Interim Road and Bridge Supervisor John Schouten provided the Road and Bridge report Monday, September 18. Schouten shared that the bridge at 250th and DD Road was needing assessed. He noted that this could potentially be moved to the top of the priority list due to the condition. Schouten shared that he had found a 2017 International truck, located in Topeka and listed on Purple Wave Auction, that he is looking into. He noted that no employee had been to look at this as of Monday morning. Schouten shared that progress continues at the Tadpole Creek crossing. Bids from Everitt Concrete for the Snell Bridge and Short bridge (located near Hamilton) were provided to commissioners for review. Discussion of plans for the Short bridge included work to prevent washouts. Work has been completed to the 140th Street bridge project. The crossing is currently in the curing stage. Commissioners approved the bid of $26,000 from Drew Ramsey of Everitt Concrete for repair of the Short bridge. Commissioners will continue reviewing the proposal for the Snell bridge. Schouten shared that forestry head was received and has been utilized in operations.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau reported that the same emergency truck previously taken in to the shop had broken down south of Madison. This unit was previously taken to John North Ford for similar issues. A new truck, cab and chassis, has been ordered, but is not slated to be received until 2025. Mongeau will be looking to see if there is any way to expedite this. The Severy truck remains in Eureka covering for the unit. Commissioner Mac Obourn recommended that Mongeau contact Shawnee Mission Fire Chief. Mongeau later shared that he had contacted the representative and the time issue was due to number of jobs/orders, not a delay due to sluggish receipt of ordered parts. The company will be looking to see if it is possible to get Greenwood County in sooner. Mongeau noted he would share updates when he knows more.
Treasurer Donna Olson was present to discuss outstanding checks dating back to 2009 totaling approximately $11,000 in one account and approximately $23,000 in another.
Olson shared that she had researched the matter with other Treasurers who had completed a resolution pertaining to checks over a thousand dollars. A check was then either re-written or the balance was sent to unclaimed property. For those totaling under $100, this was returned to the general fund. In regards to payroll or payables checks, it was noted that it is believed these have to be sent to unclaimed property. Olson noted that some of these checks were from refunds or change. She shared that some of them total as little as 21 cents. Legal Counsel Paul Dean will be looking to draft a resolution in regards to this matter. This will be revisited next week.
Commissioner Ben Fox and Mongeau discussed the previous telephone service transition. After noting the county’s transition from Granite phone service to Velocity, it was shared that the company was attempting to charge a termination fee. Though it was noted they had possessed the service prior to this, it was noted that the contract was dated March 2023. Mongeau noted that the company had continually increased the price of services and Fox added that one county department could not get the service to work. Fox has been in contact with the company in regards to this matter.
Conversation in regards to late fees for utility payments continued. Mongeau explained how his department handles utilities. At this time, Greenwood County Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey noted that her bill in question goes directly to the Clerk’s Office. She then offered a recommendation that the utility companies be contacted to schedule all bills for the same date and to request that a three-week time frame be provided for submission of payment.
A letter received recognizing the successful performance of the Greenwood County Appraiser’s Office was read.
The subject of phishing internet scams was brought to the floor by Commissioner Fox, who encouraged that individuals be wary of emails and popups. Fox noted that Microsoft would never send consumers a message notifying them that their devise is infected. He shared that if a popup cannot be bypassed/escaped, the electronic device should be shut down. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson commented on the subject of cyber security, noting that this is a bigger threat now than natural disasters according to risk assessments.
Dean, who also serves as Mayor for the City of Madison presented a request for two houses demolished, asking that tipping fees be waived. Commissioners approved to waive the fee for the following properties: 425 South Mulberry and 317 Santa Fe Streets.
When questions were posed in regards to the bridge at U Road and 100th Street, Vinson shared that the county is waiting to hear if they are approved or denied through FEMA.
Commissioners approved increasing the pay of interim Road and Bridge Supervisor Schouten to $22.50 while he is acting in this position.
A 15-minute executive session for discussion of personnel in regards to evaluation was held. Following the session, no action was taken.
A two-minute executive session for legal discussion was requested by Dean. Following the session, no action was taken.
A fence viewing was slated to follow the regular meeting. Commissioner Preston Evenson shared that this would be held on P Road South of 400 Highway. Next Monday, commissioners will discuss findings.
A viewing for requested road closure will be held October 2.
Commissioners reviewed the August fee report.
Payables in the amount of $314,289.25 was approved.
Special Payables in the amount of $231.87 was approved.
Payroll in the amount of $145,285.28 was approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, September 25, at 9 a.m.
