On Monday, Feb. 5 Greenwood County Commissioners heard from Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) CEO Sandra Dickerson (appearing by Zoom) who discussed the recent announcement of the upcoming closure of CareArc.
On Monday morning, Dickerson told county commissioners that the hospital has been trying to see if they are in a position to purchase the facility. She noted that if this were deemed feasible, they would need commission approval.
Though no figures were shared, Dickerson reported that CareArc had offered a price and GWCH had made a counter offer. She then notified commissioners that a meeting of the GWCH Board of Trustees would be held at noon in regards to the subject. Following this, commissioners entered into a 10-minute executive session regarding property acquisition, with legal counsel and Dickerson remaining. Following their return to regular session, 10 additional minutes for the same subject were taken. No action was taken following the return to open meeting. As the meeting progressed, commissioners later noted that this subject was anticipated to be revisited during their next meeting.
Editor’s note: The GWCH Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Monday afternoon, where they held two executive sessions, totaling 35-minutes, regarding property acquisition. After returning to open session, the board approved for CEO Dickerson to proceed with information gathering.
Regular Business
In his weekly report, Road and Bridge Superintendent John Schouten shared that employee Justin Jones had reached the 90-day employment mark. Commissioners approved moving Jones from $16.59 to $17.09 an hour. Schouten reported that truck four, a 2018 dump truck, went down last week and had been taken to the shop in Emporia. He told commissioners that the hope was that this will be covered under warranty. An estimate of $9,578.99 for repair was noted. Schouten is still looking into the warranty. In the event it is not covered under the warranty, commissioners approved spending up to $13,500 for repair.
Schouten told commissioners that an individual brought safety concerns regarding the recycling trailers to his attention. Those at Hamilton and Severy were specifically noted. Schouten explained that it takes two people to dump these and the boxes are supposed to latch, but no longer do. Concern was also noted for elderly individuals climbing on the trailers to dispose of materials. After hearing the estimated cost of new units, Commissioner Roy Ballard noted that cost would be reduced if the county were to repair the trailers they have. More information on cost and photos were requested by commissioners. Wet weather, roads and gravel stock were briefly discussed. P Road was noted as a site that is going to need attention.
County contracted Engineer Michael Maris was present to discuss projects and a bridge inspection report. Maris shared final details pertaining to the completed Tadpole Creek project. Total cost for this came in $4,000 over the projected figure. Construction cost went over, primarily due to change orders, but was nearly balanced out by construction inspection coming in under the original estimation.
In regards to the pending Short Bridge project, located near Hamilton, Maris told commissioners that they have until April to accept a construction contractor for this. This will open for bids Feb. 28. When they close the bridge near Fall River, the county will receive approximately $200,000. In consideration of this and the 95-5 grant, it is estimated that the county will see no cost.
Replacement programs were briefly discussed. These are anticipated for announcement in early April. Maris explained that there are two programs: Off System, 95-5% (determined based on population density) and the Local Bridge System, paying 100% for qualifying bridges. If either of these are obtained, entities are still responsible for costs related to design, utilities and geology.
Engineering study and report for county bridges was briefly reviewed. A booklet was provided to commissioners outlining the status bridges. The maintenance report on the 193 bridges itemized them based on condition: worst bridges to best. In reference of the worst condition bridges, Maris referenced a map highlighting those in the poorest condition. These included: the Short Bridge which is being replaced; the bridge located at U Road and 100 Street (coined the Hazel Russell bridge), currently closed and continues to be discussed as Commissioners have awaited a determination from FEMA and the bridge located near 250th Street and H Road. A potential grant through the state for the bridge at U Road and 100th Street was discussed. If received, the approximate cost for the county would be $65,000. The worst bridge in the county, was shared as being in proximity of 250th Street and H Road. County portion of cost for the project is estimated at $80,000. Following review of the report booklet, Commissioners also discussed getting Maris’s aid with permitting for Baker Bridge.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau presented the upfitting bid for the recently approved purchase of a Tahoe. Mongeau shared that the total cost for the upfit would be $11,888.15 and was slated for March 4. Commissioners approved the bid from TCS Upfitting, 3-2 with commissioners Mac Obourn and Paul Hodge voting opposed.
In old business, Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson shared that he had finished signing everyone working in the courthouse up for the emergency alert system, pertaining to notifications when the courthouse closes due to weather conditions. He also shared that someone had been identified to serve as secondary in the event Vinson is not available to send out an alert.
An individual was present to share thoughts on the most recent petition for closure of 60th Street, as commissioners are slated to view the site next week following their regular meeting. The individual noted that if this were closed, the property he leases on the road would be landlocked.
Vinson revisited the subject of courthouse safety training. After having discussed the court schedule for determination of an ideal date, Vinson shared that he is looking to hold this Wednesday, April 24. The courthouse is anticipated to close at 1 p.m.
In ongoing consideration of the Smart Dollar program, Commissioner Obourn asked if departments had discussed this with employees as a potential benefit. Sheriff Heath Samuels reported that of 12 employees he spoke with, eight expressed interest in use of the program. Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey noted that three of four staff in her department were interested. The subject of the potential addition of the program as a benefit will be revisited next week.
Clerk Kathy Robison presented leave donation forms, donating leave from one employee to another, for review by the chairman.
An executive session was requested by Schouten for the subject of legal for 10-minutes. Following the session, no action was taken.
A 15-minute executive session regarding personnel was held by commissioners. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Payables in the amount of $167,250.42 were approved.
Special Payables in the amount of $976.37 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $144,657.53 was approved.
Minutes of the Jan. 29 meeting were approved as written.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 9 a.m.
