Riley County Commission June 27, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

 

Commissioners Lewis and Wells present, Lewis presiding.  Commissioner Boyd joined the meeting shortly after 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Lewis said he received a call from Ft. Riley officials informing him that 1700 troops have been drawn down there as part of an overall cutback in Army personnel.

Much of the discussion throughout the meeting focused on the potential requirements of the recently passed concealed carry bill in the Kansas Legislature.  State officials will be meeting to decide signage requirements for buildings being designated temporarily as not allowing concealed weapons.  There is a six month time period provided for counties to make permanent decisions on which of their buildings should remain free of weapons.  Temporary designations are required during the six month period.  Unfortunately the State officials meeting to decide signage requirements during that six month period will not be held until right before the deadline for getting the signs in place giving counties little time to act.

County employees are not now allowed to carry weapons while performing their County duties nor will they be under the new requirements.  It was noted that federal grants have provisions that no employee be allowed to carry guns.  A question arose about volunteer firefighters and how the law would pertain to them.  It was pointed out no weapons are ever allowed to be carried into a fire.

Other questions were raised about insurance.  Schools are finding insurance companies unwilling to insure them if weapons are allowed in their buildings. What would the insurance implications be for the County? 

County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson said 110 campers from Riley County attended 4-H camp at Rock Springs.  She described plans for the County Fair and told of cooperative efforts now underway between her office and the local Boys and Girls Club in providing learning opportunities for children.

Commissioners agreed to bring the CASA program (Court Appointed Special Advocate) into the County’s IT services.  CASA will be billed only for phone and long distance use.  

 

 

 

Riley County Commission June 24, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

Riley County Commission June 24, 2013

All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

The Commissioners indicated interest in adding the CASA program to the County’s internet system.  They asked Robert Nall, director of internet services, to bring a CAR to the next meeting that will spell out the details.

It appears the County’s tax revenue picture remains positive.  However income from utilities taxes is down, affecting Riley and Leonardville in particular.  The switch to cell phone use has adversely impacted utility tax receipts.  Following a later discussion Commissioners agreed to plug into County 2014 budget projections a l.5% increase for salaries.

Dr. John Leatherman, Professor and Director of the Office of Local Government in K-State Research and Extension, presented a report on fiscal conditions and trends in Riley County.  His department provides similar reports for all Kansas counties.  According to Leatherman Riley County’s fiscal condition, adjusted for inflation, looks very positive.

Cheryl Collins, director of the Riley County Museum, encouraged people to attend a brown bag discussion on the traveling exhibit “Americans by Choice:  The Story of Immigration & Citizenship in Kansas” with a focus on Riley County’s immigration history.  The discussion will be held over the noon hour Thursday, June 27, at the RCHS Museum.   The exhibit itself is now located in the Town Center mall.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman provided Commissioners with a proposed letter to send to the State requesting concealed carry exemptions for all buildings owned by the County.  He encouraged Commissioners to be very inclusive in the request since it appears failure to include a building in the request for short term exemptions may negate any possibility of requesting a long term exemption for that building in the future.  It was pointed out that only with the exemption is it possible for employees to be restricted from carrying concealed weapons.  Currently County employees are restricted from carrying such weapons while performing their County work duties.

 

Riley County Commission

County commission June 17, 2013

Commissioners Boyd and Lewis present, Lewis presiding.

Cheryl Collins, director of the Riley County Historical Museum said that she will be guiding a tour  titled " a visit with K-staters in Sunset Cemetery " on June 23 at 2PM.  It is free and open to the public.  Meet at the front gate at 2 PM.  More info at www.rileycgs.com  

Collins also reported that Museum Trustee, Edna Williams has been honored with two awards, one from the county preservation alliance and the other the DAR Historic Preservation award.  She has been curator of Wolf House Museum since 1983.

