June 4, 2020

The Gasconade County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel at the Owensville City Hall beginning with Pledge of Allegiance.

PRIOR MINUTES

Commissioner Jerry Lairmore made a motion to approve prior commission minutes dated May 28, 2020. Commissioner Jim Holland seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote:

Jerry Lairmore (Yes),

Jim Holland (Yes),

Larry Miskel (Yes).

WARRANTS FOR PAYMENT

Commissioner Jerry Lairmore made a motion to approve the following items: warrants for payment 115520 through 115548. Commissioner Jim Holland seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote:

Jerry Lairmore (Yes),

Jim Holland (Yes),

Larry Miskel (Yes).

ROAD CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

Commission met at Drake with road department this morning before coming to Owensville City Hall and reported that discussion to Clerk Lietzow for the official minutes: there was not a lot of other issues to discuss other than routine road maintenance ongoing; Zastrow road is temporarily closed at creek crossing while some reinforcement work is being done; Commissioners’ said any issues they had specifically have already been looked at or taken care of.

Presiding Commissioner Miskel had been asked if anything could be done about the clay hauling dump trucks tearing up Highway J, which is a state highway; Commission has always said the county gravel roads suffer the same damage from these trucks constant hauling. He will talk with legal counsel Ivan Schraeder to ask if there is any recourse for damages.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Commission discussed the opening of the Courthouse to the public as of Monday, June 1, and that it seemed to go fairly well, with adjustments being made as it goes; yesterday and today are the first days that court proceedings will be held under the new guidelines. Presiding Commissioner Miskel credits Sheriff Mark Williams and his department on doing a great job preparing for this event which changes the normal routine of all who work in the building.

Clerk Lietzow mentioned that Tom Rethemeyer called about needing a day or so to finish the work in the large second floor courtroom so she checked with both offices of the courts and most all next week would be available for him to work other than Wednesday; he is putting the columns in place behind the Judges’ bench and putting the witness box in place.

Presiding Commissioner Miskel announced the press release was issued by MRPC announcing the availability of the federal CARES ACT funds for public entities in need; Treasurer Mike Feagan said he has not yet received any requests and Clerk Lietzow said she will work on presenting the county’s bills in proper form to MRPC for approval. She also said the detailed line items for the budget have not been completed but will be soon, including the payment to officers working in this new position at the front door. Anyone who is asking questions about qualifying usage of the funds, is being transferred to Kelly Sink at MRPC.

Treasurer Feagan presented his monthly account balances to Commission and reviewed for them, showing the new funds established with federal dollars; he also mentioned not having received the monthly sales tax report yet showing receipts, but expects it any day.

Commission discussed state budget cuts all divisions are suffering through, particularly University of Missouri, and the impact that is having on Extension; the local office is making adjustments as they deal with the retirement of long‑time employee Virginia Buschmeyer at the end of May.

Before closing, Commission ask Clerk Lietzow how the election went on Tuesday; she said there was an 18 percent turnout, which is very low. She said all precautionary measures were in place to protect the workers and to protect the voters using social distancing and all the supplies and equipment to keep the areas clean throughout the day; she thanked the news media for visiting the polling places to show the effort being made.

REPORT OF FEES

Commission reviewed monthly reports of fees from Lesa Lietzow, County Clerk for the month of May 2020 in the amount of $9 and from Sheriff Mark Williams for the same month in the amount of $1,140.10 civil fee fund and $230.00 DSSSF.

ADJOURN

Commissioner Jerry Lairmore made a motion to adjourn commission until June 11, 2020. Commissioner Jim Holland seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned.