The Jewell County Commissioners met Nov. 16 with Commissioners Mark Fleming, Steve Greene and Keith Roe were present. Also attending was Carla J. Waugh, county clerk.

Joel Elkins, general superintendent, discussed maintenance. He had for approval a new hire for a truck driver position which was approved. Elkins had a right of way agreement for Mitchell County Rural Water District No. 3. The commissioners granted permission to construct and operate a water line across the public road right of way at I Road and 130 Road.

Shannon Meier, ambulance director, reviewed the billing report and activity report for October 2020. Bids were received for the new ambulance bay (36x72) connecting the current building from B&M Construction, Morton Building Inc.,and KV Construction. Financing for the new bays to house the ambulances was discussed. The bid from B&M Construction in the amount of $177,174 for the ambulance bay connecting to the current building passed unanimously.

Kevin Peroutek said he, Shannon Meier, and Nancy Marihugh discussed moving the EOC and the emergency management office to the EMS building. The commissioners agreed to the move of emergency management office and EOC to the EMS building.

Peroutek, noxious weed director, emergency preparedness director and 911 coordinator, said the SPARK grant expenditures are progressing. He is working on the MOU agreements.

Nancy Marihugh, health director, said Jewell County had nine new positive COVID-19 cases in the prior week, and two health department employees in quarantine. She discussed the school district’s policy for increased cases affecting the school district.

Brenda Eakins, county treasurer, reported because of COVID-19, Jewell County treasurer’s office will only process driver’s license renewals for applicants who are Jewell County residents.