Riley County Commission December 28,2014

Joan Strickler, observer. 

Commissioners Boyd, Wells and Lewis present, Boyd presiding.

Commissioners approved a resolution making appointments to various Advisory Boards

and Councils.

The Commission approved a memorandum of agreement with the Mercy Regional Health Center to extend the agreement with Riley County pertaining to provision of ambulance services.  The extension is to cover the period prior to Via Christi’s assuming total operational control of the hospital.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman presented proposed by-laws regarding the establishment of the Riley County Public Building Commission.  Holeman pointed out that by-laws are not required for such Commissions; however, he suggests creating them to help guide decision making in the future.

Brenda Nickel, Director of the Riley County Health Department, presented a certificate of appreciation to Commissioner Lewis for his role in assuring a smooth transition of the Department from joint Manhattan/Riley County governance to that of a Department of Riley County.

Monty Wedel, Planning/Special Projects Director, presented proposed standards changes to comply with the International Property Maintenance Code at a public hearing.  The amendments were approved.

A request from Brenda Nickel to close the Health Department for 3 hours on a quarterly basis for staff professional development meetings was held for further input from other Department Heads.

Commissioners discussed their goals for 2015.  Among those mentioned was the need for security in the County Courthouse.  Other issues included concerns about the impact of actions by the Kansas Legislature that may affect the County and the need to have a lobbyist ready to keep informed to alert Commissioners to potential problems.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek discussed possible contract updates with Advanced Correctional Healthcare for inmate medical services.   A key issue is whether or not to include prescription drug costs in the contract or to continue contracting separately with a local pharmacist for these services.

 

County commission 11/20/14

Riley county commission Nov 20, 2014

Commissioners Wells and Lewis present

Commissioners Wells and Lewis present

Debbie Regester reported on collection and distribution of Mortgage Recording Fees.  On Jan. 1 2015, the recording fees and registration fees change.

Regester also reported on the continuing re-scans of old records.  The examples of improvement in legibility were striking.

Jennifer Wilson, county extension Director explained the focus of an action plan focussing on global food security.  The concern is having enough food to feed the projected world population of 9billion.  She said studies show that 40% of food is wasted before consumption, and that consumers need education in how to prevent wasting of food.  Much ends up in the garbage.

Brad Schoen, RCPD told the commission about problems from parties at Britts Garden Acres.  The warehouse there is rented out for these events and Britts say they have no responsibility for these activities. There seems to be lack of control, and alcohol laws violated.  Schoen said that the RCPD will stay on this.

Pat Collins, emergency management director explained to the Commission the need for updating the 911 system.  The need is urgent and there is enough money in the budget specifically for this.  Estimated cost is $423,000.  Revenue for this fund comes from monthly fees on cell phone service and phone lines.  The commissioners approved.

Leon Hobson, Public Works Director told the commission that the bridge on south 32 street must be replaced because the wooden pilings that support it are rotting. This project is priority.  A State of Kansas program could fund 90% of construction and design costs.  The commission gave approval to
proceeding with design plans.

The commission convened as the health department and heard the report of
Director Brenda Nickel.

Julie Merklin, observer

USD 383 Board of Education

Nov. 19, 2014
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board approved two new courses for MHS:  General Psychology and Introduction to Sociology.  Both courses will provide concurrent college credit and will be offered through a partnership with the Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC).  The board also approved name changes for a handful of courses in order to align them with concurrent college credit with MATC.

County Commission 11/17/14

Riley county commission Nov. 17, 2014

All commissioners present

Cheryl Collins and Linda Glaskow from the Riley County Historical Museum informed the Commission labout various professional meetings they and  staff members have attended.  All these meetings were in Kansas and were very informative.

Clancy Holman discussed hiring a lobbyist to represent Riley County interests at the Statehouse.  It is likely that the County would share the cost of the lobbyist with the city of Manhattan.  Any conflicts of interest would have to be worked out.

There was quite a discussion about taxing internet sales.  If there is a "nexus" I.e. a facility of the vender in the state then, they add on the proper sales tax.  (Amazon has  some facility in KS so they charge sales tax on items ordered from  KS). People are supposed to declare on their income tax forms if they bought items on the internet and weren't charged sales tax.  Nobody complies with this.  It is estimated that there will be$175 million in unreported sales tax in 2014.  This has to be acted on at the federal level. The National Conference of State Legislatures estimate losses nationally in 2012 to be $23.3 billion.  Merchants feel it would be more fair if everyone were treated equally.

