Greenwood County bridges were again the primary discussion during the weekly Greenwood County Commission meeting on Monday, Aug. 4.
Members of the Eureka Township board were present as a discussion was held regarding needed repairs to the 7th Street bridge, with multiple bid options being presented by Ramsey Concrete. To begin the discussion, Commissioner Judd Everitt noted that the actual bridge extended past the current wingwalls, with township members asking if the county would take over repairs of the approach work. The commission noted they were 100% responsible for repairing the hole in the bridge, but the approach to the bridge is the responsibility of townships. “It’s not our responsibility,” stated Commissioner Ron Mast. “We are responsible for the bridge only.” Pam Frakes then read state statute 68-1104 that discussed county and township roads, which noted that counties shall construct, reconstruct and maintain bridges.
At one point, at least three separate discussions were being held during the open meeting. A brief discussion was held regarding the maintenance the township has done to the approaches in recent weeks. As conversation came back to the group as a whole, Commissioner Roy Ballard noted that a cost-share option might be beneficial. He further elaborated that the annual township meeting has not been well attended in recent years, further noting that attendance would be greatly beneficial to the townships and the county. No decisions were made, rather the commission asked Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood to get with Engineer Michael Marris for additional details.
The commission also asked Greenwood to provide a repair list for county bridges to ensure funds are allocated. It was noted that bridges currently on the project list included: 50th and GG, 60th and GG, 7th Street, DD and 360th and Piedmont Bridge. Regarding the Piedmont Bridge, Greenwood shared that although inquiries were made regarding specifications, no bids had been received.
Commissioners heard from Drew Ramsey of Ramsey Concrete regarding the various bridge projects within the county.
Ramsey provided an update on the wood-top bridge dear 360th and DD Road, in Shell Rock Township. It was noted that the county currently shows the road as closed and research needed to be done before a motion was made. Later in the meeting, Levi Vinson, with Greenwood County Emergency Management, shared the road had never officially been closed. He noted that various roadways might be listed incorrectly in the system and needed to be updated for tax purposes. The bid to repair the bridge, for $15,900 was approved, 4-1, with Commissioner Ron Mast voting no.
The commission approved a computer and software purchase request from Appraiser Shawna Griffitts. The bid approved totaled $7,355 and was for the computers, software, set-up and travel time.
Greenwood County Clerk Deann McCaffree stated that the new paperfolding machine was delivered. The $3,816.09 cost will appear on a future payables listing. This will replace the pre-2013 folding machine. A brief discussion was held regarding the prior machine and possibly having a back-up or an extra machine for various departments to utilize.
Commissioner Judd Everitt gave an update on the Senior Center in Eureka. He noted that meals are once again being served at the facility through the South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SCKAAA).
Vinson noted that an incident occurred at Madison City Lake on Saturday, which brought a lot of local and state agencies. Although the outcome wasn’t good, Vinson wanted to give credit to all of the local responders for working together. He noted that crews haven’t always been able to work together but noted that the communication and efforts to work together have improved.
Three executive sessions were held, all for personnel matters (no justification was provided for any of the three sessions). The first was with the commission only; the second was with Greenwood and the third was with Vinson. No decisions were made following any of the sessions.
Commission chair Mac Obourn shared correspondence with fellow members.
The June 28 meeting minutes were approved as presented, along with the following presentation of claims: special payables, $11,077.49; regular payables, $108,508.89; and payroll, $153,132.67.
The meeting adjourned at 10:18 a.m.
Greenwood County Commissioners meet weekly on Mondays at 9 a.m. in the commission meeting room at the Greenwood County Courthouse.
