I had the pleasure of attending the Community Conversation last evening in Moline. This event, hosted by Elk Konnected, was designed to get the public's ideas on how to best spend the PILOT funds provided by the new Caney River Wind Farm project, scheduled to go online by late 2011 to early 2012. Clearly, this is a momentous opportunity for our county: an estimated $1 million a year for 20 years, to use however the county deems appropriate.
Anyone who attended – and there more than 250 countians who did – can tell you this meeting was positive, productive, and encouraging. By no means were any decisions made, but there were some promising suggestions and a lot of good brainstorming. As one participant pointed out, even if the wind farm money were to never materialize, there many wonderful ideas shared that could be done, and some at very low cost.
As many of you know, my husband and I are "come heres." We moved to Elk County in early 2008 for no other reason than we'd purchased a home here and we liked the people we had met. Having lived in other parts of the country and in various sizes of towns, we believe we each can bring different perspectives to the table. We both have become involved in community organizations, and have every intention of staying here the rest of our lives. That's why I was so excited to have the opportunity last night to help plan our county's future.
For those who don't know, Elk Konnected is part of the Public Square Communities program, which is designed to represent four pillars of any community: business, human services, government, and education. Each small circle of participants last night represented not only these four sectors but also the different towns in Elk County. In my circle, there were two men and four women (one a high school student). There were three people from Grenola, two from Howard, and one from Moline. Every small circle included this kind of diversity so that the ideas being shared were from different perspectives. That's why these types of conversations are so informative and important.
I hope those who had doubts and concerns before the meeting felt differently afterward. Unfortunately, there were a few who brought some anger and fear into the setting initially, and even after they were encouraged to join in the process and share their ideas, they chose to be escorted from the room. Let me make this very clear: every person in that room had numerous opportunities to voice their thoughts throughout the evening. Every one, that is, who understands the concept that a community conversation takes place in a group, and not from the sidelines. It was truly a public forum, with rules of conduct that everyone agreed to follow; in doing so, the discussions were respectful, lively, and enlightening. It was refreshing to see how town rivalries can be set aside to work toward making Elk County an even better place to live.
So, what was discussed? Here are some of the most popular ideas for using the PILOT funds: paying off county debt; improving county and town roads/streets; property tax relief; improved water services for all county residents; transportation services for elderly and children; investing in our youth with a mutual agreement that they bring professions and trades back to our county after attending college; setting aside money for matching-funds grants; youth activity centers in each town; improvements made to the county airport; golf course; tax incentives for new business and light industry (job creation); and building a retirement community with assisted living and condo-style dwellings (addresses job and housing issues). There were many more – at least 250 – ideas expressed and shared with the audience.
At the end of the evening, it was decided that one person from each circle would serve on an action team of approximately 16-20 members. This group will work with the commissioners in prioritizing how the PILOT funds are spent. There also will be more public conversations, and as always, everyone is welcome to attend. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to send questions and comments to the Prairie Star newspaper, where they will be printed along with the answers and updates on an ongoing basis.
If you have ideas and/or concerns and did not attend last night, please consider taking part in this exciting conversation. How often does a county have a literal windfall of $20 million to improve not only current conditions but to create a better future for our children and grandchildren? Please don't sit on the sidelines and be an armchair critic – get involved. This affects everyone, not just those who are charged with making the decisions.
Lynne Thompson
Howard, KS
Indygal, What a wonderful, informative, and exact accounting of the evening! Good job! I hope this information encourages all that attended and those who didn't, to continue with the positive conversation.
Again, thank you for the great summary of the meeting!
Yes Lynne, Thank you for putting in written word, what went on in the meeting last night.
The number in attendance was outstanding.
The circle I was in consisted of men and women from rural Elk Falls, rural Howard, city of Howard and rural Moline. Age wise, we were a mix of young working people and retired people. Each person leaned in to the circle to hear and listen carefully to what the other had to say. And yes, everyone in our circle shared an opinion. We took turns talking, if we agreed we said so, if we disagreed we said so. If we wanted to add something to what was said we did. If we wanted the suggestion to be clarified we did. We wrote down what was important to each of us.
Dales group had people from Grenola and Longton. He said a lot was shared and learned there. Again each person had the opportunity to speak and share their ideas and concerns.
