hearing had been deemed necessary.) Approved 3-0.

Lyle Butler, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, updated Commissioners on economic development matters. The Airline serving Manhattan airport is doing good business. Flights to Dallas and Chicago are basically 80% full. The second daily flight to Chicago begins Nov 17. Some people are looking into possible improvements to the terminal. Some have had to park on dirt when flights are full. The baggage an rest room areas a beginning to seem inadequate. Customers should be made aware that when work begins on that strip of K-18, there may be traffic delays on the way to the airport. Butler said they are very proud of the #1 rating of Manhattan in Forbes Magazine for cities under 250,000 population. He reminded that the status did not grow in only the last few years, but is the result of work begun 10-15 years ago. Many entities and individuals deserve credit, including City and County, School district, KSU, and RCPD. Ms McCulloh asked Butler to explain what is going on with NBAF and KBA (KS Bio. A). Butler explained that KBA was set up by Gov Sibelius by Statute. The present Governor has decided to reconstitute the NBAF committee It will be smaller. Butler thought it would include the Mayor, KSU President, our Congress people, and others. Butler discussed the non-formal regional economic development partnership developing among Manhattan, Lawrence and Topeka. It is partly an "attention-getting" entity to attract new research. Butler said Dick's Sporting Goods is set to open July 29. Red Lobster is still talking and planning. Ms. McCulloh expressed regret that the Budget would not allow an increase over the Chamber's last year $50,000, but said the County would contribute $5,000 to the Advantage Manhattan campaign.

Shelly Williams, Director of Community Corrections, said they have a slightly lower than average daily population presently in both adult and juvenile divisions. They have conducted 2784 drug tests on 308 adults, with 10% positive. The 16% no-show rate is expected to go down with planned enforcement methods. The juvenile division is feeling the effect of absent parents in deployment: more juvenile offenders and "child in need of care" cases. They have installed additional safety measures such as audio on cameras and hooks outside interview rooms for purses, packs and coats. Two staff received training in Washington, DC in safety measures and have in turn trained all personnel. Ms Williams said that the 4% increase in juvenile funds will cover the additional cost of KPERS. They received both grants they applied for, and adult services received only a 1.01% cut in funding, which they can accommodate by rearranging personnel duties.

Clancy Holeman, Counselor/Dir of Admin Services, said he has been in correspondence with the Indigent Defense Panel, with offers and counter-offers still in progress. The City has prepared a press release with regard to Wildcat Creek--couldn't hear. Apparently Mr Winn Butler of the City Commission has been questioning the City's 80% funding of RCPD. Since this is Statutory, Ms McCulloh asked "Why are we discussing this?" Other County Commissioners and Mr. Holeman agreed this a matter to discuss with the Legislature. Commission went into Executive Session with plan to adjourn at its finish. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

Riley County Commission mtg 7-11-11

All Commissioners present. After routine business, Rich Vargo, County Clerk, gave the Year-to-Date budget and expenditure reports. As in previous months, the RCPD inmate Health costs are a concern. The very ill inmate is still there, still needing much expensive care. Building maintenance at the LEC is also high, including the discovery that the skylights all leak. Vargo has been working with Susanne Kufahl, Health Department, on personnel, insurance, and other matters connected with the transfer of the HD to sole County jurisdiction.

Eileen King, Treasurer, gave the monthly financial reports. Investment earnings, after transfers, were $99,261.15. King said the interest rate on the active checking account has been raised from 0.04% ti 0.05%. Much rejoicing. Sales tax receipts for June (April sales) were $243,000. Total collections this year are at 64.10% of budget (good). Variance to budget on all revenue to date is +2.04%.

Jennifer Wilson, Extension, spoke about the Riley County Fair, which will be at CiCo Park on July 21-25. Preliminary events begin July 14, including a bake sale and a Parade. The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. Thursday July 21; it starts at Town Center (gather in Sears parking lot) and ends at 11th Street. Wrist bands for discounts on carnival rides will be available. The Sunday MERCURY carried a supplement covering most Fair events. Extension offices will move to Pottorff Hall on July 18, and return to Courthouse Plaza on July 26.

Greg McClure, Extension, gave an update on Riley County crops. Wheat is all in, of better quality than most of Kansas. Corn, soybeans, etc all need rain.

The Town & Country Garden Club presented day lilies to Commissioners and to Cheryl Collins of Historical Museum in celebration of their 60th anniversary. They take care of the County gardens, including Courthouse, museum, zoo, etc.

