TOPEKA CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:

SHAWNEE COUNTY COMMISSION MEETINGS:

December 31, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

There were plenty of parking spaces at the courthouse on this Monday mourning so I suppose people were taking a holiday. Nevertheless the agenda for the Commission meeting was two pages long. There were 12 items on the consent agenda but it was approved with no questions.

The big ticket item was the awarding of the bid to Schmidtlein for road improvement on Wannamaker from 53rd to 47th. Schmidtlein's low bid was $1.45 million and the work is expected to be complete by October 24. The request for proposals for two bridges on Auburn Road over the Wakarusa River were also approved.

The contract with Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Inc. for mental health services was approved with no questions.

December 20, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

Some time was spent reviewing and questioning the information in an insurance policy (for 2008) that will cover many items as diverse as above ground storage tanks, vehicles, to employee dishonesty. The insurance coverage was approved.

The commission also approved encumbrances recommended by Marti Leisinger, county financial administrator. Department heads were asked to explain why each encumbrance was needed. Mrs. Leisinger explained that the criteria for said money must include expenses for 2007.

Commissioner Miller again expressed his lack of confidence in the Visioning process being proposed by the Topeka Community Foundation. He noted that such large sums of money need a necessary structure in place. Commissioner Ensley and Buhler reported that they believe staff and a facilitator will fill this function in time.

December 17, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

It is good to see someone get a pat on the back for a job well done. Dick Kline received a pat from Commissioner Miller this morning. The contract before the commissioners was for medical and mental health services for those in custody of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Commissioner Miller congratulated Mr. Kline for a well written memo and the contract was approved 3-0.

There is a counter in the Shawnee County District Court Clerks' office that is too wide. The reach across the counter has caused injuries documented by an ergonomics expert. The commissioner agree that certainly this counter should be replaced (to the tune of $30,000). Commissioner Miller would like the state' worker compensation program to contribute. We don't know if that is going to fly.

December 13, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The trial balloon of using a single trash hauler to townships to save the roads was deflated today for lack of a second. Commissioner Miller had proposed having a “test” township choose one trash hauler to see if the wear and tear on the roads was reduced with fewer heavy vehicles pulling to the side. Apparently, the commissioners heard from the public – sometimes people would rather have their autonomy than their money.

After studying a recommended proposal for a GIS system using some county resources and some private resources the commissioners put their stamp of approval on the recommendation. They claim the plan provides more services for less money. Commissioner Buhler wanted the plan to include the communities outside of Topeka so the motion included this inclusion.

December 10, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

Bartlett and West Engineers were contracted to assess the county's GIS system. Neil Dobler presented the results of the study and a recommendation. The recommendation included an upgrade for less money. As I understand the recommended system, some functions could be done in-house while others would be contracted out. By going with the recommended plan the county would have a better system but it would cost less. Commissioner Miller was willing to vote yea on the plan at this meeting but the other two commissioners wanted to study the proposal first so it was deferred until Thursday.

A committee including Mr. Eckert, Shawnee County counselor and Mr. Vlach, public works director, will present a list of priorities to the Shawnee County delegation for legislative support to the tune of $30 million for the bridge over the Kansas River at Willard. The bridge was the first priority, the Juvenile Justice Authority was second, health care was third. Of interest to League members was the 6th on the list, Department of Corrections/Mental Illness.

December 3, 20007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The commission opened with some happy time this morning. Barbara Hoffer was recognized for owning the champion of the 3-year-old stallion category at the 2007 American Quarter Horse Association World Show at Oklahoma City. Mrs. Hoffer reported that the 3 year-old class is considered the most important class. Negotiations are in the works to send semen as far as Australia and South Africa. Particular pride was shown because, it is reported that, Texans think they have a lock on quarter horse champions.

The commissioners deferred action on the request to relocate a salvage and recycling operation so more advanced notice could be given and residents of the area would have time to testify if they so choose. Other requests for expenditures, licenses and positions were approved without questions.

