Riley County Commission January 27, 2014

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Boyd, Lewis and Wells present, Boyd serves as chair.

It was agreed to ask the County Planning Board to meet to discuss the need for a new emergency medical services facility and make recommendations to the Commission.

Museum Director Cheryl Collins reported on cooperative efforts between the Riley County Museum and the Beach Museum of Art.  Approximately 1200 children age kindergarten through 5^th grade are participating in 27 tours exploring the history of Riley County and Kansas.   Collins said problems involving a sewer breakdown are being dealt with through efforts of the County public works people and the cooperation of the Health Department.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek reviewed the time schedule for the year pertaining to the 2015 budget planning calendar.

Vern Hendricks, the director of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, told of the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition, a cooperate effort involving numerous public and private agencies.  The coalition’s work is aimed at improving the community’s access to local food supply and distribution networks to meet state-wide nutrition standards.

K-State Research and Extension will hold four training sessions for persons wishing to know more about responsibilities in serving effectively on boards.   Sessions are scheduled for February 19, 20, 26 and 27 from 6 to 8 pm at the K-State Research office.  Similar training will be offered in 11 locations throughout Kansas.  The cost is $40.  To register go to www.ksre.ksu.edu/boardseries.   Deadline for registrations is February 7.

The Commission will convene its first Board of Health meeting at 7 pm, on Monday, February 24^, in the Commission chambers.  The Health Department will present its 2013 annual report and discuss plans for 2014.  In addition to staff presentations, Dr. Cary Herl, medical director for the department and the public health advisory committee, will be present.

Greg Lund, parks manager, and Leon Hopkins, public works director, presented plans for the development of Fairmont Park.  Given efforts of some persons in the community to develop sports facilities that would attract statewide competitive soccer and other sporting events, it was agreed the commission needs to define the role of Fairmont Park.  Is it to be designed to offer multi-use areas such as the dog park, play grounds, and ball fields or primarily for tournament use?  It was generally agreed previous studies and recommendations should not be thrown out because of the new proposals.

Johnette Shepek, budget and finance officer, reviewed the Riley County Bonded and Indebtedness Report.  It demonstrates that Riley County has been very conservative in utilizing its bonding authority. 

USD 383 Board of Education

Jan. 8, 2014
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

The board held a short meeting and discussed one policy change in regards to disruptive acts at school or at school activities.  The policy needed to be revised to reflect changes to Kansas' concealed carry laws.  The proposed policy would allow school district employees who have a concealed carry permit to have firearms in their own locked vehicles on school grounds, so long as the firearm is not in plain sight.  With the exception of law enforcement officials, no other visitors to school property would be allowed to possess a firearm, even if they have a permit.  The board approved 6-0 the policy revision.

Riley County Commission December 23, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Lewis, Boyd and Wells present, Lewis presiding.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reported the attorneys on the indigent defense panel have agreed to a 1.5% cola increase in the coming year.  For special cases demanding extensive hours of work the attorneys will be paid an eighty dollar an hour rate.  The Commissioners agreed to the contract.

Officer Matthew Droge discussed holiday safety issues.  He noted 80% of vehicle robberies involve unlocked cars.  He cautioned against leaving  boxes out on curbs that would advertise the arrival of new television or other expensive appliances in the house and suggested writing down serial numbers of valuables.

Robert Nall, IT/GIS director, made a recommendation for the County to contract with a company that offers oblique aerial photography for the 2014 aerial property survey.  Oblique photography allows all four sides of a property to be viewed and gives one the ability to determine the width and height of that property.  Oblique photography will be a particularly effective tool in assessing the value of property in the County.

The company contracted to develop the 2013 aerial assessment has experienced extensive delays and has yet to provide its report.  Commissioners encouraged staff to negotiate down any final payment to the company due to the delays. 

County Commission Dec. 19, 2013

County Commission Dec 19, 3013

All commissioners present

All commissioners present.

Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds delineated her department's accomplishments and goals for the future.

