The Road and Bridge report was given by Superintendent John Schouten during the November 27 Greenwood County Commission meeting. Schouten reported that he was looking to scrap materials at the landfill at a rate of $125 per ton. The company will come locally at this dollar figure. Commissioners voted to proceed. Schouten shared that crew members were working on 90th Street and K Road to improve conditions and were also continuing snow removal efforts. He noted that over the weekend, asphalt county roads had been addressed.
Commissioner Ben Fox told EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau that he was contacted by the Greenwood County Hospital and asked if a couple of additional nurses from the hospital interested in aiding with transfer would be able to observe EMS. Mongeau 2x6=$87 told Fox he would be fine with that.
Mongeau brought an issue to commissioners regarding Granite phone service. EMS/Ambulance station had opted to utilize an alternate provider while Granite was working on setting up service for other county departments. Mongeau noted that though this was months ago, EMS had received a bill in the amount of $181.65 with service showing zero calls for the billing cycle. At this time, it was noted that officials would look to hold an executive session for this matter.
Later in meeting proceedings, an executive session for legal consultation for the duration of 5-minutes was held. Following the session, Mongeau was asked to share how much Granite was being paid per month and relay this for Legal Counsel Paul Dean. Commissioners commented that for now, Mongeau would have to pay this and Dean would look to resolve the issue in regards to early termination. Sheriff Heath Samuels shared that the Sheriff’s Office has been experiencing issues with the provider for three weeks and specifically noted problems with faxing. Samuels was asked to provide correspondence with the company to Dean as he works to reach a resolution with Granite.
Mongeau reported that the ambulance, that had a new engine put in, is now back in service. No issues have been experienced. A second ambulance unit was discussed. Mongeau noted that this truck previously had a sensor repaired, had seemed to be working well, but started throwing a check engine light. He noted that the vehicle has not experienced issues with stalling, but he was working to get this on the schedule with Auto Correct of Eureka. Mongeau discussed having the truck deleted in the future. The estimate received for this included a lower cost if the PCM is not replaced and a bid of $4,200 if they do have to replace it. It was shared that the truck is a 2013. Deleting the vehicle will be considered further at a later date.
Clerk Kathy Robison shared that three individuals had tied in the recent election for the position on Fall River City Council. A drawing was then held, with commissioner Roy Ballard pulling the name of Ronald Billings. Robison noted that Billings would be contacted and if he were not interested in holding the position, it would go to the council for appointment.
Official approval was voted on by commissioners for the previously held election canvass.
Consideration of the employee handbook, in particular pertaining to the outlined holiday work schedule for Road and Bridge was briefly discussed. Commissioners will review the handbook for potential modification. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson noted that the county needs to be attentive to the schedule shared with the public in regards to closure.
Clerk Robison shared that Commissioner Mac Obourn would be attending KWork and presented a document for signature that would reflect that he will serve as delegate, representing Greenwood County.
Rural Opportunity Program was presented to commissioners by Robison. She noted that this is an annual item which is available for students to apply for. This is a funding program for repayment of college student loans. Stipulations apply as individuals must reside in Greenwood County for a given duration to qualify. Robison shared that there is currently one person in the program. Commissioners approved this for renewal.
A 10-minute executive session was held with Road and Bridge Superintendent Schouten remaining for discussion concerning personnel/legal consultation. No action was taken following the session.
Special payables in the amount of $4,995.84 were approved.
Payables in the amount of $164,336.51 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $139,805.26 was approved. The year-end dinner for county staff was brought to the floor. Clerk Robison noted that the search for bids had been sent out for the meal. The annual dinner will be held at Memorial Hall.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, December 4 at 9 a.m.
