USD 383 Board of Education, June 7, 2017

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Lew Faust, Dir. of Business Services, reported on the school finance bill, which passed both the House and the Senate Monday night.  The bill will need to be evaluated by the Supreme Court to determine if it adequately meets academic needs.  Mr. Faust speculated that there might be issues with the bill, and hopefully, a new deadline will be set that will allow any inadequacies to be addressed.  The bill established the state foundation aid at $4,006 per pupil, which is an increase from the current $3,852 per pupil.  Next year, the state foundation aid will be $4,128, and after that, increases will be based on the Midwest Consumer Price Index.  Other features of the bill included funding for all-day kindergarten, increased funding for at-risk, and increased funding for special education.  Transportation funding saw little change, and virtual education funding was the same.  Determining the enrollment count was more complicated than in the past, and for some programs, funding will be based on the current year’s enrollment instead of the previous year’s, which could result in the state needing to come up with additional funds for a program.  Mr. Faust said the new finance formula feels a lot like the old formula.  Dave Colburn wanted to remind everyone that this happened because of the Supreme Court.

Mr. Faust provided the board with updated information for budget planning.  Health insurance was expected to increase by 7%, which amounts to $315,000.  Overtime decreased by $50,000, which was attributed in part to increased pay for bus drivers, being able to hire enough drivers, and then not needing other staff to drive overtime.  The general fund budget authority was projected to increase by $2.5 million, the supplemental fund was projected to increase by $538,000, and the cost of living authority was projected as $785,000.  Leah Fliter commented that the board has been complaining about funding, and if the board starts using the additional authority for property tax relief and not for the classroom, she will complain.

The board received an annual report on district health services.  Of the school population, 88% of students received health services, and there were 71,199 visits to school nurses.  The board received a report on MHS athletics and activities, with 69% of students participating in an activity.  There had been an effort the past year to get more freshmen involved.  The board was also provided with reports on early childhood programs and professional development and collaboration.

The board approved adopting curriculum for early learning programs, the purchase of anti-virus computer software ($47,522), and the purchase of theatrical lighting for Rezac Auditorium at MHS ($75,500).

Riley County Commission, May 22 and May 25, 2017

Riley County Commission May 22, 2017

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Wells, Rodriguez and Wilson present, Wells chair.

During the open comment period Commissioner Wells expressed frustration at recent remarks made by Representative Ron Highland that Wells felt downplayed the serious fiscal situation now facing the State.  He and Commissioner Rodriguez spoke against any plans to raise State funds by increasing the cost of utilities.  Wells said the State should face the funding problems for schools openly and fairly, not by imposing hidden burdens on poor and elderly persons by taxing basic utilities such as gas and electric services.

Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, said Riley County Fire District #1 just completed a classification audit from the Insurance Services Organization.  The ISO evaluates municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the country.

According to Collins the report was mostly positive.  All but four stations received an upgrade in status.  Ashland, Peach Grove, Mayday and parts of Hunters Island, however, were downgraded.

A legislative report presented by County Counselor Clancy Holeman essentially indicated most work remains on hold until the questions of funding for schools and the basic State budget are resolved.

County Commission May 25, 2017

Commissioners Wells, Rodriguez and Wilson present, Wells chair.

Commissioners approved a resolution reappointing the County Appraiser.

Craig Cox, Assistant County Attorney, asked Commissioners to approve or disapprove an agreement to accept Via Christi’s proposed increase in management fees pertaining to ambulance services. Via Christi allowed the Board until May 30, 2017, to either continue the current arrangement of ambulance operations or accept a termination date effective December 1, 2017.

The Commissioners agreed to send a letter to Via Christi accepting the services termination date as of midnight November 30, 2017.  Most likely the ambulance staff at the hospital will move over and become County employees.   It is estimated the change will result in $200,000 or more in savings to the County.

Commissioners approved a Health Department request to submit a letter to the Caroline Peine  Charitable Foundation for a grant to develop a quality improvement program to support and train family child care providers.  The Commissioners approved the request.

Kevin Howser, IT/GIS Director, said search and rescue operations are being utilized in locating Little  Apple bicycles.   The project is being used for training the search and rescue operators.

Country Stampede will be held June 22 through 24.

The 29^th annual Garden Tour is scheduled for Sunday June 11.

Riley County Commission, April 24, 2017 and April 27, 2017

Riley County Commission April 24, 2017

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Wells, Rodriguez and Wilson present, Wells presiding.