All learned from each other and much respect was shown. No, we did not solve the problems our communities face but at least we are facing them and yes good things can come out of this with everyones attitude of working together in a fair and respectful manner.
It was a very good meeting. Very proud to live in a community that has so many willing to publicly be open and honest with their needs and concerns while being respectful to themselves and others.
Barbara Clubine
In MHO the money should be used to boost the economy. Relieve the real estate taxes, thereby leaving more money in our pockets, money that everyone knows will not stay in our pockets, but will be spent. Boost the economy.
I agree wholeheartedly Wilma. Lower taxes and they will come. 8)
Encourage population growth. Lower taxes and make owning Elk county real estate more attractive. Encourage population growth.
Property tax relief would definately get my vote. I think that something like this should be put up to a vote. Place a few of the serious ideas on the ballot, and narrow it down that way. In my opinion some that were mentioned could be thrown out...improvements on the airport??...a golf course??...youth centers??...retirement homes??..come on, get serious. This money should be used to benefit the county as a whole, not just certain segments of it. As for population growth, we have enough people here the way it is, IMHO. This is a decision that should be left up to the county residents, not a committee. Lord knows we have enough of those around here the way it is.
I didn't attend the meeting so I don't know what was said but I did talk to someone that was there and they told me the figure of a million dollars a year that's being tossed around was not what he heard at the meeting. He heard from $600,000 to $900,000 a year. There is a big difference between $600,000 and a $1,000,000. Does anyone know for sure what kind of money we are talking about ?
The PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) starts at $4500 per installed nameplate capacity measured in megawatts. Phase one is supposed to be 150 MW with full buildout possibly being 200 MW. The PILOT increases by 2% each year in each of the succeeding 19 years.
With the compounding effect what would start out as $675000 (150 x $4500) would become $806688 in year 10 and $983347 in year 20. That's on 150 MW. If the other 50 MW are installed, the PILOT would be $1,075,584 in year 10 and $1,311,130 in year 20.
I did the math, but using figures straight from the Dec 31, 2008 agreement signed between the Elk County Commission and the Caney River Wind Project.
I'm going to post this here as well as in Politics. While this is about politics in part, it's also about life in Elk County. And much more than just windmill money.
There may not be much opposition to what's now happening with Elk Konnected. See the recent glowing posts about their Moline meeting in the Coffee Shop. ElkKonnected LLC (with County Commissioner Hendricks on it's Board of Directors) has enlisted FourSquare, LLC to help implement a program of organized community enhancements (much like the Communist Chinese do in local 'councils' & committees).
FourSquare is headed by a well heeled Democrat who has implemented similar 'projects' across Kansas. Why, Chanute is even 'FourSquare certified' (for what that's worth). One KS county, after 4 years on the FourSquare diet, has increased school enrollment by.......... 3 pupils, and the community (read: indocrinated sheeple) are ecstatic! Go figure.
After having highly structured meetings where input is taken from the community at large about needs in the community, a much smaller, select group determines (supposedly from the earlier inputs) what is 'most needed/desired and then makes official recommendations to (read: pushes) local government, business, etc. This objectively looks like an ACORN style community organization scam if ever there were one. Of course any dissent, opposition or deep searching is met with rapid segregation and demonization. See Saul Alinsky and Rules For Radicals. Military folk will know it as divide and conquer.
But the influential local powers that be seem to really be behind this... kinda like their recent attempts to put the taxpayers in debt for $5.5 million dollars for excessive school improvements (just before the economy tanked). Trust me, this may well end up costing Elk taxpayers and creating more division among the citizens than it's worth. We may well get some new 'stuff', like an exercise center in Howard, but real county growth..... I doubt it. Surely no more than local citizens could generate without 'outside' organization. Elk citizens are fully capable!
Finaly, I doubt this will do much for rural Elk residents at all.... we're used to lousy roads, & we got chores to do.
For once I agree with Varmit. Get input, put this to a public vote in a voter referendum. Let the taxpaying public tell the Commission what to do for once. Back door 'democracy' and special influence is dangerous and unneeded. We already have a governmental system..... demand that it do the job we elected it to do.
