On Monday, March 18, Courthouse Supervisor Greg Rawlings revisited the subject of needed boiler replacement for the courthouse facility with Greenwood County Commissioners. As he discussed further research into the high efficiency option, Rawlings noted advantages including space savings, which would afford room for needed maintenance equipment. Rawlings shared that annual assessment of the high efficiency unit was quoted at $500700. He noted that he believed the high efficiency unit would save money, but this would run the risk of something going wrong and creating the need for the company to come out to assess the boiler. The High efficiency, 2 boiler system was quoted at $144,546 and the approximately 80% efficiency, 4 cast iron boiler system was quoted at $140,694. Rawlings noted that he would rather work on the lower efficiency unit, but noted the advantage of the high efficiency system. He added that what he liked about both options was the facility would have a backup in case an issue is experienced. Rawlings added that he is willing to learn about the high efficiency unit, noting that he did not have experience maintaining these.
In bid documents, Rawling noted that payment is outlined as being due upon completion of the project. Commissioners approved the bid from Modern Air for a high efficiency boiler for the amount of $144,546. This was approved in a 4-1 decision, with Commissioner Roy Ballard voting no.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood provided the weekly department report. Greenwood shared that the final payment for scrap materials was $20,664.50. Documentation pertaining to the Hamilton bridge project was presented to commissioners. Commissioners approved to proceed with the bid from A.M. Cohron and Sons for replacement of the Hamilton bridge. The purposed route to serve as an alternate during construction includes 240th Street, routing onto township-maintained roads. Commissioners asked that Greenwood look at the routes to see if something needs to be done for the roads to be utilized. Greenwood sought clarification on the county culvert policy. Commissioner Ballard noted that the county covers the first culvert and if resident wants an extra culvert or one that is extra-long, they have to pay the difference. In regards to the Bechtle bridge and the bridge Between BB and CC Roads, Greenwood shared that they are looking for recommendations from County Contracted Engineer Michael Maris on these sites. Greenwood later revisited this, noting that the Bechtle bridge is not believed to be at the top of the priority list for repair/replacement based on current conditions. In regards to the Cooper bridge, Greenwood told commissioners plans are to get loads of rip-rap and slurry the site.
Greenwood reported that they had a laptop from the Sheriff’s Office and Road and Bridge is looking to utilize this for their mechanic. The grader taken to CAT was ready to be picked up and will then return to service. The demonstration of a backhoe by John Deere was slated for this week.
As discussion of operations concluded, Commissioner Preston Evenson shared that he had received two complimentary calls regarding road and bridge and told Greenwood to, “keep up the good work.”
Thane Bush with Welborn Sales was present to speak with commissioners on products and options the company has to offer. With a yard in Salina, the company sells materials for bridge repair projects. Through this option, Bush noted that they would have the opportunity to conduct more work in-house for less cost. According to Bush, the metal bridge products can be designed to support large-loads and are offered in different gauges. These are projected to have a lifespan of 75-100 years. While present, Bush also shared that they have lined arch bridges to save those that have begun to fail. He noted that discounted rates could be available through larger product purchase and he added that freight is included in their bid totals. In discussion of timeline associated with projects utilizing their products, Bush share that it takes roughly three weeks to draw up plans. Plans are then presented to the county and when approved, manufacturing takes approximately 4-6 weeks. He told council members that utilization of this results in shorter terms of closure for bridge projects.
Ryan Winfrey with Insurance Planning Center was present in regards to the life insurance company’s decision to step away from provision of such policies. Winfrey reported that he had found a new broker, Standard Group Term, and was recommending this company to the county. Benefit amounts would not only stay the say through their basic plan, but Winfrey shared that the provider would be more advantageous due to cheaper rates to purchase the higher package. Cost per volume would be less through the new company. Commissioners approved proceeding with the company, beginning in April.
Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson shared that last August, commissioners approved for purchase of available 400 radios. The company called last week as they had forgot to bill the county for two of them. Two invoices totaling $2,070 for TFMComm Inc. were approved.
Commissioner Ben Fox issued a reminder to county residents pertaining to renewal of drivers’ licenses. Fox noted that, as renewals are sought, the office specifies that this is done by appointment only. This is noted on the back of the renewal notice, as not everyone working in the department is certified for this. Making an appointment ensures that someone is available for the renewal. Members of the public are asked to call ahead.
Appraiser Shawna Griffitts held a 15-minute executive session for discussion of personnel. Shortly after returning to regular session, employee status changes for Brandi Dimick, taking her from $13.91 to $14.91 per hour, and Shawna Griffits, increasing pay to $60,000 per year reflecting her status as appraiser, were approved.
Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey was present for two items: seeking signatures for annual grants the department applies for and to hold an executive session with commissioners. A 15-minute executive session for personnel. No decisions were made.
Employee status change for Robert Kohen transferring from Noxious Weed to Road and Bridge remaining at same pay level of $19.42 per hour was approved in a 4-1 vote, with Evenson voting no.
Payables in the amount of $138,719.72 were approved.
Special payables in the amount of $3,656.20 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $144,891.67 was approved.
Greenwood held an executive session for the subject of personnel, employee performance, for 15 minutes. No decisions were made following the session.
A 15-minute executive session with Greenwood, Vinson and Legal Counsel Paul Dean was held. No decisions were made following the session.
A five-minute legal executive session was called by Dean pertaining to a bridge with Vinson remaining. No decisions were made following the session.
Reading and approval of the minutes of the March 4 and March 11 meetings were approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, March 25 at 9 a.m.
