Commissioners receive COVID-19 updates for Rooks County
The Rooks County Commission met on Tuesday, April 21st via Zoom for its regular weekly meeting. Health nurse Lori Eichman gave the commissioners an update on COVID-19, stating that the County still is at four positive cases. At the present time there were three pending cases and one that has recovered from the virus. Rooks County has tested over 60 individuals for the coronavirus.
Emergency management director Butch Post has filled out the preliminary paperwork for public assistance. He also asked the commissioners about the re-opening plans. Commissioner Ruder asked if there were any guidelines to re-opening with Post stating Governor Kelly would probably be sending out information and regulations about re-opening sometime in the next week or two. Post will also meet with Lori Eichman and Dr. Jen Brull about a plan for the County.
After the April 14th minutes were approved and signed, the commissioners gave their weekly reports. Commissioner Corky Hagan stated that not too much was going on though he had received a few calls about dusty roads and signs that were knocked over.
Commissioner Greg Balthazor said it has been quiet and he did receive some calls about dusty roads and potholes. He traveled some of those roads over the weekend. Balthazor also attended the economic development meeting and stated that they opened the bids for the Rooks County Regional Airport snow removal equipment. Economic development director Roger Hrabe, who was also present via Zoom, stated that they did not take the low bid since that bid did not meet the specifications on the size of the tractor. Farm Implement was the second lowest bid and it was approved. The department has received a $20,000.00 operating capital grant through the stimulus program. Balthazor said there are two new start-up businesses in the County with Hrabe stating that there is interest in the former Dessin Fournir buildings in Plainville. They are checking on the property lines. Ruder asked if there is a time line for the arrival of the airport’s snow removal equipment. Hrabe felt it might be around the middle of the summer, but there is no definite date to when it will arrive.
Ruder stated he would be attending a Redbud Village meeting next month. The road and bridge department is working on 15 Road. Road and bridge supervisor Rich Bouchey was not at the meeting, so the commissioners said they would contact him by phone about road issues they have received calls on.
Appraiser Heather Poore was at the meeting and informed the commissioners that tires need to be replaced on the department’s vehicle. She then gave them an update on what the office is working on at the present time. Treasurer Kim North
Treasurer Kim Northup was at the meeting to present the small fund checks for the commissioners to sign. She then asked about a tax statement from an individual whose taxes have not been paid for the past four years. The treasurer’s office got a change of address from the Post Office to contact the person, and the individual assumed the business leasing the building had been paying the taxes. He would like to have the fees removed since he was unaware that they had not been paid. Northup also asked about installing temporary sneeze guards in the office when the courthouse is opened back up. Hagan said he would donate some plexiglass with Northup saying she would get in touch with a person that would make the frames.
After the commissioners reviewed and signed vouchers as presented, they discussed the plan for re-opening up the courthouse. They feel a lot will depend on what Governor Kelly decides in the next few weeks.
Development direc tor Jonathan Herald with Western Child Advocacy Center, via Zoom, met with the commissioners and gave them an update on what their organization provides for Rooks County. The cases in Rooks County have risen from 18 in 2018 to 22 in 2019. The organization serves 34 counties and works with local law enforcement. They have six mobile units with one being a medical unit overseen by two registered nurses.
The commissioners then adjourned the meeting, noting that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 30th.
