Greenwood County Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson revisited the subject of updating the Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) with cities who own a storm siren(s). Vinson shared that within the new MOUs was moving the testing date and time for sirens county-wide from Monday to Tuesdays at 1 p.m. He noted that this transition would afford for city staff to be present while sirens are being tested to ensure they are operable. If a given siren does not function, the city is to contact Greenwood County Emergency Management to provide notice. The municipality is also to provide notice to Emergency Management when it has been fixed. MOUs are in place for the following cities: Madison, Hamilton, Eureka, Fall River and Severy. Commissioners approved the updated MOUs. Vinson shared that as discussion continues with given cities, the targeted time for transition to the Tuesday afternoon testing will be sometime in August.
In discussion of old business, the road viewing and petition submitted for closure of a roadway at Reece was brought to the floor again last week. At this time, Commissioner Mac Obourn stepped off the podium to act as a citizen as he owns property along the given route. In regards to E50 Road or E Street and Virginia Avenue, Commissioner Preston Evenson noted that E50 would remain open and added that closure of this was not requested on the petition.
Evenson proposed that commissioners close the petitioned area and that an access point be incorporated on the open road to Obourn’s property. It was later shared that Spring Creek Township had petitioned for closure of the road as they are looking to sell some land. Commissioners approved closure and for a resolution to be drafted. Obourn abstained from the vote. E50 Road/E Street will remain open.
Eureka City Administrator Joel Laws appeared before commissioners last Tuesday morning in regards to the proposed addition of a sidewalk on the south side of the Eureka Public Library. This was introduced as an informational item at the previous commission me e ting, where commissioners later noted they had believed the library was requesting the county pay the full project cost. Laws noted that the library was proposing the county contribute 1/3 of the cost. It was explained during discussion that the sidewalk is being added to resolve the overflow issue experienced during the election. Laws told commissioners that the library is hoping to add the sidewalk to afford for voters to come in the front entrance of the library and exit out the south door after casting their votes. Commissioners approved paying 1/3 of the project amounting to $1,066.67.
After sharing that the facility recently experienced a burntout compressor in the chiller system, Courthouse Maintenance Director Greg Rawlings provided quotes from three companies, Trane, Modern Air and Kruse, for commission review. Chiller replacement for the courthouse and bids provided are slated to be considered by commissioners and revisited next week.
The weekly Road and Bridge report was provided by Supervisor Allen Greenwood. Greenwood shared that he was waiting on banks to get back with him on pertinent information as they look at the potential purchase of road graders. This is being weighed against a lease option previously presented. Greenwood shared that crew members are starting to do work in the area where the Symphony in the Flint Hills is being held this year. Commissioner Paul Hodge reported a road location on 220th Street needing to be assessed.
A representative with Empower House Ministries out of Emporia discussed her organization and services for recovering addicts, including life skill training, housing for men and housing women. Goal setting was noted as a big part of the process and residents within their houses are also guided through budgeting and saving towards future goals. When statistics were referenced, it was shared that individuals who remain in their houses for over 50 days, 2/3 are successful in recovery. Length of stay was noted as playing an important role as they aid individuals in recovery. Empower House Ministries asked for an allocation from the special alcohol fund. This item was to later be considered. Following regular business, commissioners adjourned into their second budget session in regards to the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. Preliminary budgets were presented for the following departments: Road and Bridge/Special Bridge, Recycling/Solid Waste, Greenwood County Sheriff’s Department, Greenwood County Fire, Register of Deeds, Treasurer and Health Department. The final round of preliminary budget presentations was slated for this week on Monday, June 3.
Minutes of the May 20 meeting were approved as written.
The April fee report was presented for commission review.
Payables in the amount of $176,289.63 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $149,087.17 was approved.
An Executive session was held with Greenwood for 10 minutes for discussion related to personnel. No action was taken following the session.
An Executive session for the duration of 10 minutes was held with Noxious Weed Director Jennifer West and Greenwood. No action was taken following the session.
A 5-minute executive session for legal discussion was held with Legal Counsel Paul Dean. No action was taken following the session.
Commissioner Obourn joined the meeting at 9:05 and Commissioner Roy Ballard was absent from the meeting.
Coverage of the Monday, June 3 meeting is included elsewhere in this week’s edition.
