Following the Road and Bridge report on Monday, Aug. 12, commissioners approved moving the Noxious Weed Department operations under the Road and Bridge Department. Jennifer Watts, who has been serving as Noxious Weed Director, was moved from salary to an hourly wage at the same pay rate.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau advised commissioners that the truck slated to go to Osage Ambulances in Missouri for remounting soon had failed Sunday night while responding to a call.
After describing issues with the emergency unit, including production of smoke, Mongeau shared that crew members had grabbed a different truck to respond as well as requested mutual aid.
Both the mutual aid and the local unit arrived at the same time. Multiple issues with the vehicle, including an injector being out, were identified. Mongeau reported that in order to make the repair, the cab would have to be taken off.
If commissioners were in favor, Mongeau suggested the following course of action: Having Road and Bridge tow the ambulance to Osage Ambulances for the remount and, once the box has been remounted on a new truck, the old chassis and engine will be transported for repair to John North Ford.
Following the receipt of support of commissioners, arrangements were to be made.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood was present to provide a department report. Greenwood told commissioners that the skid steer is fine. After discussing the issue with a contact, Greenwood noted it was determined that the head was never calibrated. The needed application was obtained and the department has now calibrated this.
Greenwood then shared that the wrong teeth had been received when the unit was purchased.
Diamond cut teeth were needed for cutting trees.
The department is looking into getting the needed teeth. In discussion, it was noted that salesman had sold the unit with the wrong teeth, knowing what the county was looking to use the equipment for.
This purchase was also noted as being facilitated by a previous Road and Bridge Supervisor.
Greenwood will be looking to see what can be done.
It was shared that the contractors for the Short Bridge project are talking about moving work back to begin in mid-September.
Greenwood reported final measurements were taken last Friday for the chip spreader and he is looking to purchase oil from a supplier in El Dorado for road work. Greenwood shared that Contracted Engineer Michael Marris will now be communicating with the Corps of Engineers on the county’s behalf in reference to items they have been awaiting a response on. Potential trailer purchase was revisited. Greenwood shared that he had sought recommendations from various entities and expressed that they all spoke in favor of a quarter frame over a full frame unit. Commissioner Preston Evenson asked that Greenwood look at warranty options. Commissioner Roy Ballard voiced opposition, stating that full frame trailers are tougher and more stable and noted it is easier to turn a quarter frame on its side and upset it. Greenwood will be looking further into the item.
Aaron Wertenberger with Twin Valley, a telecommunications service, was present to share information about the company’s broadband services as well as discuss their funding application for development in unserved and underserved areas. Wertenberger explained that Twin Valley had purchased SKT approximately three years ago, and they continue to serve the communities of Severy, Reece and Piedmont. Based out of Clearwater and Clay Center, Twin Valley is a fourth-generation familyowned, Kansas based company. As Wertenberger discussed funding available for broadband development in unserved and underserved areas, southern Greenwood County was noted as their focus as they look to submit an application. Wertenberger told commissioners that they were looking for a letter of support from the county as they apply for funding to serve the area. While bringing more reliable service to the rural area through fixed wireless installation was noted, Twin Valley also expressed interest in creating open dialog with county representatives as they look to submit an application.
Commissioner Evenson recommended that department heads create pay scales, factoring in entry and up, to establish levels of pay. Evenson also asked that each department draft an equipment list with age and level of wear noted.
An executive session was held with Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings for five minutes for discussion of personnel. Following the session, no decisions were made. Brief discussion in regards to work to the heating/cooling system followed.
In regards to road/alley closures petitioned and approved for in Reece, Legal Counsel Paul Dean provided commissioners with the corrected legal for the item. Resolution 24-3, closure of alleys and one street in Reece, was approved, 4-0.
Commissioner Mac Obourn abstained from voting as he is the owner of a piece of property in the area.
An executive session was held with Greenwood for five minutes, with no action being announced following the session.
Payables in the amount of $2,140.08 were approved. The minutes for July 29 regular meeting and Aug.
7 special meeting were approved as written.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m.