Robbin Cole, Director of Pawnee Mental Health Services, said the association of community mental health providers still has funding requests pending when the Legislature returns.  Of particular concern is getting the 4% cuts in Medicaid reimbursements restored to previous levels.

Other concerns involve the lack of adequate crisis care at community levels.  Local crisis centers would reduce the problems of mentally ill persons winding up in jails or in regular hospitals not prepared to deal with mental health treatment.  Ossawatomie State Hospital still has not met  federal re-certification requirements.  A major problem for the hospital is lack of qualified staff.  Kansas continues to look into the possibility of privatization.

Jennifer Green, Health Department Director, said the Department has prepared a letter of request for funds available through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation Deihl Fund.  The amount requested is $289,226.58 for a three year grant to provide health services to USD 383 students living in families without stable housing.  She said homeless youth face significant health issues beyond those of other students.  The grant funds would provide for a full time nurse, a Spanish language interpreter and transportation costs.  The Commission voted to submit the grant proposal.

It was announced that the new security requirements at the Courthouse begin today.  The east entrance is the only entrance.  South and west doors will be used as exits only.

 

 Riley County Commission April 27, 2017

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Rodriguez and Wilson present, Wells joined the meeting at 10:50.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman reported that a draft for an interlocal agreement to allow County law enforcement to use Range 27 at Ft. Riley for firearms training has been developed and is ready to submit to the Attorney General for informal review.

Kevin Howser, IT/GIS Director, said his office is continuing to inform County staff about safe security measures to guard against malware and viruses.  He is looking into the possibility of expanding the Geographic Information System as WIFI becomes more available in the community.

Shelly Williams, Community Corrections Director, described the lengthy process of preparing the agency’s 125 page plan required for submission to the Legislature.  The Governor’s budget recommendation is for 8% lower funding for community corrections.  She also presented a budget for a Behavioral Health Grant designed to reduce recidivism.  The Commission approved both applications.

 

Riley County Commission Meeting, April 3, 2017

Report on the Board of Riley County Commissioners Meeting for April 3, 2017

Topics of the Business Meeting

Observer:  Bill Shenk-Hamlin

• Commissioners proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention month. The proclamation asserted that children are the key to the State’s future and so they have a right to be safe. Since child abuse and neglect can be prevented, our community should provide help to that end.
• Drew and Amber Vennum petitioned the County Commission to rezone a tract of land from “AG” (Agricultural District) to “C-PUD” (Commercial Planned Unit Development). The land is approximately 50 acres in size and located just south of Randolph township overlooking Tuttle Creek Lake. Secrest Road accesses the area. The Vennums want to purpose the land for conferences, retreats, meetings and other social and recreational uses. Commissioners were mostly focused on accessing the site using Secrest Road, which is unpaved. The site could potentially receive a substantial number of visitors from April to October and a gravel road, they thought, is simply not safe enough to handle the traffic. The petition was tabled until Secrest Road is improved. There are no plans to pave Secrest.
• The minutes for the March 27, 2017 meeting were approved.

Press Conference Topics

• Captain Josh Kyle of the RCPD provided information about police calls and citations during Fake Patty’s Day. This year, FPD experienced fewer citizen generated calls for service than in previous years. Calls to RCPD generally concern noise, parking, checking the welfare of participants, unruly participants, and non-injurous accidents. Of the five, parking and welfare issues had the most calls. The lowest number of citations were written this year in comparison to earlier years. Of the total, most were written for possession of an open container in public and parking violations. RCPD theorizes that the cold and rainy conditions over FPD reduced the police calls and citations.
• Cherl Collins reported that the Riley County Historical Society will hold its annual program and dinner meeting on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Zeandale Community Church. Anyone may attend if they make a reservation and pay $13 for the dinner.
• Leon Hobson, Public Works Director, reported on the status of various road and bridge construction site in Riley County.
• Cindy Volanti, Human Resource Manager, asked Commissioners to retain the Columbus Day employee training program for 2017, to add a urinalysis technician for the Community Corrections Department, and to make a change in their workers’ compensation and leave policy. All three requests were approved.
• Monty Wedel, Planning Projects Director, discussed an area north of Tuttle Creek Blvd near North 48^th Street that could become a site where commercial shops might be developed. The area requires both water and sewer service. Commissioners told planner to study the requirements for service but will wait until someone requests use of the site for shops.

Riley County Commission, March 27, 2017

Joan Strickler, observer

Riley County Commission March 27, 2017

Commissioners Wells, Rodriguez and Wilson present, Wells presiding.

