Greenwood County Commissioners began their first meeting of 2024 with reorganization of the board. Approval was received for Commissioner Ben Fox to serve as Chairman and Commissioner Mac Obourn to serve as Vice Chair.
Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson reported that he was contacted in regards to the Salt Springs Township, Vaughn’s Acres area, with questions pertaining to roads. Previously, roads in poor condition in this area were fixed by the county and those voicing concern at that time were told that this would be up to the township to maintain. Continued dispute/confusion was noted by Vinson. To alleviate this, commissioners approved the road map of the area. Roads between 50-42, east of the lake and west of Vaughn’s Acres, are to be maintained by the township. The map was then to be sent to pertinent parties. Road and Bridge Superintendent John Schouten presented an employment verification for a grader operator. After it was noted that the individual has previously worked for the county and a question was made in regards to the proposed starting wage being low at approximately $15.50 an hour, an executive session for non-elected personnel was requested to follow the remainder of Schouten’s report. As he continued, Schouten shared that an employee had reached their 90-day mark. Approval was received for increasing their wage from $15 to $17.05 an hour. Tire bids were provided to commissioners for equipment including graders and trucks.
Bids were provided from 499 Tire and Rock’s 54 Tire. Commissioners approved to proceed with Rock’s 54 Tire for the amount of $33,060. Schouten reported that he had received a quote for a new backhoe. $50,000 for trade in of the cat and $115,930 for the new unit, with the deduction of the trade in factored in, was shared. Schouten noted that the current unit has been experiencing issues with hydraulics for the thumb. This will be revisited at a later date.
An executive session was held for discussion of non-elected personnel for the duration of 10 minutes to afford for legal discussion. After returning to regular session, Commissioners approved hiring Doug Bishop at a starting pay of $16.25 full-time for Road and Bridge.
Lonnie Bosley who owns three lots in the vicinity of Lookout Point Road at Fall River was present Monday morning with his son in regards to an ongoing survey/ property line dispute. They explained that a survey was done recently and issues with this were spurred by the sale of a property. The surveyor noted that all the area is off and suggested that lines be taken to the county to be redrawn. Bosley and his son told commissioners that new owners of a neighboring property are wanting to bulldoze structures on one of his lots. A map of the area/the survey was reviewed as the issue was discussed. At this time, county officials shared that this had also been brought in months ago by the other party. At that time, they had been advised to take the matter to court to be resolved. Legal Counsel Paul Dean noted that basically they were requesting the commission to serve as mediators. Dean noted that if they wish to, commissioners could, but the only way to get the matter resolved, is to sit down with private counsel and either reach a settlement agreement with all neighbors or try to resolve it through court. Dean also noted that commissioners cannot provide legal advice. The two men present noted that none of this was brought up until the survey was recorded by the County. Dean commented that this does not mean the county gave a blessing towards the survey, and noted that lines on it have not been formally approved.
Vinson referenced work being done to develop the emergency exercise schedule for this year and explained that he was wanting to extend this to include the courthouse. He expressed interest in scheduling a half-day for department heads to go over continuity of operations and in the other half of the day, close the courthouse for a security exercise and refresher on use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). No opposition was voiced to this.
When questions were posed in regards to active shooter drills at schools, Vinson noted that the Sheriff’s office has done so in every school in the county the last couple of years. He added that these have been done on Inservice days.
Vinson shared that his application submitted two years ago to the Kansas Incident team was approved.
The first half of payment for EMR instructor (Class in relation to EMS transfers) was presented for payment. Commissioners approved the first half payment for the amount of $3,900 for 12 students.
County Fire Chief Glen Collinge was present to discuss an error made to the County Fire year-end transfer, asking that an amendment be made. Collinge explained that he originally had looked at the wrong figure when planning the transfer and shared that instead, he would like to make a $90,000 truck payment and leave the remaining, approximately $13,000, in cash. Commissioners approved amending the former approved numbers.
Operating issues with the fax machine at the Health Department were noted and briefly discussed.
Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey questioned if money in the equipment reserve could be utilized for the purchase of the department’s new server. Commissioners conveyed that they believed she could proceed with this.
Obourn revisited the subject of the Smart Dollar program. He told fellow commissioners a company representative was willing to join the meeting via Zoom to discuss and afford for questions. This is to be included on the Jan. 29 agenda.
The annual Law Enforcement Agreement with the City of Eureka was approved. A five-minute executive session was requested by Clerk Kathy Robison to afford for legal discussion. Following the session, no decisions were made.
A 10-minute executive session with Lindsey for legal discussion was held. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Annual GAAP pertaining to accounting, Resolution 24-01, was approved. In additional annual items, The Eureka Herald and The Madison News were approved as county papers. In annual presentation and approval of banks, Treasurer Donna Olson shared that Lyon County State Bank was no longer utilized. Commissioners approved remaining with the banks being utilized including: Citizens State Bank, Hamilton; Community National Bank, Home Bank & Trust Co. and Emprise Bank, Eureka; Fall River State Bank – Owned by First Neodesha Bank and State of Kansas MIP (Municipal Investment Pool).
CMB License renewals for Pete’s 53 and Jim & Lila’s were approved for signature.
Payables in the amount of $364,315.80 were approved.
Special Payables in the amount of $3,668.96 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $154,805.06 was approved.
Commissioner Fox appeared via Zoom.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, Jan. 15 at 9 a.m.
Coverage of the final meeting of 2023 can be found elsewhere in this week’s edition.
