All members of the Salt Springs Township board, as well as a township resident, were present at the Greenwood County Commission meeting Tuesday, October 10 to discuss ongoing issues. Resident Della Lind was first to address commissioners, sharing that she has not attended a township meeting since May, but noted that her husband had been attending. Lind reported to commissioners that the climate at the meetings continues to worsen and expressed concerns for safety. Lind also voiced support for moving from a township to a unit. She told county officials that a meeting could not be conducted due to yelling from one of the board members. Legal Counsel Paul Dean advised that yelling was disorderly conduct and a law enforcement issue, adding that the rest of the issues described sounded political in nature and could be addressed at the ballot box.
As the two township members discussed growing hostility from the third member, Dean stated that someone yelling or screaming at a meeting would be disorderly conduct. He recommended that a video be taken and turned into the Sheriff’s Office for disturbing a lawful assembly. As discussion continued, it was noted that the two township members had begun the process of starting a petition to remove the third from their position, however they had elected to stop this as a special election would be necessary and this would come at a cost to the township. Clerk Kathy Robison noted that this would not only come at an expense, there was also no guarantee that the current township representative wouldn’t get voted back in.
Commissioner Roy Ballard directed commentary to all three members, stating that there is never a reason to yell at a meeting. Ballard noted that each individual is responsible for his or her conduct, whether they agreed with the outcome of a decision or not. He stated that once a vote has been made, the subject is done. Ballard told township members that harassment is not acceptable. In regards to earlier statements where members of the township noted that the third member had called a special meeting which the other two are unable to attend, county officials noted that this would not be a meeting as no quorum would be present.
When the third Salt Springs Township Board member was given the floor to speak, county officials and Dean noted that items completed pertaining to the township needed to be brought before the board before action is taken and payment of claims have to be presented for board approval. Resident Greggory Owings was present seeking aid/advise for an issue currently being experienced with his neighbor. As officials heard the issue, Dean recommended that Owings seek legal counsel in regards to the matter.
The Road and Bridge report was presented by Interim Supervisor John Schouten. Schouten presented an employee verification for an operator position, full-time at $15 an hour. Commissioners approved the employment. The final walk through for Tadpole Creek bridge was slated for last week. Schouten reported that the department was finishing installation of guardrail south of Reece. The dump truck was on auction Tuesday morning through Purple Wave. Later in meeting proceedings, Schouten shared that Greenwood County had won the bid for the amount of $77,000 plus seller’s fee. In regards to work slated to begin on the Bechtle bridge, Schouten told commissioners that this was again being postponed as to not disrupt traffic/use of the crossing.
Commissioner Paul Hodge brought the subject of recycling to the floor last Tuesday, noting that he had received a lot of calls on the subject and would like to revisit this. Hodge told fellow commissioners that a lot of people utilize county recycling and it is more of a service to the public than a money-making venture, adding that he would like to see what could be done to continue offering it.
After questions were posed, Schouten told commissioners that the Road and Bridge employee takes the main trailer to Emporia to dump it once per week and other trailers, for Severy and Hamilton, once per month. Cardboard pick up was also included within discussion. After noting that he was not opposed to the program, Commissioner Ballard commented that recycling is a full-time service and an expense to the county. As he referenced cutting the service to aid with expenses, Ballard noted that some people don’t want to lose the program. He added that in regards to budgeting, what is important has to be chosen. After stating that he does not have an issue with maintaining the service, Ballard commented that because of this, it may take time to budget for other things. At this time Hodge referenced equipment purchase requests, noting that county employees come in with requests for new trucks and they proceed with them, adding that this is not really a service to residents. Commissioner Mac Obourn commented that less is received for vehicles with higher mileage. As he continued to comment on the item, Obourn shared that some places charge a fee for recycling. He then explained that Waste Connections has no interest in coming to Greenwood County for recycling. Hodge noted it probably wouldn’t hurt for businesses to pay a fee for cardboard. Greenwood County resident Jason Nichols asked if grants had ever been considered to aid with supporting the service. This was noted as something for future consideration. Local resident Patsy Garner was present to offer thoughts on the matter. She began by commenting that officials often don’t see people until they are against something. Garner then noted that the recent decision to discontinue the service bothered her, adding that more people need to be recycling. She told commissioners that she understands that other places have stopped offering recycling and people need to know there is an expense, but the service is needed. She concluded by stating that she hoped commissioners would find a way to maintain the service. Commissioners are to conduct more research on recycling and revisit the subject at a later date.
Schouten reported that they were slated to pick up the grader later that day in Chanute. He told commissioners that the shop was able to fix it for $60,000. This was originally anticipated for approximately $83,000.
Nichols was present representing Otter Creek Township in regards to the bridge on 60th Street near J Road. Nichols noted that years ago, work had been halted to the crossing due to issues with an area property owner. After sharing that he had been receiving complaints because people cannot get through at the location, Nichols noted that he had looked into the issue and did not believe culverts would be necessary. He estimated that it would take a week to complete needed work to prep the site for concrete. Commissioners told Nichols that they would discuss the matter further and look at putting this out for bid. Ballard later revisited the subject of 60th Street bridge, asking Schouten his thoughts on the matter. Schouten shared that he thought this should have a tin horn or two. Commissioners asked that Schouten sketch plans for the crossing so bids can be sought.
Ballard notified Schouten that the bridge near Blakely Cemetery was needing some attention. Road and Bridge will look at options for patching material.
Robison requested an executive session for discussion of legal matters for the duration of 10-minutes. Following the session, no action was taken.
Robison requested an executive session for discussion of non-elected personnel.
Following the return to open session, the job description of Clerk’s Office employee Douglas Davisson was changed to Election Officer at a rate of $15 an hour.
A 10-minute executive session for legal matters was held. No action was taken following the session.
An executive session for 10 minutes regarding personnel was held with maintenance employee David Knotts. No action was taken following the session.
The City of Eureka sent a letter requesting waiver of the tipping fee for demolition of a house behind City Hall. Commissioners approved to do so.
Special payables in the amount of $11,080.61 was approved.
The Greenwood County Commissioners also met on Monday, October 16. See related article. Their next meeting will be held on Monday, October 23.
