At Fiscal Court: Winter Weather Effects, Hiring of Rec Program Director Moves Forward

The hot discussion today was about cold things last week--bitterly cold, and 12 inches deep. The snow that blanketed the county along with sub-zero temperatures affected everything in the county and the county offices. County Road Foreman Ray Page was the recipient of many compliments this morning as magistrates and other attendees credited him and his department for outstanding work over the past week. The same language and gratitude was extended to Page as was in Saturday's Edmonson Voice's piece "To Road Crews: EC Says Thank You." 

Page said it was a group effort from the entire department as workers fought through the snow and cold, working together without complaints. Judge Cannon noted how exceptional it was to have a crew work together so well under the adverse conditions without so much as even an argument over the past week. "Well, I didn't say we didn't have any arguments..." said Page as the court had a good laugh. Page also reported that due to melting snow and the recent rain, portions of roadways were under water in Cedar Grove, Blackgold Road, and Willie Webb Road.

Magistrates discuss issues during today's Fiscal Court meeting. (D.Doyle)

The court also received a request from Ken Byrd, developer of Hidden Springs Subdivision, to accept Lauren Way (off of 743) into the county road system. The court formed a committee of Joe Durbin, Ray Page, and Clark Wood to review the request. 

The hiring of a new Parks and Rec Little League Program Director also moved forward as the court agreed to advertise and receive applications for the position. The official application, job description, and full duties will be published in the Edmonson Voice soon. The court announced that it would be a part-time position paying $12,000 per year.

The court also:

• Approved renewal of Chamber of Commerce Membership of Fiscal Court
• Approved articipation in 2015 road salt reverse auction
• Approved January 2015 financial report
• Approved KMCA Spring conference in Louisville, April 10-12

Sheriff Shane Doyle reported there was only one official accident report from the department during the recent hazardous road conditions, to which he also credited the county and state road crews.  He discussed usage of a Humvee, acquired by the department through a military surplus grant from a couple years ago. Doyle said the vehicle helped stranded motorists throughout the week and was probably the only means of reaching an elderly resident who couldn't get down her steep drive, located approximately a mile and a half off a remote county road. 

EMS director Keith Sanders said the treacherous driving conditions made ambulance runs extremely difficult, having to access multiple patients with four wheel drives. He said ambulance crews worked around the clock for the first few days of the snowstorm, but were able to respond to all calls. 

The court then went into closed session for litigation purposes. 

Edmonson Voice Staff