As previously reported, citizen generated calls for service, citations, and physical custody arrests were all down at Fake Patty’s day this year–but Riley County Police Captain Josh Kyle presented final detailed numbers from the March seventh event at Monday’s Riley County Law Board meeting. Disturbing the peace and noise complaints were at the top of the list for calls, with parking following closely behind.
Kyle talked about a slight decrease in calls for service,with disorderly conduct numbers stable. He said there were less physical arrests, but admitted there was a significant increase in alcohol-related medical treatments. However Law Board member Wynn Butler says those type of medical cases probably would have been much worse without the close supervision involved.
Kyle said some minor tweaking might occur, as this will continue to be an event they need to prepare for. He did say the event continues to be very weather-driven, but they continue to see a lot of people in the street. Utility vehicle assistance was an important part of this year’s handling of the event, according to the Police Captain.
Kyle says the after action review did bring up the concern about roof top partying which will need some consideration in the coming year.
Law Board member Karen McCulloh stressed the need to do something about this, and admits while they’ve done some good things, she still has concerns about the annual event, saying “we’re not on top of this,” adding “we’re going to have a bad situation one of these years.”
Law Board Member Usha Reddi says while it’s more a societal issue, certain aspects such as increased neighborhood parties are a a worry for her.
Board members Wynn Butler and Robert Boyd had praise for all involved. Butler thinks they’ve gotten control of the event and that people are getting the message there’s a limit to what they can do.
Board chair Robert Boyd also complimented the groups who worked together on the large annual party–and particularly singled out the Aggievillle Business Association.
It’s also budget time for the Riley County Law Board, and the group had its first presentation on the matter Monday, with Assistant Riley County Police Director John Doehling going through all 34 line items of the budget. The bottom line on the first proposed draft suggests a 1.964% increase, amounting to $19,763,753.98 for 2016. Doehling reminded law board members the two main components include personnel and capital outlay type costs–with personnel only going up 1.805%. Capital outlay, non-personnel items would involve a 3.955% increase.
A few questions were asked, primarily about body worn cameras–but another special budget meeting is set for April 30th. This was the group’s first look at the budget and Board Chair Boyd assured Doehling board members will study it carefully before the next meeting. A re-organizational meeting for the law board is also set for April ninth. Both special Thursday meetings are set for 5:30 p.m.
Also at Monday’s Law Board meeting, National Public Safety Telecommunications week, recognizing dispatchers was announced–and former Law Board member Dave Lewis and Dr. Stefan Bossman of K-State’s Chemistry Department were recognized for service.
