The Saline County Road and Bridge Department has completed all of its work in response to 2019 flood damage.
That's the word from Darren Fishel, department director. Fishel provided the information during his department update to Saline County Commissioners during their regular meeting on Tuesday. In addition to completing the work, all paperwork concerning the flooding has been submitted to FEMA, Fishel said.
Fishel said department personnel have hauled 7,900 tons of rock in the last two months, and responded to seven snow/ice events, according to meeting information provided by Saline County. Fishel told commissioners that the department plans on upgrading a half-mile of Hedberg Road and one mile of Cooley Road to gravel. Additionally, the department plans to re-build Wasserman Way to improve drainage and re-shape the road, he said.
Other county commission business from Tuesday includes the following, according to information provided by the county.
County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes discussed with commissioners upcoming budget preparations.
Commissioners reviewed the expression of interest forms for appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission. A formal resolution re-appointing members and appointing members will come before the commission next week.
Commissioners approved the purchase of new drink and dessert station cabinets for Senior Services for a total of $20,973.28. These cabinets will be made and installed as part of the renovations that are occurring.
Commissioners approved the Noxious Weed Department to make all of its 2020 chemical purchases from Van Diest Supply Company. The Noxious Weed Department purchases chemicals for weed control on county properties and rights-of-way as well as selling chemicals to the public.
Commissioners signed a resolution that declared the times and dates for county commission meetings for the remainder of the year. This resolution was needed because the commission adopted a charter resolution in January that will exempt Saline County from the requirements of the statute requiring them to meet no less than twice each week. The elimination of the second meeting will go into effect next week. This resolution will still allow for the commission chair to cancel a meeting or call a special meeting if it is deemed necessary.
Marilyn Leamer, human resources director, discussed with commissioners the possibility of implementing time-off for recognition of years of service in lieu of the current gifts that are distributed once an employee reaches five, 10, 15, or 20 years of service. Commissioners were supportive of making this change. It is proposed that at five years of service, employees would get four hours of vacation added on their anniversary dates, five hours of vacation on their 10-year anniversary dates, six hours on their 15-year anniversary dates, and eight hours on their 20-year anniversary dates. These would be one-time-only hours added to an employee’s leave bank. More discussions will occur with executive staff on Wednesday before a policy change would be proposed to the commissioners.
Commissioners also met in executive session to discuss a non-elected personnel issue.