November 29, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

Steve Bolton of the refuse department was at the meeting to request soliciting proposals for refuse carts. The commissioners extended the contract until the end of the year. Then the commissioners asked Mr. Bolton to report on the contaminated material the department dealt with this week. The unknown material caused dizziness and numbness, among other symptoms. This incident was reported by Topeka media. Mr. Bolton had high praise for St. Francis Hospital and their decontamination procedures. The contaminated material was from a residence.

County Treasurer Larry Wilson requested that the contract with Berlin Wheeler for collection of unpaid taxes be continued to avoid any more changes in the treasurer's office at this time. The combination of end-of-year business and changing banks the work load is considerable. The commissioners denied the request and voted to solicit bids.

November 26, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

County employees will have dental insurance with Delta Dental for $3.15 a month. Previously the dental coverage was included in the Blue Cross policy. Commissioners report the employees will get more coverage for the same amount of money.

Commissioners Ensley and Miller approved a resolution raising the license fees for the sale of ceral malt beverages. A higher fee will be charged for selling on Sunday. Commissioner Buhler objected to the additional charge for Sunday sales.

Tom Vlach of Public Works requested the commissioners waive the bidding process for gasoline and negotiate a “locked price” with Capital City Oil. Mr. Vlach reported that his department uses about 130,000 gallons of diesel fuel and he would be better able to budget. Commissioner Miller's was concerned that the price would go down and the county would be paying more than the market price. The commissioners authorized Vlach to begin negotiations with Capital City Oil for a a locked price.

November 15, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The commissioners are proud of the fact that they made a fine profit on land north of Interstate 70 and east of SW MacVicar. By selling to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks they received $175,00 more for the land than they paid for it. The land was purchased originally to create a joint composting facility with the city. Evidently, that joint venture went the way of all the other city-county joint ventures.

One item not on the printed agenda was dealt with after all other business and after the commission went into executive session. After some some negotiation Commissioner Miller reported that the commission would extend the contract for security in the courthouse on a week to week basis. The rate paid would be $13.50 an hour for nighttime and weekend security. Interesting.

November 8, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

Most of the commissioner's business for the day was approvals to award bids or requests for bids for equipment and services. There were three of interest, each for a different reason.

First was the approval to accept a bid for security services from Securitas Security Services. Securitas submitted the lowest bid but the commissioners would accept the bid only if the 3 year agreement included the county's option to terminate services for the second and/or third year.

The second approval had a 2-1 vote with Commissioner Miller in the minority. Dave Sterbenz, the new head of Emergency Management, came before the commission in September with a request for a blackberry. Commissioner Miller was not in favor of the idea then but the decision was deferred. This time Commissioners Buhler and Ensley voted in favor of the request, Commissioner Miller voted no, with no questions and no discussion.

The third approval was the hiring of Martens Appraisal for appraisal services in a dispute with McDonald's restaurants in Topeka. McDonald's is contesting the county's appraisals for the years 2005, 2006, 2007. If McDonald's appeals prevail the county will receive $250,000 less in property taxes.

Commissioner Miller also took the opportunity, during Administrative Communications, to restate his position on the merger of IT services of the city and county. He is in favor of a merger but he wants us to know why he won't endorse the plan the city is proposing.

November 5, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

It was happy talk time for the first line of business. Nancy Perry came to thank the county workers for contributing to United Way with record-breaking donations.

However, the purse strings tightened after Roger Viola presented the proposal for the visioning process.

Commissioners Buhler and Ensley indicated they were in favor of contributing money to the plan but Miller wanted to be reimbursed by Go Topeka for any contribution the county made and his motion carried. Commissioner Buhler wanted it understood that any visioning should include Shawnee County residents and towns outside Topeka. Commissioner Miller chided the smaller communities for not contributing but still expecting to be included. I suppose if Silver Lake, Rossville, Auburn, and other towns contribute they may ask to be reimbursed by Go Topeka also.

Some time was spent discussing poultry cages when the commissioners discovered the county owned such things. Apparently, the County Fair is a separate entity but the county owns some equipment used at fair time. Commissioners asked for an inventory of what the county owns.

