Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) CEO Sandra Dickerson announced to Greenwood County Commissioners on Monday, April 15 that they were scheduled to close on the former CareArc building next week. Dickerson noted that she was checking in to see who needed to be present to sign documents with the title company in Emporia and they were looking to coordinate with County Legal Counsel Paul Dean. Dean asked if anyone had spoken with the title company to clarify details. When Dickerson noted she had not been in direct contact with the title company, Dean shared that he would be looking into the matter. Dickerson also shared that she was awaiting to hear final closing costs so GWCH can write a check for the purchase of the facility. Following this discussion, Dean requested an executive session for five minutes with commissioners. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood provided his regular overview of department operations. Greenwood noted that a letter had been received pertaining to the Baker Bridge. This is still under review. The department got the generator operational again. The patch truck experienced issues last week. Greenwood shared that Road and Bridge has been getting good public feedback on operations.
Contracted Engineer Michael Maris appeared via Zoom to discuss and answer any questions in regards to the Bechtel Bridge, located on 90th Street west of G Road. Maris noted that the main issue at this location was water flow. He reported that the bridge is in good shape and is very stable for its age. In regards to concerns expressed in reference to cattle pots, Maris stated that there should be no issues with the load capacity of a cattle pot crossing the bridge.
When commissioners questioned what could be done to get a higher weight rating for the crossing, Maris noted that a load analysis could be conducted. Commissioner Ben Fox asked how big of a deal it would be to conduct this. Maris explained that this would involve core drilling and lab testing, adding that this would come at a cost. As discussion continued, area property owner Roger Bechtel noted that some freight companies refuse to cross the bridge due to the load limit sign in place. Maris questioned if officials knew when signage got posted or why and commented that, due to the short span of the bridge, it is not necessary to have this posted. His recommendation was to complete needed repairs to the wing. While present, Maris also shared that he will be getting in touch with Greenwood in regards to future grant submission.
Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings provided commissioners with information Monday morning. After sharing that he had recently became a grandparent and would be looking to schedule vacation in May, Rawlings discussed the timeline for the pending boiler project. Rawlings told commissioners that he is hoping this project will be completed before he goes on vacation. He also noted the need for purchase of a winch to be utilized through the boiler project. He noted that Modern Air is wanting to begin demolition of the old unit in late April/early May and the new boiler is in stock at their facility.
Sheriff Heath Samuels provided an update regarding his previous note to commissioners that he would be looking for vehicles for his department. Interest in the purchase of one 2023 Dodge truck and one Dodge Durango was expressed. Samuels shared that they would be looking to use these to replace a 2015 and 2016 unit currently in their fleet.
A 15-minute executive session was requested by Greenwood for the subject of personnel, with Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson and Dean also in attendance. Following the session, no action was taken.
A 15-minute Executive session for legal discussion pertaining to roads was held with County Clerk Kathy Robison, Register of Deeds Marsha Ramsey, Vinson and Dean. No decisions were made following the session.
Robison presented employment verification for new employee Shannon Wools, and presented an hourly starting wage of $14 an hour. She noted that a 90-day evaluation would be held, with a chance of pay increase at that time. Commissioners approved the new hire.
Two road petitions were submitted and county commissioners plan to hold a road viewing May 6 at 11 a.m. in the Reece area.
Payables in the amount of $222,595.91 were approved.
Special payables in the amount of $3,524.58 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $143,587.52 were approved.
Minutes of the April 8 meeting were approved as written.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, April 22 at 9 a.m.
