Riley County Commission June 25, 2012

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.

There was informal discussion of the need to plan on a regional level.  Often smaller communities are resentful when a larger community government controls planning efforts because they feel their concerns may be overlooked or downgraded.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reported on his contact with the Kansas Attorney General’s office pertaining to the status of Riley County’s request for an AG opinion regarding the issuance of the local tax levy.  Apparently an opinion has been drafted but has not yet gone through the review process.

Larry Couchman, director of emergency services for the county, talked about medical service requests over the weekend at the Country Stampede.  He said medical personnel were busier this year because attendance was up.  He was not aware of any significant medical issues due to underage drinking.  Apparently a significant number of people attending come from out of state.  Some, such as a couple from California, plan their vacations around the event.  Couchman said the “hard core” stampeders often leave after the Saturday night performance and Sunday attracts a more family-oriented crowd.

Tim Hegarty, Riley County Police Department, said their officers were not particularly busy since much of the security is handled by the Pottawatomie County sheriff’s office. He added, due to the many years the Stampede has been held, much of the work has become routine.

County Treasurer Eileen King announced she has been appointed to the Racing and Gaming Commission.  She said vehicle registrations are operating much as usual; yet most staff members are voluntarily working longer hours when the new system fails to transfer over certain information correctly.  She said the system tends to slow down on Friday afternoons and cautions people not to wait to Fridays to deal with vehicle issues.