I haven't posted in more than a year, but wanted to stop by and add my compliments to the good people of Elk County who participated in the Community Conversation on Tuesday night in Moline. I work with lots of communities, but none so filled with neighborly people like those who live in Elk County. Fact is, I don't know of another county where such kind-mannered, thoughtful, open discussions would have drawn more than 250 people. I'm so proud to be a part of Elk Konnected. If I were younger, I'd move there!
Encourage home improvement and new construction. Lower the taxes and see how many people will improve their property.
IMHO this money shouldn't be used for anything except for the operation of the county, thereby lowering the amount of taxes that property owners have to pay. Give the propety owners a break and the rest will follow. Possibly even new businesses.
Patriot, spot on! Wilma, I agree. The taxes for such a small county are unreal. The problem that I see with allowing the money to be used for the operation of the county, is that it won't lower taxes. It will just be squandered in much the same way our taxes are.
I know I'm not the only one, but it seems awful damn "funny" to me that we have an individual that sits on the commissioners board with controlling vote not only on allowing the windfarm, but also has a say in how this money is to be used, and (so I've heard) is going to have a few of these towers installed on her land, for which she will be paid a rather healthy fee. This whole thing smacks of political corruption.
I didn't attend the meeting, but wish I had to hear the ideas. I think people are getting way to worried about how to spend this money before we have it all complete. I know we have to get together and discuss things, and that was a good thing. I think we all need to be "THANKFUL" Elk County was used as a Windfarm sight at all. There are other places that they could have went with this project. I for one am grateful that they choose Elk County.The way that I see it right now with the project in the starting stages, the County is getting some of the benefits now. I know that we live just a mile off from Limestone road and there have been many Semi loads of gravel being hauled out to the work sight. I have seen many of these Semi's at Toot's and P&J's stopping for a break between loads. That is tax dollars coming back into the county from the Windfarm. Plus I know of one working that is renting a place here in town, and have heard that others are looking. So, that again is money coming into the county from the project. To me, a not so into all the Politics of things, is a good thing. That means the project is already putting money into Elk County!!! I for one am not worried, right now, with all the talk. I am just glad that we are getting some money inflow into the County!!
Thank you, Rudy, for the possitive comments! We would love to have you up here in Elk County....anytime!!!
Elk County owes a huge debt to the property tax payers that have been carrying the county for years and years. It is time to repay some of it. This isn't just my HO. It is my O and nothing humble about it.
Angie, no one is saying that they aren't thankful for the windfarm. As for the semi loads of gravel...they have to build up the site. Question is...are they going to repair the damage those semis are doing to the roads or will the county get stuck with that?
What kind of contract did they sign? Road damage could have been made part of it.
From the Road Maintenance Contract between Caney River Wind Project and Elk County Commission 1. a. (iii):
Quote]Repair to roads: Caney River shall, at its expense, contract with qualified contractors to repair any damages to the roads and bridges directly arising out of Caney River's transportation of equipment and project components during the construction of the Project. Caney River shall complete its final road repair obligations to the reasonable satisfaction of the Road Supervisor within one (1) month after Caney River completes construction of the Project, or as soon thereafter as weather conditions permit.
There is also an escrow account of $200,000 established for reimbursement of the county for any 'Emergency Repairs' performed by the county at its discretion.
(This document is scanned into a pdf, and thusly I can't cut and paste out of it, and don't feel like typing more of it here.)
Thanks!
Public Square Communities is a small company out of Leoti, Kansas.
I certain our County Commissioner lived in Leoti at one time.
Our County Commissioner was listed on Public Square's web site as founding member of Elk Konnected.
I believe Elk Konnected came about during the approximate time that the wind farm started negotiations with Elk County but before the contract with the county was signed.
Definition of FACILITATOR: one that facilitates; especially : one that helps to bring about an outcome (as learning, productivity, or communication) by providing indirect or unobtrusive assistance, guidance, or supervision
OR to put it simply to take Control.
What is it Elk Konnected? Is it a political action committee?
Who is Elk Konnected?
From The National Community Action Foundation the definition of a political action committeee is:
In the United States, a political action committee, or PAC, is the name commonly given to a private group, regardless of size, organized to elect political candidates or to advance the outcome of a political issue or legislation. From The National Community Action Foundation
http://ncaf.nonprofitoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7BE6468F82-615D-4A64-B5B8-B35FBAB41D7A%7D
As I see it Elk Konnected is attempting to have an effect on monies that may or may not be acquired by the county.
