Riley County Commission September 26, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

 All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

Eileen King, County Treasurer, proposed raising the service fee the County charges for processing driver’s license renewals. The responsibility for processing driver’s license renewals belongs to the State, not the County.  For many years however the County has provided the renewals simply as a convenience to the people.  With the move of the State drivers’ license office to a more difficult to access location, more individuals are coming to the County for the service.  Traditionally the County has charged a fee of $2.00 to cover these expenses.  King recommended increasing that fee to $4.00 considering the growing caseload her office is experiencing in processing the renewals.  The Commissioners agreed to the increase which is expected to go into effect in the near future.

Cory Meyer, Network Administrator, provided an update on IT staff activities. Telephone and internet services for the Riley County Museum and the Health Department are now all contained under the County system.  With the changeover both the Museum and the Health Department will have increased band width and share a single connection to the County office.

Judge Meryl Wilson appeared before the Commission with a request for funds to hire bailiffs as needed during jury trials.  Numerous cutbacks in State funding have had drastic effects on courts and court personnel.  County Counselor Clancy Holeman sympathized with the need for additional help but cautioned Commissioners about assuming financial responsibility for costs that should be borne by the State.  Bailiffs are utilized mainly to help exchange information between the judge and jurors and see to the jurors needs.  The Commissioners agreed with the recommendation of Holeman and refused the request.

The Commission reviewed a draft resolution and draft bylaws to establish a Public Building Commission.  Commissioner Boyd supported the addition of an advisory body to the proposal.  It was mentioned that, in checking with bond counsel familiar with such commissions, none were aware of commission advisory councils.  Commissioner Lewis favored requiring public meetings to inform people and obtain public input.  Commissioner Boyd said he would include both the meetings and the advisory body.  The Commissioners will review language that would add both provisions to the draft though both Lewis and Wells expressed reluctance about the advisory body.  

Riley County Commission September 23, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Wells and Lewis present, Lewis presiding.

Commissioner Lewis said he would like to set a time for a work session to review the employee leave policy.

A  Plaza reservation request from the Riley County Domestic Violence Task Force was approved.

Assistant County Counselor Craig Cox presented information on a right-of-way issue on Brighton Road.  A 30 foot wide area that, in the past, was designated a right-of-way has been maintained by the neighboring property owners who also paid taxes on the lot in the belief it belonged to them.  Cox recommends the issue be taken to the Court for a quit title action in favor of those property owners.

In another situation regarding property up for a tax auction, Cox recommended the County seek to purchase a property to protect another road right-of-way.

The cost of flood insurance in the Wildcat Creek flooding area will be discussed at a meeting scheduled for September 25, at 7:00 p.m., at Manhattan’s City Building on Poyntz.  Informational maps will be available and knowledgeable consultants will assist with questions.

On September 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Dr. Roberta Riportella, Kansas Health Foundation Professor of Community Health at KSU, will address the topic, “How will the Affordable Care Act Affect You?”  The presentation will be given at the Fire Station Training Room on Denison Avenue.

On Tuesday, October 1, Jennifer Wilson, Riley County Extension Director, will conduct a workshop on what people may expect as they turn 65 and move into the Medicare health insurance program.  The workshop will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park.

A series of workshops on Community Board Leadership sponsored by K-State Research and Extension will be held October 8, 9, 15 and 16.  The series is designed to help persons serving on boards to be effective and efficient with their responsibilities.  The cost is $40 for four sessions.  For further information contact Jennifer Wilson, 785-537-6350 or email jrwilson@ksu.edu.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman said Judge Wilson is scheduled to meet with the Commissioners on November 14th

Health Department Advisory Board Report

Public Health Department Advisory Council Report
August 28, 2013   4PM

As the Affordable Care Act reaches the beginning of its major
program, that of providing and requiring insurance coverage, a
number of health related and insurance related programs have
been provided in Manhattan.

Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice, i.e. MAPJ had at their yearly “Health Forum” the new administrator of the Riley County Health Department, Brenda Nichol who spoke about the many health
related programs available at the Health Department.  She used a power point presentation to support her discussion and suggested
that all of this information was available at their website and that they are also using Facebook. She listed the public health
services that are supposed to be provided, some by state or federal mandates, by all Public Health Departments and discussed how the Riley County Health Department carries out it’s mission,
systematically going through all the divisions of the Health Department and their specific programs. For example, there are 40 staff which of course make up the major costs for the Health Department. I have taken from the web site a list of the services that make up Public Health in the US which suggests the scope of the mandate to any Public Health Department.

“There are Ten Essential Public Health Services all local public Health Departments should undertake in their communities:
Monitor the health of the community 
Diagnose and investigate health problems 
Inform, educate, and empower people
Mobilize community partnerships
Develop policies that protect and promote the health of the community
Enforce laws and regulations
Link to/provide health services
Assure a competent workforce
Evaluate quality of services and programs
Research for new insights into improving health”


    Sandy Praeger, Kansas Insurance Commissioner, was the speaker for the September, 2013 Lou Douglas Lecture held at the K-State Forum Theater on September 10, 2013.  She began with
an interesting history of the many attempts by the United States Government to provide universal
health insurance dating back to 1913.  It was after world war II that businesses, in order to attract
employees, began to offer health insurance as part of their pay to prospective employees.  Congress went along with the idea and made concessions on taxes to employers who offered health insurance.  This is how health insurance become attached to employment, for better or worse.  Most other nations do health provision individually related to taxation.  The ACA (Affordable Care Act)  builds on the employment related model while also offering individual
insurance through the insurance “exchanges” now called “Marketplaces” provided for those not receiving Health Care at their place of employment.  Since the Act wants everyone to buy insurance,  thereby spreading the risk in the usual insurance plan way, the plan offers a number
ways to mitigate the cost of individual insurance for those who qualify.  Ms. Praeger noted that
there is much misinformation and misunderstanding of the ACA and so her department is planning many programs throughout the State to explain the program and encourage people to participate.
    As might be expected, there were many students in the audience and unlike many such
lectures, they did not leave at the end of the lecture but stayed to ask many questions.  Many wanted assurance that they could stay on their parents insurance until age 26.  Also of interest
was the requirement that no prior existing health problem or cutting off of health insurance at a monetary level was truly in effect.
    In discussing the development of the “exchanges for buying individual insurance” as mandated by the ACA, states,  34 of them, who opted out of developing their own insurance exchanges, will be working with the federal government, but at the same time each state has its
own laws related to insurance, so at this moment, KHHS is working with the federal exchanges to be sure they fit with the Kansas laws.  The ACA was passed by a Congress insisting that States be the ones to administer the law.  Ms. Praeger’s discussion, I felt, made the issue seem much less complicated than much of the Media suggests.


The Advisory Council meeting was attended by only four members, Dr. Paul Hesse, Ginny Barnard,  Michael Cates, and Karen McCulloh.  Adam Bowman, who was to discuss the satellite Dental Clinic housed at the Health Department was unable to come  so a wide ranging discussion took place rather than a regular meeting.  Brenda Nichol , Health Department administrator,  began a discussion of accreditation and of planning for a community health needs assessment which seems to be a definite plan in the works.  There is also a plan to seek a grant for the Riley County  Health Foundation to do an assessment of social services in Manhattan.  These surveys complement each other.  Karen McCulloh thought that along with the surveys there could be some education added in which seems to be much needed.  Brenda mentioned her opportunity to
present at the MAPJ Health Forum and especially mentioned that Commissioner Ron Wells was
there and Representative Sydney Carlin which she thought showed good interest in the Health Department. Brenda also emphasized that she had begun substantive meetings with the supervisors and are meeting regularly and looking at development and innovation in the activities of the department. There are also some students coming to the department as interns from the nursing and social work programs such as at Washburn.  Weekly reports are being sent out to all the staff and to others interested.  The Department   heard from the United Methodist Church in St. Mary’s where for 19 years the department has held their mobile clinics  that that space was no longer available.  Lisa, supervisor, was told that the church was “no longer going to support services like ours.”  A new space will have to be found.  Rent is paid through September so there is some time to look for another place.  Lisa reports that that clinic serves the smaller northern towns in that area and there are often large families who come.  The focus of the clinic is Women, Infants, and Children.
Since the Primary Care Clinic has been unable to find a suitable midlevel provider such as an ARNP or a PA there is considerable thinking of transitioning out of providing the clinic as there are now other venues in the county that can and are providing primary care.  This has changed since the clinic was started a number of years ago.  Karen McCullloh  felt that closing the clinic should be done very carefully if at all since many citizens think that that is what a Health Department should do.  Much further discussion went on and there is much more research to be done to work into some of the more modern ideas such as the “Patient Centered Health Care Home” idea which is a very viable idea going on now.  The meeting adjourned at 5PM.