Because of the latest gun laws in Kansas, the courthouse will have to spend an estimated $230K on renovating and securing entrances if they wish to ban guns.
According to the law, By(1/1/18) all public buildings must have approved signage and security to ban the carrying of firearms. This includes state supported Colleges/Universities and State/Local Government buildings.  Architect Bruce McMcMillan presented proposed plans to renovate entrances to the Courthouse to comply with the requirements.  These plans included a more secure area for transfer of jail inmates from vehicles to the courthouse.
Julie Merklin, observer

Radio Spot: LWVMRC Teams with Kansas State SGA and Good Neighbor Group for Successful Voter Registration Drive

On Thursday, 9:30 AM, November 6, tune in to KMAN 1350 am for a conversation between News Editor Cathy Dawes, Catherine Hedge, Vice-president of LWVMRC, and others concerning the terrific collaboration with Kansas State resulting in nearly 200 new voters on the registration roles. Ms. Hedge will also share information about LWVMRC's efforts to increase our visibility on the Internet.

Riley County Commission October30, 2014

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Wells and Lewis present, Wells presiding.

The meeting was brief and devoted primarily to bid considerations on equipment and a standby electrical power system expansion for the public works buildings.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman announced the legislative luncheon will be held in the Commission office on November 6.  Commissioners and staff will discuss issues affecting County operations.

Riley County Commission October 27, 2014

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioner Wells and Lewis present, Boyd absent.  Commissioner Wells presided.

Robbin Cole, Pawnee Mental Health Services Director, said mental health services increasingly are viewed more as a medical issue rather than a social services issue.  With the transition of Medicaid services to the KanCare program a trend is toward serving some persons needing mental health services through health homes.  In addition to overseeing mental health needs of the person physical health issues would be considered as well.

One problem is apparently Kansas is no longer willing to pay for health care coordinators.  Pawnee would be expected to contract with and pay Big Lakes Developmental Services for managed care coordination.  Big Lakes serves persons with developmental disabilities, some in group home situations.

Issues the League might find of concern would be lack of adequate resources for both Pawnee and Big Lakes as workloads expand and funds are reduced.

Gail Chalman, clinic nursing supervisor at the Riley County Health Department (RCHD) urged persons to get their flu shots before peak flu season kicks in around Thanksgiving time.

Jason Orr, public health emergency preparedness coordinator (RCHD), announced two community informational meetings will be held on Ebola.  Meetings are scheduled Tuesday, October 28, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm and Wednesday, October 29, from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.  Both will be held at the lecture room of the Fire Department located at 2000 Denison Ave.

Linda Redding, also with the RCHD, said a recent “Kids Count” conducted by Kansas Action for Children indicates only 53% of kindergartners in Riley County are fully immunized, fewer than areported total of 61.4% in Kansas.  In reading proficiency Riley County 5^th graders meet 92.70% of standards compared to 84.91% in Kansas overall.

County Clerk Rich Vargo reported that, as of noon Saturday, 1455 persons have voted.  Some 477 ballots were returned by mail.

Riley County Commission Oct. 20, 2014

Riley County Commission  Oct 20, 2014

All commissioners present

In "Commissioners comments" there was a discussion of regulations governing pedestrians walking in the streets.  This is against the law when there are sidewalks.  If no sidewalks, one must walk facing traffic and try not to walk on the right of way.

The Board of health will meet Monday Oct. 27 to receive the Local Public Health System Assessment Report.  They will meet in the Commission Chambers at 7:00 PM.

The Health Dept. will close from 3- 5  p.m. for staff to discuss the the results of the survey and evaluations.

Jason Orr, PublicHealth Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, talked about the Health Dept. preparedness to respond to infectious disease outbreaks including Ebola.  There are no confirmed cases of Ebola in Kansas at this time.  The department is in frequent contact with the Ks Dept of health and kept informed on the latest information.

County Clerk, Rich Vargo, said that advanced voting has started.  So far, 1066 mail-in ballots have been sent out, and 468 advanced ballots cast.  Advanced voting continues on the second floor of the Riley County Office Building.
     Hours are Mon-Fri, Oct 15-24 from 8:00 - 5:00, Sat.Oct 25 from 8:00-am - noon.
                      Mon-Fri Oct 27-31 8:00 -7:00 p.m
                       Sat Nov 1  8:00-noon
                      Mon. nov 3, 8:00-noon  last day to early vote.
Info available at the county website on the election page.


