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.