County Commission Dec. 17, 1012

All commissioners present

Karen Hibbard, facilitator for the proposed Flint Hills Regional Welcome Center Project gave a presentation about the Center. It will involve Riley, Pottawatomie, Geary, Wabaunsee, and Morris Counties along with fort Riley. After studying possible locations, the proposed site is at the interchange of I-70 and Highway 177. The project could include not only gasoline and restroom facilities, but a place for displays of interesting/educational materials about the Flint Hills and the surrounding are, an information desk, gift shop, convenience store and perhaps a restaurant. The second floor design includes a terrace, meeting rooms, and offices. The hope is that people who stop, if they are on their way somewhere else, will be intrigued and perhaps stop and visit the area on their return, or even make a special trip to see what the are has to offer.

      Ann Smith from ATAbus thanked the commission for their continuing support. Ridership has been very good – over expectations by 11%. Construction of their new building will begin Jan 2.

      Pat Collins reported on the 13^th annual Riley county firefighters banquet. Around 150 people attended. Paul Bosh, who founded the banquet and his family attended. Congratulations were given to Battalion Chief Dough Messer for winning the prestigious Harold Bellman Outstand service award. He is a 20 year veteran of the department with 17 years as Asst. Fire Chief. Chris McCush from station 5 took home the Most Active Fire fighter for 2012 with over 350 hours of service. Charles Barton was rookie of the year with more than 140 hours of service in his first year.

      Barry Wilkerson, County Attorney, gave his year end report and plans for the future. One concern is the lack of mental health facilities. The same people come through the courts again and again. The community needs to know the facts so they can support an effort for these facilities, especially where funding has been cut. Wilkerson also said that courthouse space is becoming limited, for example when audio-visual displays are needed for trials. Lack of courtrooms and space is the biggest problem as well as financial support for KBI labs for DNA and other testing. The delays are way too long.

      Julie Merklin, observer

County Commission Dec. 13, 2012

BOCC Dec 13, 2012

   All Commissioners present.

The Commission appointed 14 county residents to 9 different county boards with terms beginning Jan 1, 2013.

Lyle Butler, Manhattan area chamber of commerce, thanked outgoing commissioners McCullough and Johnson for their work.  Butler said the statistics for the city are strong, and the unemployment rate is low.  The city is eighth in size in the state, but fifth in retail shopping.  Complete statistics for 2012 will be out in January

Eileen King, Treasurer, gave her monthly report.  Among the items, sales tax is $208,000 over budget estimates.  These numbers are from Nov. of 2011 through Oct 2012.  She expressed concern about proposed cuts in sales tax proposed by the governor.

Rich Vargo, county Clerk, gave a report of his department’s accomplishments and goals.  The biggest item this past year was the 2012 election which went well.

                Susan Kufahl, Health Dept. Director said that the Flu season started early this year but it is still not too late to get a shot.  They have been notified that their Early Childhood Block Grant has been recommended for funding and they hope to hear that is has been fully funded.

                The Kansas Dept of Ag. has indicated that they will send a user-friendly ongoing report for Riley County restaurant inspections that can be posted on their website.

                The first public health advisory board meeting is scheduled for Jan 23 at 4 p.m.

                There was a lengthy presentation and discussion of the long range facility plan for the county building(s).  The presentation included slides with pictures and diagrams produced by Brent Bowman.   This is just very preliminary and much discussion and analysis of space needs will occur in the future.

Julie Merklin, observer

USD 383 Board of Education

Dec. 5, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Board members discussed varying options for the class schedule at MHS.  A task force had met several times with the charge to research scheduling options and to recommend three to the board.  The task force presented its three recommendations to the board, which included maintaining the current 7-hour schedule, a modified 7-hour schedule with block time, and a 6-hour schedule with an early "0 hour."  The current 7-hour schedule allows students to meet graduation requirements while having the opportunities to pursue elective courses.  The modified 7-hour schedule would have longer class periods on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which would allow for deeper discussions, more time for science labs and art projects, teacher collaboration, and student advisory time.  The 6-hour schedule with 0 hour would eliminate 0 hour on Wednesdays and replace it with student advisory time.  The 6-hour plus 0 hour schedule would allow for a reduction in staff, which would be a cost savings.  However, the availability of transportation for students to get to 0 hour was a concern.  Teachers and students who were surveyed preferred to maintain the current 7-hour schedule.  The item was for discussion only.

Riley County Commission mtg 12-10-12

All Commissioners present, plus the two who were elected in November.

After routine business and an executive session, Commissioners held a press conference. Mr. Lewis presented a plaque to Greg McHenry, Appraiser, in recognition of his award of designation as Assessment Administration Specialist by the International Association of Assessing Officers. This is a very rare achievement. Mr. McHenry spoke graciously in acceptance.