Therefore any involvement by the county commissioners is a conflict of interest. Isn't that unlawful?
Definition of LEGISLATION
: the action of legislating; specifically : the exercise of the power and function of making rules (as laws) that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of a state or other organization.
The county commissioners make the laws that establish property taxes, right?
And I believe taxes are a political issue because they are controlled by our county government.
A Political Action Committee by any other name is still a Political Action Committee.
What gives Elk Konnected any authority to have a say about the finances of Elk County?
Does Elk Konnected have control over our elected County officials?
If Elk Connected is really about pulling the county together as connected communities,
what is Elk Connected doing to Stop the city of Howard from trying to take control of our County School District by moving it's city limits to encompass the school property?
Elk Konnected is not yet Accredited. What does it take for Elk Konnected to get accredited?
Who pays for it? $1500 to $4000 EVERY 2 YEARS?
Paid for by the Four Public Square Sectors
By Elk Konnected soliciting or pressure
them into donating money.
Who are the three of Four Public Square Sectors?..........................
1. Business
2. Education School Board's Taxpayers
3. City and County Government Taxpayers
4. Churches and Health Clinics
Accreditation is granted by a 4 person peer review team from other communities within Kansas. Other towns and other counties supposed leaders.
So Elk Konnected needs the approval of this small non-profit non-tax paying company
Uh what's it called Oh yea, Public Square Communities, LLC. They have all of 15 customers.
But with out these community meetings Elk Konnected would not get accreditation. And it would not be state wide as I heard someone tell the school board. Just this little company after they collect the money from Elk Konnected.
Elk Konnected according to the company they hired says on their web site that you are suppose to have taken ownership; doesn't that simply mean to take control?
Look under PSC Definitions at
http://www.publicsquarecommunities.com/resources.htm
Elk Konnected on our County Web Site
http://ks-elk.manatron.com/ElkKonnected/tabid/4195/Default.aspx
Are they ashamed to list the 60+ individuals, organizations, and businesses giving $50 each that the mention on their web site? Where is there board of governors listed? Who is there President? Who is their Treasurer? Who is their Secretary?
Elk Konnected on Public Square Communities Web Site.
http://www.publicsquarecommunities.com/community/elk/
Look who is listed under Staff for Public Squares Communities.
About property taxes.
The Kansas Department of Revenue posts the average county mill levies for 2006, 2007 and 2008, via its website at http://www.ksrevenue.org/pvdstatistics.htm .
COUNTY 2008 avg. mill levy
1. Elk 193.140 2009 - 194.558
2. Smith 189.833
3. Hodgeman 178.955
4. Jewell 172.217
5. Labette 167.681
6. Ford 166.631
7. Pratt 166.569
8. Lincoln 163.834
9. Wichita 163.147
10. Rush 162.765
How and when has Elk Konnected ever offered any real information about them selves?
You are quite right Patriot in your opinion.
My opinion is they operate through deception, manipulation and control.
Husbands and wives don't sit together, friends don't sit together. No matter what they say it is just a control factor. Jump through our hoops.
A referendum would be fair for everyone, that's why we register to vote. But for Elk Konnected to have the only say would be down right wrong.
I have been thinking about this for a week now. Something just did not seem right to me, and it has finally dawned on me what it is. We the people have elected our county commisioners to make decisions on our behalf regarding the monetary expenditures of this county. They get a lot of flak when things don't go the way that we think they should. There never seems to be enough in the budget to pay for what the county needs, but somehow they keep it all together. Now that there is a little money on the horizon, meetings are being held, designed by outside influences, and all sorts of ideas are being brought forward depending upon the favorite oxen of choice. Our elective process seems to have been lost in the dust. There surely are public forums before the commission to express all these desires before they decide what to do with any monies the county might receive. I too disapprove of Elk Konnekted being included on the county website. Regarding this group; you don't get anything for nothing, and if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. 'Nough said. :P
Scholarship, I thought scholarships were for kids to go to college. So what poor kid misses out on a scholarship?