Larry Couchman talked about the upcoming Country Stampede and the safety precautions planned by the city of Manhattan and both Pottawatomie and Riley counties.  He stressed that individuals should dress appropriately to avoid sunburn and wear shoes, not flip-flops.  Going barefoot is inviting trouble.  He also stressed having a plan to deal with weather emergencies.  He said that it is the Stampede weekend, so therefore there will be rain and/or storms!

Fire Chief Pat Collins announced that Riley County Fire District #1 has applied for and been granted $363,130 of the FY 2012 Assistance to Firefighters Grant which will allow both the fire district and the RC Emergency Medical services to upgrade their radios to Federal Mandate standards and replace others which can't be upgraded.

Commissioner Dave Lewis introduced and welcomed the new Health Department Administrator,Brenda Nichols.

Julie Merklin, observer.

USD 383 Board of Education

June 5, 2013
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Work session:
The work session focused on the results of the facility study that had been done on MHS East Campus by Gould Evans Associates.  The building's current conditions were evaluated, and needs were prioritized.  Priority One items included roof repairs, drainage and waterproofing improvements, asbestos removal from the steam tunnels, and signage for Houston Street.  The exterior stone walls are in good condition, although there is no insulation, and the roof is in good condition.  Other concerns included the main office not being very handicapped accessible, the elevator will need to be replaced in five years, and the chiller will need to be replaced.

Regular meeting:
The board continued its discussion of MHS East Campus begun in the work session.  Pete Paukstelis asked about the $10 million price tag for the improvements and wondered if it would be better to spend $20 million and do a higher quality renovation, along the lines of what was done at MHS West Campus, and possibly create a second high school.  Adam Sterns with Gould Evans said that $20 million was probably a good guess and that the building has the potential to function better, but there are other factors the board will have to consider, such as how the district foresees using the building over the next 20 years.  Dave Colburn suggested that the board have a visioning session to discuss the future for East Campus and also to discuss other district needs, such as additional gyms for the middle schools, a new elementary, and other needs not covered by the bond projects.  Colburn thought East Campus might be a better site for a smaller second high school than to purchase land and construct a second high school out in a cornfield.  For the near future, the facility study provided the board with information about needs that will need immediate attention.

Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, presented a report on district salaries and wages.  USD 383 ranked 66th out of 286 districts.  Salaries and benefits were similar to Lawrence and Auburn-Washburn, whose districts are comparable to USD 383.

Riley County Commission May 30, 2013

Riley County Commission May 30, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

 

All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

Commissioners held a general discussion about events attended and issues to be addressed.  Commissioner Lewis mentioned the need for considering the traffic system around the K-State campus as the University cuts off traffic through campus.  As vehicles are parked in the Snyder Family Stadium lot, this will increase the need for bus transportation to and from the main campus.  Development relating to the NBAF building will affect the need for road  traffic system updates.

County Counselor, Clancy Holeman, provided a brief report on the Legislative session.  It appears there is agreement on the budget bill, the problem is disagreement on the tax bill.

Robbin Cole, director of Pawnee Mental Health Services, noted her program has been operating for 56 years and serves a 10 county area.  More than 7000 clients were served last year, of which 2,377 were from Riley County.  In FY ’07, statewide funding for community mental health services was $31,066,330.  Cuts to that amount occurred in fiscal years ‘08, ’09, and ’10.  While $5 million was restored in FY ’13, that amount was cut in the Governor’s budget recommendation for FY ’14.  This would represent a 68% cut in funding for Pawnee in the coming year.  Funding for families with children with serious emotional disturbances would be cut entirely in the Governor’s recommendations for FY ’14.

Reimbursement for persons served under the new KANCARE managed care system has been falling short of actual costs.

Following the regular meeting Commissioners participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Manhattan Town Center Mall.  The ceremony was held to draw attention to a new traveling exhibit sponsored by the Riley County Historical Society and Museum, “Americans by Choice: the Story of Immigration and Citizenship in Kansas”.   

