February 11, 2021

The Gasconade County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel at the Courthouse beginning with Pledge of Allegiance. Attendance: Commissioner Jerry Lairmore, Absent; Commissioner Jim Holland, Present; Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel, Present.

PRIOR MINUTES

Miskel made a motion to approve prior commission minutes dated 2/4/2021 8:30 AM. Holland seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote:

Jerry Lairmore (Absent),

Jim Holland (Yes),

Larry Miskel (Yes).

WARRANTS FOR PAYMENT ‑ 116683 through 116708

Miskel made a motion to approve the following items:

WARRANTS FOR PAYMENT 116683 through 116708

Holland seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote:

Jerry Lairmore (Absent),

Jim Holland (Yes),

Larry Miskel (Yes).

ROAD CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

Both Holland and Miskel said they were not getting a lot of complaints about the road conditions with snow this week, so it’s obvious the road department is doing a great job getting roads bladed and cinders spread.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Sean McGonigle, representative MAC work comp trust fund, stopped in Commission meeting with an update; he usually stops in twice a year to update Clerk Lietzow on claim status and free trainings they offer to all member departments at no additional cost, particularly focused on road departments and Sheriff’s departments. She reminded Commission that there was no increase in premium for 2021 again; Holland ask if the second injury fund still existed and McGonigle said it does, but is well run now and while every employer has to pay into it, the rate has dropped from 7% down to 6% as of last year, with hopes of it eventually going away altogether. He mentioned that MAC is actively working on the County Commission Association conference where registration has now opened up for online attendance by every Commissioner; there will be documents required to be submitted before training certificates can be issued. He said it is likely that the spring Legislative Conference will not be held, still due to COVID‑19 protocol, but they are hoping to be able to have the fall conference, as it is the 50th anniversary of MAC.

Miskel mentioned that the Hazard Mitigation meeting was held this week via ZOOM, and for any agency not participating and submitting a completed questionnaire, should a disaster occur, they would not be able to receive SEMA or FEMA funds to assist; he said new EMD Clyde Zelch also participated and that he initiated a test call on the RAVE system just to see how it was working. Holland mentioned that ZOOM has been the only method of meeting for many groups Commission belongs to, and usually more than once per week; Miskel said it is pretty obvious that many are getting frustrated with this method.

Miskel said each Commissioner has been looking at the list of CARES Act fund applications still on file, and when all three Commissioners’ are back in attendance, will be able to decide how to distribute the remaining funds. He also mentioned maybe buying a new‑style water fountain for the Courthouse that operated with knee functionality and the ability to fill water bottles.

Lietzow talked to the Commission about the lease agreement that was signed on the two‑year old copy machine in the EOC; EMD Zelch had ask why it was necessary to have the large machine, when there were three printers in the room. What Lietzow is hoping to be able to do is move that machine into the Circuit Clerk’s office to replace that eight year old machine that is starting to cause problems; Commission agrees that is a good idea. She has been working with the company because they are trying to charge personal property tax to the county since MARCO owns the machine, they owe taxes and are trying to recoup from the locations where they have copiers even though the county is exempt. She ask what the payoff would be to get out from under the lease and the price quoted is slightly higher than continuing the lease; the other factor to consider is the lease agreement also covers some maintenance and supplies provided free of charge.

Collector Shawn Schlottach has received another late tax payment; this time the postmark was January 12, but she has closed the month of Jan., so to accept in Feb. without penalties requires the Commission to accept, which they did; the amount of $253.98 from C. Bailey.

MOTION/VOTE ‑ ACCEPT JANUARY POSTMARKED TAX PAYMENT IN FEBRUARY WITHOUT PENALTIES

Miskel made a motion to accept Jan. postmarked tax payment in Feb. without penalties. Holland seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote:

Jerry Lairmore (Absent),

Jim Holland (Yes),

Larry Miskel (Yes).

REPORT OF FEES

Commission received for file the Jan. report of gross collections from Schlottach, in the amount of $319,306.97 for real, personal, private railcar and utility tax.

ABATEMENTS AND ADDITIONS

Commission received for file additions #8920 through #8939 and abatements #2173 through #2176.

ADJOURN

Holland made a motion to adjourn commission until 2/18/2021. Miskel seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned.