The Greenwood County Commissioners held two routine meetings during the last week. They first met on Tuesday, Feb. 17, due to the courthouse being closed on Presidents’ Day. Their second routine business meeting was held on Monday of this week, where they approved a lease agreement for a grader, approved employment verifications and discussed routine business.
During the Feb. 23 meeting, Greenwood County Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood presented a lease agreement with CAT, as a transmission went out of one of the graders recently. The county currently leases two graders from CAT and adding the third would increase their annual commitment to $150,000/year (total for the lease of three graders). It was mentioned that replacing the transmission would be $54,000. The 2014 unit is near 8,000 miles and would be due for a service in the near future, which was quoted at $25,000. Greenwood shared that CAT would give $40,000 as a trade-in for the unit if the commission went forward with the agreement. Commissioner Roy Ballard noted that with leased equipment, “the responsibility is on them, which is nice,” however, wanted to compare figures of owning vs. leasing equipment to ensure it was practical. “I know in reality it may be cheaper if we own it,” stated Ballard. “But, that doesn’t mean it is better.” After discussion, the commission approved the agreement. Ballard also noted that he believed several roads could be maintained four-five times per year, which would free up crews to work on other projects, including tree work.
Commission Chair Preston Evenson suggested Greenwood work on getting a tree crew together and also suggested a brochure be created to note the proper steps of building procedures in Greenwood County (i.e., acquiring building permits, sanitation requirements, etc.)
County Appraiser Shawna Griffitts presented an employee verification for McKenzi Butler, who transferred from the Clerk’s office at the same rate she was making ($17.86/ hour). Butler will serve as an Appraiser Clerk. The commission approved the transfer.
Joy Howell requested funds from the county to assist in hosting the 39th year of field trials, in Greenwood County. Howell noted that last year, the commission donated $1,200 to assist with the event. However, Howell stated that due to wear, the banner will also need to be repaired or replaced and that will be an added fee. She also noted the difficulty of asking local businesses for donations, as they are facing hard times as well. Howell shared that Greenwood County is gaining a fourth field trial event as the French Britneys will be holding a trial in April, from the 13th to the 18th. A special dog show event is slated for Tuesday, April 14, at Memorial Hall in Eureka. The show is slated to begin at 11 a.m. and the public is invited to attend. Greenwood County also hosts the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA) Nationals, Gordon Setters and Britneys. The commission approved donating $2,200 to the cause.
Howell also asked the commission to view the bridge at 110th Street and Q Road. It was noted that the road is a township road; however, Greenwood planned to visit the bridge later in the week.
Greenwood County Sheriff Heath Samuels shared that he has hired Aiden Miller as a part-time deputy, beginning at $19.57/hour. He will fill one of the two positions currently open. Deputy Miller will be attending the basic training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center later this spring. Sheriff Samuels also shared that he is looking at purchasing new vehicles in the coming months.
The Feb. 17 meeting minutes and special payables for Feb. 23, totaling $4,216.77, were approved as presented.
The treasurer’s report was reviewed.
Feb. 17 Meeting
Road and Bridge Administrative Assistant Kassie Lazar presented two employment verifications, which were both approved as presented. Shad Blackman was hired as a CDL driver at $19.50/hour and Devin Harris was hired as a Noxious Weed Technician at $16.92/hour.
Discussion was held regarding a transmission going out on one of the graders. Lazar shared that Supervisor Greenwood would have additional details regarding a potential lease agreement at the Feb. 23 meeting.
The commissioners signed a 95/5% cost split KDOT agreement for the 100th and U Road bridge, noting the county was to pay the preliminary engineering costs.
Greenwood County Appraiser Griffitts presented a building permit on P Road for signature, which was signed by Commissioner Judd Everitt.
Discussion of the bridge located at 195th and B Road was also discussed, with it being noted that after review, it was decided to not do the approach and to only do a full cap.
The commission approved the special payable for Feb. 17, for $8,313.37; regular payables for Feb. 20, for $433,323.94; regular payroll for Feb. 20, in the amount of $155,872.79; and the Feb. 9 meeting minutes, as presented.
In new business, Karen Simon, Administrative Assistant with the City of Eureka, asked the commission to sign a letter of support for a Rural Champion Grant. The city is looking to apply for the grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing. The grant would assist in hiring a parttime employee at $20/hour, as well as provide $25,000 for housing. She also shared information on a nationwide T-Mobile’s Hometown grant the city is looking at to rewire Memorial Hall. The no-match grant is a $50,000 statewide grant for historic buildings. The commission signed both letters of support.
It was mentioned that the Severy Fire Truck was back in service.
Treasurer Stacy Pearse noted she has hired Taylor Campos at $16/hour for Driver’s License. Current employee, Staci Crumrine, will move to the treasurer’s side.
A 15-minute executive session was held with County Counselor Paul Dean regarding a personnel complaint. No action was taking.
Next Meeting
The next meeting for the Greenwood County Commission is slated for Monday, March 2, at 9 a.m.
