Courthouse News: Commission decides 232nd Street will remain open

County Commission
Following the Jan. 8 public meeting on the closure of 232nd Street in Washington Township, as reported in last week’s edition, the commission voted to deny the road closure petition. The remonstrance of the road closure was approved; thus, 232nd Street will remain open. The decision was made by unanimous vote of the commissioners.
James Lewis, bridge supervisor, updated the commission on ongoing work. James has been working on bridge inspections with MoDOT, and this will continue through next week. The crew is mowing brush in Jamesport Township and will continue next week.
James met with the FEMA representative last Wednesday to discuss Jump Bridge repairs. He provided the commission with an inventory list of tubes, and the commission discussed which tubes are priority. James said they are working on servicing their equipment this week as well. The commission discussed the time frame for adding an additional crew member with a decision to advertise in February.
Discussion was held on how to proceed with the construction of a new section of Saber Road in Union Township.
The county clerk provided information to the commission on a courthouse grant training taking place in January.
Work on the personnel policy will be moved to next week.
Discussion was held on getting the new lease signed with The Osby Corporation for Daviess County Nursing and Rehab. The county clerk left word for the commission that she has sent several emails to Jennifer but hasn’t received a response yet.
Nathan Woodward, Benton Township, called the commission to discuss additional road levies and cart rock bids.
Jim Ruse read and discussed a letter from SEMA on the results of the review of our jurisdiction’s local emergency operations plan (LEOP) for 2019.
Dalton Youtsey, sheriff’s office, updated the commission that a commotion involving protesters in the Circuit Court had been handled by Daviess County deputies, and that the court room was again secure.
DeKalb County Commissioner Kyle Carroll reported to the commission that he and Jim Ruse have been asked to speak at the MAC conference about the two counties working together in regards to a regional jail. The Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail is the only regional jail in the state.
Tim Baker, Extension, stopped by to take the commissioner’s picture for their annual publication.
Pam McNeel, collector/treasurer, updated the commission on a CD that has matured. She asked them if they expected any large expenditures in the near future. The commission didn’t know of anything coming up soon.
The commission reviewed the Grand River Heating & Cooling estimate on the mini split for the assessor’s office. They decided they need more information from Grand River on exactly how it will work, and more discussion to see if the assessor’s office is the best place to test the technology since it has unique heating and cooling requirements. The issue was continued for two weeks.
The county clerk’s office presented the commission with the assessor’s quarterly reimbursement report for their signature.
Randy Railsback, Green Hills Regional Planning, called the commission to advise them he is rewriting the county’s hazard application. This application is rewritten every five years. The money match obligation of $3,375 is needed from Daviess County. Randy said most counties stick this in their road and bridge fund, in case of damage and a county needs to apply for mitigation. Randy will send an invoice for a 40% down payment.
The commission discussed upcoming events at CCAM and all the invitations they have received. They will continue to discuss which events to attend. The issue was continued until next week.
Wayne Uthe made a motion to approve the purchase and installation of virus software for all of the county computers in the courthouse; David Cox seconded, and the motion passed, 3-0.
Sheriff Deputy Larry Adams left word for the commission that he went to the location where there was a blocked road right-of-way in Sheridan Township. Larry checked the location the next day and reported that the items blocking the right-of-way were gone. The commission will follow up to be sure it remains clear.
The commission left a message with the Missouri Economic Development office to see if Daviess County will qualify for a grant they’re offering.
The commission entered closed session to discuss a legal issue from 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. No decisions were made.
The commission left a message with Aaron Trager to see if there is any update or developments on 215th Street and Unity Avenue in Sheridan Township. The issue was continued until next week.
Dalton Youtsey, Sheriff Department, introduced the new deputy, Jason Melton, to the commission. Deputy Melton started this week and is replacing Caleb Ireland, who left to pursue other endeavors.
In the afternoon the commissioners checked roads, culverts, and brush in Sheridan Township. The commissioners reported there are still four hay bales blocking the right-of-way in Sheridan Township. The issue was continued until next week.
The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
This information is taken from the minutes of the Jan. 15, 2020, meeting of the Daviess County Commission. All commissioners were present. The commission approved last week’s minutes.