Commissioners accept 4-H building bids for review, 3 total
The Washington County Commissioners adopted a resolution Tuesday night that allows for further electronic participation in meetings along with opening three bids for the new 4-H building at the fairgrounds. They also approved a proclamation for “Operation Green Light,” asking residents and businesses to shine green lights for veterans from November 4 through November 11.
First, Lucy Brenton was invited forward for her public comment. She said the electronic meetings item on the agenda was the first thing she wanted to address. At the October 6 meeting, Commissioner Phillip Marshall attended via video call. Brenton said people in the gallery and those watching the livestream could not see him. “If somebody is going to be participating simultaneously electronically, I think it’s extremely important that the people watching the livestream at home should be able to see that, and also that it should be technically possible to see it here,” she said.
She also argued that Commissioner Marshall’s votes that night were not legal because no resolution authorizing electronic participation was in place at the time. She said that included the 2-1 vote to hire Shireman Construction for a second inspection of the highway garage BOT project.
“What Phil voted on was not legal and is of no force and effect,” Brenton said.
She concluded by saying she believes some county actions are fraudulent and unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution, and she said, “when I have more specifics and evidence, I will bring them forward.”
Commissioner Todd Ewen then asked for a motion to approve meeting minutes. Commissioner Tony Cardwell objected to the minutes without publicly stating why, prompting Commissioner Ewen to say the written memorandum report by the auditor would serve as the official public record. They then proceeded without standard approval of the minutes and approved claims and payroll.
County Attorney April Geltmaker then explained the proposed electronic meetings resolution. She said the last meeting did follow statute, however the statute also requires the county to officially allow electronic meetings. The resolution mirrors that statute. She said case law proves that one or two meetings without a formal policy is not enough to invalidate actions already taken, absent a court order, so the October 6 votes stand.
Ewen said the county had changed IT contracts in recent weeks and that Marshall’s face would be visible on the screen facing the gallery in future meetings. He then apologized for the previous “technical difficulties.”
“I was just thinking, Todd, how important is this?” asked Cardwell. “Because either way we go, we're going to catch crap.”
“I’m not,” said Ewen.
Cardwell then made the motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Ewen, and it passed unanimously.
Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt then approached the commissioners on behalf of her office and Circuit Court Judge Medlock, who could not attend. She came to present “Operation Green Light.”
Prosecutor Hunt said the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers are asking counties and municipalities to support veterans beyond Veterans Day through Operation Green Light. From November 4 to November 11, communities will be asked to change porch lights to green or hang green lights in windows. Green was chosen, she said, because it represents renewal, hope, and well-being.
She said she had already presented the same request to the Salem City Council, which adopted a proclamation, and she presented the same draft for the commissioners.
Cardwell moved to accept the Operation Green Light proclamation. Ewen asked if he wanted it from now until perpetuity, to which he said yes. It passed unanimously.
Following this, Attorney Geltmaker opened and read the three bid packets for the 4-H building at the fairgrounds.
Angie Williams, the project lead, said the bid notice went to the News and Tribune, the Washington County Herald, and through consultants at HWC Engineering. Roughly six independent contractors plus two clearinghouses requested packets.
Cottongim Enterprises: $1,795,000, with a note that they will not start the project until after the 2027 fair.
AML Construction: $1,989,000.
Cutter Construction: $2,086,060.
Ewen moved to accept all three bids for review, Cardwell seconded, and it passed. Engineer John McCoy will review them because HWC is “no longer comfortable” continuing the bid review. Angie Williams said he expects to finish by the end of the week.
The steering committee will meet Monday or Tuesday of next week, and that will consist of current chair Brad Gilbert, former chair Mark “Bubba” Abbott, and Councilman Todd Armstrong, along with a couple of community members. The steering committee will stay involved through construction and meet with the selected general contractor and McCoy until the project is complete.
Following this, Highway Superintendent Rick Voyles approached to provide updates on some county highway projects.
Voyles said the next bridge up for replacement is Bridge 123 on Blue River Church Road. He has been working with Paul Lincks at HWC Engineering on design, permitting, and Geotech. He also mentioned two small structure replacements, one on Delaney Park Road, and the other on Blue River Road. HWC is expected to handle design and permitting on those as well. Voyles said those projects will probably be designed and let next spring or summer, with a letting around June or July. He then concluded by stating the Community Crossings paving has wrapped up for the year.
After this, the meeting came to a close with a motion for adjournment.
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