Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioner’s meeting include a BNG bridge project, EMS runs, flu shots, and more.
Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC, met with the Board to announce a public hearing for the Riley Co. Family Physicians, scheduled for mid-December. He also informed the Board that steel beams, smaller cranes, and concrete will soon be arriving and being used on-site. Mr. Gillard anticipates the parking lot will be open by late December.
Joel Mason, County Attorney, met with the Board to discuss county business. He informed them that he has been in contact with the incoming County Attorney, Brenda Jordan. The Board requested that Mr. Mason arrange a time for her to come in and meet with them.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, gave the Board a weekly update, noting that last week was short but included road blading and wind rows on the right side of the roads. AB3 was hauled for repairs in an operator’s area. Mr. Shomper also presented a bill from Tiger Mowers with a discrepancy between the recorded amount of $52,709.54 and the bill of $62,163.32. The Board approved paying the $9,453.78 difference, with half coming from the Special Highway fund and the other half from the Noxious Weed fund. Mr. Shomper discussed a project with the Underwoods and presented a BNG bridge project contract for approval. The Board authorized him to sign the contract. He also scheduled December 9th for Blade bids for 2025 equipment purchases. During the meeting, an employee joined to ask the Board questions.
Hank Stellner, a Highway Department employee, met with the Board to request the reinstatement of vacation hours and sick leave from his previous position. He explained that having hours reinstated would allow him to accrue time and use up to a full 40 hours, compared to relying on the sick pool, which only provides enough to maintain insurance. The Board voted to donate 13 hours from the sick pool to Mr. Stellner to help maintain his average. No other decisions were made at this time.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, provided the weekly report to the Board, noting that the EMS Department is at run 904, up from 842 last year. He announced a blood drive on December 27th, with participants receiving a long-sleeve shirt. Mr. Trembath shared that troubleshooting tips from Osage have resolved equipment issues. He also reported necessary repairs for Medic 4, which, while needing repairs, still has two years before an upgrade is considered. Mr. Trembath presented a repair quote from Glavan Ford for $2,968.28. The Board unanimously approved the bid for repairs.
Natalie Muruato, Grow Clay County Director, and other board members met with the Board to address issues raised in the November 25, 2024 minutes. Commissioner Mayo highlighted three concerns: providing false information during the Transient Guest Bed Tax process, failing to follow up on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, and discriminating against a Clay County business while receiving tax funds. The group discussed dissatisfaction with ads and maps, with Mr. Green explaining the decision was financially motivated. Commissioner Mayo proposed seeking bids for advertisements, and the group agreed on contract changes, including more frequent Board visits. A tentative date of late January was set for reviewing changes. Rhonda Carroll, Landfill Director, met with the Board to review the remaining bills and budget for the year. After reviewing the information, the Board determined that Ms. Carroll would have sufficient funds to cover expenses through 2024. Commissioner Carlson requested that Ms. Carroll contact Hess Salvage for the removal of some piles at the Landfill. The Board also discussed personnel issues, but no decisions were made at this time.
