Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood reported to Greenwood County Commissioners on Monday, Sept. 9, during their weekly meeting, that crew members began their trial run of chip sealing with the entrance to Road and Bridge. Greenwood noted that this had allowed them the opportunity to air out any hiccups along the way. They are looking to start work on Q Road beginning at 140th Street on Wednesday of this week.
Work to Short’s Bridge, located at 255th Street and U Road, was delayed and was slated to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Weekly updates will be provided as the project is completed. Greenwood shared that there would be 100 working days and 30 days will be allotted for cleanup after the project is finished.
In regards to the wait on answers from the Corps of Engineers, Greenwood shared that the Baker Bridge project is currently in the last phase of review in Tulsa. In regards to the bridge at U Road and 100th Street, Greenwood noted that environmental assessment was the hold up.
Greenwood told commissioners that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reached out and everything was accepted for the April flooding event.
Grader 31 is currently out of circulation. Greenwood reported that this was on the way to Wichita for assessment/ repair and was experiencing what is believed to be an issue related to wiring going into the ACM. Commissioner Mac Obourn asked that Greenwood look at the bridge on 130th Street west of G Road as the bridge was starting to wash out. Commissioner Paul Hodge questioned if there was any new information in regards to the potential barrel trailer purchase. Greenwood noted he hasn’t done much in researching further during recent weeks as he has been preoccupied with the chip seal project.
Representative with the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) Tracey Barton attended the County Commission meeting via Zoom to discuss potential membership. Barton explained that they serve as a coalition with Kansas counties which monitors the federal government for overreach in regards to property rights.
She shared that they watch and monitor this through the federal register. Barton noted that when needed, the KNRC participate in providing testimony. Two examples of how they provide aid were shared with commissioners. Barton first explained that when the EPA was proposing a rule change that would require costly upgrades to the water filtration system in water plants. Barton explained that several other states had joined with them in submission of a 20-page paper which was submitted as comments.
Representatives of KNRC went to Washington D.C. and worked with Kansas legislators to add verbiage added to a house appropriations bill. Barton noted that this had passed and was now being taken before the senate. The second example of their work provided by Barton was in regards to the Lesser Prairie Chicken. Barton explained that a large portion of their membership is in western Kansas and this has been a prevalent item recently as the bird was added to the Endangered Species list last January.
Barton noted that one of the ways governmental overreach happens is in relation to the Endangered Species Act. When the Lesser Prairie Chicken was marked as endangered, Barton told commissioners that a 4(d) rule was applied.
This includes no spraying weeds, prevents the ability of counties to go in and work on/replace EMS towers and cattle owners have to submit grazing plans. KNRC worked to get a lawsuit standing and it is currently in the courts. As KNRC efforts and policies were discussed, the subject of solar energy arose as well as the Rails to Trails initiative. Barton explained that they provide tools to fight or support it, depending on the county’s stance. The 30 by 30 act, the Biden Administration’s goal to conserve 30% of U.S. land and waters by 2030, was referenced. As this was discussed, Barton noted the need for standing up to ensure the government is following their own rules according to the Act of Congress. The price for annual membership was noted as $5,000 per year and with this comes free access to KNRC meetings.
Later, commissioners continued discussion of energy and solar power.
As solar farms/commercial installation was on the floor, Commissioner Roy Ballard noted solar panels for residential use was fine, but spoke opposed to commercial installation.
This was the general consensus. Potential for zoning limitations was noted as a way to avoid commercial installation.
Commissioner Ben Fox referenced federal subsidies, noting that if the government has to pay entities for them to operate, it shouldn’t be in place.
Ballard then stated, “The government doesn’t have money, It’s our money.”
Ballard continued, “The county doesn’t have money either it’s the people’s money, so we try to do the best we know how with their money, like it would be mine or yours.”
Commissioners approved to renew the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program. This pays up to $1,500 total per year. This is paid out matching in conjunction with the state.
Commissioners approved Resolution 24-09, for student loan repayment.
A five-minute executive session was held with Greenwood for legal discussion. Following the session, no decisions were made.
An executive session was held with Legal Counsel Paul Dean for 15 minutes.
No action was taken following the session.
A five-minute executive session for legal was held with commissioners and Dean. Following the session, no action was taken.
A 10-minute executive session was held with Dean for legal discussion. No action was taken following the session.
Special Payables in the amount of $8,944.63 were approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m.
