On Monday, October 16, Greenwood County Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey reported at the regular commission meeting that $73,014.07 in grant dollars had been awarded. This will fund a mental health worker. Lindsey shared that the department will be applying for another grant for approximately $5,000. This will go towards the purchase of items such as infant car seats and fire alarms for availability to qualifying individuals.
Francis Chaplin was on Monday morning’s agenda in regards to 60th Street bridge, which has been a subject of discussion by county officials in recent weeks. Chaplin shared that historically the bridge had been pulled, with plans for a low water crossing being shared. Chaplin described issues with water flow at this site and recommended that this portion of road be shut down or the county invest the sum needed to properly address conditions and build a crossing. As the site was discussed, Chaplin stated that he didn’t know why the county would spend that kind of money when there are other points of access and added that closure of this portion of roadway shouldn’t land-lock anyone. When commissioners asked for the Township board’s thoughts, Jason Nichols commented that he was not a fan of road closures. Commissioner Paul Hodge later asked that this be added to Engineer Michael Maris’s list for consideration/review. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson noted that Maris had already viewed this and said that no amount of possible mitigation would resolve the water flow issue. Another area property owner asked that if this road remained open, that fences/gates be allowed as a preventative measure to deter trespassing as this is an issue and they would see that emergency services have access. Commissioners shared that gates could only be put in place if the road was closed. Road closure petition was discussed. Parties present were recommended to seek signatures/approval from all associated property owners.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau reported on trouble with his department’s generator at the station. Mongeau explained that error codes were being experienced. As such, this was being addressed through the individual who they contracted for installation. Mongeau noted that he had instructed this individual to contact the purchase company as it was still under warranty. After telling the individual to do so multiple times, the unit was out of warranty by the time they reached out. Mongeau told commissioners that the company had come out and a trip charge had been issued. As this was under his spending limit, Mongeau noted that this had been paid. He continued, reporting that because work was not done under the warranty as the installer was instructed to do, a bill of $1,841.47 was received. This was approved for payment. As he expressed frustration over the situation, Mongeau conveyed that he would be taking the bill to the installer and will be looking for them to pay a portion of the charge.
Salt Springs Township representative Tina Kastning extended an invitation to commissioners for attending an upcoming township meeting. Kastning told commissioners that she had spoken with Sheriff Heath Samuels and Commissioner Hodge and believed a potential solution had been reached in regards to ongoing issues. Though an official date had not yet been set, Kastning shared that the township’s auditor would be attending the meeting and she then invited commissioners to attend as well. She noted that once the auditor confirmed the meeting date, this would be relayed.
County employee Shawna Griffitts attending the meeting Monday morning seeking funding to purchase goodies to hand out for the annual trunk-or-treat event. It was noted that last year, the county allocated $150 toward this and were asking that this be increased to $200. Commissioners offered personal donations to contribute to this. $150 was approved. A few community members in attendance also offered personal donations towards this.
In his weekly update, Interim Road and Bridge Supervisor John Schouten told commissioners that he has been trying to get oil for the pothole patching machine. Schouten reported that the company was supposed to get back with him in regards to this. Work at the bridge at DD Road and 250th Street was slated to begin this week.
Commissioner Preston Evenson questioned about a site south of Neal where a couple of cattle guards are located. After reporting that one of these was nearly filled in, Evenson asked if the county is responsible for these. Schouten responded, stating that the county has always maintained these. Schouten told commissioners that Road and Bridge had already pulled and reset this and would have to do more to address the issue. Commissioner Hodge suggested that they look into having Chris Hare build a replacement.
Tree trimming and removal was later discussed. The subject of looking into the purchase of a brush saw or clippers for an excavator was noted as something for consideration. The need for communication between the Road and Bridge and Noxious Weed Departments was expressed in regards to trees which are removed/cut so these will be on the list to be sprayed in the spring.
A county resident described issues in the area of Y70 Road with speeding and asked that something be done to support traveling at safer speeds. She shared that a particular individual drives at unsafe speeds and described the vehicle veering off of the road and never slowing down. The concerned individual will be looking to speak with the Sheriff’s Office to see if a deputy or the Sheriff could speak with the individual.
Vinson reported that the Bridge at U Road and 100th Street is still under review through FEMA. Hodge suggested that flat cars be used so that the access point can be reopened. As this was discussed, Vinson commented that FEMA has had this for review for approximately 6 weeks and should be reaching the conclusion of this period soon. In regards to plans should this not be approved through FEMA, Ballard noted that Maris had thought there would be enough overage from work to the Short Bridge to cover county plans for bridge construction. Commissioner Roy Ballard commented that he felt they should wait to see the FEMA determination. Vinson noted that if FEMA elects not to support the project, the county could appeal this. Ballard commented that he didn’t feel they should appeal this; the county would then have it built themselves. Commissioners will look to revisit this at a later date to afford time for FEMA to make a determination.
During meeting proceedings, Evenson noted that he felt building permits should go to the appraiser’s office so that structures are not built over neighboring property lines.
An executive session for the duration of five minutes for legal discussion pertaining to roads was held. Following the session, no action was taken.
A 15-minute executive session for discussion of personnel related to evaluation was held for 15 minutes. Following the session, no action was taken.
Following a five-minute break, commissioners held a 10-minute executive session for personnel evaluation with Schouten remaining. Following the session, no action was taken.
A work session is slated to follow the next meeting in regards to the county road mapping project.
Payables in the amount of $197,399.05 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $133,477.72 was approved.
Minutes of October 2 and October 10 were approved as presented.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 23 at 9 a.m.
