The Superior Express -

Jewell County Commissioners Brent Beck, Steve Greene and Keith Roe met Oct. 25.

The following were present for office head meeting: Amanda Davis, register of deeds; Nora Rhoades, Post Rock Extension District director; Nancy Marihugh, health administrator; Brenda Eakins, treasurer; Travis Garst, solid waste director; Chris Petet, custodian; Anna Porter, county appraiser; and Kevin Peroutek, noxious weed director, emergency preparedness director and 911 coordinator. Those absent; Alexandria Carabajal, county attorney; Shannon Meier, ambulance director; Don Jacobs, sheriff; and Joel Elkins, general superintendent.

Anna Porter said the re-inspection of real property is completed. They are currently collecting data on new construction.

Nora Rhoades reported they now have a livestock agent, Blaire Todd.

Kevin Peroutek provided the following reports: EMP – Jewell County received through Homeland Security a light tower that one person can deploy. He said the two Jewell County signs are back in operation with updated messages. Noxious Weed Dept. – Jewell County will be hosting the district meeting on Nov. 18. He is working on the emergency operations plan which is due by Dec. 31, 2021.

Chris Petet reported the boilers are on and running.

Travis Garst said they have had a busy month. The dozer is back from the repair shop. He is working on permits.

Nancy Marihugh said Jewell County has had 73 COVID-19 cases in October thus far. The department provided 168 flu vaccines to date. Nancy said the FDA and CDC approved Moderna and J&J for booster shots for COVID-19. She said the school has had outbreaks and they are collaborating with the school on their modified quarantine protocol. She said they have been overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases, so the Jewell County EMS helped with COVID-19 testing. She has submitted grant applications that were due Oct. 15. The Home Health client cases have decreased because of deaths.

Brenda Eakins said the treasurer’s office will continue to limit the number of people in the office this week as they recover from COVID-19 exposure. They will do all functions but will limit the number of people in the office at a time.

Carla Waugh reported on the general election held Tuesday, Nov. 2. The Election Board Worker training and the election equipment test was scheduled. The post-election audit was be Friday, Nov. 5. She is waiting for levies from other counties to complete the tax checklist and prepare tax statements for printing.

Steve Greene said he attended the Juvenile Detention Center meeting in Junction City.

Brent Beck said he worked with the road department on road concerns.

Keith Roe said he attended the North Central Regional Planning meeting via Zoom. Keith said the commissioners approved to continue the health insurance through BCBS with a 3.6 percent increase for next year.

Travis Garst, solid waste director, reviewed the monthly report for September.

The commissioners reviewed a quote from Mankato Plumbing & Appliance to replace the water cooler on the second floor of the courthouse as they are unable to get parts to repair the current one. Commissioners accepted the quote of $1,152 plus $70 for cleaning and flushing drain.

The contract with Lindburg Vogel Pierce Faris Chartered for audit services for years ending 2021, 2022 and 2023 passed unanimously.

Carla Waugh received a phone call expressing concerns about the sheriff’s department “Speed Trap” on Highway 36 in Mankato. The caller said it is a deterrent for customers to come to Mankato businesses.

Amanda Davis, register of deeds, asked if the commissioners had determined the cost of annual maintenance on the new lawn. She questioned what Chris Petet’s responsibilities are around the courthouse if it is maintenance and custodial or just one. She also reported employees are parking in the handicap space in back parking lot. She asked if the sand can be swept off the back parking lot and lines painted for designated parking spaces.

Rex Boley, USD 107 superintendent, discussed the school nurse and COVID-19 testing. He invited the commissioners to the USD 107 Facility Study Board Meeting.

Don Jacobs, sheriff, provided the October stats. He reported the part-time dispatcher trainee resigned. He requested permission for the deputy to drive the patrol car from Beloit to Hutchinson for KLEC training. The commissioners gave their approval.

Joel Elkins, general superintendent, and Curt Slate, road supervisor, discussed maintenance and personnel.

The commissioners did not meet on Nov. 1.