[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6645981,"mediaKeyId","3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d","parentId",3444556,"title","Votes at a glance: Riley County Commission, May 26, 2025","audioSeconds",1439,"startMs",5266000,"endMs",6705000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d&start=5266&end=6705","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d/thumbnail_5266000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6645981/Kansas/Votes-at-a-glance-Riley-County-Commission-May-26-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645981-7b99f26d64fa4f55c1109b52b9fd3f5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440675&Signature=hozamhU1RNzzYKrLCKvBx~U20yphEYvjDC3LIqczqco1xMQyTJzsE0bWmIlEIZsqoTaAtIrJc2KnljReP2cNYd9JGcVTVcGHIi-LEwlMt-aenR1LFRLFPF9QjwpyZgJ3tiTjrytBSfks4Q40ZXTGhTtPybDiD-rnSLHvsSyH6VHesRg7DV0l79CbCQ3LI0y8rmgVVvWGCG5jHp3ZJWzp~IFihPA-UJkVDPcKQE6nd2DETGGLdEMepFFN6eVyzjAb3EyrHLRaAzsxffF4pgCtXOwbpWTgFgh9uzUa6Jt6I2nWakGWDooQARqQ8TTgSnxFvWuUCJWXZ4bUFOzEgH~auw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Riley County","date","2025-05-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Riley County Board of County Commissioners recorded several formal actions during its May 26 meeting. Below are motions, outcomes and immediate follow‑up steps as stated on the public record.

- Approve mobile device reimbursement request form: Motion moved, seconded and approved by voice vote (\"Aye\"). Follow up: Chair to sign the form.

- Personnel/new‑hire action items (multiple new hires and signatures requested): Motion to approve personnel forms and direct signatures; approved by voice vote. Follow up: HR to process paperwork.

- Approve minutes of the May 19, 2025 meeting: Motion moved, seconded and approved by voice vote (\"Aye\").

- Accept Public Works recommendation to begin contract negotiations and approve attached sales‑tax resolution for specific projects: Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. Follow up: Public Works to negotiate contracts and return to board for final approval.

- Authorize submission of KDOT local bridge improvement grant applications (Green Randolph and LaSaida Road): Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. Follow up: Public Works to file applications.

- Send transfer‑station tipping floor/chute repair bids to staff/engineering for further analysis due to bids exceeding engineer’s estimate: Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. Follow up: Engineering to analyze discrepancies and recommend next steps.

- Approve memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Maryville University (Saint Louis) to host APRN student internships at the Riley County Health Department: Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. Follow up: Health Department to finalize the MOU.

- Multiple motions to recess into and return from executive session under the non‑elected personnel exception of the Kansas Open Meetings Act were moved, seconded and approved in public session. The record reflects that no binding action was taken during executive sessions; on at least two occasions the board instructed that action consistent with executive‑session consensus would be taken publicly (the record reflects a follow‑up action shall be taken consistent with executive session consensus). Specific personnel actions discussed in executive session were not reported in detail in open session.

Ending: The board closed the meeting after approving the day’s business and directing staff to carry out the follow‑up items noted above.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/22/2025 Riley County Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and outcomes recorded during the May 26 commission meeting, including approvals of minutes, personnel forms, contract negotiations, grant applications and procedural corrections.","taxTitle","Riley, Kansas","taxId",4218,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6645985,"County approves negotiations for sales‑tax road and bridge consultants; staff to apply for KDOT bridge grants",0,6223000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d&start=6223&end=6223","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d/thumbnail_6223000.jpg","/articles/6645985/Kansas/County-approves-negotiations-for-salestax-road-and-bridge-consultants-staff-to-apply-for-KDOT-bridge-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645985-a352ef5471e00682d890c14f09f98aff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440675&Signature=GNWk1RN--~84i9drqIgUDS15mTl1f4etSlURUMx93Y6~5U6OkwRA0h1l-sDwucjMcV8vILFWMYL8W4GdO50zgZ8JLX~P89DMmx64kTM4PafsrrO80mSkk3n~VEGJKTSqy7swq7r-BJDS6pwJsOt0hdDAjoozeCPH2lEdjLlznZgtQ96FBJlartxcGBQ-kaBaolwnTXLNo0oX5412HQ1vVJOBIqjKrO~R1pHlI4KKCQu3bl-Scjx6QGHdoEp9HmXirwB1i1jMhx2Ls7tweEwtEsVm1z6pfllYpt92yL5wH-8gs7ihYgdXSaFKEncahB0rV~eBjbPI0YjarBfrG1OByg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley County commissioners on May 26 voted to move forward with contract negotiations for several road and bridge projects funded under the county’s sales tax programs and authorized staff to submit grant applications to KDOT for two bridge replacements.