My e-mail from Kansas Department of Commerce.
I copied and pasted from my e-mail program the following.
Is that the $3000 form the 60+ that donated?
Where is the transparency, what are they hiding.
Ross,
I found out that our agency provided a one-time $3,000 "scholarship" to Elk Konnected in September of 2008. Upon receipt of a required report, these types of contributions were available to communities/counties to help them with the cost of participating in Public Square.
I hope this helps. Commerce has no control over the projects or initiatives that arise from the sessions conducted between Public Square & Elk Konnected. It's basically community driven from what I understand. However I'm not an expert on it but I have sat in on multiple sessions in other communities. Again, you might visit with Elk Konnected reps. if you disagree with any of their goals or objectives.
Thanks,
Craig
Craig VanWey
Southeast Regional Project Manager
Business Development Division
Kansas Department of Commerce
Shirk Hall - 1501 South Joplin St.
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (785) 633-8407
TTY: 711
cvanwey@kansascommerce.com
www.kansascommerce.com
My response e-mail from the newspaper after submitting a Letter to the editor.
I copied and pasted from my e-mail program the following.
Dear Mr. Ross:
Our newspaper tries to provide accurate information to our readers, and we have tried to do so with regard to Elk Konnected and its excellent spirit of cooperation in Elk County. Prairie Star is a charter member of Elk Konnected which is simply a loose-knit group of people and businesses which try to link together for the good of the countywide community.
We encourage letters to the editor, but they must be of reasonable length and stay with issues that are relevant to our readership market. For those reasons we are declining to print your letter in our newspaper.
Thank you.
Rudy Taylor, publisher
The Prairie Star
Kansas Department of Commerce Said, "I found out that our agency provided a one-time $3,000 "scholarship" to Elk Konnected in September of 2008. Upon receipt of a required report, these types of contributions were available to communities/counties to help them with the cost of participating in Public Square."
I believe he is saying each of the 15 customers of Public Square Communities LLC recieved $3000. Correct me if I'm wrong.
That would have been $45,000 for college students that needed scholarships to continue their education.
I have been reading this thread again and it seems to me that there is one thing that we should all know. We have three elected county commisioners to make our decisions for us. Only one of these commissioners has been named. The other two have names, too. Douglas C. Ritz is the newest commissioner in District 1. K. R. Liebau is commissioner in District 3.
I don't know any of these people personally, but Liz Hendricks has always done her best when I have had a problem and I have full faith that she will continue to do her best for the county.
K. R. Liebau bears a well known and respected Elk County name. I have full confidence in him, also.
I do not know anything about Mr. Ritz, had never heard of him before he became a commissioner, so I cannot say what I think of him.
But, I do think that these three people are trying to do what is best and right for the citizens of Elk County. I would appreciate it if when one finds it necessary to refer to one of them, that their name is used.
As for the conflict of interest, it would be best if the commissioner in question woud resign one of her positions and I think she will if she thinks it is a conflict of interest. Personally, I would like for one or all of them to get on this Forum and explain to us each step that is taken in this regard.
There might be some wisdom in having an outsider organizing and conducting these meetings. This outsider has no ax to grind with another Elk County citizen, nor should any Elk County citizen have a personal problem with him. However, it is beginning to remind me of Sedgwick County and Wichita where every time they want to do something, they hire an outside firm to do a study of the situation, spending mega bucks and still not getting anything done.
What is this outsider being paid for doing this and who is paying him?
Elk County does have some questions that need to be answered by someone that knows the facts.
Doug Ritz grew up in Howard, graduated from Howard High School in 1969, and married a local girl. They live and farm in eastern Elk County, somewhere past Busby, I think. Both of their families have deep roots in Elk County, and I wouldn't hesitate to predict that Doug will be a good county commissioner, looking out for interests of the entire area.
I can tell you who Doug Ritz is, he married Jeff's Aunt Linda Wiseman, now Ritz. They run a farm in rural Elk County. He works on the rural fire department. They live in Elk County outside of Fall River. His dad lived here in town, not sure of the address of the house but it is behind where Cindy Elliot and her husband live now. Not sure who lives there now, but its a cute little yellow house.
Thank you for confirming the confidence that I was feeling for him. Being a newcomer in town, almost 6 years now, I had never heard of him.
