On Monday, Oct. 14, Greenwood County Commissioners held a road vacation hearing in regards to 230th Street near the intersection of B Road. Commissioners Preston Evenson and Mac Obourn held a viewing of this road following a previous meeting. Both Evenson and Obourn commented that the road goes nowhere. No issues were voiced with the request to vacate the area of road. After it was noted that this road has had a gate on it, it was explained that the south end was historically closed. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson further explained that it was previously believed the entire section was closed, but this was however not the case. Commissioners voted to proceed with road vacation for 230th Street.
The recent Greenwood County Community Center meeting was reported on. Both Commissioners Paul Hodge and Obourn were in attendance. Obourn commented that a portion of anticipated dollars have been received and a bid for the roof had been obtained. Obourn told fellow commissioners it looked like they were going be repairing the roof.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau provided an update Monday morning. In regards to the old chassis for the ambulance being remounted, Mongeau noted it is back and has been taken to John North Ford as planned.
Vinson reported that an exercise on cyber security had recently been held with local health care institutions including Greenwood County Hospital and Eureka Nursing Center. Vinson noted cyber security should be a focus as this is a prevalent issue. Vinson commented that, in today’s world, a hacking event is more likely to be experienced than a weather crisis. While the exercise was held, Vinson told commissioners he asked the IT professional that was present what was more secure an iPhone or Android and they said iPhone. Cyber security scenarios and planning for the future to better procedures was noted.
Mary Hancock with the Greenwood County Health Department attended the commission meeting seeking commission support through a proclamation for Operation Green Light. Operation Green Light is an initiative which shows support to military veterans by encouraging community members to light their buildings and home exteriors with green bulbs.
Hancock told commissioners that a grant had been received by the Health Department for purchase of green lightbulbs. These will be available, one per household, o communities throughout the county. Designation for Operation Green Light was requested for Nov. 4-11.
Hancock explained that the green light represents hope and well-being. After she noted issues in the past getting volunteers to put flags out at the cemetery, Hancock noted she was hoping to get community support through the initiative. Hancock told commissioners the department expects to receive the bulbs this week.
While present, upcoming vaccination events were shared. Hancock reported that the Greenwood County Health Department was partnering with El Dorado True Care Pharmacy for provision of COVID and RSV shots. A vaccine clinic will be held at the Eureka Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and one will be held at the Madison Sauder Community Center on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Flu vaccines will also be available.
A 5-minute executive session for legal discussion was held by commissioners. Following the session, no action was taken.
A written report from Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood was reviewed by commissioners. Commissioner Obourn noted that some attention had been paid to Reece Road to improve conditions.
Special Payables in the amount of $7,320.98 were approved.
Payables in the amount of $231,909.98 were approved.
Payroll for the amount of $148,688.29 was approved.
Minutes of the Oct. 7 meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer and quarterly reports were reviewed.
Commissioner Roy Ballard was absent from the meeting.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m.