The lede: Public Works Director Evan McMillan asked the board to approve consultant selections and begin contract negotiations for nine structure replacements funded by the county’s 2022 sales tax; the board approved the recommendation by motion and vote.

McMillan and staff also recommended using funds from the 2012 (older) sales tax for the Camar Ladd Avenue corridor reconstruction and allowing the 2022 sales tax to cover any cost overruns on older sales‑tax projects, plus asphalt overlay overages and federal fund exchange shortfalls. The resolution presented also authorizes the Public Works director to fund future road and bridge projects at his discretion, subject to later board approval of negotiated contracts.

Commissioner discussion was brief and supportive. After a motion and second, the board unanimously approved moving forward with contract negotiations and the attached resolution indicating which projects will be funded through sales tax proceeds.

Separately, staff asked and the board approved submitting grant applications to KDOT’s local bridge improvement programs for two bridges (Green Randolph structure and LaSaida Road). McMillan noted the program is competitive and estimated construction costs for the two projects in the $1.16 million range with potential KDOT funding up to roughly $1 million if awarded.

Public Works also presented bids for a transfer‑station tipping floor and chute repair project during the meeting. Two contractors’ bids were substantially higher than the engineer’s estimate; staff moved to send the bid packets back to engineering for further analysis. The commission approved sending the bids to staff for review and recommendation.

Ending: The board signed the resolution and directed staff to complete contract negotiations, pursue KDOT grant applications, and report back with recommendations after bid analysis for the transfer‑station repairs.","The commission authorized staff to negotiate consultant contracts for multiple sales‑tax‑funded road and bridge projects, approved use of sales tax funds for certain overlays, and agreed to submit KDOT bridge grant applications for two structures.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6645990,"County moves to correct notice for Peterson Ranch benefit district after procedural error",495,1749000,2244000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d&start=1749&end=2244","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d/thumbnail_1749000.jpg","/articles/6645990/Kansas/County-moves-to-correct-notice-for-Peterson-Ranch-benefit-district-after-procedural-error","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645990-3b8a5578d4549e6fe3d4ab57e6ebe112/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440675&Signature=bKp27-FDv5FjV1tD19w7L0TxuWM9dH8nQIape56jCqq9~9TzZL1cKN3ggOQ8x6QvETfdr4i3GWSfofHkyYd6A8XNUPkozS~Bt51LRzVEZaBoB6nbVWssB400CjpoJoatepvaSLJHQFytQ3IHzkN20M6K88Q2u8yxbPsLxQN9MuEndyJL2dKAg3~PcZyM7FkbaogcBSulu2bcrXho41q1rdSHnY21Vl5qqc3ROkdI9LDKyyZHbrarrwiowPu8N~AxWNi2iNT03a9HgXhajr1aB1hWt7tBj0GHQWWi5~H6Wi-9YzScJAXl4Um9dPzitfFSMVfIPDsn-0AaG~Mw7YNiUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff told commissioners on May 26 that a Peterson Ranch benefit‑district public hearing was held prematurely and did not follow the county’s written procedural steps established in February 2013. Staff recommended reissuing notices and holding a properly noticed hearing so property owners have a full opportunity to protest.

The lede: Riley County Clerk Rich Bartlett and staff described how the county’s procedural checklist for benefit districts—developed with planning, public works and legal in 2013—was not followed: certified mail and publication notices were sent after an initial hearing date instead of before. Staff said the late notices did not prevent property owners from protesting but did not comply with internal policy intended to give full notice to affected landowners who may be asked to pay special assessments.