County Commission 5/23/13

County commission  May 23, 2013

All commissioners present

Johnette Shepek gave an update on  the budgets for CIP. county Building, Economic Development and 1/2 cent sales tax.  The balances were in line with expectations for this point in the year.

Robert Nall reported on progress in the aerial photos of the county.  These are taken every so often, since there are frequent changes within the county and they need to be up to date.

Eileen King presented totals of auto and other tax revenues.  These are slightly above the budgeted amounts.

Monty Wedel and the commission discussed regulations on digital signs located on the property of the business or, in this particular case, the church.  The concern is the distraction to motorists if the sign is animated.  A six month moratorium was decided upon, which could be extended if necessary.

Julie Merklin, observer

Health Department Advisory Board Report 4-24-1013

Health Board Advisory Board Meeting Report.

    The Riley County Health Department Advisory Board met at 4PM on April 24th at the Health Department. The meeting was chaired by Ginny Barnard from Riley County Extension.  Other
members present were Michael Cates, KSU Public Health Program Director, Judy Warner, Vice President at Mercy Health, Brad Starnes, Superintendent USD 378 Riley County, Paul Bennes, MD
Fort Riley Public Health Director, and Karen McCulloh, community representative as well as City Commissioner.
    Also present were Bob Boyd, County Commissioner, Rich Vargo, who is acting in part until a new Administrator is hired if critical decisions have to be made, Paula Pedersen, new office manager for the Health Department since Mindy Robbins has resigned, and Katy Vaughn, Health Educator and Accreditation coordinator.
    After the minutes were approved Karen McCulloh stated that the Derek Mosier, Veterinarian representative  and Rick Fulton, DDS had indicated that the 4PM meeting time was not convenient for them and that the former meeting time at noon would suit them better.  This item, however, was not discussed.
    Handouts included the budget calendar listing necessary actions culminating in the adoption of the final budget on August 25, 2013. Also included was a  listing of personnel allocation as of 4-24-2013.  Marcia Tannehill took on the task of explaining the activities of each department considered in the budget separately.  The in depth discussion of what each department attempts to provide was applauded by the members of the Board. At the conclusion of the presentation Dr. Paul Henne stated his opposition to having a primary care clinic at the Health Department as not the purpose or the proper activity for the Public Health Department.  Karen McCulloh discussed the reason the Primary Care clinic was started and that it had come from a perceived need in the community and that much discussion and research had been done before the clinic was begun.  Dr. Henne suggested that there was a better way to serve this need and stated that there was interest from the Primary Care Clinic in Junction City to expand and that they are better set up and funded for such a clinic in Manhattan.  The “Flint Hills” clinic that is open one night a week is not ready to take on a full time primary care clinic. Further discussion of the issue is certain to take place as the budget activities and funding sources are examined in the coming weeks and months. There was
discussion of possibly appointing a sub committee to come up with “What the Priorities of the Health Department Should Be”.     Karen McCulloh stated that as funding will be a major issue, it will be important for the Advisory Board be able to lobby for necessary funds for the Department and thus have in depth knowledge of the needs and how best to meet them.
    Michael Cates, KSU member reported that interviews for a new administrator had started.  There were six candidates for the first round of interviews.
    The next meeting will be May 8th at 4PM.

Submitted by Sue Cohen

USD 383 Board of Education

April 17, 2013
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Gail Urban provided the board with an update on the Fieldhouse project.  The grassroots group working on the project had utilized the district's e-mail lists to send surveys to families to determine if there would be interest in having a regional facility.  The next steps will be to conduct a market study, site analysis, and feasibility study.  The group has raised $40,000 toward the $100,000 needed to fund a feasibility study.  The group hoped the board would consider contributing $10,000 for the feasibility study.  Board members Walt Pesaresi and Darell Edie felt the district has other more pressing needs that will need to be funded.  The item was only for discussion.

