County resident spoke against fishing prohibition off of Fall River Dam
During the routine meeting held on Monday, March 25, Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson revisited the subject of upcoming emergency training with Greenwood County Commissioners. Approval was received for closure of the courthouse beginning at 1 p.m. on April 24. This will afford for staff to participate in security /ALICE training.
County resident Joe Spenser was present before commissioners in regards to the fishing prohibition put in place in November 2023 by the Corps of Engineers, which no longer affords for public fishing on the Fall River Dam. Spenser shared that he has been in conversation with the Corps of Engineers, as well as state representatives, voicing opposition to this decision. As he shared that a petition with over 300 signatures had been drafted, Spencer told commissioners that there is a lack of data supporting the move to no longer permit fishing at the location. He noted that data over the last 70 years reflects that it is safe to fish there. Spenser then provided commissioners with pertinent contact numbers so they can let the Corps of Engineers, as well as other relevant contacts, know their thoughts on the matter.
Vinson addressed commissioners in regards to questions posed by County Counselor Paul Dean, who tasked him with conducting further research into the steel bridge below Fall River Dam. Vinson shared that he had found a document from 1948 where the Corps of Engineers had paid Greenwood County $166,000 for 76 roads, this was prior to the construction of the lake. Dean had asked if there were compensation for the roads, to which Vinson shared the answer was yes. Vinson reported that the problem he and Register of Deeds Marsha Ramsey had experienced in reading the legal description, was many of the roads are not there anymore. He noted that this is difficult to review as a map from 1948 has not been found. Vinson went on to share that the bridge is in one of two legals, but they have been unable to pinpoint which it is. Vinson reported that the original agreement pertaining to the bridge was from the 1950s and a new easement agreement had been signed in 2003. He explained that they were unsure what the change was between the two versions of the agreement as they are still looking for the original document. Disinterest was expressed by Commissioner Roy Ballard in completely removing the bridge. Legal counsel is to consider the item further.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood reported that the demonstrations from CAT and John Deere were provided as they have been looking to purchase a new backhoe. Commissioners asked Greenwood his thoughts on the preferred machine. Preference was expressed, with advantages relayed, regarding CAT. Commissioners approved the purchase of the CAT backhoe for $102,417.18 factoring in trade-in. In regards to the John Deere mowing tractor, Greenwood reported that repair had included leaks being fixed. The bush hog was re-welded. Adjustments were made and the unit is ready to be utilized once again. In regards to upcoming bridge work, Greenwood spoke with DJ Edwards pertaining to use of U Road and 240th Street as an alternate route. Work being performed by the county, if the township pays for the needed culverts, was proposed. The township agreed to this. The county will help maintain the road while the bridge project is in progress. Work to the bridge is slated to begin in late June/early July. Greenwood told commissioners that he received the report back from County Contracted Engineer Michael Maris regarding the bridge on 375th Street between BB and CC Roads. Increasing the size of pipe at the location was discussed. Officials discussed potential for reinforcing the ends of culvert installations completed to avoid ends being crushed. Commissioners revisited previous discussion of protocol regarding replacement/addition of culverts. Greenwood was asked to continue looking into the pricing associated with purchase of a barrel trailer. Greenwood told commissioners that Road and Bridge is looking to work with the City of Eureka on bettering the condition of the road to the lake. Commissioner Preston Evenson noted that a crack seal machine was for sale through Johnson Auction and noted this would be something to take a look at. A bid for an upcoming bridge project (Bechtel Bridge), from Ramsey Concrete for the amount of $19,700 was approved. The county is to reach out to an area property owner to coordinate closure with their livestock schedule. It was noted that the crossing is only slated to be closed while work is actively being completed.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau shared a recent issue experienced last Friday evening. Mongeau explained that while returning from their second transfer of the day, the truck had experienced a coolant issue. Mongeau advised that this was the truck the county had put a motor in. This truck is currently out of service. Mongeau is in communication with John North Ford regarding this. The Severy truck was being brought to Eureka for a full fleet. Mongeau noted he would provide an update when more in known.
The subject of social media archiving was revisited in relation to compliance with the open records act. Vinson notified commissioners that the company which approached the county is currently having a sale, and has taken $500 off of the bid amount originally provided, bringing the total down to $4,788. Vinson then shared that Dean was looking into turning off comments on social media, which would eliminate the future need of such a service. As this was discussed, Commissioner Ben Fox noted that, in the event comments were turned off, the county could include a disclaimer on their social media that commentary can be provided by getting on a commission agenda and attending a meeting.
Courthouse Maintenance Director Greg Rawlings requested an executive session for five minutes for the subject of personnel. Following the return to regular session, council members approved to hire Jeaneen Baumberger part-time at rate of $13.50 per hour.
Joel Laws, new City Administrator for the City of Eureka, introduced himself to those commissioners he had not met yet.
A 10-minute executive session for legal discussion was requested, with Greenwood remaining. No decisions were made following the session.
Treasurer Donna Olson held a five-minute executive session for legal discussion. No action was taken following the session.
County Clerk Kathy Robison held an executive session for the subject of legal for five minutes, with no decisions being made following the session.
An executive session for the subject of employee evaluation for 10 minutes was held by commissioners. No action was taken following the session.
Special payables in the amount of $2,372.45 were approved.
Commissioners were presented the February 2024 Fee Report for review.
Minutes of the March 18 meeting were approved as written.
Election Canvass followed the regular meeting. Provisional ballots, including two for recommended rejection as the individuals had voted for the wrong party, were reviewed.
Dean was absent from the meeting.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday,
