Greenwood County Commissioners revisited the subject of the county recycling service on Monday, October 23 as members of the public were on the agenda to speak on the issue.
Instructors Shelly Hoyt and Stacy Randle, who are in charge of the recycling program at Eureka USD 389, were present in support of continuation of the service.
Hoyt, who serves as a Special Education teacher and oversees the recycling program at Eureka Junior Senior High School (EJSHS), was first to speak on the subject. She told commissioners that she wished they could see the positivity recycling has for kids at the school. Hoyt explained that leadership skills and respect for the environment are gained through the process.
After sharing that kids love the recycling program, noting that some have discussed parents not recycling and taking what they have learned home, Hoyt stated “God gave us this environment and in our use of it, we need to teach future generations to do just that.” After noting that she knew there was cost associated, Hoyt stated that she didn’t know “how we can put a price tag on the future” and the benefits of recycling. Hoyt concluded by telling commissioners that the program teaches kids respect and the value of recycling, adding that this was important to students and to the future.
Randle, who oversees recycling at Marshall Elementary School, expressed willingness to look into any grant opportunities that may be available.
Letters of support for the recycling program were also submitted by (EJSHS) students.
Commissioner Mac Obourn commented that he felt they should consider the cardboard side of the service, noting that a fair amount of time is allotted to this. It was explained that for other items, people bring this to the facility and for cardboard, the recycle employee drives around to pick this up. Obourn then recommended that they look at a more efficient way to handle cardboard. Commissioner Roy Ballard commented that he is all for recycling, but after noting there is an expense associated, stated that this had to budgeted for and the service requires approximately 1 mill to provide.
Ballard stated that it takes money to operate the program, but if the community is willing to support this financially, he was in support of continuing to provide it. Ballard recommended that commissioners revisit the subject after considering how the service is provided/made available. Commissioners voted to rescind their former decision to conclude recycling 4-1, Ballard voting no as the system needs restructured. Structure of the system will be considered.
During his weekly report, Interim Road and Bridge Supervisor John Schouten told commissioners that several bids had been received for work to Baker’s Bridge. Schouten reported that the cattle guard discussed during the previous meeting was measured and taken to Chris Hare as requested. Schouten reported that he had tried getting in touch with APAC in regards to getting some asphalt and will be reaching out again this week. The compactor is down for cardboard. Schouten shared that a Road and Bridge employee had submitted their two weeks’ notice, adding that he anticipated hiring an individual soon. Crew members were finishing work at 110th Street and G Road on Monday.
Commissioner Paul Hodge questioned about the bridge going into Piedmont. Schouten noted that this has been inspected and needs rip-rap. The 60th Street Bridge was brought to the floor for discussion by Hodge. As conditions and the water flow issue were discussed, it was noted that this was not a good site for a bridge. Consideration of this location will continue.
A special payout in the amount of $50,000 for payment towards work on the roof of the courthouse was approved.
Employment verifications were presented by Sheriff Heath Samuels. Samuels received approval for three individuals; two part-time and one full-time: Meredith Hensley, $14.07 for a full-time jail position; Alexander Hensley, Part-time jail position at $13.32 and Preston Evenson, courthouse security at $13.95 an hour. These were approved with Commissioner Evenson abstaining.
A 10-minute executive session for employee evaluation was requested by Commissioner Ben Fox. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Following a five-minute break, commissioners discussed the vacant Road and Bridge Supervisor position. Two interviews for the position will be held next week. Executive sessions will be held with each candidate during the next meeting.
A work session followed the regular meeting for the ongoing county road mapping project.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commission will be held on Monday, October 30 at 9 a.m. 121 N. Oak, Eureka, KS • 620-583-5575
