Commission Discusses Berry Bridge Project Estimate, Health Insurance and 911 Proposals

The Grundy County Commission discussed the cost of the Berry Bridge project during its meeting on Tuesday, when they also heard an insurance proposal, reviewed a memorandum of understanding and approved funding from the Coronavirus Relief Act.
FEMA has requested an engineering estimate on the Berry Bridge project located in Meyers Township. Shannon Howe with Howe Co. has submitted a report on the repair of flood damage. The estimate totaled $228,000 and FEMA officials have expressed a concern that the estimate is much higher than FEMA estimates. An estimate from a second independent engineering firm will also be submitted to FEMA.
Four firms submitted proposals for 911 radio design. The proposals submitted included Tusa $27,000; Trott, $59,380; Mazzitello Professional Services MPS LLC, $44,000; and Command 1 LLC $4410. The Command 1 LLC proposal does not include as much work as the other proposals.. The proposals were tabled to provide time for research and to examine each individual proposal.
The third quarter reimbursement from the Missouri Emergency Management Agency was $315. These monies are primarily utilized for salary reimbursement for emergency management.
John Hickman from HIC Insurance reviewed the health insurance plan for 2020 and issued a statement of savings totaling $144,382.99. This savings is a result of allocation of funds versus funds utilized for health insurance services. Ray said 2021 will be a “level renewal” which equates to a no premium increase for health insurance provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City and Freedom Claims Network. Exploration of added benefits are currently being explored while retaining a no cost increase for employer or employees. Insurance options for employees over the age of 65 were presented to the commission Information will be made available for employees that have an interest in pursuing “over 65” benefits through the county.
Grundy County Health Department Administrator Elizabeth Gibson discussed the reporting process involved with testing results, as well as DHSS/DESE guidance released last week by the State of Missouri. The commission, along with Ms. Gibson, reviewed the Local Public Health Agency memorandum of understanding. This agreement would allow 15% of the total county CRF allocation as well as place the liability of the funding allocation on the LPHA. Gibson presented information to the commission expressing a need for funds exceeding the 15% mark due to the elevated costs related to COVID-19. No action was taken on the MOU.
The commission approved Coronavirus Relief Act funding allocations for Laredo R-7 School District in the amount of $5,641, for payroll for a public health and safety employee; Pleasant View R-6 School, in the amount of $5,201.05 for distance learning and disinfecting supplies; the health department in the amount of $46,372.03 for payroll for public health and safety employees; the Grundy County Senior Tax Board in the amount of $3,343.76, for air purifiers; and FFDD in the amount of $4,859.04 for PPE and disinfecting supplies
The agenda for the Tuesday, Nov. 24 meeting includes a road and bridge report at 8:30 a.m., followed by an emergency management report at 9 a.m. and a meeting with Carlee Quinn of MU Extension at 9:30 a.m. Ambulance Director Steve Tracy is scheduled to give a report at 10 a.m., followed by a meeting Trenton City Administrator Ron Urton at 10:30 a.m. and consideration of CRF allocations at 11 a.m. The commission will hold a meeting with the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission at 1:15 p.m. for a hazard mitigation plan review.