Rural property owner Shilo Fury returned to the Greenwood County Commission meeting on Monday, July 8 to revisit discussion in regards to the Greenwood/Elk County line road along his property. After noting that a neighboring property owner was still looking to get the bridge in this area repaired and had contacted the state on the matter, Fury asked that the county mark the end of the open road so he can look to move his fence back. Fury also requested that trees be removed from the right-of-way. Fury was told that the portion of the road in Greenwood County is a township road. When he was notified that the township would have to be contacted in regards to the proposed tree removal, Fury noted he had been told by Elk County that this was turned over by the township to Greenwood County. It was soon reiterated in discussion that this is a township road. Greenwood County Counselor Paul Dean offered a possible resolution, suggesting reduction of the road width to 40 feet, which he noted is the minimum for county roads. When this was purposed, Fury noted that he was unsure if this would alleviate the fence needing to be removed, as it could be close. He later noted if the county were going to reduce the road to 40 feet, he would leave the fence and if not, he would remove it along the open roadway. Commissioners are to consider this further with Dean. Fury asked that they notify him of the determination. Dean, appearing by Zoom, noted he thought they needed to coordinate with Elk County as they consider the issue.
Following a request from the county, contracted Engineer Michael Maris drafted plans for improving conditions of the crossing located on 60th Street, which was presented to commissioners by Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood. Maris shared with Greenwood that regardless what was done to the site, this was going to experience flooding issues. Greenwood noted that he has been in touch with the township through the process and once a decision is made in regards to the crossing, the county was asked to notify them when work has been completed/ the determination has been made. As the conversation unfolded, it was noted that this is a minimum maintenance township road. It was also shared that there is a road .5 mile down which could be utilized. Another option noted was the township rerouting the road.
Following discussion, commissioners expressed willingness to help the township with future maintenance cleaning out the bridge, should this be needed. Plans for further action by the county to the site were not conveyed. Greenwood shared that he was slated to meet with Maris Wednesday in regards to a bridge on K Road near Piedmont. Commissioner Preston Evenson reported receiving notice of an issue along a township road and county bridge where debris backup is being caused on a neighboring property owner’s side of the waterway. Evenson shared that this is impacting the water flow and the road and is located near Triple 7 Ranch. Road and Bridge was asked to notify the property owner that the county is going to clean this out as it is affecting the road.
Road and Bridge is waiting to hear back in regards to the potential trailer purchase and also looking to contact another seller. Commissioner Roy Ballard requested that Greenwood look at 375 Street and X Road as the culvert experiences issues getting plugged and needs addressed.
Noxious Weed Director Jennifer West presented quotes from Fairbanks for spray equipment.
West reported that they are looking to do a rebuild which will include new hoses. She noted that they have had the existing unit since 2008. A second quote was presented for a new skid for the back of the Chevy. The issue of inflated cost was noted as commissioners reviewed figures. This item is to be checked into further and revisited. Discussion was also had in reference to having work completed internally/locally.
Eureka City Administrator Joel Laws offered a reminder that the small business meeting, open for businesses county-wide, would be held at Eureka Downs on the Thursday, July 11, doors open at 5 p.m. and the event will begin at 6 p.m.
An executive session for five minutes for legal discussion was requested by Commissioner Ben Fox to also include Greenwood. Following the session, no decisions were made.
A legal executive session for five minutes was held with Dean. No decisions were made following the session.
Payroll in the amount of $157,244.10 was approved.
Special payables in the amount of $11,933.73 were approved.
Payables in the amount of $173,331.02 were approved.
Minutes of the June 24 and July 1 meetings were approved.
Before adjourning, a budget session was announced to follow the regular meeting.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, July 15 at 9 a.m.