Wilma,
Doug Ritz is the son of the late Charlie and Rita Ritz.
Rita was the administrator of Twilight Manor or many years. One of their daughters married Sarah and Brooks Bryan's so, Paul;--they live in Valley Center, I believe. I don't remember who the other daughter married.
Nothing really matters does it?
My bet is after election day we will have an Elk Konnected person on the school board.
Can't you see where this is going?????
Sorry, I did not know that the emoticon with the heated face would appear because I typed two question marks.
I won't do that again.
Rest assured I am not steaming, just trying to get the info out there.
Just who is this Elk Konnected person that will be on the school board and just how much do you think one person can do? Why don't you use names instead of innuendoes???????????????
See what a lot of question marks can do?
Click the links in the abovec omments and read who is listed with Elk Konnected.
And read this weeks newspaper whis running for the office.
The information is quite available.
Sorry - I agree with Wilma. If you're going to talk about people, talk about them. Name them. Too much jumping to conclusions when innuendos are used.
Running for USD 282 West Elk Board of Education
Position 1 - Steve Walker and L.W. "Ross" Ross, both of Moline, and David Evans, Howard.
Position 2 - No one filed.
Position 3 - Matthew C. Hilton, Howard.
Position 7 - David Whetstone, Howard.
Apparently 'Ross' can only talk in ambiguity and innuendo. Alot of people do this to avoid being sued for libel and slander.
I haven't seen anything libelous or slanderous on this thread.
You are sort of right.
Perhaps I'm wrong but I thinks people should think and read for their selves.
Check out this web site.
http://www.publicsquarecommunities.com/community/elk/
Heaven forbid. A fifth generation Elk County citizen dares to take some initiative and strive for a more prosperous Elk County. Scandalous!
I have not gotten into the politics of the Elk Konnected, but what they are doing for others is really nice!! They have provided things for children to do in our community such as: soccer clinics on Saturdays (nice to have a different sport for them to try), day camps, movies when school is out, movies during special events in different towns, the fitness center, and many other things. They are trying to make Elk County a safer and more inviting to others. Like I said, I just don't get as in depth into it as you have. I also know who you are talking about running for school board, and do you even know that person????? Do you know their beliefs on the school and such???? I just can't help but say this again and again, then run for the offices, go to the meetings, become involved in the activities that you don't like how they are ran. I can't complain about Elk Konnected as I am not that involved in it and really haven't helped out with it, same is with the school board. I have attended school board meetings and know a little of whats going on, but that's it.
I would also like to see the Wind Farm money go towards lowing taxes. Time will tell!!
If people are going to live in parts of Elk County, they need to have access to clean drinking water.
A good supply of good water would go a long way encouraging the growth of Elk County. Many people would be more willing to move out here if they didn't have to haul their drinking water.
I wonder how much stimulus money went into the wind farm? Our tax money, right?
I bet you didn't know that TradeWind Energy headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas is owned by Enel North America, Inc. the wholly owned subsidiary of Enel, SpA.
http://www.kansaswindpower.com/Project.aspx?id=226&ekmensel=15074e5e_28_0_226_1
DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
MILAN (Dow Jones)--The Italian government Monday confirmed the chief executives of the country's two biggest energy companies--oil and natural-gas giant Eni SpA (E, ENI.MI) and power utility Enel SpA (ENEL.MI)--for another three-year term.
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110404-710010.html
Enel S.p.A. Company Profile
Arrivederci, monopolio! Buongiorno, diversified energy player. Italy's largest electric utility, Enel, has given up its monopoly status and raced into the deregulated global power marketplace. Enel distributes electricity and gas to about 61 million customers in more than 20 countries and has more than 96,000 MW of primarily fossil-fueled and hydroelectric generating capacity. The second largest gas distributor in Italy (after Italgas), Enel serves 2.7 million customers in Italy. It also has renewable and international power generation assets. The Italian government owns about a third of Enel.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/93/93841.html
I do believe tha means yea we might get a million someday but we will be exporting a lot more of the Federal Reserve Banks green-backs to Italy than what stays here in the USofA.
I am amazed how many conspiracies are going on all around us at every turn!!
Thanks! I wonder what he will find to jump on me about now.