Why it matters: Benefit districts assess local parcels for project costs; the county’s policy requires multiple notice and hearing steps precisely because assessments create financial obligations for property owners. Staff said certified letters were mailed May 8 and publication ran May 8; under the internal process the board must re‑publish, re‑send certified notice, then wait the statutorily advised period (21 days as described in the county’s procedural checklist) before holding the formal establishment resolution again so financing and temporary borrowing can be finalized.

Commissioners and staff discussed timing and the project timeline; public works indicated bids were ready to be issued and that re‑notice would delay the schedule roughly one month. Commissioners agreed sending new certified mail and republication was the appropriate corrective step; staff said they will schedule the properly noticed hearing and then return to the board with a resolution re‑establishing the district and allowing temporary financing.

Ending: The commission agreed by consensus to reissue notices, republish, allow the protest period to expire, and then bring a resolution to re‑establish the district and proceed with financing and bid advertisement.","County staff said a public hearing on the Peterson Ranch benefit district was held earlier than the county’s written internal procedures require; commissioners agreed to resend notices and hold a properly noticed hearing so owners can protest.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6645994,"Private relocation firm pitches state‑backed program to bring households to Riley County",545,1010000,1555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d&start=1010&end=1555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d/thumbnail_1010000.jpg","/articles/6645994/Kansas/Private-relocation-firm-pitches-statebacked-program-to-bring-households-to-Riley-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645994-e5fe0b03e091f0ef95ec1c15094dc50a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440675&Signature=Ss2TAcdfUZbu6r3rkMU654bcc9QAvb8IPPrUqpX8~qakOOOeHlrbEhZ4DULymOEc15bRTqO2ch2vogKSqPNoTDCd2wL9jQMaj9MHI-enRKJ5QYy66wMxBy0LkVbzO4UGZxPs1W6ZseLtVfYlnUPWGFh18a7dBgRjczw3f0cRK17AmhoEmZ2OBtgqY3QOZYcJZkHnyJlpwMz8dTR1ICPZ8g6rqDGAwO9Y9u~9JkSy1trCsLTw34u8zi94PEYBp--X0gmMP48Xk7aqQJJpif1gn4RYe40rYtKnRyfDCpUbzOL8v9aDIZ8TzIGh2K-c7OiCYmKtZuMqT5B1dBNVe17B2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A private company called Make My Move told the Riley County commissioners on May 26 that it can help recruit new households to the region under a recently enacted state relocation grant program if local leaders provide a modest match.

Ben Leyda, representing Make My Move of Indianapolis, described the company’s marketplace that pairs relocation incentives with local welcome packages and community onboarding. He said a state program recently approved by the legislature provides $3 million over the 2026–27 biennium; individual local programs may apply for up to $250,000 per program. Leyda said his firm typically asks local partners to cover 20% of program costs and proposed a pilot to move 20 households to Riley County (roughly 40 people based on average household size of 2.3).

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff noted the possible benefits to schools and local employers. Make My Move’s materials project that roughly 57% of relocated adults find local employment and about a third bring school‑age children, which affects enrollment funding. The firm said half of an award would be available up front with the remainder performance‑based after households move in.

During the presentation Leyda said the program operates on a reimbursement model tied to measurable moves and that the application portal is expected to open in mid‑June. He said the state program is competitive and urged counties to apply early; the maximum award is $250,000 per program and the statewide pot is $3 million for fiscal 2026 and 2027 combined.

Commissioner questions covered housing readiness, partnerships with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and neighboring counties, and whether the chamber would help with outreach. Commissioners discussed possible collaboration with rural economic development groups and whether local attractions or ticket incentives could be used in a welcome package. The commission asked staff to schedule a fuller presentation in June so the board can consider whether to commit local matching funds and proceed with an application.