Jerry Haug updated Commissioners on the status of work on K-18. Murray Road access will be closed as of today; access will be via the north roundabout on Scenic Drive. By the end of this week (weather permitting), east-bound traffic can travel on the 2 lanes of the old road and west-bound on the 2 lanes of the new road. Stagg Hill Road access will be closed until the east-bound new road is finished next fall. In late March, traffic will revert to one lane each way ("head-to-head"). About mid-June, 4 lanes will re-open west of Scenic Drive.  The project will be finished in the fall of 2013. If you are going to the airport, turn off the GPS.  GPS programs are not updated, and drivers should follow the signs. Eureka Drive is open and can be accessed via Skyway to Scenic Drive.

Eileen King, Treasurer, said property taxes are due by December 20. Information on payment methods, including interest on payment plans, can be found on www.rileycountyks.gov under e-gov services, or phone 537-6321. Many people may not be aware that if first half of personal property taxes  are not paid Dec. 20, the entire amount becomes immediately due. The Treasurer's office will close at noon on Dec 31, pending formal approval.

Dawn Searles, Health Department, said Riley County has already had a few cases of the flu. Lafene has had 7 cases. The Health Dept. administered 3,467 flu shots, including 25 outside clinics. Children, as expected, have had harder cases and recover more slowly than adults from flu.

Scott Carpenter, Riley County Fire Department, gave tips on holiday safety and winter safety. For holiday safety, place no more than 2 or 3 light strings on one circuit, and don't use nails or staples. Check for fraying and wear and tear of wires. Extinguish all lights at night, especially candles. Keep live trees moistened. In the kitchen, if you plan to fry your turkey, be sure it is completely thawed, or you will have a grease explosion. For general winter advice, above all, do not follow too closely when driving.  Clean your chimneys, and keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything flammable.

Tim Hagerty, RCPD, said when shopping, take valuables with you and lock your car.  If you are leaving town, alert neighbors, keep the house locked, and have a plan for your mail and newspapers. When traveling, slow down, especially in rain or snow conditions, and keep a good distance from the car ahead. Also, do not swerve to miss any deer.

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, presented the estimated 2012 ending balance in the General Fund report. Resources for 2012 totaled $23,627,685, expenditures totaled $20,073,999, and the balance was $3,553,686. These figures are estimates, which include expected income and expenses for the rest of the year. The balance is the lowest Riley County has had for many years.

Craig Cox, Asst. Counsel, gave an administrative update. He dealt with paving districts, code enforcement coordination with Planning Dept. migrant housing at Britt's, and letters sent out for personal property collection.

Monty Wedel, Planning Director, presented proposed schedule of increases in planning and development fees. The fees include building permits, petitions, evaluations, licenses, and water and other tests. The fees are meant to more nearly compensate the county for services provided to the public, by asking the public who use the services to pay more for them. Commissioners approved the schedule. Mr. Wedel will bring the formal proposal for approval.

Commissioners had an executive session before the lunch break. After lunch, Debbie Regester  reported on Register of Deeds' Office 2012 Accomplishments and 2013 Goals. Commissioners had three more executive sessions before adjournment. The executive sessions were for personnel evaluation of department heads.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

USD 383 Board of Education

Nov. 28, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Universal Construction, the district's program manager for all of the construction projects with the exception of MHS West Campus, presented its final report to the board.  The construction projects are considered complete.  Board members thanked Universal and praised their management of the projects.

Board members discussed the district's current policy for senior release.  Of the parents who responded to a survey, 86% favored continuing senior release.  Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, recommended that senior release continue, but he also recommended developing a definition of college/career readiness that seniors would have to comply with to be eligible for early release.  Pete Paukstelis favored discontinuing senior release because he felt the district should use that time to further students' educations, and he suggested that graduation requirements may be too low.  Dave Colburn said he wanted to see the high school remain flexible to accommodate different needs.  The board approved 5-1 to continue offering senior release, with Paukstelis dissenting.

The board received an update from the MHS Booster Club about fundraising efforts for artificial turf for Bishop Stadium.  Boosters had a commitment from the Manhattan Surgical Hospital in the amount of $200,000, and a commitment of $100,000 from Steel and Pipe.  The Boosters have also received smaller commitments and estimated that they have raised $550,000, which included $200,000 that the district will contribute.

Board members were presented with recommendations for new courses, course name changes, and course deletions for the 2013-14 school year.  One of the proposed changes that was discussed in depth was the change in middle school math.  The Math in Focus curriculum that was previously adopted for the elementary grades will be implemented at the middle school level so that the district's curriculum will better match the common core standards.  The board approved 6-0 the proposed changes.