Cheryl Collins will give a KS 150 lecture on Tuesday July 12, at noon, at the Historical Museum, 23o9 Claflin, on "Society Cream: the Purcells." The public is invited to come and bring brown bag lunch. Collins will take a look at lives and influence of E.B. and Elizabeth Hoyt Purcell in Manhattan Society from 1870 to 1924.

Collins also noted that Goodnow House, with its interior extensively rehabilitated, in now re-opended to the public. Hours are Sat and Sun 5 to 5 and Tues to Fri 9-5 when staff are available. Call 785-565-6490 for information. No admission charge, donations gratefully accepted.

Ginny Barnard, Extension was awarded a $3,000 scholarship to help with tuition from the Heartland Centers at St. Louis University for training program at KS Public Health Leadership Institute. Program begins just after County Fair.

Rich Vargo announced that bullfrog season began July 1. A fishing license is required.

Leon Hobson, Public Works Director, County Engineer, gave a projects update. They hope to complete Wildcat Creek Rd. by year's end. Clearance and debris disposal is almost complete on roads affected by recent heavy rains. All roads have been bladed.

Per-load for the transfer station has been raised by $3.00 (to $45).

Commissioners agreed by consensus for Clancy Holeman to send a letter to Washington County Commission regarding closing of a road between the Counties. Riley County will remove a bridge on the road and install signage indicating Dead End at appropriate points on both sides. The Road and Bridge Committee will meet at 11:30 tomorrow.

Clancy Holeman requested an executive session. When Commissioners returned, Holeman distributed copies of the by-laws of the Park Board as a model for consideration for the new by-laws of the new Health Board (yet to be constituted). Copies will be sent to members of the present Health Board for their suggestions and comments. Some present members were appointed by the City. The County will appoint all members in future.

Craig Cox, Asst Co Counsel, said that one owner of many parcels of land set for the delinquent tax sale had paid his taxes in the amount of $243,033. as of today. The County will receive 25% of that amount. The next sale will include approx 40-50 parcels, all vacant lots. The County works with home owners to prevent people being ejected from their homes

Cheryl Collins said the Museum will have a KS 150 display at Town Center. She commended County staff, who are always ready to help other departments. She especially wanted to thank Jerry Howard, who fixed their bird problem and their flagpole problem. She said the Discovery Center will have a table at the Fair. Though the deadline for submissions to the Time Capsule has passed, she thought they might make room for additional contributions. Each County in the Flint Hills area will have its own archival box.

Grant Bannister, Indigent Defense Counsel, discussed budget allocation for the Panel. They have asked for a 3% increase, which Commission is finding it difficult to grant. Attorneys find it onerous to be called upon in off-grid and 1st and 2nd level felonies for juveniles, and request that present contract cover only 3rd and 4th level felonies. Further discussion is planned.

Johnette Shepek presented a further revision of 2012 Budget with cuts and additions recently requested. Leon Hobson said he had been hearing polite murmurings about the 1% COLA allowed to County employees, when RCPD received 2% raises. Comparative step raises and COLA were discussed at length. Ms McCulloh proposed that consideration be given to eliminating the $500,000 CIP funds recently added into the budget and financing projects by bonding. Commissioners agreed that with interest rates so low, it might be a good time to borrow for these projects, which MUST be kept up to date. Riley County has 130 bridges; at the average rate of deterioration, two (2) must be replaced every year. Ms Shepek said our debt limit is $16.4 million. At present we have $6 million in bonded debt. Facility improvements and repairs might be included. With certain manipulations and the exclusion of the CIP $500,000 and a County building fund of $50,000, Commissioners could provide a mill levy rise of only 2.6 mills, as against 3.87 mills. Commissioners agreed by consensus to have Shepek prepare a budget proposal including these changes for approval on Thursday.

Commissioners went into Executive Session. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

USD 383 Board of Education

July 6, 2011

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:

The board began the meeting by welcoming new members Leah Fliter and Darrell Edie and electing a board president and vice president. Doug Messer was elected president, and Dave Colburn was elected vice president.

Board members also approved the annual duty appointments, such as board clerk, treasurer, legal counsel, freedom of information officer, ADA compliance officer, etc.

The board met with representatives of First Management, the contractor working on Wilson Elementary's construction project. The project is behind schedule, and First Management had suggested working longer hours and on Saturdays to make up time. The district's program manager was not confident that the proposed plan would be sufficient to have the school ready by August. Walt Pesaresi said First Management knew what the timeline was when they chose to bid on the project and in not having the project completed, they have essentially lied to Wilson's students by not living up to their claims of being able to complete the project on time. Mr. Pesaresi said First Management needs to develop another proposal that shows how the lost time will be made up.