The restoration of Constitution Hall at 427 and 429 S. Kansas was given a boost when commissioners authorized Commissioner Ensley to submit an application to the Department of Transportation for federal transportation enhancement money.

Clarification: At the November 5 meeting the commissioners voted to contribute to the Visioning process if they could be reimbursed by Go Topeka.. The reasoning being that the goal of visioning would be to bring jobs to Topeka and the extra sales tax earmarked to Go Topeka was to bring jobs to Topeka. I noted that perhaps the other towns in the county could also ask to be reimbursed from Go Topeka if they contributed to the visioning project. Commissioner Miller graciously informed this observer that the smaller towns in Shawnee County do not contribute the extra sales tax to the Go Topeka organization so would not be justified in asking for reimbursement. That is good to know.

November 1, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

This morning's meeting was over in less than 20 minutes. The topic under “Unfinished Business” was postponed once more. It seems they are still searching for a fiscally conservative way to make more room for incarcerated residents. $6.25 million was the cost of the last proposal for a jail annex.

John Knight, head of parks and recreation, was on the agenda with 5 requests for the commissioners. Some requests were routine, such as purchase of chemicals and fertilizer and hiring personnel. The big request was $3 million related to Phase III of the walking/biking trail around Lake Shawnee. The commissioners approved this project 3-0.

October 18, 2007– Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The commissioners agreed to raise the residential rates for trash pick up by 5%. This observer didn't hear any reason for not including a raise for the pick up for businesses. Apparently the process for completing a customer list for county pick up is still not complete. The good news is that the commissioners voted to approve an increase of $20 to the county health insurance fund for each employee. The increase, to begin next year, was recommended by a committee of county employees.

October 15, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The room was full of bankers on this Monday morning. In spite of the testimony from David Fricke of CoreFirst Bank, Larry Wilson, Shawnee County Treasurer, and Rita Cline Rookstool Commissioners Miller and Ensley voted to negotiate with US Bank for the contract to serve as Shawnee County's bank. The chief reason given for the choice was the higher interest rate offered. Lock box services will go to CoreFirst.

Marti Leisinger, county financial administrator, reported to the commission that the process of changing to the business software system from SunGard Bi-Tech has begun. The county has sent employees to training sessions out of state and as enlisted help from within the county. Ms Leisinger notes that “embracing change” will be the biggest challenge but that the end result will be worth it.

October 11, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The Commission finalized the contract with the Shawnee County Amateur Baseball Association (SCABA). The county will not lease the land to SCABA but will lease the management rights. The fields will be maintained and serviced by the county parks and recreation department.

Citizens that travel over the Willard Bridge will be glad to know that the county has a contract with KDOT to continue services with consulting engineers to conduct a specialized inspection of the hinge pins on the Willard Bridge. Signs stipulating different weight limits will also be posted.

The decision as to who will serve as the bank for Shawnee County boomeranged right back to the commission this morning. Commissioner Buhler asked to have the item added to the agenda. Commissioner Miller moved that the matter be deferred to the next meeting so all “interested parties” including other banks could be notified. My guess is that some people will be doing their homework this weekend.

Commissioner Miller elected to speak during the “Administrative Communications” time on the agenda. He addressed the process of visioning that is being proposed for the future development of Topeka. He stated he had no problem with the process but has a problem with the price tag, the money that the county is being asked to contribute. Commissioner Miller thought we could use the same “visions” as Manhattan and save the money.

October 8, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The meeting this Monday began with another deferment of the contract with SCABA to run the youth baseball program. Commissioner Miller requested a meeting with some county officials to clarify some of his questions.

Shawnee County Treasurer, Larry Wilson, and Shawnee County Commissioners, Vic Miller and Ted Ensley engaged in verbal sparring over the decision of banking services for Shawnee County. County financial administrator, Marti Leisinger, recommended switching to US Bank with a one year contract and options for two more years. US Bank will offer a higher interest rate. Wilson listed reasons for staying with CoreFirst but to no avail. Commissioners Ensley and Miller voted to switch. Commissioner Buhler did not support the switch because she felt she did not have enough information. Lockbox services will be addressed separately.

