Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ weekly meeting on April 21st included: bridge detour work, PRN hires, training program, You Matter Tour, KDHE violations, and more.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, met with the Board to give the weekly report. Commissioner Mayo had an additional conversation with Mr. Jim Lippert, Lippert Grain, Green, Kansas, about the closed bridge that is to be replaced later in the year. Shomper informed the Board that he has been in contact with two Engineers to get an estimate for a shoefly to be placed at the bridge location north of Green on Utah Rd. They are saying that it will take at least 6 tank cars because the creek is so deep, and if it rains, there will be a lot of water to handle. Along with all of the fill dirt that will be required, they are estimating it to cost $600,000. Shomper stated that his budget does not have the extra funds, and he had not planned for this expense. There is another route that they can cut the detour down to fewer miles on roads that are already rocked. The Board made the request, if possible, to cut the detour miles down to help Mr. Lippert with his concerns of losing business with the fall crops. Dirk Westerman had been in contact with Commissioner Mayo concerning the road south of his residence. Shomper stated that the road south of his residence is Wildlife & Parks’ responsibility, and the County does not want to maintain any of the Wildlife & Parks roads, for this is a huge expense for the taxpayers to take on to fix the roads and bridges that currently have lots of damage to them.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, reported that he has hired a PRN EMT and a PRN Paramedic to help fill in hours that are open. The EMS vehicles passed the annual inspection, and the license with the State has been approved for the yearly renewal. Trembath also informed the Board that the Department has been awarded the KRAF grant for the Zoll monitors’ advanced kits. This will upgrade the 3 Zoll monitors that the Clay County EMS currently have.
Jim Bogart, Deputy Emergency Manager, reported that they will be hosting the National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training Program next week in Clay Center at the ESA location. This training is free of charge and is provided by the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute. Bogart provided two quotes on the new steps, along with a handicap ramp at the entry of the ESA building. After reviewing both quotes, a motion to accept the quote from Bloom Construction, passing unanimously.
Dana Rickley, County Health Director, reported that ‘The You Matter Tour’ will be here in Clay Center on Thursday. This is to raise awareness for students that their parents really do love them.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, reported that the handicap shower project is moving forward. Everything has been removed from the bathroom, and now they are waiting for the concrete drilling for the shower.
Rhonda Carroll, Landfill Director, met with the Board to discuss the KDHE violations. The Board asked Carroll if she had been in contact with the County Attorney on the KDHE violations for the Landfill. Carroll stated that she had provided documentation to the County Attorney on everything that has been corrected and reported to KDHE. The Board asked Carroll to draft a letter to KDHE requesting a hearing with the possibility of an extension on the deadline. Carroll will report back next week with an update on this situation. The Board then reviewed the revenue and expenses for the Landfill with Carroll and instructed her to sell the recycling items that are ready for pickup.
The Board reviewed the employment ad that will be placed to fill the vacant Maintenance Lead Position. This position handles maintenance for all of the County Departments. This will be a full-time position with full benefits. Applications are available in the County Clerk’s Office or on the Clay County website at www.claycountykansas.org.
