On Monday, April 22, Greenwood County Commissioners were presented with information and the annual fee pertaining to storm alerts.
Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson presented the annual fee for Genasys, the Emergency Alert system for Greenwood County, to commissioners. Commissioners approved payment of the annual fee in the amount of $2,677. While holding the floor, Vinson discussed the storm season. Commissioner Mac Obourn questioned if a landline could be utilized with this system. Vinson affirmed that landlines are compatible with the system. Greenwood County does not own storm sirens. Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) are in place with cities/ entities regarding storm sirens. Under the MOUs, the city is responsible for maintenance, Sheriff’s Office is responsible for activation and Emergency Management ensures that they are operational. Commissioner Preston Evenson questioned about sirens in the yard which are not installed, asking if there were plans for these. After noting that only one is still functional, Vinson shared that the City of Madison is slated to come get this to add a second siren.
In regards to storm alerts, Vinson noted that outdoor sirens should not be the only/ primary notification source for severe weather. A related article is included elsewhere in this week’s newspaper.
Vinson reported that, following the recent tornado, Greenwood County had seen an increase from 560 users registered on the Genasys alert system to 711 users the day following recent tornado activity. The former alert system, Code Red, is no longer utilized by Greenwood County. At this time Vinson noted that credit was owed to Road and Bridge as they had been contacted in the early morning hours to check the road networks. Vinson told commissioners that by sunrise, Road and Bridge crew members had checked the roads.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood provided his regular department report. In regards to the pending plaque for the Hamilton bridge, Greenwood asked that commissioners review the verbiage to ensure it was correct. Road and Bridge reached out to the Corps of Engineers regarding pending projects (this included Baker Bridge and the crossing at U Road and 100th Street) and had not heard back as of Monday morning. Greenwood shared that the diesel pump was down. Road and Bridge got in touch with Fleet Fuels and Greenwood was hoping it would be done by the end of the day Monday or first thing Tuesday of this week.
Plans for cleaning bridges were shared. When questions were posed, Greenwood noted that the department does have a list of bridges which need to be cleaned out every time moisture is received. Ballard shared a couple of locations for Road and Bridge to look into, one including a low water crossing which he noted as needing to be evaluated. The side boom mower was recently in at Road and Bridge for repair due to hose issues. Commissioner Evenson questioned if additional thought had been given to chip sealing. In regards to this, Greenwood shared that the spreader has a leak and they were looking into this issue.
In old business, Commissioners approved the previously presented vehicles (2) for purchase by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s office for the amount of $82,569 for both. Commissioners approved for purchase.
Representative Mary Hancock from the Greenwood County Health Department was present to provide information and seek commission consentforupcomingprojects. Following a recent conference attended by two Health Department staff members, obesity and inactivity were identified as issues for the Greenwood County population. The Health Department then developed ideas to aid the county in being more conscious on this. They are looking to hold a county-wide Biggest Loser contest. Those who wish to participate would be charged a fee. These dollars will be awarded as a prize(s). Hancock noted that the Health Department’s social media was a resource for information related to the department and information on programs offered. This contest is slated to be held through the summer and promotes weight loss. In regards to the issue of inactivity, Hancock noted that the Health Department will be promoting walking in the community. No opposition was voiced for the Biggest Loser contest being held.
While present, Hancock shared that the Greenwood County Health Department is starting a baby closet for new mothers, to provide access to needed items.
Vinson provided a reminder that Wednesday, April 24 is training day at the county courthouse. He explained that a meeting with department heads is slated for the morning and in the afternoon, hands-on training will be held.
An executive session for legal discussion was called by Commissioner Ballard for the duration of five minutes. No action was taken following the session.
An executive session for five minutes was called by Evenson for discussion of non-elected personnel pertaining to employee evaluation. Following the session, no decisions were made.
A 10-minute executive session with Greenwood for discussion of personnel was held. No action was taken following the session.
The minutes of April 15 meeting were approved as written.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, April 29 at 9 a.m.
