Riley County Commission December 23, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Lewis, Boyd and Wells present, Lewis presiding.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reported the attorneys on the indigent defense panel have agreed to a 1.5% cola increase in the coming year.  For special cases demanding extensive hours of work the attorneys will be paid an eighty dollar an hour rate.  The Commissioners agreed to the contract.

Officer Matthew Droge discussed holiday safety issues.  He noted 80% of vehicle robberies involve unlocked cars.  He cautioned against leaving  boxes out on curbs that would advertise the arrival of new television or other expensive appliances in the house and suggested writing down serial numbers of valuables.

Robert Nall, IT/GIS director, made a recommendation for the County to contract with a company that offers oblique aerial photography for the 2014 aerial property survey.  Oblique photography allows all four sides of a property to be viewed and gives one the ability to determine the width and height of that property.  Oblique photography will be a particularly effective tool in assessing the value of property in the County.

The company contracted to develop the 2013 aerial assessment has experienced extensive delays and has yet to provide its report.  Commissioners encouraged staff to negotiate down any final payment to the company due to the delays. 

County Commission Dec. 19, 2013

County Commission Dec 19, 3013

All commissioners present

All commissioners present.

Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds delineated her department's accomplishments and goals for the future.

Larry Couchman, EMS Directer discussed two incidents from last week involving his department.  The shooting at the Quality Inn response involved setting up a team to enter the hotel to search for any victims and render first aid if necessary.  They also were called to the multiple vehicle accident on I 70 and Wabaunsee county line.  Three ambulances were sent by EMS and one from Potttawatomie County.

Jennifer Wilson reported that the county Extension office will be providing tax return preparation next year as it has in the past.  It is staffed by qualified volunteers and she said they are still looking for more volunteers through mid January when training begins.  The site, at the ManhattanLibrary, will  open Feb. 4.

Greg McClure from K-State Extension announced an extensive and diverse list of classes offered in the seven county area.  He can be contacted at 785-537-6350.

Greg Lund, Parks Manager, showed pictures of the play equipment at CICO Park.  Most, if not all of it is old, outdated and no longer safe.  Until the funds can be found for the proposed large multiuse structure with slides, climbing features etc. that will cost  around $400,000 dollars, it is proposed to remove the unsafe equipment and replace it with swings and two other structures for climbing.  These will be less expensive.   The commission delayed any decisions on the swings, etc., since it is too late in the year to make these sorts of budget requests.

Julie Merklin, observer

County commission Dec. 16, 2013

County commission 12/16/13

All commissioners present.
Bids were opened for a tractor/ loader/backhoe for the Public Works department.  The bids were referred to staff for evaluation.

Johnette Shepek presented amendments to the 2013 budget for approval.

During the press conference, Eileen King, county Treasurer, reminded people that the first half of property tax is due Dec 20 and delineated the several ways they can be paid.  John Allard updated the commission on the Riley County Council on Aging.  Commission Chairman, Dave Lewis announced holiday office hours- closing at noon on Dec. 24 through the 25 and Jan 1.  Only the treasurer's office will close on noon on the 31 to do end-of-the-year tasks.

Greg Lund, Parks Manager reviewed the CiCo park master plan, discussing the responsibilities of the county, city of Manhattan, and school district 383.

Gary Stith and Bill Clark explained the comprehensive economic development strategy and the FlintHills Development District.  It is a regional effort involving 19 counties and stretches south from Marysville and Marshall County, includes  Riley County, and extends to the  Oklahoma border.  There will be many public informational meetings .

Julie Merklin. Observer






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