Metcalfe County Fiscal Court

Special to the Edmonton Herald-News

 

The first item on the agenda at the May 11 meeting was the opening of bids for annual supplies.  Judge/Executive Harold Stilts opened and read each bid before the court.  Awarding of bids will take place at the next Fiscal Court Meeting on May 25, 2021.

Next on the agenda was the approval of the agreement and resolution for the Roy Grider Road 80/20 Bridge program project.  After a review and a few brief comments from Judge Stilts, the agreement and resolution were put up for motion. Magistrate Smith made the motion and Magistrate Miller seconded it.  After no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

The next item on the agenda was approval of the agreement and resolution for the Discretionary Funds for the Apple Grove Road project.  After the review, Judge Stilts called for a motion to approve the agreement and resolution. The first motion was made by Magistrate Donnie Smith and seconded by Magistrate Ronnie Miller.  With no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

Judge Stilts then introduced the first reading of the Illegal Dump and Littering Control Ordinance. After review and brief discussion,  Magistrate Kenny Scott made the motion to accept the ordinance and Magistrate Kevin Crain seconded the motion. After no further discussion, the motion carried.

Judge Stilts then presented the EMS Week Proclamation for approval.  Judge Stilts read the proclamation and asked for a motion which was made by Magistrate Miller with a second motion by Magistrate Crain and with no further discussion, a unanimous vote carried.

Next on the agenda was the Lease Agreement with the Metcalfe County Public Library to use the old Sheriff’s Office Building for storage for one year while renovating the library. The Judge noted that the library has agreed to pay the utilities for the building along with the liability insurance. After a brief discussion, Judge Stilts asked for a motion to approve the lease agreement.  Motion was made by Magistrate Scott with a second by Magistrate Smith.  A unanimous vote approved the lease.

Judge Stilts then introduced the Budget/Inter-fund Transfers for May 11, 2021, to the court.  After review, Judge Stilts asked for a motion to approve the transfers. The motion was made by Magistrate Miller with a second by Magistrate Scott, and the motion passed.

The claims were then presented to court for approval. After review, Judge Stilts asked for a motion to approve the claims. The motion to approve the claims as presented was made by Magistrate Scott with a second by Magistrate Crain.  With no further discussion, all voted to approve.

In other business, Jailer Randall Shive reported that he has talked to the Adair County Jail and they are not accepting inmates at this time.  He also reported that Hart Count Jail charges $45 per day for inmates. There was also discussion around the room of other jails that might accept inmates along with the possibility of a new regional jail at some point.

Magistrate Smith reported that the Cecil Branstetter Bridge needs replacing, and Judge Stilts stated that he would look at it. Magistrate Miller stated that the Granville Sexton Bridge is out and also needs to be rebuilt.  There was a brief discussion on how best to repair the bridges, but no further action was taken.

Magistrate Smith noted that the Lone Star Church Road Bridge is perpetually stopped up and Judge Stilts stated he would look at it also.

Judge Stilts reported that there are more 80/20 Bridge Repair monies available to apply for before June 30, 2021.

Magistrate Crain reported that he has been contacted by someone on the board of Green River Valley Water District to see if there is CARES funding available to run water and make repairs in the Center area. There was discussion regarding applying for grant funding before using CARE’s money.

Magistrate Miller reported that Road Supervisor Bobby Bunch has approached him and requested a new piece of equipment to clean out creek sand.

Magistrate Crain reported that the new patcher is working well.

Magistrate Scott asked about how many part-time road employees we have hired so far.  Judge Stilts reported that we have hired two so far.