Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson reported on Monday, July 15, that all Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) pertaining to sirens had been signed by all cities. He will be pinning down the timeline in regards to when the test date for sirens will officially be shifted to the new schedule. Previous plans for shifting siren testing from Monday evenings to Tuesdays at 1 p.m. were shared.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Green-wood provided his weekly report. Contracted Engineer Michael Maris and Greenwood assessed the bridge near Piedmont. Plans for repair are slated to occur following cattle shipment season-work was estimated to begin in approximately three weeks. Greenwood noted he would be consulting Maris for suggestions related to contractors.
Work to the Short bridge is slated to start in September. As estimated working days was requested by Commissioner Preston Evenson, Greenwood is slated to provide him with that number. Commissioner Roy Ballard referenced the box culvert located South of 340th and V Road and noted that he was bringing this to Greenwood’s attention for future assessment. A site near Christian Hills was also noted as a location to assess. Questions were posed in regards to intended work to bridge approaches. Greenwood shared that Ramsey Concrete currently has a busy schedule, but is looking to rotate in crossings that are in highest need.
Discussion was had in regards to a cattle guard in the Pleasant Grove Township. Greenwood noted that this was needing cleaned out, but was in good condition and did not need to be replaced. During discussion it was shared that this is really the township’s responsibility, but Greenwood noted that he is not opposed to providing aid. A new cattleguard for this site was previously ordered, but Greenwood noted that he had attempted to reach out to the company making this, adding that the county would have another location where the guard could be placed or could keep it for future use if needed.
Greenwood reported that he would be meeting with representatives from the City of Eureka in regards to chip seal discussion.
When Ballard inquired about the department’s hydraulic jack hammer, Greenwood noted John Deere didn’t want to mess with it. Ballard suggested that they talk to CAT. During this time, it was noted that the piece of equipment had come from a military surplus sale. Commissioner Ballard asked if the department has much use for it now. Greenwood responded that this would not be anticipated to see a lot of use.
Petition for closure of a road in District 5 near Fall River Lake was on the agenda for discussion. It was shared that the area in question, located in the Salt Springs Township near 32nd Street, is a plotted road and was originally created to serve as cabin access. Access to cabins is however provided by 32nd Street. As such, property owners along the length of road are wanting to close this stretch. A road viewing is slated to be held Monday, Aug. 12 following the regular commission meeting.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau revisited the subject of making the bay at the EMS station in Eureka more climate controlled. One local company recently provided an estimate and an additional company conducted an assessment. Insufficient insulation was noted by both. Mongeau inquired if this were something the commissioners would consider paying out of the county general fund. Commissioners requested an estimated dollar amount be provided before they consider this further.
Future plans for the EMS fleet were discussed. A truck will soon be headed to the plant to begin the remounting process and Mongeau inquired which of the two noted would be preferred, one with a power load system and one without. When asked his thoughts, Mongeau told commissioners that he would like to see the truck which already has the power load system in place done. He noted that the other unit would result in higher cost as it would include the addition of the power load system. Mongeau will be looking to provide commissioners with official estimated numbers when able. In discussion, Mongeau expressed future interest in both of these trucks being remounted. The future of the fleet including truck numbers (the county currently has five trucks) was also briefly discussed. As this subject was on the floor, it was shared that the truck typically stationed in Severy, referenced as reliable, is currently being utilized in Madison.
County security camera systems were brought to the floor for discussion. Commissioner Ben Fox presented a proposal for updating the aging system which would result in cameras being on one server for the entire courthouse facility. He noted that this would be of great benefit. After reporting that this would be cheaper than the last time an update had occurred, Fox reported that the new system would come in at approximately $14,073.50 and would feature 16 terabyte hard drives. This would also afford plenty of room for expansion in regards to camera numbers. It was noted that the county would be looking to utilize dollars from the Department of the Interior towards this. The cost estimate presented also included the purchase of one camera. Commissioners approved spending up to $15,000. Cameras at Road and Bridge were also referenced as this item was discussed. During this time, officials discussed putting in a wired microphone system so that commission could be more clearly heard by those attending via Zoom. The addition of speakers in the courthouse meeting room was also suggested for auditory improvement. This would also remove the need for purchasing batteries for the microphones currently used.
The ongoing road mapping project was discussed. Vinson reported that there are several open roads that have gates across them, some of which do not go anywhere and should probably be closed. He is working to compile a list of these. Vinson noted that there are other roads which are not shown as open, but are. A list is being compiled for this as well. As discussion unfolded, Vinson conveyed that accuracy of the map was priority. He also reported that some expenses should be anticipated with the completion of this project. Printing and lamination of maps being one and the other noted was that road changes require added stop signs at the cost of Road and Bridge.
Representatives from the City of Eureka, Mayor Stephen Coulter and Code Enforcement Officer Steve French, were present Monday morning to discuss waiver of tipping fees for demolition of properties. Two structures, the first located at 405 N. St. Nicholas and the second at 601 N. Plum, were noted for pending demolition. During discussion, it was shared that both properties had been impacted by tornadoes that passed through the city in years past. The current owner of 601 N. Plum had previously removed the roof in intended efforts to rehabilitate the structure, but it has since sat open. As pending demolition and city intentions for revitalizing structures still salvageable were noted, it was shared that people often stop paying taxes on these lots and the city often doesn’t recuperate what they have put towards demolition. Mayor Coulter noted that if these structures were in a condition where they could be saved, the city would be looking towards this. As discussion continued, French noted that most of these properties have utilities that are in good shape and new housing is the ultimate goal. French shared during discussion that, off the top of his head, there are 24 houses which are not salvageable and that the city will look to demolish in the future. He later added that the goal for the current year was removing a total of nine. As housing development was discussed, Coulter referenced a need for bringing those in trade to the community. Efforts by the Eureka Foundation greatly reduces cost for demolition of structures for the City of Eureka. Representatives estimated that cost is reduced from roughly $10,000 to $1,500 per property. When questions were posed if the removal of necessary materials was being completed prior to demolition, French noted that individuals are being sent in beforehand to remove anything needed. Commissioners approved waiving fees for both structures.
During a previous meeting, the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the county was approved. Vinson noted that this also has to be done for Greenwood County Fire District One. This, as is done for the county, is updated every five years. Resolution 24-04 was approved.
A five-minute executive session was requested by Clerk Deann McCafree for personnel. Shortly following the return to open session, transfer of title for election cyber security to Deputy Election Official Douglas Davison was approved. A rate of $1 per hour for the transfer was noted.
A 15-minute executive session was requested by Greenwood to afford for legal discussion. Vinson was requested to be in attendance for discussion. No decisions were made following the session.
Special payables in the amount of $1,517.97 were approved.
Minutes of July 8 meeting were reviewed and approved as written.
Legal Counsel Paul Dean was absent from the meeting.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commission will be held on Monday, July 22 at 9 a.m.
