Greenwood County Commissioners officially selected an individual to fill the position of Road Superintendent on Monday, November 6. Employee John Schouten, who has been serving in the role in an interim capacity, was approved to fill the position. Employee Allen Greenwood will now serve as Road and Bridge Foreman. Commissioners approved the two employments, moving Greenwood’s hourly wage to $20 an hour and Schouten’s to $24. Evaluations will be held in December.
Road and Bridge Superintendent Schouten shared during his regular report that department crews had been working to catch up on roads. A truck was sent to Emporia that was experiencing mechanical issues. Schouten reported that the department had put up signs to close the Short Bridge west of Hamilton. He shared that the requested quote for the cattle guard was ready and would be picked up. The drafting of bid sheets for bridge projects was noted as a need now that the county has interest from more than one contractor.
Commissioner Ben Fox shared that he had received a call in regards to the condition of a crossing/bridge relayed as being located at 220th Street and B Road. Fox was to call and confirm the location to be shared to Road and Bridge.
EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau was present asking County Commissioners if they would be willing to pay for an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) class. Mongeau shared that the sum for the anticipated 18 individuals that expressed interest in taking the course was roughly $11,000, approximately $650 per student. Mongeau noted that this would help increase staff and provide extra individuals for transfers. As he discussed seeking additional interest, Mongeau noted that he would be looking at reaching out to county schools to see if any seniors (18 years of age) would be interested in taking the class. Commissioners agreed that the increase in staff would be worth the investment and approved allocating funds towards the EMR class.
Eureka area resident Diana Eckles was present to request that the alley behind her property be vacated. Register of Deeds Marsha Ramsey reviewed documents pertaining to the area, at the south edge just outside of the Eureka City limits near South Washington Street. Ramsey noted that the section in question is not reflected within plats as an alley. Legal Counsel Paul Dean noted that if this was not a recorded easement, all that needed to be done is change the map. Commissioners echoed this to Eckles and asked Appraiser’s Office employee Shawna Griffitts to contact the mapping company to get this corrected.
Scott Day with Day Insurance was present for policy discussion. Dental coverage was discussed. Current dental provider Delta Dental was weighed to alternate company Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Following this, Commissioners approved to proceed with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. A work session to discuss health insurance was held following the regular meeting.
Commissioners held a 10-minute executive session with Mongeau for legal discussion. Following the session, no action was taken. An additional 10 minutes for the same subject with the same individuals remaining was held. Following the session, no action was taken.
A 15-minute executive session for employee evaluation was held with Clerk Kathy Robison remaining. Following the session, no action was taken.
Commissioners held a 15-minute executive for discussion of personnel evaluation with Schouten and Greenwood remaining. Following the session, no action was taken.
A five-minute executive session for personnel was taken. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Commissioner Paul Hodge reminded that individuals disposing of boxes at recycling bins need to break them down before disposing of them.
Resolution 23-16, a policy regarding outstanding checks, was approved.
Special Payables in the amount of $26,105.46 for credit card payment was approved.
Minutes of the October 30 meeting were approved as written.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, November 13 at 9 a.m.
