Riley County commissioners approve CIP items, floodplain recertification; schedule fence view

Riley County commissioners on March 17 approved a series of motions covering capital improvements, records and planning documents and scheduled an on-site fence view between neighboring property owners.

The board voted to approve a CIP activation of $13,244.50 and later approved an amended CIP project for courthouse window replacement (CIP project 24-24PW008) for $750,000. Commissioners also authorized the chairman to sign the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System recertification documents required by April 1, approved minutes from the March 13 meeting and agreed to conduct a fence view related to a partition-fence application on either April 4 or April 18.

The votes matter because the courthouse window project is a large, near-term capital expense and the NFIP recertification keeps the county’s Community Rating Service status, which affects flood-insurance discounts for unincorporated residents.

Most motions passed by voice vote with “all in favor” recorded on the floor. The courthouse window amendment drew clarification during discussion: county staff said the bid had come in at $690,000 but that commissioners had earlier approved a $750,000 budget figure and the amendment formalizes the $750,000 authorization to permit incidental adjustments without repetitive paperwork. The board also approved a smaller CIP activation of $13,244.50 for an item listed earlier on the agenda.

Planning Director Amanda Webb presented the NFIP recertification paperwork and asked the chairman to sign the required forms so staff could submit them by the April 1 deadline. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the authorization.

The board formally scheduled a fence view requested by landowners Gary and Diana Hargrave. Deputy county counselor Jacob Hanson described the area on a sketch for commissioners and noted the view would be limited to a short section where an existing fence was not in place. The commission directed staff to work with Cindy in administration to set the exact date and publish the required public notice.

Multiple motions to recess into executive session under the attorney‑client exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act were made and approved; the commission later announced no binding action was taken during the executive sessions.

Less urgent items approved by voice vote included routine personnel lists and minute approval. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.