County partnering with Developmental Services of Jackson County

The Jackson County Commissioners are working with Developmental Services of Jackson County to provide some job opportunities for individuals with disabilities at the county recycling center. 

At a recent commission meeting, the commissioners met with Mixie Schafer, noxious weed and environmental services director, and Laura Golden and Beth Nelson of DSJC to discuss the logistics of the county hiring some of DSJC’s clients to complete some tasks at the recycling center. 

It was proposed that the individuals would work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and they would be considered a contracted worker for the county. No more than two clients will work at the center at one time.

DSJC would provide and pay its support staff members who would also be on site to help supervise the clients. DSJC is also responsible for the transportation of the individuals to and from the recycling center. 

Schafer also requested that the individuals provide their own gloves.

Schafer expressed her concern about the large pieces of equipment used at the recycling center, as well as the department staying on schedule with work.

Schafer suggested that the work schedule be set from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday. 

There was also a concern from Schafer about subjecting the clients to harsh weather during the winter months. During severe winter weather, Schafer said business slows at the center and additional employees aren’t needed. 

DSJC and the commissioners agreed with Schafer and the other stipulations discussed and agreed that after six months, the employee contract could be reevaluated. 

The commissioners said they will discuss the information with County Counselor Richard Lake and have him draw up a contract. 

In other business, according to the minutes from Sept. 26, the commission:

 * Heard a weekly report from Eric Fritz, road and bridge department co-supervisor, and Bryson Bain, shop foreman. 

Several road concerns were discussed that have resulted from recent rains. 

Bain reported that a waterline has been placed from the well to the new road and bridge shop. The line still needs to be hooked up.  

* Met with Jerry Henry, who is running for the District One State Senate seat.

* Approved a motion to appoint Commissioner Bill Elmer as the K-WORCC voting delegate at the annual meeting with Commissioner Janet Zwonitzer as the alternate. 

* Met with Terry Mick, bridge and special projects manager, who updated the commissioners on several bridge projects. 

Brush is also being cleared out of several bridges due to the recent rains. 

* Approved a motion to appoint Commissioner Rob Ladner as the K-CAMP voting delegate for the annual meeting with Commissioner Zwonitzer serving as the alternate.

* Noted that Ladner received a certificate for completing the requirements for the KAC Institute of Excellence’s certificate Foundations in County Government leadership program.

* Left their chamber at 1:50 p.m. to view roads and areas that have been washed out by recent rains. The commissioners returned at 3:53 p.m.

* Met with Chad Phillips, head custodian, who reported that he has received two bids to pour concrete sidewalks on the south side of the courtyard. An additional bid is expected soon. 

* Approved requests and petitions from Centurylink to occupy several county right-of-ways to install new posts and cable for new lines of service. 

* Signed payroll change notices for Raymond Korte, Scott Allen and Jeremy Rollins, who are all new hires at Banner Creek Reservoir. 

* Adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m. All three commissioners were present.