Dr. Shannon also reported that the district's attorney had presented the district's argument to the Kansas Court of Appeals in regards to its case against the city concerning the long-standing agreement that had provided free water to schools.

Riley County Commission November 29, 2012

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman announced the local delegation of State legislators will meet with the Commission on Thursday, December 6.  The entire delegation has agreed to attend.  Holeman said one overall issue to be discussed is the impact of unintended consequences when legislation is passed without a thorough review.  One example was passage of HB 2427 in the last days of the previous session and the impact it has had on public agencies presented with conflicting obligations.

Holeman also discussed a resolution the Commissioners must pass as a statutory hoop they have to jump through to formally levy the tax authorized by voters in the recent election.  The County’s current taxing authority collects funds through February.  The new taxing authority takes effect in April.

Human Resource Manager Cindy Volanti and Health Department Director Susie Kufahl presented a revised staffing request for the Health Department.  Previously the Commission had approved the position of lead clerk and the position has been difficult to fill.  They presented a proposal to combine two existing open positions into the one of office manager.    The change would result in  reduced personnel costs.

Volanti discussed plans for the Commissioners to evaluate department heads.  It was agreed each department head would prepare a list of accomplishments as well as short and long term goals for his/her department.  These would be sent to the Commissioners who then would hold 30 minute meetings with each individual.  Commissioner Lewis asked that future goals include projections of the effect technology changes may have on future operations.

   

 

 

Riley County Commission November 26, 2012

 

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.

The dedication of the Alvan Johnson Law Enforcement Center will be held at 2:00 p.m. on December 7 at the Center.

Shelly Williams, Community Corrections Director, described juvenile detention visitation policies and practices at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility.  Only parents and guardians are allowed to visit incarcerated family members.  An issue has been raised about the rights of grandparents and siblings to visit as well.  Another question involves personal property of the juveniles.  Usually parents take their child’s property home for safe keeping but, occasionally, a situation arises when no family or guardian is available.  Staff at the Center does not want to be held responsible for storing the property and no storage space is available in the facility for that purpose.

The Commissioners generally agreed that some of the restrictions appeared overly harsh.  Commissioner Lewis and Ms. Williams will meet with NCKRJDF officials to address concerns.

Mary Jo Harbour said she will no longer be representing the Riley County Council on Aging and introduced John Allard, the incoming president.  A major activity of the organization at the present time is getting out information and help to seniors now making decisions about which drug insurance plan to select.  Ms. Harbour expressed concerns about efforts by a private business to get the City to sell a parking lot adjacent to the Senior Center.  Apparently the lot actually assigned to the Center has only 20 parking spaces and the additional space is necessary to accommodate persons using the Center.  Ms. Harbour said many such individuals would find it difficult, if not impossible, to park and walk a distance.  There are reports that some Manhattan City Commissioners seem to be in favor of the sale.

Cheryl Collins, director of the Riley County Historical Museum, encouraged people to view the temporary exhibit “Forces” at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.  The exhibit will run through January 13, 2013.  A website containing information about the exhibit may be found at www.rileycountyks.gov/museum. 

A tax foreclosure auction will be held in mid January.  A subdivision located in Riley may be part of that sale.  The lots are ready for building but currently no houses have been constructed.

Leon Hobson, Public Works Director/County Engineer and Cindy Volanti, Human Resource Manager/Deputy Clerk, presented their recommendations about filling the position(s) of Assistant Public Works Director/ Parks Director.  The Commissioners appeared to favor having both positions under Public Works and have both a public works manager and a parks manager.  Volanti will check with McGrath consultants about setting salaries and compensation for those positions.  A second recommendation, to eliminate two nine month seasonal positions to create a permanent facilities and grounds technician position, will be delayed until the new commissioners are on board in January

County Commission November 19, 2012

County Commission Nov 19, 2012
Commissioners Johnson and Lewis present.

Action on the agreement with Blake Robinson for Dec 12 , 2012and the year 2013 to serve on the dndigent defense panel was approved.

Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, said that there would be an organizational meeting concerning the Freedom’s Frontier Heritage area. The discussion will include ideas concerning what we might suggest locally in preparation for PR "from the top".

Greg Eyestone discussed fall lawn care - soil testing and fertilizing.

Rich Vargo explained the handling of provisional ballots. He said 50 to 70 percent of provisional ballots cast were determined to be valid. He said that the envelope that provisional ballots go into (the ones that one signs) includes a voter registration so that, for the next election, the person is registered.