Larry Couchman, EMS Directer discussed two incidents from last week involving his department.  The shooting at the Quality Inn response involved setting up a team to enter the hotel to search for any victims and render first aid if necessary.  They also were called to the multiple vehicle accident on I 70 and Wabaunsee county line.  Three ambulances were sent by EMS and one from Potttawatomie County.

Jennifer Wilson reported that the county Extension office will be providing tax return preparation next year as it has in the past.  It is staffed by qualified volunteers and she said they are still looking for more volunteers through mid January when training begins.  The site, at the ManhattanLibrary, will  open Feb. 4.

Greg McClure from K-State Extension announced an extensive and diverse list of classes offered in the seven county area.  He can be contacted at 785-537-6350.

Greg Lund, Parks Manager, showed pictures of the play equipment at CICO Park.  Most, if not all of it is old, outdated and no longer safe.  Until the funds can be found for the proposed large multiuse structure with slides, climbing features etc. that will cost  around $400,000 dollars, it is proposed to remove the unsafe equipment and replace it with swings and two other structures for climbing.  These will be less expensive.   The commission delayed any decisions on the swings, etc., since it is too late in the year to make these sorts of budget requests.

Julie Merklin, observer

County commission Dec. 16, 2013

County commission 12/16/13

All commissioners present.
Bids were opened for a tractor/ loader/backhoe for the Public Works department.  The bids were referred to staff for evaluation.

Johnette Shepek presented amendments to the 2013 budget for approval.

During the press conference, Eileen King, county Treasurer, reminded people that the first half of property tax is due Dec 20 and delineated the several ways they can be paid.  John Allard updated the commission on the Riley County Council on Aging.  Commission Chairman, Dave Lewis announced holiday office hours- closing at noon on Dec. 24 through the 25 and Jan 1.  Only the treasurer's office will close on noon on the 31 to do end-of-the-year tasks.

Greg Lund, Parks Manager reviewed the CiCo park master plan, discussing the responsibilities of the county, city of Manhattan, and school district 383.

Gary Stith and Bill Clark explained the comprehensive economic development strategy and the FlintHills Development District.  It is a regional effort involving 19 counties and stretches south from Marysville and Marshall County, includes  Riley County, and extends to the  Oklahoma border.  There will be many public informational meetings .

Julie Merklin. Observer






Sent from my iPad

Riley County Commission November 25, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

In casual discussion at the beginning of the meeting it was mentioned that, contrary to recent accounts of public opposition, the board members of Manhattan’s Chamber of Commerce appear to have no problem with the concept of establishing a public building commission.

Brenda Nickel, Health Department Director, presented information compiled by Kansas Action for Children.  The statistics for Riley County cause concern in the area of infant mortality.  The rate in the county exceeds that of the state and its peers.  Riley County’s infant mortality rate was 7.65% per 1000 births compared to the state rate of 6.07% and peer rate of 5.58%.

Riley County also falls behind in high school graduation rates.  During the 2011-2012 school year only seventy-six percent of high school students graduated which is nearly eight percent lower than that of both the state and peer counties.  Nearly seventeen percent of Riley County children live below the poverty level.

John Armbrust, with the Governor’s Military Council, expressed concern that funding uncertainty has left Ft. Riley without a clue as to what its operating budget will be.  He said cuts are made at the federal level with little information regarding the effects on local bases and communities.

Some areas of the country are establishing Veterans Courts to deal with domestic abuse cases in an effort to get combat veterans into treatment rather than prisons.  Armbrust did not address the issue of protection provided for the abused person through Veterans Courts.

EMS Director Larry Couchman presented a review of potential building sites for a new, comprehensive EMS building.  All of the Fire Department locations were considered as well as Pioneer Part, Cico Park and KSU owned land along College, Denison and Kimball.  The County Shop site offers another possibility but presents the problem of increased response time for heavy demand areas in Manhattan.  Commissioner Lewis said he was opposed to Pioneer Park.  The park is located adjacent to the historic Goodnow House and the Riley County Historical Museum and is considered part of that total historical preservation site.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman mentioned several legislative issues being lobbied for strongly by the realtor’s association and bankers association.  Their positions would result in loss in fees now collected by counties and result in a heavy negative impact on county budgets.   

