County circulates comuter-use guidelines County circulates computer-

By JENNIFER KNOPP

The Capital-Journal

Shawnee County employees and their department heads will have chance to peruse a draft of a resolution addressing use of county computers before commissioners decide whether to adopt it.

The use of county computers became an issue last month when Commissioner Marice Kane learned some county employees were downloading what she considered "smut" from the Internet and distributing it through e-mail.

Susana Valdovinos, assistant county counselor, prepared a draft resolution for commissioners, which they reviewed and revised before Thursday's meeting.

The draft that will circulate for department heads and other employees, however, is Valdovinos' original version.

The proposed resolution notes county electronic media and communication services can't be used for transmitting, retrieving or storing any communication of a discriminatory, harassing or derogatory nature or material that is obscene, X-rated, or of a defamatory or threatening nature.

The resolution lists appropriate and inappropriate uses of county computers. It also notes that although the county may at times monitor computer use, county policy isn't to be a "big brother" constantly monitoring employees use of the computers.

Those who violate the resolution could be subject to disciplinary measures, including termination.

Commissioners approved a motion by Commissioner Mike Meier to distribute the resolution before they discuss it again June 29.

"I still feel that 99 percent of our employees and department heads are not abusing this," Meier said.

Kane emphasized the importance of having a written policy with consequences for those who abuse county property.

Commissioners on Thursday also rejected an offer for .35 acres of right of way in front of 5602 S.W. Topeka Blvd. Ron Anderson who owns property adjacent to the right of way offered to buy it for $2,610 an acre, but Meier said he thought it was worth more and made a motion to sell it at $5,000 an acre.

At the $2,610 price, the county would get $913.50 for the .35 of an acre. At the county's $5,000 asking price, the county would get $1,750 for the right of way.

Commissioners voted 2-1, with Kane dissenting, to sell the property at $5,000 per acre, but county counselor Rick Eckert later said the deal couldn't go through because commissioners must vote unanimously to sell county-owned land.

In other action Thursday, commissioners:

- Approved a request for outside legal representation for former county counselor Sandy Jacquot in the criminal trial of former sheriff Dave Meneley.

- Approved a request for outside legal counsel in the Lake Edun zoning case.

- Approved a contract with Stormont-Vail Health Care for use of the county morgue.

- Approved a request to increase parking allowance for Shawnee County Community Corrections personnel.

- Approved a contract with the Shawnee Boat and Ski Club for the operation of the Capital City Open Water Skiing Tournament to be held July 14 through 16 at Lake Shawnee.

- Approved a resolution authorizing the Shawnee County Public Works Department to place necessary traffic signals and barricades for the "Spirit of Kansas" celebration.

- Approved a contract with Fireworks Spectacular Inc. setting the conditions for purchase of a fireworks display for July 4 as part of the "Spirit of Kansas" festival.

- Approved a request for Parks and Recreation of Topeka to join the National Association of Park and Recreational Officials.

- Approved a public improvement easement for Nanas Park at S.E. 37th and California.

- Approved a contract with Solid State Sonics and Electronics Inc. to lease a site for Communications Facility for activation of tornado sirens within Shawnee County.

- Approved a resolution authorizing the placement of no-parking signs on Sherwood Court, Fountaindale Road, Urish Road and Nottingham Road for the Sherwood Lake Club Board of Directors to host annual Fourth of July festival.

- Approved a resolution authorizing the placement of 40-mph speed limit signs from S.E. 69th to S.E. 85th.

- Approved a resolution authorizing the placement of barricades for the annual Topeka Tinman competition June 17.

- Approved a contract with Success by Six for second-year funding of the Bank of America Foundation grant.

- Approved a grant application for funding from the Shawnee County Service Programs for the Elderly for Project Access and Home Care Assistance.

- Approved awarding of a bid for a Tri-plex greens mower for the Golf Course.

- Approved awarding of a bid for a sprayer for the noxious weed department.

- Approved a request to place a calendar in commission chambers.

- County agrees to pay for veteran's funeral.

- Commission seeks help finding new department heads.

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