October 4, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

At the Shawnee County Commission meeting we saw evidence of issues that have to be dealt with when there are two governing bodies in one county. Properties within three miles of the Topeka city limits are subject to the city's building and zoning laws. Those properties are also subject to the county's zoning regulations. The resolution adopted by the county at this meeting exempts property from the platting process (used by the city) under limited conditions. This move may result in some turf disputes with the city. One citizen spoke up with concerns that an ethanol plant may be built on the land without regard to opposition of the neighbors. Commissioner Miller assured the gentleman that he would be informed of any plans of development.

John Knight proposed that Shawnee County Amateur Baseball Association run the Parks and Recreation Youth Baseball Program but the county take care of the property. A decision on this contract was deferred.

September 27, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The County Commission meeting began with presentations by the Sierra Club and the Kansas Energy Office. The county has made a commitment to make the county's buildings more energy efficient. The project will cost $7.5 over the next 5 years. Russ Rudy of the Kansas Energy Office presented a $10,000 incentive to show support and the Sierra Club presented a framed certificate.

The commissioners approved a contract to operate the swimming pool at Rossville for the next three years, reduced from the originally proposed 25 years. The Rossville city council needs to approve the change.

Commissioners also adjusted the criteria for a request of the Board of Trustees of Shawnee County Fire District No.1. They requested that a member-at-large position to the four member board and said member would vote only in the event of a tie. Commissioners agreed to add a member-at-large position but with full voting rights. The appointment of the board member will come at a future commission meeting.

September 20, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

This meeting was the shortest since this observer has been attending the meetings. The meeting opened with singing “Happy Birthday” to Cynthia Beck, county clerk.

The commission approved all requests with a 3-0 vote and no questions. Out-of-state travel for an information technology employee, a three year contract with AT&T, purchase of four printer toner cartridges, annual membership to the Ice Skating Institute, and a bid for purchase of tax statements were on the agenda. The meeting was over in ten minutes.

September 13, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The commissioners agreed to defer for negotiation the agreement with John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts to operate the Maner Center for five more years. Rich Eckert was charged with negotiating the agreement.

Commissioner Miller expressed his displeasure with Dave Sterbenz, the new head of Emergency Management, when he requested a blackberry communication tool. Mr. Sterbenz wanted to keep his current mobile number. Commissioner Miller warned against taking personal calls and told Mr. Sterbenz to have a new number since he has a new position.

The “million dollar” baseball field brought some discussion. The cost of the field is expected to be $921,000 but the project has drawn attention to county spending. Commissioner Miller wanted it on the record that the artificial turf, with an expected life of 25 years, would save the county more than the $150,000 cost difference over time.

September 10, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

Commissioner Miller was not in attendance at the meeting but the agenda went into three pages.
There were twelve items on the consent agenda and they were approved with no questions. Three requests for out-of-state travel were approved with few questions. One request for travel to an in-state conference with overnight stays was approved.

The commissioners approved a contract with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks that will include stocking Lake Shawnee with trout. It will cost the state more than $35,000 for the trout and fishing license fees for those who only fish for trout will increase. Commissioner Ensley said he anticipated phone calls from those anglers.

Projects for road improvements, funded by the half-cent sales tax (August 2004), were approved at the tune of almost $3.88 million. The ice dispensing machine for the vending machine area in the courthouse costing $3,700 brought more questions from Commissioner Ensley than the road improvements.

August 30, 2007 – Notes by Georgia Sandlin

It is heartwarming to witness the retirement ceremony of a long-term county employee. Jeri Ricketts retired after 26 years with the county. Family members are present, compliments are plentiful and we see hugs from all the commissioners.

The commissioners voted to participate in a joint purchasing agreement with US Communities as recommended by Office Depot to save money when purchasing supplies.

