At a recessed meeting on January 22, county Inventory Control Clerk Charlie Welch updated the Simpson County Board of Supervisors on the courthouse roof repair project, reporting that leaks are still occurring.
He is working with the contractor to determine if the existing leaks are covered within the scope of work agreed upon. The contractor inquired about releasing their bond to have more bonding authority so they can take on other projects. Supervisor Donny Welch suggested holding the final payment until the leaks are investigated. The item was tabled for further consideration.
Welch announced that blinds and new audio visual equipment are being installed in the courthouse also.
The issues with the boiler causing a carbon dioxide leak in the prison have been identified. Welch said the CO2 issue have been corrected and the boiler is still operational. The board agreed to purchase replacement parts for the boiler that will arrive within 60 days.
The board discussed the increase in solid waste fees that had been tabled. The board acknowledged the need for an increase in solid waste fees and are working towards a consensus on an amount. Welch emphasized that the garbage service must be self-sufficient, which necessitates increasing fees. The board tabled the decision until their February 5 meeting.
The board will also conduct interviews for the county administrator position on February 5.
County Engineer Greg Bonds is still in the transition process with Wolverton Engineering concerning LSBP and State-Aid projects. Bonds said he met with the State Aid office and will receive documentation on the projects once Wolverton Engineering is paid for their services. He will then take over as engineer of record for the county.
Road manager Ben Warren updated the board on measures taken during last week’s winter storm to clear road ways and bridges. Warren said the county laid nearly two tons of salt on bridges throughout the county. The crew is anticipating heavy rain this week and will plan accordingly.
Emergency Management Coordinator John Kilpatrick reported that the county received 1,282 emergency calls for the month. He said the fiber installation for the radio console is complete, the equipment is installed, and he anticipates the radio project to be complete by March.
Kilpatrick said he met with the fire districts of Mendenhall, Magee, and Station 7 to redo their district area. He explained that Station 7 will be picking up more homes. The previous boundaries created situations where half of the road was covered by one department and the other half by another. Kilpatrick said there will be no more splitting roads. He gave an example using Dry Creek from Nevil Craft Road to the south will be Magee and everything north of this will be Station 7. This will call for an update to ESN numbers and an updated map. The change will not affect the fire ratings but will affect medical calls due to Station 7 running medical calls.
The board discussed coordinating mapping between the solid waste department, E-911, and the tax assessors’ office. Supervisor Wayne Womack stated that none of the departments are on the same page with how many households are in the county and that the county must focus on getting the garbage billing correct. He said the mapping needs to be correct so the county can know how many households are being serviced.
Kilpatrick said the mapping needs to be centralized and updated every day. He also stressed the need for a legal form when getting a 911 address.
Kilpatrick said, “Everybody has a different map. We need one map that works for everybody.”
The board scheduled a workshop to work with the different departments on creating a central map.
The board approved a 911 addressing policy change under Kilpatrick’s recommendation. Kilpatrick said the county needs to make sure that whoever is requesting the address is on the deed or can show proof of ownership or authority before receiving an address. The board agreed and left the acceptance of proof to Kilpatrick’s discretion.
Covington County Ambulance service reported that there is a paramedic shortage, but it has improved. Grant funds are available for people wanting to go to EMT and paramedic school.
Melinda Green appeared before the board and said Simpson County is “missing out on a lot of grant money.” She reported on a grant program to assist the elderly with home repair and said several applications have already been submitted. She asked the board to consider allowing her to apply for the grants to help the elderly with home repair. The board directed Green to Board Attorney Danny Welch to work out the legal procedures of applying for the grants.
Supervisor Womack returned his county issued truck and will use his personal vehicle. He said he is returning the truck so it can be used by County Fire Coordinator Jason Busby.
The board entered executive session to discuss litigation. journing the meeting.