The board discussed a facility analysis for the College Hill Preschool building.  The bond improvement project only provided for the installation of new door locks and the removal of friable asbestos for the building.  The analysis would provide more information about additional improvements the building would need for long-term use.  The board approved the facility analysis.

Board members discussed student fees and textbook rental fees for the 2013-14 school year.  The board spent considerable time discussing the parking permit fee for MHS West Campus.  The current cost is $50 and has been that amount for a few years.  Pete Paukstelis felt the $50 price is too low and doesn't encourage students to ride the bus instead of driving.  Paukstelis proposed to raise the parking permit price to $100, and Pesaresi and Edie agreed.  Beth Tatarko was opposed to the idea of raising the price and establishing an arbitrary price without having investigated what other district's charge or without more thought.  Tatarko was also concerned about students who drive in order to go to after school jobs or to participate in school activities, such as sports practice, that the district does not provide transportation for.  Dave Colburn and Curt Herrman were also not supportive of raising the parking permit price.  The board approved the student fees and textbook rental fees with the exception of the parking permit fee.  Administration will provide the board with additional information about other districts' parking permit prices at the next board meeting.

Riley County Commission april 25, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

 

Commissioners Ron Wells, Robert Boyd and Dave Lewis present.  Lewis presiding.

Commissioner Boyd told of a meeting of the Riley County Health Advisory Committee where the subject of primary health care was discussed.  While primary medical care is currently offered at the Riley County Health Department, it is not typical for county health departments to provide that type of service.   There was some discussion of the advisability of encouraging a primary care practice currently operating out of Junction City to open an office in Manhattan to take over that care currently provided at the Health Department.

County Attorney Barry Wilkerson said his office and the courts are still trying to figure out the issues to be dealt with under provisions of the concealed carry legislation passed during the current legislative session.  The serious issues involve trying to set up adequate security measures in court houses and other facilities not originally built with tight security in mind.

Questions were raised about the County’s role in paying Worker’s Compensation premiums for Riley County offices receiving funds from outside sources.  These would include Corrections, Solid Waste, Rural Fire and other entities operating with revenue sources outside of the general fund, State, federal mil levy and/or fees.   The current practice is to have such costs remain with those departments involved rather than make them the responsibility of the County general fund. Commissioners agreed to maintain the system as it is through 2013 and 2014 but to study the matter involved more thoroughly in the near future.  

 

Riley County Commission April 22, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

 

Commissioners Lewis, Wells and Boyd present, Lewis presiding.

There was some discussion of problems in having afternoon sessions of the Commission since many times there are other afternoon meeting commitments scheduled relating to Commission business.

 A Riley County Police Department report was given by Captain Kurt Moldrup.  While in the past the Department has emphasized “operation impact”, focusing attention more heavily on certain high crime areas of the community, the Department has now initiated a new “laser point” initiative.  The new effort allows officers to focus heavily on hot spots with varying degrees of frequency rather than simply maintaining an ongoing heavy presence in one area.  While the crime rate in Manhattan has dropped 6% overall, the new initiative has brought about an 18.4% lowering of crime in designated zones.

Weekly reports are given to officers to measure progress.  The most recent past week is compared to that week one year ago.  In addition to crime rates going down accident rates have been reduced as well.  Commissioner Lewis asked that the Department include information for all of the County as well as just the Manhattan area in the next report.

Lori Bishop discussed the work of the RSVP volunteers in the County.  RSVP services offered range from helping to keep people in their own homes rather than nursing facilities, to tutoring children and providing cookies to service men and women at Ft. Riley.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman referred to recently passed legislation relaxing restrictions on where persons may carry guns.  The measure apparently requires that entities wanting to keep such restrictions develop security plans.  Commissioners expressed concern in particular for safety in the courts as well as agencies providing community supervision of persons on parole.  It was agreed to bring in the judges and related professionals to discuss the issue sometime in May.

Commissioners agreed to install a stop sign at Sherman and County Rd.