Ending: Commissioners asked the firm to return for a detailed presentation in early June and for staff to circulate copies of the firm’s packet; no board vote occurred during the May 26 presentation.","Make My Move presented a state grant-backed relocation program that would recruit new households to the county; the company said a typical local match is 20% and proposed moving 20 households under one application.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6645999,"Riley County police outline costs, facility needs if animal control shifts from city to county",2612,9598000,12210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d&start=9598&end=12210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444556-9c1b09845e0eed823c5c5b05b041763d/thumbnail_9598000.jpg","/articles/6645999/Kansas/Riley-County-police-outline-costs-facility-needs-if-animal-control-shifts-from-city-to-county","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645999-d7d024a5fa9ba60a8ff47cae4d6c243a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440675&Signature=OiK0fUE4IFCe3EXLgOSbyD8dpiIUFqqHBh6yDbKLgFX9u~9dOuYwwfgWnGqNISNzfOyc5k3gJ7rZTw-RNDs1Ynle0jHNE~4EWXlIfzIRp7itf~Beoa84dHyECXpMli5ZOo0fH58-OC-EMbj29Y4pQNbRLJ3EIILcYo~PbMznN65rLIQQEXHUWek3UOoTyZG5fMfCT1wvWak1O6cnU3ZFKnbk650SDHHH8nlD4PevovKNLDzyNaTlBkmX0bZlW59UpkaemPiSC9RQeM0lx4CYfRaxquxNb2Q7ohNCbO19nFradMD9qCThHSUZd22JqoDsddLTKoB2XS27QmemS~qruA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley County Police Department Director Brian Pete told the county commission on May 26 that his department can assume the city’s animal control officer (ACO) functions but recommended written agreements and additional funding to avoid unplanned costs.

Pete said RCPD staff have reviewed operational needs and estimate initial facility conversion and relocation costs if the county absorbs the service. He said two short-term facility options exist in the department’s current building but that building out a ventilated, environmentally controlled kennel or dedicated holding area would likely cost roughly $200,000. He added the county could repurpose a conference/interview room or half of an existing basement storage area but that either option requires funding and planning.

The nut graf: The presentation focused on contingencies the commission must resolve before approving any transfer — chiefly who pays for shelter services, how veterinary and holding costs will be covered, and whether a memorandum of agreement will protect the county budget if the existing shelter contract ends.

Pete reviewed other line items that could grow when the county takes over animal-control work: vehicle insurance and maintenance, medical care for injured animals, and temporary holding costs. He said the city’s existing practice uses a roughly $5,000 line item for medical expenses and that Prairie Paws (the current shelter partner) told him a more realistic starting point for a jurisdiction of this size is $10,000–$12,000 because of emergency vet costs and surgical care. Pete said a fourth ACO, if needed, would add about $63,329 in salary and benefits.

Commission discussion centered on whether the county must accept a transfer if the city adopts a resolution to hand off the program, and on the legal and fiscal risks of using a shelter that sits outside Riley County. Commissioners and staff discussed drafting a letter or formal resolution to the city and the law board expressing the county’s concerns and possible non-support for the transfer absent clear MOAs. The board asked staff to draft a message making the county’s position clear to the law board and city leadership.

Pete recommended that any MOA addressing the transfer include: (1) how shelter and veterinary costs will be shared or reimbursed; (2) contingency plans if the contracted shelter ceases operations; (3) a clear designation of who collects and controls revenue from fees or citations; and (4) performance or funding triggers for adding additional ACO staff. He also said staff will seek insurance-cost estimates and explore partnerships such as foster networks or 501(c)(3) arrangements to reduce operating costs.

The session included requests that the law board consider a separate resolution if it intends to transfer the program; multiple commissioners said they favored a county statement opposing a unilateral transfer at this time. No formal vote was recorded on accepting or rejecting the ACO transfer during the public portion of the meeting.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to draft a letter for the board’s consideration that would convey county concerns to the city and the law board and to continue budget discussions next week with the law board; staff will also pursue additional cost estimates and draft MOA language for future consideration.","Riley County Police Department said it can absorb the city’s animal control officers but warned of facility, medical and budgetary costs and urged written memorandums to define responsibilities before any transfer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Riley County Commission, May 26, 2025

County approves negotiations for sales‑tax road and bridge consultants; staff to apply for KDOT bridge grants

County moves to correct notice for Peterson Ranch benefit district after procedural error

Private relocation firm pitches state‑backed program to bring households to Riley County

Riley County police outline costs, facility needs if animal control shifts from city to county