Submitted by Sue Cohen

County Commission Sept 16, 2013

BOCC Sept 16, 2013

All commissioners present

     During public comments, Deb Nuss talked about a paper trail for  Electronic
voting.  County  Clerk, Rich Vargo, explained that the shift to e-voting was
mandated  by the federal govt. to make voting access easier.  He also said that
the machines are kept in strict security, are not connected to the Internet and
are monitored as they are set up for elections.  He also reminded everyone that
paper ballots are always available.  Nuss presented the commission a copy of Barbara Simons book,
"Broken Ballots: Will your vote Count?"
     Eileen King presented her monthly report .
     Robert Nall explained to the commission why replacing the old AS/400 server
will be the best choice over going to a Cloud hosting service.  Cost differences
over time are negligible .
     Phil Anderson presented the background of the building of the Pillsbury Viaduct and the preserving of the  Art Deco  bridge pier and showed the proposed signage.  If enough funding is donated, there will be some matching funds available.  The aluminum sign to be erected will be installed by Thomas signs at no charge.
     The discussion of an advisory board for the Public Building Commission
resulted in a passing vote of 2 to 1 with commissioner Boyd voting for, Lewis and Wells
against.  Boyd wanted more public input, Vargo noted that each project will have
public meetings for public comment.
    Leon Hobson talked about the parking lot purchased by the county.  County staff will be able to rent spaces in it.  It is not planned for general parking.
    Copies of the budget brochure are now available in several places including the County office.
      Julie Merklin, observer
    

USD 383 Board of Education

Sept. 4, 2013
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board received several reports.  Keith Noll, maintenance director, reported on the HVAC systems at Wilson and Roosevelt Elementary Schools.  There have been issues with being able to properly control the systems, and the IT department has been helping to facilitate improvements.

The board also received a report on the district's program for homeless students and a report on middle school activities.  Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, indicated that there will likely be a request coming to the board about expanding football for 7th graders.

Board members discussed topics for the board retreat planned for Oct. 23.  The board agreed to make the renovation plans for MHS East Campus and College Hill Preschool the focus of the retreat.

Riley County Comission August 29, 2013

 Joan Strickler, observer

 

Commissioners Wells, Boyd and Lewis present, Lewis presiding.

Rebecca Bishop, Extension Associate in Agricultural Economics, presented her findings in a report comparing county revenues and expenditures in 13 Kansas counties generally comparable to Riley.   In summarizing her report Bishop found that, of the 13 counties in the study, Riley had the lowest per capita expenditures and revenues in 2011, the year studied.  Riley spent slightly less than the 13 county average on road and bridge expenditures.  Riley spent the least among its peers on public safety due to the consolidation of County and City law enforcement.

Of all the counties studied, Riley had the lowest property tax revenues per capita in 2011.  She credits the County’s low mill levy and assessed valuation most likely in explaining that result.

Brenda Nickel, Director of the Health Department, described her department’s Raising Riley Right program focused on children’s early learning activities.  The program is funded with dollars made available through the tobacco settlement.  The department has the funds, but needs permission to fill the additional position required.  The permission was granted.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman held a work session on requirements of Kansas’ Open Meetings Act.  While the Act itself is relatively brief, numerous decisions from the Attorney General’s office must be taken into consideration in determining how the Act applies.  It does not just apply to formal meetings.  It applies any time a majority of the governing body discusses business.  When the majority of the body engages in communications while together, over the phone, through email or even on Facebook, a violation can occur.  If the purpose is to “subvert the Act” by avoiding an open meeting, a violation has occurred.  This would include using an intermediary person to carry messages from one to another.