Eileen King talked about the new drivers' license location east of town on the south side of Highway 24. It is in the shopping center that includes Ramblers, near Dick Edwards Ford. It will have more room and be able to handling motorcycle road testing nearby.. Hours will be Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Ginny Bernard, Riley County Extension Agent gave advice for cooking turkey this Thanksgiving.

Only one bid was submitted for the Lakeside Sewer Benefit District. It was higher than the engineers’ estimate. Bid was sent to staff for evaluation.


Julie Merklin observer

Riley County Commission mtg 11-15-12

Mr. Lewis was absent, attending the meeting of Kansas Association of Counties (KAC).

Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, discussed the advantages of contracting out for the training of County firemen. The 26 new recruits are eager to have training; old hands not so eager, wanting only minimal refreshers. The company Mr. Collins is considering has training available partially on-line. This would serve the needs of all the firemen. He has money available in next year's budget. He stated that he would like for every fireman in the County to be certified "Firefighter I," eventually, though it is not a requirement for certification of the department. The Commission reconvened itself as "Fire Board" and approved his request, then reconvened as "County Commission."

Amy Manges, Deputy Register of Deeds, reported on revenue for her department. All numbers are up except the copy fund. They have taken in $315,778 more than anticipated. Their new employee began work on Oct. 29. The indexing of back files is almost complete.

Clancy Holeman, Counselor/Director of Administration, presented a draft of an agenda for the Riley County Legislative Conference to be held on Thursday, Dec. 6, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. As of now, all of the County's Legislators are intending to attend. Subjects to be discussed include 1) machinery and equipment tax exemption (which RC and KAC are opposed to, as, at worst, it would bankrupt several counties, and at best it would present severe difficulties to all counties); 2)TABOR legislation, which RC opposes on grounds it simply complicates County procedures, which are already transparent and publicly clear; 3) H.B. 2427, which exempts certain employment categories from revelation of personal information, such as home address; 4) State financial support of counties, including loss of revenues through sales and property tax exemptions, impact of state income tax reductions, and unfunded mandates. Commissioners made some suggestions, which Mr. Holeman will incorporate.

Rich Vargo, County Clerk, and Jolene Keck, Election Officer, conducted a presentation of results from the Nov. 6 election. Ms. Cindy Volante was appointed to fill the third Commission seat in Mr Lewis's absence, for the canvass only. Ms. Keck read results from each precinct in the County, including total number of voters, number of provisional ballots, number accepted, number rejected, and the reason for rejection. All of the rejections except 8 were because the voter was not registered in Riley County. One envelope had no signature. Another had an obviously suspicious and faked signature that did not in any way match. Three voters had no ID, and failed to come to the Clerk's office with ID before the deadline. Three voters insisted on receiving a paper ballot AFTER they had already voted on the IVO machine. None of these 8 ballots were counted. A certain number of provisional ballots were accepted for partial counting (by hand) because the voters voted in the wrong precinct. No races were changed by the counting of the provisional ballots. Commissioners accepted the results and validated the election 3-0. Adjourned.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

USD 383 Board of Education

Nov. 7, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The school board planned to have a public hearing on the topic of senior release, but no members of the public stepped forward to address the board on the topic.  However, over 300 parents had completed an online survey about senior release, with the majority of respondents favoring the continuation of senior release.

Keith Noll, Director of Maintenance, presented the board with information about building improvements that have been completed using either capital outlay funds or bond funds.  The completed items included a new bus lane for Amanda Arnold, new playground fencing at Ogden, a new roof on portions of MHS and also at Woodrow Wilson, and new playground equipment and drainage improvements at Northview.

The board discussed a request for proposals (RFP) for a facility analysis for MHS East Campus.  Projects planned for the building as part of the bond projects had been re-prioritized, with the main focus being to create a secure exterior envelope and improvements to the gym, and with the understanding that the building needed additional work than what had been outlined in the bond.  Beth Tatarko thought the facility analysis should consider whether the district should continue to invest in using the building for educational purposes and to take into account the cost of continuing to do so.  Other board members expressed similar thoughts, with Pete Paukstelis' wondering about the cost comparison between renovating East Campus and building a new school, and Leah Fliter's wondering about the possibility of moving 9th graders to the expanded West Campus.  Walt Pesaresi, who serves of the district's Facilities and Growth Committee, explained that the committee's thinking had been that constructing 2-3 new elementary schools may be a more immediate need, and the facility analysis would help determine what should be done to East Campus to get it through the next 15-20 years, and by then, a second high school might be needed.  Board members were in agreement to table the RFP to allow administration to make the changes discussed.

The board approved 5-2 to close lunch for sophomores and to keep lunch open for juniors and seniors beginning with the 2013-14 school year.  Paukstelis and Pesaresi dissented.