The board was also presented information regarding the structural condition of the stone portion of Roosevelt Elementary. An engineer is working on a complete study of the stone portion, and the results will be ready next week. Board members asked for the best and worst case scenarios. The best case would be only one concrete floor is in poor shape and will need to be reinforced. One possible worst case could be all of the concrete floors are in poor shape and would have to be replaced with steel and lightweight concrete. A second worst case included the possibility that the concrete floors, columns, beams, and exterior walls are all in poor shape, and in that case, the board might have to consider demolition. The construction team had not yet considered the financial implications, but it was suggested it could be as much as $3-4 million. District administration has been working on possible options for classroom space since the stone portion won't be ready by August. Board members planned a special meeting for July 14th to discuss Roosevelt's construction project.

The board was provided with mill levy and property valuation information to help plan the 2011-12 budget. The district's current total mill levy is 49.3 mills. Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, said that administration needs the board to make preliminary decisions about budget reductions and the use of reserves in order to develop options for the budget.

USD 383 Board of Education

June 29, 2011

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:

Carol Adams reported that USD 383 had scored well on its application for a JROTC program and had been placed at the top of the list for establishing a program.

Sally Frick, Director of Head Start, reported that the Early Head Start program would no longer be accessing state funds and would cease to exist for the most part on June 30th, necessitating the termination of 15 employees. The Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services had notified all Early Head Start programs that ongoing state funding would cease Dec. 31, and local programs that wished to continue would have to apply for grant funding and develop programs that would implement new state requirements. Mrs. Frick believed it would be difficult for the local Early Head Start to follow Gov. Brownback's new guidelines, and so the decision was made to not pursue the grant funding and to discontinue the program. Early Head Start will continue to receive federal funds to serve a few families and will work with the Parents as Teachers program to provide services to other families affected by the changes.

In construction news, the board learned that the construction project at Wilson Elementary is 3-4 weeks behind schedule. Board members requested having representatives from First Management (the contractor) attend the next board meeting to discuss the situation.

The board also learned that Roosevelt Elementary may have serious structural issues in the original stone portion of the school. Cracks were discovered in the original concrete flooring that separates the levels. Core samples were taken to assess the situation, and the results were not yet known. If the concrete is in relatively good condition, the cracks can be repaired. If the concrete is in poor condition, it would need to be removed, the building gutted, and new steel framing put in place. The building will undergo a complete structural review to help guide the next steps. The building will not be ready for school to start in August even if only minimal repairs are needed, so the board discussed the possibility of using additional mobile units to temporarily house classrooms.

The board approved 6-0 year-end transfers, totaling $230,000. Of that amount, $150,000 was transferred to the textbook rental fund, and the remainder was divided between the capital outlay fund and the contingency fund.

Board members also recognized outgoing board members Susan Marshall and Nancy Knopp and thanked them for their years of service to the community.

Observer Report of Health Board Meeting

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

A quorum of six member were present. Notably missing were Loren Pepperd, Derek Mosier, and Dr. Rick Fulton. Karen McCulloh, of the County Commission, came in late having had cataract surgery that morning. Lauren Palmer, representing the City, ex officio was also present.

The presentation about the functions of the Health Department for this month were by the two ARNP’s who provide the care in the clinic each half time. Hannah Lauer spoke about the smooth functioning of the clinic with the shared responsibilities by two part time ARNP’s allowing each to care for their young families and still maintain careers.

Bonnie McKinsey discussed the challenges of the clients of the clinic who essentially present “span of life” conditions. She spoke of the many chronically ill clients who are cared for through the clinic and the fact that the supporting staff was excellent. She stated that Dr. Herl, who is the medical Doctor affiliated with the clinic, is easily contacted when needed. The free lab work provided by Lab Corp is especially helpful for quicker diagnosis and treatment and very helpful to the clinic clients.

The first two items on the proposed agenda were postponed. The presentation of the early childhood brochure was delayed as it was not yet available. The Presentation of the Smart Start Evaluation, a requirement of the grant for the Early Childhood Block Grant, by Tara Gregory of Wichita State University is postponed as Ms. Gregory was unable to come. Two items were added to the agenda, the first relating to revision of the budget and the second a report by Assistant Administrator, Susie Kufahl concerning the Health Advisory Committee.

Nursing supervisor Dawn Searles’s report indicated that 162 pregnant and postnatal women were in the Maternal and Infant program during the month of May and that there were sixteen new enrollments and seven discharges. There were only three communicable diseases reported in May, one Salmonellosis, one Shigellosis, and one Hepatitis C.

