The Superior Express -

The Jewell County Commissioners met Dec. 4 with Brent Beck, Keith Roe and Ed Duskie present. Carla Waugh, county clerk, was also present for the meeting.

Shannon Meier, ambulance director, reviewed the monthly activity report and billing report for November. He discussed billing and allowed charges. He also discussed purchasing equipment with memorial funds.

Cindy Becker, health administrator, discussed the Public Health Infrastructure -Workforce Development for Health Departments grant that she applied for and received in the amount of $60,724.73. The grant funds must be expended by Nov. 30, 2027, and it provides for hiring key positions for temporary staff, and training for current staff. She also applied for a $5,000 grant and received it from the Jewell County Community Foundation. She plans to use the funds for the Kan Be Healthy Program. She needs to update the eye equipment for this program.

Eldon Dustan expressed his concerns about the worker’s compensation process using personal leave for doctor’s visits. He would appreciate consideration providing leave when attending doctor’s appointments for worker’s comp claims.

Chris Petet, custodian, said a boiler is down for repairs.

Commissioners approved signing the Freedom Claims Administrative Agreement for 2024.

Joel Elkins, general superintendent, had the bridge inspection agreement with P.E.C. for a total of $64,610.00 (455 per bridge). Commissioners approved signing the agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants to perform the bridge inspection. The commissioners discussed road concerns.

Shannon Rothchild, Nex-Tech, discussed cyber services they provide. Justin Dempsey also discussed network scams and awareness training for the employees. He discussed the end point detection response and data breach threats. They discussed options for protecting Jewell County computer systems. Shannon Rothchild will work with the county clerk to get a total count for a quote. Jesse Roth of Nex-Tech was also present for the discussion.

Commissioners went into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. Regular session resumed with no action taken.