The Grundy County Commission agreed on Tuesday to join several other Missouri counties in a class action suit involving the wrongful manufacture and distribution of prescription opiates.
According to information provided by Grundy County Presiding Commissioner Phillip Ray, the commission will engage in the civil suit against those who are legally responsible for the wrongful manufacture and distribution of prescription opiates and the damages caused by that action. Ray said no local companies or businesses have or will be named as defendants and the litigation focuses on opioid manufacturers and wholesale distributors. Other counties involved in the suit as of March 9 are Adair, Barton, Clinton, Dade, Henry, Hickory, Lawrence, McDonald, Pike, Polk, New Madrid, Ralls, Ray, St. Clair and Vernon.
Commissioners also held a conference call with Grundy County Health Department Administrator Elizabeth Gibson, who reported there are still no positive COVID-19 cases in Grundy County, however, she does feel it is only a matter of time before the county has a confirmed case. She said Harrison and Livingston counties both have a positive case and 1,031 cases and 13 deaths have been reported statewide as of Tuesday morning. Ms. Gibson stated that a county-wide infrastructure conference call is being held each Wednesday to update various entities on the ever-changing pandemic.
In a meeting with Grundy County Emergency Management Director Glen Briggs it was learned federal disaster applications for FEMA Disaster 4490, response to the COVID-19 pandemic, are being accepted until April 25. All political entities, such as cities, school districts, townships and counties, can apply for federal assistance to help pay for items such as hiring professionals to disinfect facilities, etc. Briggs also said he has submitted a request to the State Emergency Management Agency for personal protective equipment for use by fire, EMS, law enforcement and the coroner. That request is currently “in progress.”
In other business, the commission held a conference call with Grundy County Ambulance Director Steve Tracy, who reported on the extra precautions and equipment being utilized during the coronavirus outbreak. The commission was given an update on changes in operations and were informed they are day by day. In-depth disinfecting is taking place “constantly” using a variety of methods and equipment.
The commission met with David Hogan to discuss the status of SW 30th Street and it was determined the road was legally closed in 1997. Hogan was given copies of records from the Grundy County archives detailing the process of the road closure.
Ray said CART rock funds are being issued and will be immediately sent out to entities. He also indicated the county road and bridge crew will continue repairing various sites affected by FEMA disaster 4451 which occurred during the 2019 flooding. Ray also said the county is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a 2013 Ford F-250 extended cab truck, with bids due by 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7.
In addition to the opening of the truck bids at 8:30 a.m., the commission’s agenda for the April 7 meeting includes an update on road and bridge/FEMA projects at 8:45 a.m., opening of fuel bids at 9 a.m.; an emergency management report at 9:15 a.m., opening of culvert bids at 9:30 and concrete bids at 10 a.m. and reports from Tracy at 10:15 a.m. and the Grundy County Health Department at 10:30 a.m. As was the case this week, the commission has a closed session planned for 11 a.m. to discuss legal matters and personnel.
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