Cole County Commission approves a set of administrative items, orders AED cabinets and schedules closed session

Cole County commissioners handled several administrative actions March 25, approving a mix of routine contracts and property paperwork, ordering safety equipment and moving into a closed session on security systems and personnel.

Quitclaim deed: Commissioners approved and signed a quitclaim deed to convey excess right of way from the Business 50 West project to a private owner. A motion was made, seconded and the commission voted in the affirmative. The commission record notes the deed was signed by Eric Johnson.

TextMyGov contract: The commission approved a multiyear contract with TextMyGov for the collector’s office to provide automated text and web notifications related to tax bills, delinquencies and other customer communications. The collector’s office presented the cost as approximately $10,000 in year one and $7,500 in subsequent years; the collector said the service will be paid from the tax maintenance fund and will not require additional county general fund appropriations. Commissioners approved the agreement by motion and voice vote.

AEDs, cabinets and wall signs: Staff reported that 14 new AED units previously approved by the commission had arrived but cabinets and wall signs ordered with them were never purchased. The commission approved ordering 10 cabinets and 14 wall signs to house the AEDs in county buildings and to make units visible in corridors; the motion passed by voice vote. Meeting discussion noted the health department has three AEDs on site and that staff would coordinate locations and a training plan with emergency services.

Safe Kids trailer storage: The commission approved a request from the Cole County Chiefs Association to store the Safe Kids fire‑safety education trailer inside the county’s Emergency Management facility (ESP building) to protect it from weather and maintain community fire‑prevention programming. Commissioners moved and seconded the storage authorization and voted in favor.

Claim release to the city of Jefferson: The commission approved and signed a claim release related to a collision in which a Jefferson City bus struck an EMS vehicle; staff said the city will pay the vendor Extreme for repairs and that the paperwork is in order.

Tabled and other items: The commission tabled action on a Meyer Electric quote for a video surveillance update until next week. The assessor’s memorandum of understanding with the Missouri State Tax Commission was also deferred to a later date.

Closed session: The commission voted to go into closed session under Missouri Revised Statutes section 610.021 to discuss existing or proposed security systems (subsection 20) and personnel matters (subsection 3). The roll call recorded “yes” votes from Sam, Harry and Jeff and the commission entered closed session.

Why it matters: the approvals finalize property conveyance, begin a new communication service for taxpayers, and complete practical steps to place safety equipment and an education trailer where they can be used; the closed session is authorized under state statute for security systems and personnel matters.

Provenance: Administrative items and votes are recorded in the meeting minutes during the business and consent portion of the March 25 meeting.