Ray County Commissioner's Meeting 4/8

The county commission addressed several infrastructure and administrative issues during the meeting. Public comments highlighted road maintenance challenges, including drainage problems and the ongoing effort to hire and train more heavy equipment operators. Office staff raised significant concerns regarding a proposed ADA bathroom renovation, citing potential asbestos, lead paint, and the need to close the office for over a week. Commissioners acknowledged these were newly raised issues and pledged to investigate. The board discussed raising the Eagleton facility rental fee from $175 to $225, with $50 allocated to the Senior Board. This proposal was tabled pending a formal written agreement outlining maintenance responsibilities. The commission also approved routine bills, plat approvals, and discussed weight limits on aging county bridges. ===== FULL DESCRIPTION ===== # County Commission Meeting Summary ## Opening and Prayer The meeting began with an opening prayer asking for guidance for county officials and workers, safety for their families, and unity in working toward the common good of the county. ## Public Comments ### Road Maintenance in Ray County A citizen raised concerns about a road issue near the Ray County line. Commissioners confirmed the area is in Ray County and discussed challenges with reshaping the road due to water drainage problems. The road foreman is aware of the issue, and they are taking a gradual approach to avoid destabilizing the area during rains. The county is actively hiring road workers, aiming for approximately 12 graders, though they previously had 16 positions. Training new employees while maintaining daily road work remains an ongoing challenge. ### Bathroom Renovation Concerns A county employee raised significant concerns about a long-requested bathroom renovation (originally requested in 2017). The renovation, intended to create an ADA-accessible bathroom, would require: - One to two weeks of construction time - Completely cutting out and moving two walls two feet in each direction - Potential asbestos and lead paint issues (the building was constructed in 1954) - The office being without an upstairs bathroom during construction The employee noted severe allergies to sheetrock dust and health concerns about asbestos exposure. The downstairs bathroom was cited as an inadequate alternative due to leaking and flooding issues. Commissioners acknowledged these were new concerns they had not previously discussed and committed to investigating the asbestos and lead paint issues before proceeding. They agreed to keep the affected employees informed as plans develop. ### Window and Door Updates A representative discussed window replacements and door lock upgrades. Additional windows have been ordered with an expected delivery of three to five business days. Lock selections are still being researched. ## Eagleton Facility Rental Rate Increase The commission considered a request to increase rental rates for the Eagleton facility from $175 to $225, with $50 per rental directed to the Senior Board to help offset maintenance costs for tables, chairs, ice machine, and kitchen equipment. Discussion points included: - The facility rents approximately once per week - Even at $225, the rate remains competitive with similar facilities (VFW charges approximately $325) - Lafayette County facilities charge hourly rates, making Eagleton a bargain for all-day rentals The commission expressed support for the increase and the $50 allocation but requested a written agreement clarifying maintenance responsibilities. Under current understanding: - The county maintains: building structure, walk-in freezer/cooler, HVAC systems - The Senior Board maintains: tables, chairs, kitchen appliances and utensils A motion to table the decision until proper documentation is prepared was approved. The Senior Board representative will work with the clerk's office to develop the agreement. ## County Aid Road Trust Agreement The commission addressed the annual County Aid Road Trust (CART) agreement with Missouri Conservation. Under this agreement, the county places rock on conservation area roads and receives partial reimbursement for the work. The agreement was noted for the record. ## Bridge and Road Issues Commissioners reviewed several bridges requiring attention, including three low-water bridges slated for removal. These bridges have three-ton weight limits, restricting use to cars and pickup trucks. Discussion included: - Bridges located in the Oregon special road district area - Usage patterns showing primarily farm traffic access - Alternative routes available for vehicles currently using these bridges - The distinction between special road districts and county-maintained roads, which can cause confusion for residents Regarding a proposed new bridge project on route 180/84, commissioners discussed consulting MoDOT as a resource for developing qualification requirements for engineering work. ## Administrative Matters ### Bid Announcements The commission confirmed they will begin announcing bid numbers during meetings to improve transparency and reduce the need for follow-up inquiries. ### Capital Improvement Expenses Several capital improvement expenditures related to phase two improvements were reviewed, including paint and supplies for the woodshed facility. ### Vehicle Purchases A brief discussion addressed tax-exempt purchasing procedures for county vehicles, with plans to revisit the topic with the relevant vendor. ### Building Sale Proceeds A question was raised about the disposition of funds from the potential sale of the former Humane Society building. Based on precedent from equipment auctions, proceeds would likely return to the fund from which the original purchase was made. ## Meeting Adjournment A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Prior to adjournment, a reminder was given that video recording must be conducted from the back pew of the commissioner's office, in accordance with state statute 610.020. Transcription: https://kurt-croix.github.io/podstr/transcripts/Ray_County_Commissioner_s_Meeting_4_8-1775673174.srt