On Monday, September 25, Commissioners heard an issue pertaining to Y60 Road near Fall River Lake.
Fall River Lake resident June Bailey questioned where the county was at in regards to the completion of their road mapping project. After commissioners reported that they were waiting on a few final items including hearing back from the Corp of Engineers, Bailey described issues with drainage on the road. She noted that issues had progressively worsened to the point where water had ran into her home twice during the last few months. In addition to noting that the road width is off, Bailey shared that the road should be shifted to the east. She shared that there are Evergy poles along this stretch that might also have to shift, adding that Evergy had previously been contacted in regards to this and the poles could be moved, however this would have to be requested by the county. Interim Road and Bridge Supervisor John Schouten noted that, in regards to the road in question, the county had previously found out that the loop of this road was the county’s to maintain. She noted that people travel the road with boats to access the lake and this stretch continues to shift further over with time. The need for ditching at the site was noted by officials. Bailey proposed the potential for putting in a culvert to aid in preventing water from running back into houses. County representatives discussed working to improve the roadway. Commissioner Roy Ballard told Bailey that though he was not in favor of moving the road, they would be looking to address this. Making the road wider, leveling it out and performing ditch work to address this were shared as potential work for improving conditions. Ballard noted that, though they did not have a specific plan at this time, the county will do something to improve the drainage.
The Road and Bridge report was given by Interim Supervisor John Schouten. Schouten shared that dirt work for the Short bridge project has been completed. After reporting that the bridge located at 250th and AA Road would need to be repaired, Schouten shared that the crossing located at 140th Street south of the Road and Bridge shop was slated to reopen Wednesday. Bids for two pending projects, one at DD Road and 250th Street and the second being Snell crossing were provided to commissioners for review. Commissioners approved Everitt Concrete completing work to both bridges: Snell for $38,500 and DD for $18,900.
In regards to the International truck, Schouten shared that the company had offered the opportunity to try out the machine, however told commissioners that before they looked at doing this, he would like to see the truck first. If they were to try out the machine, Schouten noted that there would be a rental fee assessed if the unit was not purchased.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau provided an update on ambulance 22 that was previously taken to Emporia for repair after once again experiencing issues. Engine replacement was the recommendation. Mongeau noted that he didn’t feel comfortable investing approximately $13,600 into a unit that they plan to remove from service within the next couple of years. When asked numbers, Mongeau shared that there are currently three ambulances in the Eureka station and one at Madison. The estimated start-time for building the new truck is November 2024. Officials discussed completing the work and rotating this truck in for another unit once the new emergency vehicle is received. Repair of ambulance 22 was approved. Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings discussed volunteer work through Jaimie Lindamood and students at Eureka Junior/ Senior High School. After sharing that they were asking to paint the gazebo as a volunteer project, Rawlings presented an estimate for the needed paint for the amount of $365.38. Rawlings confirmed that the gazebo was needing to be painted. Other students will complete additional projects while present. Commissioners approved working with the high school students on painting.
Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey requested that their vacation days follow the same pattern as last November: taking off the 9th for Veterans Day and the 22nd for Thanksgiving. No opposition was voiced to this. Following a 5-minute recess, commissioners held a 10-minute executive session for legal discussion. No action was taken following the session.
Commissioners held a 15-minute executive session for personnel pertaining to evaluation with Schouten in attendance. Following the session, no action was taken. A 5-minute executive session for legal discussion was held at the request of Legal Counsel Paul Dean. Following the session, no action was taken.
Minutes of the September 11 and 18 meetings were approved.
Special payables in the amount of $2,945.50 approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, October 2 at 9 a.m.
