On Monday, Sept. 23, Greenwood County Commissioners heard from County Fire Chief Glen Collinge, who discussed a fire training facility currently in the works. Collinge explained that Eureka City Fire acquired some grant funding to build a training facility. Eureka City Fire Chief Luke Westerman approached Collinge, inquiring if the county would like to be involved. Collinge noted the benefit of such a training structure and presented bids to aid in the project by covering the expenese of the needed 40foot by 60-foot cement pad. Bids from two companies were presented, one featuring rebar in cement work and the other one using wire. Further explanation of the multi-tiered shipping container structure was provided to commissioners. Road and Bridge offered to aid through provision of setting up the containers with a track hoe, flattening the pad and bringing in fill rock. It was noted by Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson that the $18,000 from the grant had covered the purchase of containers and would also be utilized for metal to frame windows and other needed items to make it functional.
As it was noted this would offer beneficial trainings for Greenwood County firefighters, it was noted this would also benefit neighboring counties as well. Vinson further conveyed that insurance premiums are set based on ISO ratings. He added that the more boxes local fire departments check, the lower this is. So, Vinson noted this structure would also be beneficial to the county as insurance premiums should decreased after the next assessment is completed in approximately two years. After support was voiced towards the company which submitted a bid featuring use of rebar over wire mesh, the quote from Ramsey Concrete was approved at $20,400.
Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey presented commissioners with a bid for purchase of a new freezer for vaccines. She explained that the State of Kansas recommends that units be ten years old or less and their freezer is over this. A bid of $1,899.45 was presented. Lindsey further explained that the department is waiting on the state who has to approve the unit and also shared hope that they will cover half of the purchase price. Commissioners approved the freezer purchase pending the receipt of support from the state.
During his regular report of operations, Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood shared he had heard that Emporia might begin charging the county for hauling recycling up there. After mentioning that this could be seen in the future, Greenwood explained that recycled material is taken to Lawrence from Emporia. It was then noted the county could weigh the cost, should this happen, and see if it would be more advantageous to haul materials directly to Lawrence. This item may be considered further in the future, should a charge be applied. Employee verification was sought for hiring Marvin Patchet at $16 an hour full-time for Road and Bridge. Approval was received from commissioners. When questions were posed about department staffing, Greenwood noted they are getting closer to being fully staffed, but it is possible that some individuals on staff could be looking towards retirement in the future. In regards to the CAT grader that was down last week, Greenwood noted he was still awaiting figures as to the machine’s worth as it sits and the cost of repair. In regards to the ongoing signage project, Greenwood shared that the company performing this is on their second week of work. A week off of the project is on the horizon, but Greenwood added the crew is progressing well.
Petition for road closure of 230th Street near the W7 water source was presented to commissioners. Emergency Management Director Vinson explained that it was previously believed this was not for open access, but through mapping research, it was found to be open. Vinson told commissioners this was one of the sites on the map which needed clarification for records as the Register of Deeds office has no documentation of closure. It was shared during discussion that the section of road in question lies entirely on private land. In keeping with proceedings, the commission will hold a viewing on Oct. 7 following their regular meeting.
Mileage rate was briefly discussed. Commissioners approved matching the IRS rate of 67 cents per mile for use of personally owned vehicle for county business. This was approved with note that it is still recommended staff utilize a county vehicle rather than personal.
An executive session was requested by Greenwood, with commissioners, legal counsel and Vinson, for discussion of personnel for 10 minutes. No action followed. An additional 5-minutes for employee performance with Greenwood and Vinson was held. No action was taken.
A Legal executive session was requested by Greenwood for 10 minutes. No action followed.
An executive session was requested by Lindsey for 10 minutes for discussion of personnel. County Clerk Deann McCaffree also remained for discussion. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Special payables in the amount of $89.74 for an Atmos bill was approved.
The minutes for Sept. 9 and 16 were approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m.
