Amanda Webb, Riley County planning director, told commissioners July 3 that county staff and consultants continue to prepare permanent and temporary easements for a wastewater/lagoon project the meeting referred to as the Keith project.

Webb said about 15 properties require permanent easements and additional temporary easements will be needed for installation and maintenance. County legal staff and consultants are preparing legal descriptions and exhibit maps; Webb said the county will return to the community later this summer to meet with property owners, present finalized documents, have a notary available on site and make the signing process as simple as possible.

Webb also announced a community workshop for the county comprehensive plan on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Sykes venue in Leonardville. The workshop will include a presentation from consultant Stantec and opportunities for residents to provide input on designated growth areas and draft economic development goals.

On short‑term rental (STR) amendments, Webb said the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board raised numerous questions and the county will return draft options to planning boards for review before a public hearing. She urged legislative assistance to strengthen local authority because current state law limits enforcement options: "if we don't get some changes at the state level, this is all... half teeth," Webb said, summarizing the planning board feedback. Webb said code‑enforcement training and clearer public explanation of enforcement processes are planned as the county develops STR recommendations.

Webb asked commissioners whether the county should host recurring appearances from the rural economic development advisory board to report work and subcommittee ideas. Commissioners expressed interest in regular updates from that advisory body.

Webb said the county’s Local Environmental Protection Program (LAPP) grant from KDHE has closed for the first year and the county expended the full $50,000 allocation; the county has been awarded funding for the 2026 grant year and expects to begin spending once state processes are complete.