Lori Feldcamp, director of the Big Lakes Developmental Center, expressed her hope that a proposed increase in State funding for centers serving persons with developmental disabilities will actually be passed into law.  Staff members have had no salary increases for eleven years placing the centers in a difficult position in personnel recruitment.

She spoke in support of efforts do away with the consolidation of seven disability groups under one waiver.  The needs of persons with different disabilities can vary greatly. The DD Centers would prefer to conduct all the assessments separately.

Emergency Management Director Pat Collins announced the Transfer Station will be burning material over the next several days.

Volunteer firefighters dealt with 28 calls last week.   At one time 6 fires occurred at the same time requiring all but one truck out to provide help.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman noted the Legislature will begin first adjournment this coming Friday.  One measure under consideration is of particular concern to the counties.   It would make the position of county appraiser an elected rather than appointed position.  Such a change could lead to property appraisals influenced by politics rather than made on the basis of fair value.   At one time appraisers were elected leading to a non-uniform appraisal system throughout the State.

RILEY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, February 22, 2017

RILEY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

22February2017

Observer: Helen C. Estes

The Riley County Health Department Public Health Advisory Council (PHAC) met as scheduled.  The monthly meeting was called to order by Adam Bowen, PHAC Chair.

Director’s Report:  (Given by Jennifer Green, RCHD Director.)

1. A summary of all of the grants to be applied for by RCHD was given as some of these must be approved by the BOH prior to submission of applications. Jennifer pointed out changes in amounts requested in 2016 & relayed the reasons associated with the changes.  She pointed out areas where available funding had decreased for 2017 & showed the resultant adjustments required to accommodate these areas.  Of particular concern was the need to combine the Maternal-Child & Reproductive Health monies with the Immunization monies as there will be less available monies for immunization services.  It is anticipated that this might create an area of discussion by the BOH so Jennifer requested that any available public/citizen voices be available when she presents all of this information to the BOH (Riley County Commissioners).
2. Later this week there will be an application for WIC monies.
3. A newly hired individual will soon be onboard to assist with the accreditation process.
4. There are two vacancies now available. Especially important to fill ASAP is that of the APRN.  This is a highly specific position & critical for the services of Family Planning & Reproductive Health.  Jennifer has requested that all PHAC members keep this critical need in mind when out in the community & to refer any known nurse practitioner who qualifies.  This positon requires not only APRN licensure but also specifies @ least one year of experience with Family Planning & Reproductive Health along with four years of nursing experience.
5. The National Public Health Week is the first week of April. RCHD has planned a special event during this week.  It is Bug-A-Palooza to be set-up @ the Manhattan City Park Pavilion on 06April2017.  The focus of this event will be:  1) Summer Safety Aspects such as mosquitoe & other types of bug bites; 2) Vaccines will also be available.  KSU personnel will also participate.  This will be available for the community.  Family attendance will be encouraged.

Business:

• It was proposed that RCHD involvement with childcare provider inspections be considered a topic for deeper discussion in upcoming meetings. A preliminary discussion started @ this meeting but time was a limiting factor & it was determined that childcare (& providers) are important to the community.
• Also mentioned as a topic from previous meetings was the need for increased numbers of Primary Care Physicians in Manhattan. One PHAC member indicated that she understood Via Christi had hired three additional Family Practice Physicians but this was not confirmed.  This subject was tabled for a future meeting.

The meeting was adjourned @ 5:05 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for 22March2017

Riley County Commission, February 27, 2017

Riley County Commission February 27, 2017

Observer:  Joan Strickler

Commissioners Wells, Rodriguez and Wilson present, Wells presiding.
Commissioner Wells expressed the opinion that Kansas counties should consider legal action against the State for loss of local mill levy funds. Locally raised county taxes are required to be sent to the State but only part of the funds raised are returned to that county. Wells also questioned the proposed increase in gasoline taxes because the State possibly could use those funds for other purposes than highway improvements.
A report from the Kansas Association of Counties noted the Legislature has completed turn around in that bills considered in one house of the Legislature must be moved to the other. There are, however, certain committees which can continue to introduce bills such as the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The Legislature will return to Topeka on March 5.
Cheryl Collins, director of the Riley County Historical Museum, said the Museum will showcase eight National History Day exhibits from Sunday March 5 through Sunday March 12. The exhibits were prepared by sixth grade students from Woodrow Wilson and Marlatt schools under the direction of U.S.D. 383 teacher, Terry Healy.

