Commissioners continue to monitor COVID-19
From March 17 to April 26, Phillips County Court House and the event center were closed to the public due to COVID-19. County offices remained operational through that time. Since April 27, County offices reopened to the public but with restrictions including keeping a distance of 6 feet from others and wearing a mask.
Anyone planning to visit the courthouse should call ahead to check for additional requirements.
Last month, the Phillips County Board of County Commissioners met with emergency manager Bob Heldenbrand and long-term recovery director Trisha Herman to discuss COVID-19 efforts.
Herman has been documenting financial needs of the community and filing for COVID relief funds. Heldenbrand continues to engage with all activated emergency support functions as well as local, regional, state and federal partners.
Commissioners also recently met with Darlene Carpio, representative for Sen. Cory Gardner, who discussed the COVID Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
Bids reviewed for tree removal
Commissioners reviewed three bids to remove trees at the courthouse square and Homesteaders Park. JC Renovations & Tree Service bid $11,000; Thompson Tree Service $10,400; and Tree King $10,250.
The board accepted the bid from Tree King to remove trees from the courthouse square for $5,000 and from Homesteaders Park for $5,250.
Roadway occupancy agreements signed
In recent meetings, commissioners signed three roadway occupancy agreements.
Highline Electric Association submitted for underground construction of an electric line across County Road 7 from Sec. 33 to Sec. 34, T8N, R47W and for underground construction of an electric line across County Road 28 from Sec. 34 to Sec. 27, T8N, R47W.
Viaero Fiber Networks submitted for underground construction of a telecommunications system north along County Road 37 from Sec. 7, T7N, R44W, then east along County Road 38, realigning with County Road 37, then continuing north to County Road 40, then east to the existing Viaero Wireless tower site at Sec. 30, T9N, R44W.
Viaero Fiber Networks submitted for underground construction of a fiber optic system from Highway 385 east along County Road 20 to County Road 41 and then north to Highway 6, across County Road 20 to Sec. 17, T7N, R44W.
Sheriff, fair board president report
Sheriff Thom Elliott reported to commissioners that the insurance company will pay for the balance of repairs to the three Phillips County Sheriff’s Office vehicles damaged in a March pursuit, minus the $1,500 deductible. Gordon’s Upholstery & Paint in Paoli will do all repairs as it was the bid the insurance company approved.
Elliott also reported that PCSO has new protocol in place for future vehicle pursuits.
Fair board president Kayla Kafka reported that fair concert and carnival contracts are under legal review. She also asked commissioners for approval to have the fair board run the beer garden for May 29-30 races at Phillips County Raceway.
Other business
In other business at last month’s meetings, commissioners:
— Tentatively set countywide cleanup days for June 3-4.
— Approved applications from Haxtun Hospital District and East Phillips County Hospital District to renew their respective licenses to provide ambulance service in Phillips County.
— Extended vacation carry-over for employees to May 31.
— Met with road and bridge manager Mike Salyards to discuss hiring a new employee but decided not to hire anyone at this time considering the reduction in County revenue due to the government’s directives for closures and stay-at-home orders.
— Approved a step increase to Ed Glennemeier’s salary.
— Had the administration office produce a telecommuting agreement.
— Postponed discussion of the layout of the westside grandstand building until next year.
— Approved a sealed bid sale May 11-12.
— Approved payment to Platinum Technology in the amount of $19,308 to be booked against the county clerk’s Tyler Technology Electronic Recording Technology Board Funds Grant. Labor for installation will be billed separately.