Riley County Commission Nov.21, 2013

Riley County Commission November 21, 2013

The wording of the Public Building Commission draft bylaws was discussed.  The difference of opinion was whether an advisory board "may" be formed or "shall" be formed.  Commissioner Boyd wanted it to be mandatory.  The other two commissioners felt that two public forums should provide enough input for the citizenry .  The wording was not changed

Jennifer Wilson, Riley County extension director announced that John Jobe is the new 4H Youth Development Agent, beginning Dec. 2.

Debbie Regester, Register of Deeds reported the year to date revenues through November 12,compared with 2012.  Totals for 2012 were $1,138,447 and for 2013, $1,124,581.  October revenues in 2012 were $84,734 and for 2013 $69,339.

The longest discussion was over Bart Thomas' request to rezone a parcel of property south of K18 west of Scenic Drive.  The request was to change from AG, agriculture to D1, industrial park.  The planning board sent the request to the county commission with the recommendation to disapprove.  Their reason was that D1 would allow enterprises that would not be good for that location.  The possibility of a PUD was discussed but Mr Thomas was against that for reasons of cost.  The Commission decided to postpone any decision.
Julie Merklin, observer

Riley County Commissioners Nov. 18, 2013

BOCC

Nov. 18, 2013

 

All commissioners present, Dave Lewis presiding

 

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer presented the Road and Bridge 1/2 cent sales tax projects.  The McDowell Creek project, estimated at $6 million dollars, was the most costly.  Other projects included Anderson Ave. Asphalt Overlay, two bridges, four culverts, design for  two more bridges and 4 more culverts.  Total project estimate was $8,185,000. Resources available are $3,500,000.  There isn't adequate funding to complete all projects.  One option is a General Obligation Bond Issuance  for McDowell Creek.  Commissioner Boyd urged prudence and said McDowell Creek is still serviceable.  :Public Works Director, Leon Hobson, said that most important are safety concerns for drivers.  The probable increase in cost of materials, if the project were postponed, was also  mentioned.  The motion to approve the project passed, two to one with Commissioner Boyd voting no.

 

     Eileen King said that the Treasurer's office has begun mailing the 2013 tax statements.  Information is available on the Riley County website under Online Property Tax Search.

 

     It was announced that the Riley county Health Dept. is holding "Flu Shot Friday" through the end of the year, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. They have received free vaccine from KDHE to be provided to the county's uninsured residents.  There is a $14 administration fee.

 

     Clancy Holeman, County Counselor discussed the effects on Riley County Revenues if, as has been proposed , the Legislature ends the Mortgage Registration Fee.  This is being pushed by Realtors and Bankers association.  Riley County would lose $1,072,000 and, statewide, counties would lose a total of $46,648,356.  He suggested that, if it passes, counties should start thinking of what services should be cut.  He said this amount in Riley County, would equal two mills in real estate tax.

Riley County Health Department Advisory Council Report
September 30. 2013
Submitted by Linda Morse

Judy Wagner has resigned from the Advisory Council because she has moved to Wichita.  The Council is interested in having a representative of Mercy Hospital nominated as a replacement appointment. T he Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will make the appointment.  If anyone has a suggestion, please get in touch with Debbie Nuss
and/or Karen McCulloh

The Health Department received a $113,000 KDHE Title X grant for Family Planning (Reproductive Health).  The amount is matched for a total of $249,000 to serve approx 750 clients.  Director Nichols distributed a copy of the local agency management requirements for the grant.  Most provisions are routine, however, one provision requires the establishment of a 5-9 member Advisory Committee to review family planning educational information and
provide guidance in the development, implementation and evaluation of the program.  The committee must meet annually and includes consumers utilizing the program.  The Public Health Department Advisory Council decided they will take on the role of the Advisory committee for this local Family Planning Program. They will add up to 5 clients for the purpose of fulfilling the requirement.   Debbie Nuss and Karen McCulloh ( League members) were advocates and made a difference in the discussion.

