The Henry County Commission met pursuant to adjournment at the courthouse in Clinton, Missouri on Tuesday January 28th. Those members present were; Jim Stone – Presiding Commissioner, Mark Larson – North District Commissioner, Jake Bradley – South District Commissioner, & Rick Watson – County Clerk.
At 9:02 a.m. Commissioner Stone brought the meeting to order.
The agenda was approved as presented.
The minutes from the Thursday, January 23, 2025 meeting were read; Commissioner Larson made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Bradley seconded the motion, motion carried.
The expenditures from the following offices were approved to be paid:
Employee Benefits Sheriff Recorder of Deeds
Buildings and Grounds Road & Bridge 27th Circuit Treatment Court
General County Government Court Administration Inmate Security
Assessor
The Commission resigned signature cards for Equity Bank, as an address was incorrect on the previous document.
Bruce Dewsberry, Local Emergency Management Planning Commission Chari, requested to be included on test results and information on progress related to the fly ash in Davis Township.
The Commission signed an engagement letter with Mueller Oberkfell & Jones, LLC, formally Daniel Jones & Associates, PC, to conduct the county’s 2023-2024 audit.
The Commission signed a letter of support for Brightspeed’s effort to receive a grant to expand broadband services into the rural areas of the county.
The Commission signed a membership agreement with the Missouri Affiliated Governments Insurance Consortium for the county employee’s health insurance.
The group discussed the meeting held at the Benson Center yesterday evening with Evergy and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Jonathan Ketz, with Fox 4, of Kansas City, called for an interview. It was explained that companies are being sought that can do the testing for heavy metals and contaminants. The commission shared that they are committed to getting tests done so they can determine how to proceed.
The commission continued to discuss testing and sending out RFQ’s to reputable testing companies. Also discussed was contacting an attorney to assist with potential litigation. The group also discussed contacting state agencies to assist with providing drinking water for residents. Commissioner Stone explained issues that water supply districts have had with pipes getting corroded quickly in that area, especially where Peabody mined coal.
Commissioner Larson discussed the need for the public water supply districts to conduct testing for heavy metals in their drinking water. Commissioner Stone shared that PWD#3 has already reacted to the local situation and have plans in place to do testing. He also shared of qualifications that supervisors of the public water supply districts must have.
Commissioner Larson stated that neighboring county commissioners need to be notified and informed of the contamination issues in Henry County.
The group discussed the Davis School District having to relocate to a church in Clinton until further testing can be done and they determine it safe to return to their school.
Ju Yeon Kim, from NBC 41 News, of Kansas City, attended the meeting for an interview. She asked which test would be determined to be conclusive, between Evergy, Triangle, or the company selected by the Commission.
The group discussed that Evergy and the county will share the costs of tests.
Dennis Bowers, Road and Bridge Supervisor, attended the meeting to share that he has notified the northern townships to get their bridges swept off before the state inspection next week. He also shared that he is going to place an estimated $35k pipe order, some oblique pipes to be used to replace a bridge.
The group discussed metal pipe that had been buried in the Montrose Lake area. Dennis confirmed that pipes deteriorate in a few years in that area. He also shared of a similar situation in the north part of the county that was not in a mined area.
The group discussed the width of the easement on NW 1401 Rd in Bogard Township near the Red Fox Winery. It was determined that the width was 40’.
Kim Olmstead, called with questions regarding the senior tax freeze ordinance. Bruce Dewsberry was asked to answer her questions as he conducted a meeting in the past with seniors over the topic. Bruce shared that the Commission has not adopted an ordinance, as there are still questions whether they have the authority to freeze the taxes of other entities. The Commissioners assured Mrs. Olmstead that they are still researching the ability to freeze the taxes.
The group had discussion regarding the tax freeze and different interpretations from various counties, specifically the authority the commission has to freeze other entities taxes.
There was a lot of discussion regarding economic development, property taxes, budgets, and levies.
Commissioner Larson led discussion on the former Holiday Inn property, in Clinton, as it is a detriment to economic development, and needs to be cleaned up. The group discussed the responsibility of the City of Clinton.
Mark Hardin, Emergency Management Director, shared that he is working on getting IT updated in the EM office of the courthouse. Also working with Everbridge for mass emergency communication services.
At 11:19 a.m. Commissioner Bradley made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Larson seconded the motion, motion carried with a roll call vote. Larson-Yes Bradley-Yes Stone-Yes
