The Superior Express -

The Jewell County Commissioners met Jan. 27. Commissioners, Steve Greene, Mark Fleming and Keith Roe and Carla J Waugh, county clerk were present for the meeting.

The following were present for office head meeting: Shannon Meier, Ambulance director; Travis Garst, solid waste director; Chris Petet, custodian; Amanda Davis, register of deeds; Kevin Peroutek, noxious weed director, emergency preparedness director and 911 coordinator; Nancy Marihugh, health administrator; Anna Porter, county appraiser and Carla J Waugh, county clerk. Those absent: Brenda Eakins, treasurer; Don Jacobs, sheriff and Joel Elkins, general superintendent.

Travis Garst said that his department has had a steady month with normal activity.

Amanda Davis said she received eight applications for the deputy register of deeds position with interviews scheduled for next week.

Anna Porter said she has received ag values for 2020 with increase in both dryland and pasture. She said the property value notices would be out by March 1.

Shannon Meier reported an average month of runs. He said the state inspection was completed this month.

Kevin Peroutek said he plans to attend the Regional Homeland Security meeting. He also has a meeting with the fire chiefs and the pipeline safety meeting. He attended the weed director’s seminar and plans to attend the director’s meeting on Feb. 13. He said he also has quotes to upgrade computers.

Nancy Marihugh said flu shots are still recommended if people have not received one. Nancy reported she attended the chronic disease self-management training. She completed the aid to local government grant report. She discussed legislation for Medicaid expansion. Nancy said they received the “Stop the Bleed” kits and are setting up training for the use of the kits. Nancy said the 2020 Health Fair will be March 19.

Carla Waugh said this week is payroll and requested each department lock and approve time. She said the County Policy Handbook has been updated and approved by the county commissioners and each employee will receive a copy this week with payroll checks-advises.

The commissioners thanked everyone who attended the county appreciation dinner.

Keith Roe said he attended the fence viewing. Keith also attended the 12th Judicial Juvenile Justice Authority meeting.

Steve Greene said he attended the Economic Development meeting, Juvenile Detention Center meeting and the hospital board meeting. He plans to attend the Pawnee Mental Health Board meeting.

Mark Fleming said he attended the fence viewing. He plans to attend the North Central Regional Planning Commission meeting. This concluded office head meeting.

Anna Porter provided information on the agricultural land values for 2020.

The minutes of the Jan. 21, County Commissioners meeting were approved.

Kevin Peroutek, noxious weed director, emergency preparedness director and 911 coordinator; discussed upgrading computers in the emergency management and noxious weed departments. He had pricing for two workstations and a laptop with installation from LockIt Technologies for a total of $1,953.85. Kevin also discussed upgrading the noxious weed software system. He reviewed the quotes from CIC and Star. It was approved to purchase two workstations and laptop from LockIt Technologies and the CIC software for the weed department.

Joel Elkins, general superintendent, discussed maintenance. The commissioners reported road concerns. Mark Fleming reported Bob Watson’s concerns on 280 Road north of Lovewell. Mark said that Doug Warren also reported his concerns about the roads.

Jenny Russell, Jewell County Community Development with Josey Hammer, videographer, interviewed the commissioners about funding that has gone to countywide projects since 2015 along with the benefits to Jewell County. Jenny also said she emailed the 2019 Annual Report for the commissioners’ review. She stated that the State of Kansas has decided to discontinue the ROZ program after 2021.

Doug Warren and Bob Watson discussed the roads. Doug also mentioned that in the summer the roadsides need mowed and he would be interested in mowing.