The monthly Director's Report:


Brenda Nichols distributed the September Board of Health/Health Department's  Budget Report (which is the same as provided to the BOCC).
1)  Primary Care Clinic:  Projected revenues for the year are at 53% of the budget; expenses are at 35% of the budget. 
     Expenses are reduced due to the inability to hire a full-time Advanced Practice Registered Nurse since February '13.  Without that position, Medicaid patient base did not increase, so that fees could not be realized and thus less client revenue.
2)  Immunization Revenue: Expenses stand at 59 percent.  Medicaid revenue is a concern because it may be lower  than projected.  Private insurance revenue is expected to be higher than projected. The upcoming Flu Shot Clinics will boost revenue. There are 18 off-site clinics scheduled; locations to be announced.
3)  The Department has moved the Pottawatomie County WIC Clinic from St. Mary's  to Wamego (1st Baptist Church).   Per an agreement, Pottawatomie County pays Riley County to support the Clinic.  It is open twice per month to serve approx.72-75 families. 
4)  The Health Department currently  has a budget deficit of $20,000. The Director is working with the Konza Clinic to partner for the primary care program.  
5)   The  Health Department's Time/Cost Study will be conducted this month. The last study was done in April of 2012.  
6) Brenda Nichols, Director, noted that the Department is pleased to join the exercise in cooperation with the  Animal Borne Disease Table Top - October 9-10 with  Federal authorities, KSU, EOC, Riley County Police (and maybe others) in preparation for NBAF.
7)  Oct-FLU-Ber Fest will be  from 4-7 pm on Thursday, Oct 10. It is an event with entertainment to encourage flu shots. 
8)  Flu-Shot-Fridays - from 8 - 11:30 a.m. every Friday from Oct-Dec.  They will have 3,500 doses and 22 off-site flu shot clinics.
9)  Although only high level discussions to date, theDepartment is working cooperatively with Kristin Cottom and Renee Hanahran from Mercy Regional Health/Via Christi to develop a Community Health Assessment Plan by July 2014. There is consideration of a contract with Envisage (an outside firm)  to conduct broad health assessments in the outlying communities.
11) The Department has moved  staff and programs to better utilize the 2nd Floor space.  Planning to add Emergency Preparedness staff also.  Health Department Administrator  Brenda Nichols is featured in the new issue of Manhattan Magazine which is  available free at the Public Library. 























Due to the holidays, the NEXT MEETING will combine the Nov & Dec meetingS and will be held in early December.

Linda
Linda Morse
313-5612

Riley County Commission Oct. 28, 2013

 Joan Strickler, observer

 Commissioners Lewis, Wells and Boyd present, Lewis presiding.

It was noted that the Commission will not meet on Thursday, October 31. The Commissioners will be attending the Kansas Association of Counties annual conference in Wichita.

Bill Clark, director of the Flint Hills Regional Council, said the Regional Council’s grant from HUD will soon end and the Council must focus on looking into new funding sources if it is to survive and build its capacity to serve regional needs.  He addressed plans to establish a Welcome Center at the K 177—I-70 turnoff.  The land is currently owned by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.  Clark said the FHRC is unwilling to build the Center there if it must pay a lease on the property.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek presented an update to the Riley County Purchasing Card Policies and Procedures Manual which led to an extensive discussion of current policies regarding reimbursement for meals for employees when traveling.  Commissioner Boyd questioned the process of checking details of each purchase as well as the adequacy of the reimbursement allowance in higher cost areas.  It was agreed to accept the changes recommended but reconsider the adequacy of the amount allowed for meals at a later time.

Daylight savings time ends this Saturday.  People were reminded to turn their clocks back one hour and to consider purchasing 10 year batteries in all smoke alarms.  It is estimated that 7 people a day die in home fires.

Brenda Nickel, director of the Riley County Health Department, announced the Department’s Primary Care Clinic will no longer provide safety net primary care services effective November 1.  The Department has been unable to secure a mid-level provider on a full-time basis for medical and prescribing services since February.  Screening and counseling services will be provided by nurses and, if necessary, they will assist patients in linking to a primary care provider.

The program has received funding through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment with the level for fiscal year 2013 at $115,000.  Total projected expenses for the program in 2013 are running at $310,838.