Dec. 19, 2019

The Gasconade County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel at the Courthouse beginning with Pledge of Allegiance. Southern District Commissioner Jim Holland was not in attendance.

PRIOR MINUTES

Commissioner Jerry Lairmore made a motion to approve prior commission minutes dated Dec. 12, 2019.  Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel seconded the motion.  The motion passed by vote: 

Jerry Lairmore (Yes),

Jim Holland (Absent),

Larry Miskel (Yes). 

WARRANTS FOR PAYMENT

Commissioner Jerry Lairmore made a motion to approve the following items: warrants for payment 114860 through 114929. Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: 

Jerry Lairmore (Yes),

Jim Holland (Absent),

Larry Miskel (Yes).

ROAD CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

Road department had submitted the rock tickets to be submitted to Missouri Department of Conservation for reimbursement after the work was done on Bock, Boettcher, Helds Island, Mint Springs, Old Ferry and Tea roads; this will be a revenue item budgeted for in 2020 at $19,957.94 and Commission pointed out this partnership agreement is much appreciated.

Clerk Lietzow was notified that Purple Wave online auction has listed the four road department items for sale with the closing date to bid as Dec. 31.

Commission was notified by Ameren that tree‑trimming efforts will be ongoing along and under their power lines in Gasconade County.

Gasconade County R‑2 School transportation director had expressed concerns with Commission about how slick the county roads are after a snow event like this week, because of the white rock that is used on the roads.  Commission agreed that is true, anywhere the sun does not shine on the roads and they stay shady; it is a problem and why road department has to put down cinders. The alternative of using gravel on the roads, causes other problems such as being too rough all the time, while the white rock seals and makes a more solid road year round.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

In this first open session after last week’s closed session meeting with Kris and Teresa Bayless, Presiding Commissioner Miskel announced that their resignation will be submitted effective  Dec. 31; further, an ad has been placed for hiring a new EMD, with some interest already being shown.  He went on to say that he has been in contact with Ameren UE representative and notified them that during the interim before a new hire is in place, that the three Commissioners’ will be taking the responsibility as required.  When ask by John Buckner, editor of Hermann AC, why they were leaving, Presiding Commissioner Miskel said it was for personal reasons and he did not feel at liberty to discuss details, only the outcome.

Presiding Commissioner Miskel said a recent report published regarding the impact of tourism by Missouri Economic Development showed that tourism in Gasconade County has generated over $21 million passing through and in one form or another affects 564 jobs within the county; for the state of Missouri, every $1 spent creates $168 in return.

This morning before convening session at the Courthouse both Presiding Commissioner Miskel and Southern District Commissioner Jerry Lairmore attended the state of the school event at R-1G in Hermann, where they too struggle with a tight budget, but credit goes to the school board and the administration for turning out good students.

Commission will hold the first budget hearing beginning the process next Thursday at 9 a.m.; Clerk Lietzow said as of today, the final payroll of the year and final payment of bills will be complete.  The only activity remaining open through the end of the year will be revenue coming in.  She commented on the direct deposit method for payroll that is now in place and that bugs are still being worked out; Commissioner Lairmore thanks her and her staff for making this happen and he knows it hasn’t been easy, but is appreciated by many.

ADJOURN

Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel made a motion to adjourn commission until  Dec. 26, 2019.  Commissioner Jerry Lairmore seconded the motion.  The meeting was adjourned.