The WIC program report by Lisa Ross RD.LD.CBE noted total participating in Riley county to be 3177 with new applications 129 from Riley County and 283 from Fort Riley. The WIC staff monitors six local grocery stores who accept WIC checks. The combined value of the redeemed WIC checks for May was $66,389.86

The report from Mindy Robbins concerned the Smart Start/Early Childhood Block grant and the provision for a representative from each participating child care center to attend an on-site professional development event on Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect. The staff also attended the training in terms of “training the trainer”and in the continuing support for the Kansas Strengthening Families Plan.

The major item on the agenda was the discussion of the “pulling out” by the city from support of the Health Department at the City Commission meeting the evening before the Board meeting and turning the Health Department from a City-County to a County Health Department. Charles Murphy, Department Administrator, indicated that a meeting with the County on Thursday was scheduled. The Board commented on the fact that they had requested at the March 30, 2011 meeting to table the issue until February 2012 when a new administrator would be in place and that little study had yet been done on the issue. Karen McCulloh noted that it was a ”done deal” and the County would cope. Discussion commented on whether this board should be the one to hire the new administrator. Doug Finney suggested that appointing the present Assistant Administrator as an interim administrator might be the best plan since the Board was literally a ”lame duck” Board. Charles Murphy wondered how the Health Officer aspect of the Department should be continued and noted that at times sanitation problems had been reported to him requiring his immediate action. Lauren Palmer, Assistant City Manager felt that a “non” issue for the city and would be handled by the expected Charter action.

Debbie Nuss reported there were seven applicants at this time for the Administrator position. It was decided to allow the advertising for the position to continue for the time being.

Mr. Murphy presented the revised budget and the Board approved it as presented.

Mr. Murphy reported on the progress of the Kansas Health Information Network. The Hospital will head up this initiative. He indicated there might be problems relating to choosing software that each member can use and access and that the Department would wait until there was more clarity on the issue.

Ms. Kufahl included a report of the Public Health Advisory Committee Planning Meeting. Goals were drafted including ways to educate and encourage people to make healthy choices in nutrition and physical activity.

Submitted Sue Cohen, Observer.

Riley County Commission mtg 6-30-11

All Commissioners present.After routine business, Clancy Holeman, County Counsel, Administration, led an administrative work session. Main subjects were questions from Judge Miller about the Law Library and possible expansion of Courthouse hours. These were very well covered in the MERCURY.
Bob Isaac, Planner, conducted a public hearing concerning platting and rezoning of property owned by Robert and Linda Demmie on the west side of Tuttle Creek Lake. from G-1 Agricultural to A-5 Residential. The request was consistent with Riley County land use Plan, and had been approved by the proper zoning (Planning) Board. Approved 3-0.
Leon Hobson gave an update on projects. 1) White Canyon Road was inspected at a certain tube crossing at request of residents. Washouts had not affected the road itself, but had left sharp drop-off. Since the road is private, it is not the responsibility of either the County or the Township. County fixed it once for safety reasons, but further work is responsibility of resident. A letter will be sent stating County will assist in process of making it County or Twp road if they wish. 2) a City street (Front Street) in Randolph, which has contracted with the County to pave before. City feels the County Fire trucks turning on this street have caused deterioration. Unfortunately, the cost of materials has risen significantly. Randolph has only $19,000 in their budget, and complete overlay, which would be needed, would cost c $50,000. They will continue discussions with Randolph officials about other alternatives. 3) The Police firing range has now apparently experienced ricochets even after County removed all loose materials and built an 8-foot berm of soil. All inexpensive options have been tried. Further study is needed.
Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, presented the latest version of the Budget Development Worksheet. Rich Vargo said that they had this morning received notice from the State that the KPERS contribution of the County will increase .6% and that the State Health Insurance (KS BC/BS) employer contribution will rise 15% (3-5% rise in employee contribution) as of July 1, 2011. This requires refiguring of numerous accounts. County officials and department heads continue to search for ways to reduce expenditures. Because of the City's sudden refusal to pay a share for the Health Department, the County must somehow find additional funds This also was covered excellently in the MERCURY. Consensus was reached on 1) figuring what would be the cost of 1% COLA, to be put in a footnote; 2) including $500,000 transfer to CIP (Capital Improvement); 3) not including ANY new employees; and 4) maintaining increase of 3% in funds for Indigent Attorney services, including high level felonies, although a higher raise has been requested. Also discussed was whether the City should pay for the incarceration of their prisoners. Inmate health costs are now over all limits (primarily one inmate with multiple health issues).
There will be no Commission meeting on July 4. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.