The county's Geographic Information System will be studied to determine if it can be added to and perform more functions. The commissioners approved a $22,000 contract with Bartlett and West Engineers to begin the study.

August 27, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

Rodney Ferguson, recycling department, needed to reassure the commissioners he would solicit bids for no more bins than were allowed in the budget. When he asked for authority to sell a compost turner that had never been used they asked that he ask for a minimum of $62,500 rather than the $33,000 he suggested.

Shirley Construction Co was awarded the contract ($1.1 million) for the golf course maintenance building at Lake Shawnee. John Knight, Parks and Recreation Department, happily reported that the bids were lower than expected. Tom Vlach of public works and Dick Kline of corrections were quick to volunteer workers to help dismantle the old building.

The IT merger discussion between city and county continues. In order to counter Mr. Bonaparte's assertion that the county is not cooperating, a letter signed by Commissioners Miller and Ensley and sent to the mayor and city council will restate the willingness of the county to merge IT departments.

The commissioners approved the budget for 2008. Department heads of several agencies were consulted before the commission meeting regarding some items removed from the budget before the vote to approve. With this budget county property taxes will go down.

Jim Olson, executive director of Community Resources Council, expressed his frustration at feeling at the mercy of the city government each year as to whether social services will receive subsidies. Commissioner Miller reported that they were prepared to help fund some social services but the City Council, “stepped up to the plate” and included those agencies in the city budget. The county budget did include $10,000 for the East Topeka Senior Center's companion program. In his description of this program Commissioner Miller used the word “heartwarming”.

August 13, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The dispute between property owners and the people developing the Landon Trail will go to a judge. The statute is not clear so the county commissioners want some clarification to guide them in the administration of the trail. A motion also carried that required the developers of the trail to report to the county commission every quarter.

Other contracts and purchases were approved. Commissioner Buhler dissented on two items. One was the county's request to the city to vacate the alleyway behind the Courthouse so the county could maintain it. The other was the request to hire back an employee at the same salary level he left.

When Mr. Bonaparte and Mr. Biswell came to the podium the drama increased. While Commissioner Miller reviewed the planning of the merger over the past year there were disagreements as to who said what when. Those disagreements appear mute except that they may indicate an unwillingness of the city to negotiate in good faith. There is an agreement that the staffs of the city and county devise a plan so that the technology departments can be combined. There is no agreement as to who will control the system.

August 6, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

Shawnee County Commissioners voted 3-0 to create 6 new county jobs in various agencies. The most noteworthy is the new director of emergency management, Topeka firefighter David Sternbenz. Only Commisioner Ensley and Buhler voted to increase the park police by one. A contract for 2007 and 2008 with the sheriff's deputies was also approved.

The commissioners also voted to offer the city $1 million as an incentive to approve a proposed merger of the city and county information technology systems.

July 23, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

County human resources director, Rich Davis, asked the commissioners to consider a request for pay increases to classified staff that was similar to the increase approved for the employees in bargaining units. Before he voted Commissioner Miller wanted to see the list of employees and their salaries so the vote was postponed until July 30.

The commissioners approved a request to solicit letters of interest for management of the 2008 Topeka Tinman Triathlon. Commissioner Miller asked why the Triathlon included Topeka in its title when it was not held in Topeka. No one could answer that question.

Mike Malone of Interis, Inc. reported to the commissioners regarding the establishment of a regional intelligent transportation systems architecture. Apparently, state local, city , and county governments have been working on the technical and conceptual framework for how all relevant agencies could work together to assemble timely traffic, road and weather information and provide it the the public.

July 19, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The commission waded through 18 items on the agenda in a routine manner before the issue was addressed that most of the people present came to testify to or to hear. A petition was circulated by residents of Clarhan Farms in favor of a resolution that would prohibit discharging firearms in the area.

These residents claim the shooting is a safety hazard. One resident claimed a musket ball was lodged in his window. The KBI is charged with determining what kind of projectile the musket ball is. After testimony on both sides of the issue Commissioner Buhler moved that the resolution be adopted but the motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Miller moved that matter be delayed for 30 days(Aug. 20).

