HENRY COUNTY COMMISSION, HENRY COUNTY MISSOURI
THURSDAY JANUARY 9th, 2025, 3rd DAY OF THE JANUARY TERM
The Henry County Commission met pursuant to adjournment at the courthouse in Clinton, Missouri.
Those members present were: Jim Stone – Presiding Commissioner
Mark Larson – North District Commissioner
Jake Bradley – South District Commissioner
Rick Watson – County Clerk
At 9:02 a.m. Commissioner Stone brought the meeting to order.
The agenda was approved as presented.
The minutes from the Tuesday, January 7, 2025 meeting were read; Commissioner Larson made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Bradley seconded the motion, motion carried.
The expenditures from the following offices were approved to be paid:
27th Circuit Family Treatment Court Buildings and Grounds Law Enforcement Fund
Sheriff Tri County Child Support Prosecuting Attorney
General County Government Circuit Clerk Commission
Assessor Road and Bridge Inmate Security
Administrative Handling Fund Prosecuting Attorney Training Employee Benefits
Mark Hardin and Jim Sublette, of the Emergency Management Office, distributed an annual report from their office for 2024, and goals of the office for 2025 (attached). Mark highlighted potential grants available. The group spoke extensively on Everbridge software, which has the capability to send emergency alerts to cell phones, without the need of individuals to sign up for the service.
Bonnie Taomae called the Commission to discuss a gate across NW500 Rd, in Bogard Township. Dennis Bowers, the Road and Bridge Supervisor shared that he would call her back after he researched the situation.
The group continued the discussion on the Everbridge software. Sheriff Aaron Brown agreed that there is a need to get emergency information out in a timely manner.
At 10:00 Sheriff Brown and members of the Sheriff’s Office leadership attended the meeting. Sheriff Brown distributed agreements made with the Davis School District for a School Resource Officer (SRO). The 3 documents include the contract, an MOU, and a cost schedule. The contract’s term is from January 2, 2025 to May 31, 2026. The cost to the school, while in session, is $5710.25 per month. The Sheriff shared that the deputy will work patrol during the 2 months schools is not in session. Aaron shared the process in which this agreement was made, which started with the schools reaching out to his office. He also shared that he is currently working on an agreement with the Windsor School District. That contract will be supported by both the school and city of Windsor.
After brief discussion, Commissioner Larson made a motion to sign the contract with the Davis School District for the county to provide an SRO. Commissioner Bradley seconded the motion. The motion passed with a roll call vote of Larson – yes, Bradley – yes, and Stone – yes.
Captain Mike Bilbruck addressed the Commission and shared of numerous positive changes at the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Brown stated that the office is fully staffed and have received numerous applications.
Captain Jacque Watson shared that her staff in the jail will be fully staffed soon. She also shared of upcoming training that Captain Rob Hills has planned, that has been very beneficial to the jail staff.
Rob stated that his training has been well received.
Captain Bilbruck shared that the office has issued its first search warrant and the community should see results of that search soon.
Jim Sublette commended the Sheriff staff on their social media post. He stated that the Emergency Management Office hopes to have a social media presence soon.
Aaron shared that the staff will be getting new colored uniforms, bullet proof vests, and other equipment that deputies use to purchase themselves. He also stated that they are putting new stripping on the Sheriff vehicles, and has a new K9 Tahoe in service. He also shared that the office received new tasers.
Rob shared that the county has received grants from MoDot for a number of years that allows for additional patrols. The office received 12 free portable breath testers, from MoDot, as a result of the great working relationship it has established.
Sheriff Brown shared that he plans on meeting with the Commission monthly to give them updates on happenings in the office and around the county.
Mark and Jim continued their report on their goals for the Emergency Management Office for 2025.
Jim Sublette shared that he learned of an H5N1 waterfowl outbreak in the area. He stated that it was confirmed that 2500 dead snow and blue geese in the Hwy 18 area had the H5N1 virus. The strain of the virus is being tested now, but results could take 30 days.
Commissioner Larson stated that the Everbridge software needed to be put into place as soon as possible, so emergency information can be shared timely. He also commended the work that the Emergency Management staff has done and plan to do.
Dennis Bowers, Road and Bridge Supervisor, met with the Commission. He shared that his research of NW500 Rd, with the gate across the road, is a public road, and not been closed. He stated that Bogard Township will be notified of the gate across the road and to maintain the road.
Dennis shared that he would like to bid out for c-channel and pipe, as he has a limited supply on hand and will need the material for the 5 bridges he plans on building this year. The Commission agreed.
Commissioner Stone shared that the county only received 1 BRO bridge from the meeting he attended in Springfield with the SW Region of Modot. The bridge is located on NW700 Rd in Bogard Township.
Dennis shared that he has received numerous calls from individuals with concerns over lettered highways. He stated that he referred those calls to the local MoDot Office, as lettered highways are state highways.
The group discussed unpaid invoices from Townships and Special Road Districts, and responsibility of maintaining Booth Road between the City of Clinton, Clinton Township, and Fields Creek Township. Dennis also shared of the increase semi-truck traffic on Booth Road as it is being used as a short cut to 18 Hwy, due to NW401 Rd having a weight restriction.
Commissioner Stone shared of the voting process at the Southwest Region MoDot meeting. Dennis shared that the county has $200,000 in soft match credit on the books for BRO31 and the future BRO32 bridge projects. He also stated that he has been waiting on credits for 3 bridge builds that he submitted a few months ago.
Clerk Rick shared of a call received from Cassidy Cooper. She shared that 3 of the 4 elected officials from Deepwater Township resigned from the board at last night’s board meeting. She shared that she and 2 others had been appointed to the board. Clerk Rick explained to Cassidy that the Commission makes the appointments to vacancies of Townships, and that he would contact Jason Wareham, the remaining board member the process to get the vacancies filled.
At 12:08 p.m. Commissioner Bradley made a motion to adjourn, Commissioner Larson seconded the motion, motion carried with a roll call vote of Larson – yes, Bradley – yes, and Stone – yes.
