On Monday, March 11, Greenwood County Commissioners officially appointed staff member Shawna Griffitts as County Appraiser. Notification of appraiser change was approved for submission to the state and Resolution 24-02, appointing county appraiser, also received approval.
Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings reviewed the boiler quote first provided to commissioners at the previous meeting. As requested, Rawlings provided his recommendation: option two provided by Modern Air, an 80% efficiency unit. This would be an efficiency increase of approximately 10% from the current unit. Rawlings told commissioners that he was afraid with power spikes the facility experiences, higher efficiency units would require maintenance. Rawlings noted he likes the high efficiency units, but he thinks they would be too delicate for the power supply. Commissioner Roy Ballard agreed, stating that savings from a high efficiency unit would likely be eaten up by repair costs. Following discussion of the bids, Rawlings was asked to contact Modern Air to make sure the quote still stands as the document noted the bid was good until late February. This item will be revisited next week.
Allen Greenwood provided his first department report as Road and Bridge Supervisor. Sealed bids pertaining to the bridge located west of Hamilton were opened and reviewed by commissioners. The following four bids were received: A.M. Cohron & Sons, $837,698.75; B&B, $883,000; Bridges, $889,856.37 and Denlinger & Sons, $1,167,627.37. Contracted Engineer Michael Maris was to review the bids following the meeting. Greenwood shared that rock quality for roads has improved. Truck 61 recently went down and currently has no functioning parking brake. Commissioner Mac Obourn noted an attachment for the excavator to look into for use during an upcoming project. The following quotes for a backhoe purchase were presented to commissioners: ( both quotes provided are factored with trade in) CAT, $115,930 with warranty of 12 months and John Deere, $104,600 with a 60-month/2,000 hours warranty. Greenwood was to check back in to ensure the companies will honor the bids provided as they had reached the 30-day valid through date. Road and Bridge will be looking at the machines to make a determination in the future. Greenwood shared that the replacement compressor was slated to be here within two weeks. In old business, the bridge near Fall River Dam was revisited. During discussion, it was noted that barricades had been put up to prevent vehicle traffic, but this was not sufficient; the Corps of Engineers is wanting it fully removed. Commissioners spoke in favor of negotiating this item. Engineer Maris noted the monetary sum the state has offered for the county getting rid of the bridge. This is due to how the bridge is structured. It was noted that the county is currently waiting to hear a final opinion on leaving the bridge in place for foot traffic. This bridge was built in 1929 and, according to Vinson, is not on the public list of historic bridges, but could contact the State Historical Preservation Society to ensure this. Greenwood reported that 24 township representatives had submitted RSVPs for the Township dinner. Commissioners asked that Road and Bridge reach out and notify the caterer of the number. Total attendance is anticipated at approximately 40 individuals. The monthly card limit for Road and Bridge was approved for increase, to provide for payment of vendors who request payment upfront.
Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson shared that he had received a good deal from G&W Foods for pallets of water. Four pallets for firefighters, Sheriff’s Office, EMS, Road and Bridge and availability for community need, were purchased. Vinson asked that this total be paid through the general fund. At this time, officials briefly discussed provision of meals/food during emergency events. G&W Foods also expressed willingness to provide a deal on provision of sandwiches/meals for emergency events, if contacted during business hours.
Vinson notified commissioners of an issue pertaining to bogus records requests. After sharing that he had received 9 records requests, all extensive busy work requests, Vinson explained that by law, entities have to respond within three days regardless if it is frivolous or not. Vinson advised that if any department/ county staff received such a request they should contact the County Clerk who would issue an appropriate response. After Vinson shared this, Clerk Kathy Robison added that legislation is considering waiving fees associated with records requests.
Representatives with Bukaty Company, including Emily Ahlvers, provided a brief overview of their company to commissioners. Alternate saving avenues through Bukaty Company were noted. Representatives shared that they are reginal brokers who are located locally in Kansas City. The company serves approximately 3,500 clients. Discussion included their services provided and work behind the scenes to keep clients in compliance as well as long term strategic planning. A goal noted was making sure that employees utilize benefits in the best way possible. Bukaty will reach out to the County Clerk in May to continue discussion to further explore the service.
In regards to a county ambulance with the Air Conditioning out, EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau share that he had contacted Wags and they will be working on the A/C as well as addressing an antifreeze leak.
Special payables for the amount of $23,373.13 were approved.
Employment verification for Road and Bridge incoming employee Eric Hall, mechanic, starting March 18 full time at $20 per hour was approved.
Greenwood County Sheriff Heath Samuels notified commissioners that he is in the early stages of seeking vehicle purchases for the year.
Commissioner Ben Fox shared that the Kansas Association of County Commissioners Conference is approaching, slated for April 16-18. A budget training in conjunction with this is available for personnel to attend.
An executive session for 10 minutes, pertaining to personnel, was held with Greenwood. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Rawlings held an executive session with commissioners for 10 minutes for discussion of personnel. Following the session, no decisions were made.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held Monday, March 18 at 9 a.m.