July 9, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The commissioners approved some maintenance projects at the Maner Conference Center and the Courthouse. Then Commissioner Miller had a complaint regarding the tiny spiders that have been pestering him in the meeting room.

After the May floods in Shawnee County Commissioner Buhler proposed forming a task force to reevaluate the responses, communications and personnel in place for such emergencies. After some wrangling over who would serve on the task force the commissioners voted their approval. At the July 9 county commission meeting Commissioner Buhler presented the report and recommendations from the task force. According to the recommendations, a director will be chosen and individual and inter agency training will be included in the plan. Several staff had high praise for Commissioner Bulhler's leadership on the task force.

July 5, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

Commissioners approved a public hearing set for August 1 at 5:30 in the County Commission Room. The hearing is required to receive comments about the 2008 county budget.

Several requests from the health agency were approved regarding contracts with personnel and services.

Chris Huffman from KDOT appeared before the Commission to ask the county to participate in a study to plan for future development of US 24 from K-4 highway to NW Huxman Road. The county would participate as a consultant and stakeholder. No funding would be required.

July 2, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

We saw an example of the on-going debate between lower taxes and quality of life issues at the July 2 meeting. Commissioners were deciding how much money to commit to the Lake Shawnee Baseball complex a this time. Alan Cobb, state director of Americans for Prosperity, stated that nearly one million dollars was too much for renovating a youth baseball field and named several other fields in the area that teams could use. Mr. Cobb disputes the claim that dollars spent on improvements to the community results in economic development. Also in the mix were representatives from Southwest Youth Association (Ken Berry) wanting county money for their complex. The commissioners voted unanimously to solicit requests for proposals to upgrade the Pony Express diamond at Lake Shawnee.

June 28, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

There were a group of residents from Miller's Glen neighborhood (21st and Indian Hills Road). Although the residents from the area are requesting a four-way stop the Commissioners voted to approve a lower speed limit and additional signs at the intersection. Public works director, Tom Vlach, reported that a four-way stop is not recommended according to official guidelines.

Apparently, Commissioner Miller has recommended a Needs Assessment for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) department. Three individuals from that department attended the meeting and one reported to the commissioners. He reported that the employees want a internal evaluation before they outsource a needs assessment. Employees appeared to feel the needs assessment was the first step to outsourcing their jobs. Nevertheless, the commissioners voted 3-0 in favor of the motion.

June 25, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The Commission dealt with a variety of issues on this Monday morning. They approved $50,000 in funding for the Junior Justice Authority to complete the rest of their year. They approved a request from USD 501 for early distribution of property tax to complete their fiscal year. They denied the claim of a person injured at the Shawnee County Jail. They voted to support efforts of the Safe Streets Coalition.

Most of the time was spent discussing the proposed new software system. The city and county technology departments have not agreed on a common system. The county employees on the committee appeared mystified by the choice of the city employees on the committee. Commissioner Miller suggested that perhaps the city had already decided so the evidence wasn't compelling for them.
This reporter predicts we will hear much more on this issue.

June 21, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

The County Commission took action on several requests, each involving less than $500. The Sunflower Soccer Association's request for help with their plumbing was to be presented under unfinished business but the Association was not ready to appear before the commission again. Transfer of land from one fire district to another carried 3-0. A claim of $395 for damage to a vehicle on county property was approved.. The cremation of two unclaimed bodies was approved to the tune of $250 each. The county will try to recover funding from a paycheck made to one of the men.

June 18, 2007 —Notes by Georgia Sandlin

Two major issues were brought before the commission meeting on June 18th.

Nathan Bonaparte came to the commission meeting to request funding for a City/County American with Disabilities Act enforcement Coordinator. Apparently the position was not in the budget that Mr. Bonaparte presented to the City Council but was added by City Council members. Commissioner Miller insisted that since the City Council members added the position to the budget they should be before the Commission asking for the funding and he wouldn't consider voting for the funding at this time. Commissioner Ensley stated that he felt the position was needed and he was ready to support it. Mr. Bonaparte said he would report back to the City Council the criteria stated by Commissioner Miller.