The only notice requirements of the Act pertain to persons who request the information.  No actual requirement exists for the giving of public notice.

 

USD 383 Board of Education

Aug. 21, 2013
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board held a public hearing for the proposed 2013-14 budget, and no members of the public wished to comment.  Board members approved 7-0 the budget with mill levy of 52.464 mills, which represented an increase of 3.3%.

Board members were presented with information regarding approximately 30 acres of property in Pottawatomie County for the site of a future elementary school.  BG Consultants had evaluated the site and found few issues with the site.  The site currently has no sewer or water services, but there were nearby services to connect to and the possibility that services will expand to the area as development continues in the area.  The board approved 7-0 to proceed with closing on purchasing the property.

BG Consultants also provided the board with information about the facility analysis that had been completed on College Hill Preschool.  Some aspects of the facility were in good condition, such as the foundation, windows, and doors.  Many other aspects of the facility were in poorer condition and in need of repairs/replacement or were not in compliance with modern codes, including the roof, HVAC and electrical systems, and the handicapped ramp for accessibility.  BG Consultants estimated it would cost $1,379,547 to make necessary improvements, and it would cost $1,353,535 to construct a new building of the same footprint.  Dave Colburn described the analysis as "sobering," and Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, said that to make the preschool modern and appropriate would be a significant project.  Dr. Shannon recommended that the College Hill discussion should be sent to the Facilities and Growth Committee for further analysis and ideas.

USD 383 Board of Education

Aug. 7, 2013
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board discussed the 2013-14 budget and three options for mill levies.  An additional $1.6 million in revenue is needed in order to fund the district's needs.  The tax increase for the average homeowner ranged from $73 to $80, and Aaron Estabrook commented that the difference between the three options for the average homeowner was relatively small.  All three options involved using reserve funds, and Leah Fliter and Darell Edie were concerned about drawing down the reserve and favored options that used less of the reserve funds.  The board approved 4-3 the budget option that would use $810,000 of reserve funds and increase the Local Option Budget by 1.99 mills.  Edie, Estabrook, and Fliter dissented.

Several members of the public addressed the board about 7th graders at Anthony Middle School not being able to take choir as a result of high student interest in choir and a lack of spots.  The middle school choir teacher is shared between the two middle schools, limiting the teacher's availability.  Dave Colburn explained that the board had not made any budget cuts that might have impacted middle school choir.  Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, said that administration would give it some thought to if see something could be figured out.

Riley County Commission August 26, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

 

Commissioners Wells, Boyd and Lewis present, Lewis presiding.

There was discussion of how the courts in Kansas are addressing the concealed carry legislation.

According to Counselor Clancy Holeman, it appears the courts are all over the map on how to deal with the new law.  A judge has the power to ban weapons from his or her courtroom, however a bailiff might be needed to enforce the ban.  It’s unlikely that the State will fund such requests for additional personnel.

Budget Director Johnette Shepek reviewed the financial status of the County to date.  She mentioned that interest rates for borrowing are rising but still relatively low.  Riley County has a AA rating.  When she inquired about obtaining a AAA rating she found that demographics beyond what the County controls enter into the rating.  For instance not only the County’s level of debt is considered but also that of the City.  Additionally such things as income levels of County residents come into play.

Human Resource Manager Cindy Volanti described plans for the County employees Columbus Day Training on October 14.  All County offices will be closed on that day.

Riley County Museum Director Cheryl Collins Invited interested persons to attend a brown bag lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. on September 5 at the Museum.  Artist Tom Parrish will discuss Flint Hills root cellars.

Commissioners signed a proclamation declaring September 2013 as Mental Health Recovery Month.