Leon Hobson, Public Works Director, discussed potential concerns on Wildcat Creek Road. Of particular concern are some curves that are perilously close to drop-offs.  More traffic is expected on this road since the proposed winery will be opening and wedding receptions and other group activities are planned.  Traffic counts were discussed as were guard rails .

Julie Merklin, observer

USD 383 Board of Education

Oct. 15, 2014
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Carol Adams, Exec. Director of Teaching and Learning, reported on district assessments.  Assessments for the Kansas Dept. of Education were done online in spring 2014, and due to significant problems with the online testing (e.g. the system would freeze, individual student information wasn't correct, students couldn't log in), not enough reliable data was collected to share with districts.  Ms. Adams also reported that the ACT composite score for MHS students was 23.1, which was above the state average of 22.0.

Keith Noll, Director of Maintenance, reported on athletic field maintenance costs.  Now that the playing field at Bishop Stadium is artificial turf (although, there are still other grass areas), less was spent on reseeding, mowing, and painting lines.  Mr. Noll was still investigating options for cleaning Bishop Stadium following Friday athletic events.

The board was presented with information for developing options for online student registration and possibly online enrollment.  At present, families must fill out forms with the same information on them for each student in the household.  Online registration would reduce the repetitiveness of the registration process and would also allow families moving into the district to start the process before they arrive.  The initial cost for the online registration program would be approximately $24,000, but the district would likely experience savings in staff time currently spent on inputting handwritten data.  Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, said he liked the program but wants to wait and see what happens with state financing.  The board planned to revisit the issue in January.

Presidents’ Message

You are planning to vote on or before November 4, right?  What about your children or grandchildren?  Will they vote?  A key excuse used by young people is that they don’t have time to do it.  Maybe they need to be reminded that they find time in their busy life to do what is really important to them, like watching their favorite shows on television, or texting their friends.  Do they really want someone else to make decisions about schools for their children, the air they breathe, or their ability to get medical help when they need it? 

These elections are about our jobs, our health, our communities, our security, and our future.   When we cast our ballot, we are participating in what is most important to us.  Candidates are asking to represent us.  Decisions they make in office will influence public policy for years to come.    Each vote helps decide who gets the job.

Here is information you can share with people who ask you as a League member for information about where and when to vote, the candidates, and their positions on important issues.

1. Read the information submitted directly by the candidates on VOTE411.org. 

2. Explore what options we have to vote early or absentee in our community if we will be away from their polling place on election day.  For local information about voting, go to www.rileycountyks.gov .

3. If you do not live in Riley County, enter your address at VOTE411.org to find the information you need to cast your ballot, including early and absentee voting options and locations in your state and candidate information for every voter in America.

Voting allows you to make an impact on critical issues and policies.                         

Your vote counts!

Jean Lee

Enell Foerster

 

Riley County Commission September 29, 2014

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present.

Commissioner Wells praised the new exhibit, “Flint Hills Forces:  The Shaping of Manhattan, Fort Riley and Kansas State University 1917-1963” currently at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

County Counselor Clancey Holeman reported a Legislative Interim Study Committee is holding a hearing on Senate Bill 436, which was introduced but not passed by the Legislature during last year’s session.  The bill would amend the law creating the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency to change the position of the law enforcement director from an appointive position to an elective position. 

Holeman said he is preparing a commission agenda report to help in determining the advisability of creating a Public Building Commission.

A Riley County Flood Insurance Rate Increase Summit was held at 10:00 a.m.  Attending were the Commissioners, representatives of Senators Moran and Roberts as well as two staff persons for Representative Huelscamp, City Commissioner Jankovich, persons representing FEMA, the local builders association, County staff and members of the public.

Approximately 850 Riley County residents face high increases in flood insurance costs due to a law passed recently by Congress.  Increases can range from 5% to 18% per year until the recommended premium rate required is reached.  The changes relate to funding shortfalls FEMA is dealing with due to costal disasters caused by hurricanes and similar events.  In an effort to offset the FEMA funding problems the law would raise rates for obtaining flood insurance for persons living in noncoastal portions of the country but also subject to flood problems.  The increases could result in extensive hardship for property owners affected.

Complicating things further, according to a FEMA representative present, a private entity was hired to measure flood potential areas by flying over areas using a lazar assessment process that is flawed and not always accurate.  Property owners often must pay for, what can be expensive professional 

 It was generally agreed that bad legislation resulting in unplanned consequences can be blamed for the current situation.  Congressional action is needed to remedy the problems by amending the current law.

PS  At this time Linda Morse dumped her coffee on me and the meeting ended.