The Greenwood County Commission held short weekly meetings the last two weeks, where they approved various items.
During their most recent meeting, on Monday, Feb. 24, the commission discussed canceling the annual Township meeting, slated for March 19, due to lack of participation. Kassadie Lazar with Road and Bridge shared that out of the 15 townships only seven individuals had provided RSVPs, as of Monday. With deadline to RSVP being slated for this Thursday, the commission opted to wait to cancel the event in case additional interest is shared. It was noted that if a minimum of 20 RSVPs isn’t received the event will be cancelled with details being shared to the townships via mail.
Greenwood County Fire Chief Glen Collinge presented two bids for approval. The first referenced a truck for Madison that had to be rewired/ changed to 12 volt. The commissioners approved the cost of $2,340.12. The second referenced the tanker they are building for Fall River Lake. Collinge asked the commission to approve to purchase six tires and six rims, totaling $3,190. The purchase was approved.
Commissioner Preston Evenson gave an update on the sewer project, noting that Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings was still gathering tile samples with hopes of matching the current flooring. It was noted that one company had a near match, however had an $8,000 minimum purchase requirement. Discussion was held regarding repairing additional tiles; however, no decisions were made. Evenson then noted that although Rawlings is a salary employee, he would like to see the commission provide Rawlings with comp time for his extra work put in during this project. Evenson shared that Rawlings worked weekends and on President’s Day, as the courthouse was closed, to complete tasks. The commission approved to add four days of comp time to Rawlings.
A 10-minute executive session for legal matters, referencing the Greenwood/ Elk County Road, was held with County Counselor Paul Dean and Sheriff Heath Samuels. No action was taken after returning to open session.
Greenwood County Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson presented the annual Noxious Weed Eradication report. He shared that the report is to assist in validating the state program. The commission approved the report for signature. It was also noted that the Noxious Weed Director position is currently vacant.
Former commissioner Paul Hodge addressed the commission regarding guardrails on Canyon Hill. No action was taken.
Special payables for Feb. 24, totaling $3,069.99, were approved as presented.
Commissioner Mac Obourn referenced an informational letter sent from Greenwood County Rural Water District #2. It was noted that the letter was shared with users last week.
Feb. 18Meeting
The commission held a short meeting on Tuesday, Feb, 18, where they approved several items.
Commissioners heard from Drew Ramsey with Ramsey Concrete LLC, who submitted the lone bid for Baker’s Bridge, located near DD and 125th. Ramsey noted that he submitted two bids as he didn’t feel the first bid, based on specifications provided by the Corp of Engineers, would withstand time and the bridge would need to be replaced again. The first bid totaled $29,400. Ramsey also submitted a second where it was proposed to reduce the width of the approaches to match most other crossings in the county, which will allow for appropriate toe walls to be dug and poured. The cost for the second bid was $34,500. The commission approved the bid for $34,500, and directed Road and Bridge to connect with the engineer as well as the corp before moving forward. During the road and bridge report, it was shared that Dirt Road Sign and Design was working on vinyl decal designs for their unmarked vehicles.
In new business, the commission approved the appointment of Jan Bills as the Eureka Township Clerk, under the recommendation of Trustee David Wyckoff. Bills will be replacing Aiden Miller who is moving out of the township and can no longer serve in this role.
Commissioner Judd Everitt noted that the commission needed to appoint someone to serve on the Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) Board of Trustees. After a brief discussion, GWCH CEO Sandra Dickerson shared that an individual had expressed interest in serving on the board; however, she hoped the commission would afford her time to discuss the position with the board during their monthly meeting on Thursday of this week. Those interested in serving on the board are encouraged to contact Dickerson at 620583-7451.
Commissioner Roy Ballard readdressed the funding request brought forward by Madison City Fire recently. He noted that previously, the commission was in favor of covering the cost of training. However, Commissioner Ballard noted that training is free. The discussion then referenced the county approving (approximately 10 years ago) to spend up to $15,000 to assist with a pumper truck for any city that purchased a pumper unit. The commission approved to give $15,000 to the Madison Fire Department for their Relief Association Funds.
The Feb. 10 meeting minutes were approved as presented.
The commission approved the following: special payables, $8,685.71; payables, $194,345.30; and payroll, $159,170.98.
The next county commission meeting will be held on Monday, March 3 at 7 p.m.