U.S. Agriculture Bill Hearing, February 23, 2017

Notes from the 2018 Agriculture Bill Hearing in Manhattan, KS Feb 23, 2017

Observer:  Karen Hummel

The meeting was chaired by Senators Pat Roberts (R Kansas) and Debbie Stabenow (D Michigan).

First remarks were given by KSU President Myers, Congressman Roger Marshall (R Kansas) and Jackie McClaskey (Kansas Secretary of Agriculture). Myers and Marshall remarks were mainly welcoming.  Marshall stressed focus on trade and nutrition.  McClaskey urged focus on a reliable safety net, reasonable regulations and conservation rules.

Roberts set the context – that prices for agriculture products were high during the crafting of the 2014 farm bill.  Prices have fallen and are low now. Stabenow stated that the number of persons receiving SNAP (supplemental nutrition funds) dropped by nearly 3 and a half million since the 2014 farm bill was enacted, due to people finding jobs.  (My notes indicate she said it was a savings of $8 billion.  According to Wikipedia, it resulted in a 9 billion dollar reduction in spending on the program. I’m not sure if there was a re-definition of eligibility requirements during that timespan.) Stabenow’s view is that a safety net is needed for farmers as well as low income households.

The panel members were introduced in two groups. Each panelist was instructed to speak for no longer than three minutes.  This was followed by a few questions from Roberts and Stabenow.

The first panel consisted of producers.

Panelists were:

David Clawson, Kansas Livestock Association. He asked for value-based marketing programs.  He highlighted the risks of provisions that would restrict ranchers’ freedom of choice in how cattle are marketed, specifically the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) interim final rule on competitive injury. The rule has been opposed by the majority of cattle producers since it was first introduced in 2010.

Linda Foster, Dairy Producers.  The Dairy Market Protection Program is a flexible program that allows a dairy operator to self-select coverage options to protect the farm against declines in national average production margins. Different coverage options reflect a producer’s ability to protect different margin levels (from $4 to $8 per hundredweight) and different coverage percentages (from 25% to 90%). Linda said that the Margin Protection Program no longer works, because the levels are set such that it never kicks in, so farmers are not signing up for it.  She says the levels need to be revised and that we should reinstate 2% milk in school lunches.

Amy Franz, Kansas Farm Bureau. Amy said the EQIP program is working to help farmers in much-needed conservation efforts.  EQIP stands for Environmental Quality Incentives Program.  Financial assistance payments through EQIP are made to eligible producers, to implement approved conservation practices on eligible land or to help producers develop Conservation Activity Plans (CAP) to address specific land use issues. Payments are made on completed practices or activities identified in an EQIP contract that meet NRCS standards. Payment rates are set each fiscal year and are attached to the EQIP contract when it is approved.  Payment rates for each conservation practice can be found at each NRCS State Programs website. Amy stated that restrictions on spraying may force growers to sell their rigs and rely on commercial sprayers.

Lucas Highman, Soybean Association. Farm prices are down.  Help is needed to protect commodity prices.

Tom Lahey, Kansas Cotton Association. 75% of Kansas cotton is exported.  Expand foreign markets.

Kent Moore, Corn growers.  Stressed importance of crop insurance.  Called for strengthening the Market Access Program (MAP) grants, offered through the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

(Observer’s note:  He did not mention the role of water and the decline of the Ogallala aquifer due to corn production.)

Cameron Peirce, Sunflower Commission. Crop insurance important. Sunflowers are a no-till crop.

Chuck Springer, Pork Producers. Establish a Foot & Mouth Disease vaccine bank.

Kent Winter, Sorghum Producers. The ability to get bank loans depends on having crop insurance and commodity price guarantees.  The sugar cane aphid has become an infestation in Kansas.

Kenneth Wood, Wheat Growers. Prices are down, costs are rising.  50% of Kansas wheat is exported.  Need to protect and expand export markets.  Asked for clarification of WOTUS (Waters of the US, an EPA guideline concerning enforcement of the Clean Water Act for upstream tributaries.  There has been ambiguity and animosity associated with this bill.  Producers seemed to think it might be applied to dry creek beds and standing water in fields. No clarification was provided at this meeting.)

The panel agreed that EQIP(Environmental Quality Incentives Program) and CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) are working, as well as CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) are working.

The second panel consisted of representatives of organizations that support producers.  They were:

Shane Haines, First National Bank. Need to raise lending limits.  Farmers do not receive payments in the same year as the market year.  This results in difficult bookkeeping.