The drama of Valencia Road continued in the commission meeting room. Public works director Tom Vlach reported that keeping Valencia Road in repair kept the county crews so busy they were not getting to other road work in the county. Mr. Vlach asked that the County have the job of identifying areas of need on Valencia Road and Kansas Sand would contract to have the work done. When Kansas Sand and the county disagree the decision of the county prevails. Residents along Valencia Road attended the meeting and expressed their displeasure with the proposal. They continue to be unhappy with the noise, dirt, and unsafe conditions brought on by the trucks of Kansas Sand.

TOPEKA CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:

Oct./Nov. 2007 Summaries – Notes by Joe Sargent

The major event occupying the attention of the council during October was the rift between Fire Chief Giles and the Firemen. Another major issue that came before the Council was the contemplated improvements to Southeast California Avenue, which led to an unexpected result.

On September 12th, the firefighters’ union voted overwhelmingly that they had no confidence in Fire Chief Giles’ management. The firemen demanded that Giles be fired, but he refused to step down. Boneparte stated that he would not fire Giles and tried to end the rift through negotiation. On October 4th, a mediator met with union representatives, the city manager, and the fire chief for three hours, and very little was accomplished during the very strident discussions. The only agreement coming out of the meeting was the dismissal of the mediator.

After Boneparte sent e-mail to other city mangers seeking their advice regarding the rift in the Fire Department, Council Member Alcala, on October 16th, accused Boneparte of indiscretion in doing this. Boneparte indicated that he was only seeking advice from other managers who may have faced a similar situation. Further, Alcala suggested that Boneparte should call a special meeting of the Council to discuss the rift, but Boneparte the next day said no to that suggestion. Giles, on October 11th, stated that he was preparing a vision statement for the department and was now working in improving communication between him and the department.

On October 23rd, the problem of defective fire helmets came before the Council. This was one of many complaints made by the firefighters against their Chief. Alcala put forward a resolution that the Council should discuss this matter, but Boneparte indicated that this was unnecessary since new fire helmets had already been ordered at a cost of $23,000.00.

The firemen have continued to appear at Council meetings in mass, but at this time there appears to be no apparent resolution of the rift.

On October second, Alcala and Hayens reported that they had heard about a petition circulating in southeast Topeka, opposing the construction of a roundabout at 37th and California, later Council Member Woelful, (the representative for this area) asked that further consideration of improvements to California be deferred so that he could study the situation further.

A resolution to solicit bids and to award a contract building a sidewalk on the west side of California from 21st street to 29th street, (plus median work at 25th and California) came before the Council on October 15th. The vote was five to three in favor of the resolution with Woelful voting against it. He reasoned that since there was a sidewalk on the east side of California, no sidewalk was needed on the west side. His feeling was that the money previously allocated by the Council ($325,000) would better be spent for improvements to California further south. Interim public works director, Mike Teply, pointed out that $90,000.00 for design and right-of-ways had already been spent on the project.

On November 13th, the Council abandoned efforts to improve Southeast California and shifted their attention to building an elevated parkway in Southeast Topeka. The Capital Improvement budget for 2008-2009 and the Capital Improvement plan for 2008-2012 included plans to widen Southeast California from 30th to 45th from two to three lanes. Woelful tried unsuccessively to widen California to five lanes instead of three lanes because of his contention there was no use to spend millions on just widening to three lanes. Blackburn then made a motion to move $9.1 million planned to improvements to California to the elevated parkway project, and it passed by a six to three margin with Woelful voting with the majority. Boneparte then pulled a proposal from the agenda calling for widening California from 33rd to 37th from two lanes to three lanes. Former Council Member John Nave, who had previously represented this District, felt that once again the east side of Topeka was being neglected.