 

 

Health Department Advisory Board Meeting
July 24, 2013    4PM
    Dr. Paul Hesse, vice chairman led the meeting as Ginny
Barnard, who is in extension, is busy this month with the Riley County Fair.
    Brenda Nichols, Health Department Administrator, reported
what she termed “good news” that the Riley County Commissioners
had approved the budget without any changes. The Commissioners
noted that the mil levy will be 1.9 points higher and that this
was primarily because the County took on the total responsibility for the Health Department from the prior cooperative City/County support.  The budget is at about 3.7 million dollars for the year and grants provide about 70% of the budget.  Ms. Nichols noted that the year was started with $50,000 or a little bit above.  She complimented Paula Pederson, Office Manager(since February), for her work concerning past billing for Medicaid and Medicare which has required much research. She is now ready to do some past billing for 2011 and 2012 seeking reimbursement for past services.
    New paper work had to be submitted. With the new insurance systems coming in and because of the change in the name of the Health Department, designation as an approved health care provider had to be reinstated.  There is a time limit on billing so that regaining reimbursement for 2011 is somewhat “iffy” but worth trying.   
    Karen McCulloh suggested that a letter of thanks be sent to the Commissioners as funding is very tough at this time and everyone is trying to keep funding flat.  Their support of the Health Department is vital and very welcome.  Debbie Nuss offered to write the letter and submit it to Ginny Barnard as Chair of the Committee and to do it as a Letter to the Editor so that the public will also know about the funding issues.
    Ms. Nichols also noted that staff is working on simplifying the web site emphasizing the ability of the clinic to accept, Medicaid, Medicare, other insurances, credit cards, and that the
clinic sliding scale goes to zero and that no one is ever turned away.   Further activities include surveying the use of the buildings and Ms. Nichols estimates that 30% of the buildings are being used for storage of old records and the like.  Ms. Nichols feels that the Health Department has programs that could be using those rooms.  The Wharton Manor building is using both floors and there is some possibilities of consolidating some programs and making the second floor available to other County
needs.     
    The question as to the best operating hours for the Department especially as to the current closing of the Health Department at noon on Friday was discussed at length. Ms. Nichols noted that in her experience when problems occur it is often on a Friday afternoon. The Health Department is currently open until 7 PM on Thursdays. Dr. Hesse noted that when outbreaks or other Public Health issues occur often it is on a Friday afternoon and it has been difficult to make contact.  Karen McCulloh noted that the hours had been an issue for 20 years.  It is important, she stated, that the Health Department be available when people have health issues and with both parents working frequently these issue become apparent at 5 or later in the evening. Discussion continued with a suggestion that hours for staff be more flexible and even possibly the clinic should be open Saturday morning for a while and see how that would benefit the community. Ms. Nichols responded that the role of Public Health, i.e. “Protection, Prevention, and Preparedness” as well as “Promotion of Public Health” may not justify being open all Saturdays but certainly many times programs and outreach will occur on weekends and evenings.
    Next, Susan Reed, Executive Director of the Flint Hills Clinic was introduced. Ms. Reed’s presentation is a follow up from last meeting’s visit with the Konza Clinic in Junction City, a Federal Qualified Health Clinic or FQHC as the committee focuses  on the meeting of primary care needs in the community.
    At the Flint Hills Clinic all the services are free and all services are provided by volunteers.  There are two paid positions, that of Executive Director and Patient Coordinator. Patients must be uninsured and at 100% of the poverty level or lower and must live in Riley County. Those living in the  part of the city out of county are not eligible.  The clinic has about 140 volunteers including two Doctors and can refer to specialists in Manhattan, Topeka, and Kansas City who also do accept patients on a charity basis. Most of their clients are the “working poor” and are not people “living off the system”. Frequently clients are helped to apply for benefits and insurance that they did not realize were available to them. Several volunteering social workers work with this. Some medications are kept in stock because it has been found that clients sometimes have to wait two weeks until they get paid before they can pay for the $4 medication which is needed immediately. The clinic is open about 12 hours a week. Ms. Nichols expressed interest in visiting the clinic and especially seeing if there is duplication of services. 

Submitted by Sue Cohen