Catherine Moyer, Pioneer Communications (rural broadband).  Continue to support RUS(Rural Utilities Service) and Broadband loan programs.

Kathy O’Brien, Kansas Electric Cooperatives. The RUS loan program is effective.  It needs to be extended into the 2018 bill.  This is important to develop rural Kansas.

Gina Ott, Farm Credit Corporation. The bottom 15 – 20% of producers are suffering.  Crop insurance is critical.

Derek Piney, Kansas Grain & Feed Association. Ethanol producers want to keep the renewable fuel standard.

Greg Ruley, Agronomics Coop Council. Look at the range of tillage options available now, and consider them in drafting the bill: no till, limited till, new conservation methods.  Look at credit options.

Clay Scott, Water Council. The water infrastructure in the state is aging and prone to failure.  This needs to be addressed. Policy changes are needed with regard to water.  Sen. Roberts stated he had recently toured water facilities in Israel.

Cherise Tieben, Dodge City manager. In 2008, Dodge City faced a housing crisis, a lack of affordable housing for laborers. The USDA guaranteed loan program for rural development provided funds to solve the problem.

That’s all.

Riley County Commission February 23, 2017

Riley County Commission February 23, 2017

Joan Strickler, observer

Commissioners Wells, Rodriguez and Wilson present, Wells chair.

Commissioner Wells expressed his opinion that the failure of the Kansas Senate to override the Governor’s veto of the tax bill resulted from concerns about difficulties that would result in re-configuring budgets and expenditures already incurred.  That is due to the bill’s being back dated to the first of the year.  He suggested a similar bill, which would go into effect next July 1, might more likely be able to override a Governor’s veto.

Deputy County Counselor Craig Cox reported on court actions underway pertaining to unpaid taxes for the years 2011 and 2012.  The petition filed involves about $1 million in delinquent taxes.  Approximately one half of that amount belongs to one property owner.

Health Department Director Jennifer Green said her agency was looking into the new mumps cases recently appearing in Manhattan.

Green also asked the Commissioners to sign a letter of approval in support of the Health Department’s grant request to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation to fund breast feeding assistance for new mothers.  Commissioner Wilson moved to approve the request, motion passed.

Pat Collins, Emergency Management Director, gave an extensive presentation on the emergency radio system needs and requirements of the County.  The current system is out of date and experiencing numerous problems.  Messages are often so garbled they cannot be understood.  At times calls for assistance cannot get through.

A committee formed of representatives of the various emergency service providers in the County has been studying two possible options to replace the existing system.  They would like to have the Commissioners’ approval to pursue further negotiations with one of the two providers.  Commissioner Rodriguez offered a motion to pursue further negotiations with the Harris Company.  Motion approved.

Commissioner Wells said Counties should look into the system the State initiated in requiring that funds locally raised by counties and school boards be sent to the State before being returned to those counties and schools.   Often the locally raised mil levy funds returned are less than those sent.  He suggested counties might want to seek a legal opinion in the matter.

USD 383 Board of Education, Feb. 15, 2017

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Lew Faust, Dir. of Business Services, provided the board with an update on legislation affecting school funding.  The House had passed a tax bill, but the governor has said he won’t sign it.  The tax bill would roll back most of the 2012 tax cuts and would raise almost $1 billion over a two-year period.  Senate bill S.B. 27, which would have resulted in a 5% cut to districts, was not debated on the floor.  If that bill had advanced, it would have meant a reduction in funding to USD 383 of $1,468,000.

House bill H. B. 2270 addresses K-12 funding and is very similar to the old finance formula.  The bill would provide funding for all-day kindergarten (current funding is for half-day).  “Foundation state aid” would replace the term “base state aid” and would increase over a period of four years to $4,895 per pupil (current base per pupil funding is $3,852), and then increases after that would be based on the Midwest Consumer Price Index.  Transportation funding would be different.  Currently, districts are reimbursed for transporting students who live more than two-and-a-half miles from school, and with the new formula, districts can choose to transport students who live closer, but districts will be  funded only for the number of students who are actually bused.  There will be some changes in virtual school funding and at-risk.  If the proposed formula were applied as presented, USD 383 would receive $3.9 million more in state funding.  In order to fund the proposed formula, $309 million in state funds would be needed, so the question is how will the state fund the formula

Enrollment numbers used for the finance formula would be the previous year’s enrollment, so there would be no surprises about the total number of students.  Districts impacted by the military would still have the second military count date, but funding would be based on the net number of students as opposed to using the number of new military students to the district.