Commissioners met for their regular weekly meeting on Monday, June 16, where agenda discussion began with Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood, who reported on department operation and sought clarification on items discussed prior to his time as department supervisor.
After approving for purchase of sign posts for the amount of $3,658.09, Greenwood explained to commissioners that property owner Corey Baker had contacted Road and Bridge in regards to a cattle crossing in Pleasant Grove Township. Baker told Greenwood that an agreement had been reached when a county bridge in the area was replaced, and the county was to replace the cattle crossing/ cattleguard. It was noted that the agreement for the bridge is in the Register of Deeds Office and this should be reviewed to see if this is outlined within that.
Greenwood next shared that another individual had reached out as the county was slated to clear trees on the southeast side of State Street near Canyon Hill. It was shared that an agreement was reached with the property owner regarding removal of trees to open the corner for visibility. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson noted this had been marked with stakes, but no trees were ever removed. Vinson added that this agreement had been reached in approximately 2019. Commissioner Preston Evenson spoke in favor of going back and looking at minutes on this item. Commissioner Ben Fox commented that he would like to see them go out with the property owner and mark trees to be removed.
A bid was presented for potential purchase of a trailer which is located in Wichita. Commissioners noted as long as the department budget supports it, they had no opposition to the purchase. Greenwood was slated to review the budget. Issues are more frequently being experienced with the 2008 New Holland tractor. Greenwood reported to commissioners that the machine is wearing out. A consensus was reached to begin checking into pricing for replacement.
The subject of the Eureka Downs agreement was revisited. Following a fiveminute legal executive session with commissioners, Interim County Clerk Deann McCaffree and Legal Counsel Paul Dean. Following the session, commissioners announced they were clarifying/ restating their intentions in regards to annual allocations towards the facility. Greenwood County will allocate $8,000 per year for the lifespan of the 4-year agreement term. After this was reflected for records, it was noted that horse racing could potentially impact the future of the building.
Vinson sought provision of clarification in regards to official records and road closures. In regards to the road map approved last week, Vinson sought confirmation that what is recorded in the Register of Deeds office is official; record of closure must be filed in the Register of Deeds Office, otherwise it is open road. Legal Counsel Dean affirmed this and noted that if there were a question on a roadciting a decision occurring prior to 1950- he could conduct research. Vinson noted that there are items he would like to see cleaned up. Dean noted that official petitions could be drafted on roads of such a nature, roads that are reflected in records as being open, but have been closed for a long duration. Vinson noted that there are approximately 10 roads this way. Register of Deeds Marsha Ramsey noted that in approximately 2000, she had made efforts to address such records, noting that there had been a number of these.
During this time, it was also noted that township residents should contact their township board in regards to township road matters.
The curve on 150th and U Road was reported as no longer needed. As such, this is looking at being removed. Once completed, the property will revert to the owner of the land at this corner.
In new business, Steve French, Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Eureka, was present to present a request on behalf of Invena Corporation and the Eureka Foundation. The non-profit will soon be demolishing four structures within the city and requested waiver of the county tipping fees for disposal of materials for the following properties: 620 E. 2nd Street, 607 N. Greenwood Street, 916 E. 3rd Street and 613 N. Oak Street. Commissioners approved waiver for the four properties.
Employment verification for new hire Macy Frakes for the County Clerk’s office payroll position was presented and approved. Frakes will begin parttime, then move to fulltime in July starting at $15 an hour. Shannon Wools, employee for the Clerk’s Office, reached her 90day employment mark. A request was presented for approval to move her to $15 an hour.
Jill Gillett, Greenwood County Attorney, was on Monday morning’s agenda for a 10-minute executive session regarding personnel. Following the session, commissioners noted that no action was to be taken. Shortly following, Gillett requested a pay increase for part-time employee Sheri Mundhenke as she has held the position for one year. Approval was given for moving Mundhenke to $15 an hour.
Special payables in the amount of $1,975.02 were approved.
Commissioners Paul Hodge and Roy Ballard were absent.
Budget work session was slated to follow the regular meeting.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commission will be held on Monday, June 24 at 9 a.m.
2 x 1.5 7-13 Classified prepay discount
