Courthouse News: Courthouse safety procedures remain in place until May 15

County Commission
Discussion was held regarding courthouse procedures and whether there would be any changes due to the Governor’s recommendations. Jim Ruse stated the courthouse procedures are tied to the Missouri Supreme Court order and orders from the 43rd Circuit judge and associate circuit judge which remain in effect until May 15. At that time it will be determined if changes will be made or whether it will be extended.
David Roll, Emergency Management Director, and Cheryl Alexander, Daviess County Health Director, met with the commission to update them on the COVID-19 pandemic. Cheryl stated the testing sites will remain open, and many businesses will reopen with extra precautions and maintaining 6′ social distancing pursuant to the Governor’s order effective May 4. Senior centers, nursing homes, etc. will remain closed at this time. The commission and the health department highly recommend citizens visit www.ShowmeStrong.com for questions and guidance on the new recommendations.
David Roll updated the commission that the FEMA flood disaster grant will require additional project paperwork to be filed. He also discussed additional EMPG grant funds that will be available later this year.
James Lewis, bridge supervisor, updated the commission on ongoing work. James advised that they are working in Union Township moving dirt on Saber Road this week. Discussion was held as to the short supply of 3” base rock. They are also mowing in Jamesport and Lincoln townships this week.
James reported he had gone to Iowa and looked at a dump truck. He reported it was in good condition and would work for their needs. David Cox made a motion to purchase a 2004 Mack Dump Truck for the Road & Bridge department; Wayne Uthe seconded, and the motion passed, 3-0.
Trudi Burton, Daviess County Historical Society, spoke to the commission by phone in regards to placing an ad in the Daviess-DeKalb-Caldwell Visitors and Newcomer Guide for 2020. David Cox made a motion to continue to place an ad in the Newcomer Guide for 2020; Wayne Uthe seconded, and the motion passed, 3-0.
Ronetta Burton, county clerk, advised the commission that she had received word from Midwest Public Risk that there might be a chance to recoup some losses of sales tax revenue under our Property Loss coverage for the period of March 1 to May 31, 2020. Ronetta also advised that she had been able to secure an $18,000 reduction in our premium for this year by going directly with MPR.
Aaron McVicker, SKW Engineering, spoke to the commission by phone regarding bridge 022007.0 and other projects possibly coming up.
Discussion was held regarding a request to update equipment on a Windstream tower at the intersection of Highway 13 and Midway Avenue. David Cox made a motion to allow the upgrade to the pole location; Wayne Uthe seconded, and the motion passed, 3-0.
Discussion was held on upgrading security equipment at the courthouse. Wayne Uthe made a motion to purchase a camera system for the courthouse and and upgrade the door card system; David Cox seconded, and the motion passed 3-0.
Discussion was held regarding a water issue around the west windows in the jury room on the third floor. The commission inspected the damage and will address it with the outside sealing company when they are onsite later this year.
The meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.
This information is taken from the minutes of the April 29, 2020, meeting of the Daviess County Commission. All commissioners were present.