MITCHELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – Monday, March 21, 2022

By Terry Bailey

The Mitchell County Commissioners conducted their regular weekly meeting at the Courthouse, Monday morning, March 21st. All Commissioners and the County Clerk were present.
Tony Moore, representative from the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) group from Concordia was present to speak with the Commissioners. Moore said, "I was here for my annual visit a year ago and here I am again. I have a resolution I would like for you to sign designating the month of April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month in Mitchell County." The Commissioners were well aware of the program and were prompt to sign the resolution. Barbara McGrath was recognized as one of the local advocates who is highly invested in the program.
Eric Hamel, director of the Emergency Medical Services, was returning with specific information regarding the purchase of radios for his department. Hamel had been at last week's meeting with tentative information. He had researched bids and information as requested and was requesting to purchase two 800 series Motorola radios from Pierce Electronics in the amount of $5,189.52. This price includes installation in the department's Ford Expedition. The Commissioners approved this purchase.
Courtney Murrow from the County Health Department told the Commissioners that Dr. Kimple is retiring as the County Medical Officer. A new Medical Officer will be named but nobody has been chosen at this time.
The Commissioners discussed the removal of the four pine trees from the south side of the County Health Department building. Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Brian Streit has received a bid from Cockcroft Tree Service from Ionia. Their bid was $6,500 to remove the four pine trees that are approximately sixty to seventy feet tall.
The Commissioners conferred with Marty Hernandez, Superintendent of Public Works, about the viability of his crews taking out the trees. Issues such as insurance and equipment needed to do the job needed to be resolved before a final decision could be made. The Commissioners will revisit the project at next week's meeting.
The Commissioners approved a Neighborhood Revitalization Grant for Boettcher Supply to construct a building addition in the amount of $90,000.
Having addressed all the items on the published agenda the meeting was adjourned.