Commissioner Robert Boyd and Commissioner Ron Wells were officially sworn in and took their seats for their first Riley County Commission meeting.
After being sworn in, the next item of business was to reorganize the board of county commissioners. During this time, Commissioner Dave Lewis became the new chairman.
Bids were opened for a new high lift rubber tire wheel loader for Public Works. Eight bids were submitted from five different locations:
- G.W. Van Keppel Company of Topeka-$141,996
- Murphy Tractor of Miltonvale-$135,000
- First bid from Victor Phillips of Topeka-$143,159
- Second bid from Victor Phillips-$119,245
- First bid from Foley Equipment of Manhattan-$132,955
- Second bid from Foley Equipment-$142,960.33
- Third bid from Foley Equipment-$122,555
All of the bids were approved to move forward for staff evaluation and recommendation.
County Treasurer, Elieen King took the time to remind everyone of a new law for permanent trailer plates, during the press conference. As of January 1st, permanent trailer plates are available for purchase. A $10 one time registration fee will be charged for trailers used with vehicles registered for a gross weight of 54,000+ pounds.
These plates are mainly for commercial businesses that have large fleets. If a trailer gets a premanent plate, it can’t go back to a regular trailer, and the plates are not transferable. If the trailer is currently assigned a standard plate, it will need to be returned to the county and exchanged for a permanent plate.
If anyone has any questions, call 785-537-6320 or 785-537-6322.
County Counselor, Clancy Holeman brought forward the resolution establishing the Riley County cost per acre of soil erosion inspection. Holeman explained, if counties don’t set their own costs, the standard rate is three dollars per acre, which does not begin to cover the costs of the land and reimburse the county.
After hearing the details of the resolution, the commission unanimously approved it.
Commissioners also heard from various departments heads. County Clerk- Rich Vargo, County Extension Director-Jennifer Wilson, and Public Works Director-Leon Hobson all gave staff updates, and provided the new commission with a brief knowledge of what services their department offers.
Due to the absence of commissioners Thursday, and the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, the commission will not meet again until Thursday, January 24th. During that time, the commission will discuss and distribute different board assignments between the three of them.
