In his regular report on Monday, Sept. 16, Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood told Greenwood County Commissioners that another CAT grader had went down. He noted that the grader had been close to reaching the hours for needed service. Road and Bridge is currently weighing options and looking at the cost of the long list of needs for repair. In plans for road surfacing which were slated to begin late last week, Greenwood reported that the oiler had quit. Last Thursday, a repair company came out and determined multiple items had gone bad including an issue with the switch assembly. Repair was scheduled for Tuesday of this week and the machine was expected back quickly. In regards to Short’s Bridge, Greenwood stated that a written update had been provided to commissioners from Contracted Engineer Michael Maris. The signage project, which Greenwood County received a grant for, was expected to begin on Monday. Greenwood reported that he had visited with a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contact and they will hold a Zoom meeting next week on needs for moving forward on the flood event from April. Pay increase of $1 an hour for Road and Bridge staff member Timothy Dimick was presented.
It was shared that T. Dimick had completed Household Hazardous Waste training and having this certification will create savings for the county. Commissioners approved the increase bringing his pay to $16 an hour.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau reported on future expenses to be anticipated. Mongeau told commissioners that a defibrillator monitor had to be sent in for repair and estimated cost for this would be roughly $2,800 as the unit is no longer under warranty.
A 2013 ambulance is currently in the shop being repaired for rear-end issues relating to bearings. In regards to the remount scheduled, Mongeau noted that Osage Ambulances should be in the production stage. The county is awaiting word that the box has been removed from the chassis.
County resident Jamie Lindamood was present as a concerned citizen in regards to recent meeting coverage pertaining to Eureka Downs and the Greenwood County Community Center (GCCC) committee. Lindamood commented that when all parties got together and formed the GCCC, use of the Downs and continuation of the Greenwood County Fair were in mind. She explained that, the Fair Board (Greenwood County Fair Association (GCFA), who now holds the title) doesn’t know what the future holds, with racing and noted the importance of all parties remaining involved until more is known. Lindamood noted that in recent meetings, the GCFA had discussed potential cost savings measures to reduce dollars spent over the winter months and they had made it clear that the roof was a priority.
Commissioner Mac Obourn explained that what had got to commissioners, was the City of Eureka bringing a list of needed repairs before them and that the people who own the building were not wanting to put money towards the structure.
After clarifying that the GCFA, as well as the 4-H Foundation, doesn’t have money, Lindamood noted that, according to the agreement Greenwood County and the City of Eureka were splitting costs. The GCCC committee talked to Evergy about winterizing the building to see if it would be feasible to shut off some power to reduce cost. Lindamood noted that potential savings were being looked into. She then asked that commissioners wait until some of the unknowns are answered.
After commissioners voiced frustration to the receipt of information from various sources that differed, Lindamood noted her understanding. In regards to the horse races, Lindamood commented that she is for whatever is going to bring prosperity to the community, but her priority is for the building and the fairgrounds “and having something for our kids.” She noted that children in Greenwood County were the reason she has been attending the meetings.
When the subject of constructing a building for the fair was noted, Lindamood shared that this had been looked at a couple of years ago and the estimate was over $2 million. As discussion continued, Ballard noted he didn’t want to see them start working and putting money in the structure just for racing to come in and both parties be out the dollars they had invested. After agreeing, Lindamood stated that, “From the mouths of the fair board, they say that the building and the community is their priority and that they are either going to work with us or, then, it just isn’t going to happen.” Lindamood continued by noting that all parties needed to be on the same team and added that she would be all for it benefiting the community should everything work out.
Mayor for the City of Eureka Stephen Coulter, who noted that he felt it was their joint responsibility to pay the utilities until there are answers. He noted that for all intents and purposes, the Eureka Downs was the only community building in Eureka with heating and air conditioning. As he noted the Downs had been highlighted in discussion following the decision to support a local business in efforts to expand, Coulter then shared that he has serious concerns about population and growth. Coulter further commented that they need to figure out ways to grow the community.
Hodge voiced opposition to comments presented in a previous commission meeting, noting that wanting to put money into the dirt first was not the way to go. After expressing that he agreed, Coulter noted that he understood that the dirt would be crucial to holding races. He added that at the last facility meeting, they said the roof was next. Lindamood noted that conversation had included codes and ADA accessability, which are also being looked into to move forward, but was ultimately tabled until more information is made available. Appreciation was voiced by Hodge to Lindamood for her efforts.
Greenwood County Appraiser Shawna Griffits presented a new hire as well as pay rate changes for department employees. Employment was approved for incoming Data Collector Angela Fox at a rate of $14.50 an hour. Commissioner Ben Fox clarified during the time this was presented that this was not a relative. A. Fox was slated to begin working for the county on Wednesday of this week.
Griffits next explained that employees currently serving in her department were going through training, taking tests for certifications. She then requested raises for all three department employees in consideration of where people are being hired in at. Pay increases approved were as follows: Monica Ashdown, Personal Property Appraiser I, to $17.25 from $15.91; Dawn Larcom, Deputy Appraiser who has been working with the department for 25 years, to $21 from $20.16 and Brandi Dimick, Field Appraiser, to $16 an hour from $14.91.
A letter from concerned citizens in Kansas City was read by commissioners Monday morning. It was noted that according to this letter, the steel bridge below Fall River dam is being put into the National Historical Society Book. Commissioners commented that if this were accurate, it was good news.
Commissioner B. Fox, who appeared via Zoom, commented on the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition, which had a representative present during the last council meeting, attending virtually. B. Fox noted that the coalition sounded like it would be worth membership in. Continued research and consideration is being paid towards this.
Appraiser Griffitts was on Monday’s agenda for an executive session pertaining to personnel. No action was taken following the session.
An executive session for discussion of legal matters for 10 minutes was held with only commissioners and Legal Counsel Paul Dean remaining. Following the session, no action was taken.
A 5-minute executive session was requested by B. Fox and held for legal discussion. No decisions followed.
Special payables, Payables, Payroll and the Sept. 9 meeting minutes were approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m.
