By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the April 8 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, the supervisors returned to consideration of changing the bereavement policy to allow bereavement leave for part-time employees. Supervisor Mike Dickson voiced his opposition.
“I don’t agree with that. This conversation has come up in the past, and part-time employees can work around that with their schedules,” Dickson said.
Brian Johnson voiced agreement with Dickson, and the supervisors voted 3-1 to deny the proposed change with Maggie Armstrong as the sole vote to oppose the denial. Supervisor JD Kuster was absent.
The supervisors discussed the draft of a proposed Ordinance 25-38 (Survey Permit Ordinance). Armstrong read the draft aloud as part of the first reading process. The supervisors approved the first reading as presented with Johnson opposed. The supervisors also voted to waive the second reading and have the proposed ordinance published. Johnson voted against.
Johnson voiced his concerns about enacting Ordinance 25-38.
“I think there’s a pretty good chance we’re going to see a lawsuit on it,” Johnson said. “I don’t know why we’d move forward with lawsuits and that kind of aggressive action when things are kind of in a pause right now.”
Three department heads gave updates/reports to the supervisors. Beth Watson provided a quarterly report on Veterans Affairs. Jotham Arber shared information regarding the Health Services department. Brad Halterman told of happenings in the Conservation department.
Halterman shared plans to open campgrounds.
“We’re going to be opening up our campgrounds April 15, and turning on the water, weather permitting. The weather looks good to do that,” Halterman said.
Arber shared updated plans regarding vaccinations.
“As far as COVID shots and those kinds of things, they’re coming out with some new recommendations. We’ll make those available to the public as we know more,” he said.
Armstrong said discussion of the proposed Vicious Animal ordinance will be added to the agenda for the April 15 meeting.
The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.