Business as usual for commissioners

The Hot Springs County Commissioners went ahead and conducted their meeting on Tuesday afternoon, however, in keeping with Governor Mark Gordon’s recommendation, no more than 10 people were allowed in the room at one time.

In Barb Rice’s report on Youth Alternatives she said she currently has 19 in the program, but with the governor’s recommendations regarding large groups she’s only working with a couple of kids at a time until school reconvenes.

Her biggest concern is many of the kids in the program are behind in school as it is and this three-week closure could be a huge detriment to getting them back on track.

Of the 19 in the program, Rice indicated that offenses range from tobacco or vape use, alcohol citations, marijuana, property issues, assaults and traffic violations.

She is also working with the Help Center at Common Ground to provide tutoring support for the group.

Police Chief Julie Matthews approached the commissioners regarding the condition of the furniture in the dispatch center. The Town and the county share responsibility for the center.

Matthews had spoken with the Town Council two weeks ago about the urgency in replacing all the shelving and desk that the emergency equipment sits on, telling the commissioners there are even places where things are being held up with 2x4's.

While the commissioners commiserated with Matthews, understanding that it is something that is going to have to be taken care of soon, but with the county coming to the end of its budget year and uncertainty regarding the coronavirus and what closures may have to be made, they just could not, at this time, spend $14,000 for their half of the purchase.

They assured Matthews they would look for where they could come up with the funds once they begin the budget process.

Anthony Fruciano gave the commissioners an update on the Hot Springs County Library’s roof situation, informing them the temporary solution of a silicone overlay is not an option.

Apparently, the insulation layer is so saturated if they put the silicone on the roof it is a recipe for black mold.

He has also been having an issue with the insurance company, having asked months ago for necessary paperwork to create the bid for the roof, only to be told they don’t provide that paperwork.

Fruciano is very frustrated with the situation since suddenly, the insurance company comes up with that paperwork, dated in September. Now, the commissioners will not need an architect to draw up the bid package and will have it out as soon as possible.

Public Health Director Tricia McPhie, along with County Health Officer Dr. Vernon Miller, informed the commissioners awareness and education are still the best defense against the spread of the coronavirus.

Red Rock Family Practice and Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital are the two testing sites and McPhie said we do have the test kits here, but it does take four days for results to be determined.

Dr. Miller indicated they are going to have to make some choices on how people are going to be treated, so who really needs the test and who doesn’t is a priority, saving resources for the most ill patients.

Miller pointed out this is something that attacks the lungs especially and with only one ventilator in the county it is crucial people follow the hand washing and self quarantine measures so as not to strain our medical capability.

Of course, there are plans in place in the event of a sharp spike in cases in the county including where patients may be moved to that would need a ventilator beyond the single one we currently have.

Miller said no one would be turned away and they do have protocols in place regarding where they would be admitted, if necessary.

Public Health has started a COVID-19 informational page on the internet that you may access from their website as well as the county’s website.