The elevated parkway will extend from Southwest 37th and Gage to Southeast 41st and Wanamaker. The project also will expand Fairlawn from 37th to 45th.

The Council decided on November 27th to raise parking fees to 80 cents per hour from 70 cents per hour starting January 1st, 2008 and eventually will reach $1 per hour on January 1st, 2010. Also, the parking fees for the City garages will increase to a standardized fee of $64.50 per month from $61.50 and $63.50 per month.

There will be two subsequent yearly raises to $67.95 per month. This money, expected to provide $1.7, million will be used for maintenance work on the garages over the next five years and replacement of ten-year-old parking meters, as well as replacement of the fleet of three-wheeled vehicles used by parking control officers.

At a weekend retreat with the City Council on October 27th, Mayor Bunten raised the possibility of placing a half-cent sales tax increase to a vote by Topeka citizens. He indicated that the City has no money in the 2008 budget for basic street work to prevent their deterioration to such a point that they become unrepairable.

Sept. 2007 Summary – Notes by Joe Sargent

In September, the conflict between Fire Chief Giles and the firemen flared into the open. The firefighters' union held a vote on September 12th and 13th on the ability of the fire chief to lead the department. The decision was overwhelmingly in favor of no confidence in the fire cheif. Subsequently, the Council instructed the city manager to meet with the conflicting parties. The city manager has consisterntly backed Fire Chief Giles and Bonaparte's interventions seemingly have yielded little change in the parties' motions. In another development, the steelworkers' union has backed the firemen. Thus, October should prove an interesting month regarding this issue.

On September 10th, before the Council's policy and finance committee, City Attorney Brenden Long and Mayor Bunten proposed an ordinance to require out-of-town landlords to be represented by a local agent and to face stiffer penalties if not in compliance. Apparently other cities were successful in implementing such a policy. Local landlords have expressed opposition to this proposal.

Aug. 2007 Summary – Notes by Joe Sargent

The hot topics for August were the 2008 budget, possible merger of the City and County departments of informational technology (IT), purchase of a new helicopter, and the leak of the Council's confidential evaluation of Bonaparte's performance for the previous three months.

The 2008 budget finally passed on August 21st by a five-to-four vote shortly after midnight after six hours of deliberation. $700,000 for the proposed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software was deleted from the budget, and Bonaparte was directed to decrease salaries in City departments by $300,000 (excluding police and fire departments) and $200,000 in capital expenses or upgrades from his 2008 budget. The Council passed the Harmon Amendment restoring funds to many social agencies that had been previously removed in Bonaparte's proposed budget and rejected numerous other attempts to cut the budget. The approved budget called for a 1.68 mill increase in the property tax, estimated to increase by $19.32 on each $100,000 of appraised evaluation of porperty. The 2008 budget included $150,000 for the first payment on a new helicopter; if this money is not used for the purchase, then it could pay for the maintainence for the 1994 Schweitzer helicopter.

At the same meeting, the Council voted in favor of a motion allowing the expenditure of up to $2000 to investigate the leaking of the Council's confidential evaluation of Bonaparte's previous three month performance.

The possible merger of the City and Colunty departments of IT continued to make news during August.

On August 28th, the Council decided to purchase the Lawson ERP software for $3,900,000 to be paid for over six years. The County Commission had previously voted to go with a similar system from Sungard. The City employees involved in theis decision felt that a merger of the City-Copunty departments of IT was still possible, and further, the Council once again reaffirmed its directive for Bonaparte to pursue further negotiations aound this issue with the County. On August 27th, County Commissioners Ensley and Milner sent a letter to Council members and the mayor indicating that they were amenable to a merger but had reservations with a City-operated merged IT department.

Later in the week, Mayor Bunten vetoed the purchase of the Larson ERP software because of receiving many phone calls against its purchase. At a Council meeting lasting about ten minutes on September 5th, its members overrode the Mayor's veto by a seven-to-two margin. The City will implement its ERP system on January 7th, 2008, and will not make a lease payment for IT out of the 2008 budget.