The Monroe County Board signed a proclamation designating the week of May 19-25 as “Emergency Medical Services Week”during its Monday meeting, recognizing the service of those at Monroe County EMS in the process.

Also at the meeting, Monroe County Ambulance Director Carla Heise updated the board on the new ambulance added last week to the county’s fleet, stating it is fully in service now.

This addition was described as being very much like the other ambulances, which facilitates its introduction with crews being familiar with all aspects of the vehicle and equipment, Heise said. It was pointed out that the new Ford F-450-based ambulance has a video camera back-up assist.

The commissioners also recognized and commended Monroe County EMS technician Michelle Sawyer for 30 years of service – including the last 15 years in Monroe County.

In other action from the meeting, Monroe County Clerk Dennis Knobloch provided a financial summary of video gambling in the area. The state allows video gambling in bars, restaurants and venues such as VFA and legion halls. Revenues are divided between establishment (35 percent), machine operator (35 percent), state (25 percent) and town or county (5 percent).

Four establishments that offer video gambling in Columbia garnered $1,495.54 for the city in March, while Waterloo’s seven establishments resulted in $3,499.88 for the city in the same period.

The county currently has only one facility with video gambling, Sal’s in Wartburg, and saw $152.95 in March revenue from there. Knobloch indicated that there’s interest from two unidentified county businesses who may want to offer video gambling, with applications due in June.

Bids were received April 24 to improve Hanover Road from Route 3 to D Road and Floraville Road from the Waterloo city limits to the county line, county engineer Aaron Metzger said. Work will involve installation of sealant to approximately six miles of existing road surfaces. The winning bid was submitted by Corrective Asphalt Materials of South Roxana in the amount of $94,119.00.

Metzger also informed commissioners that the bridge on Bluff Road that was damaged several months ago has been repaired by replacing a structural steel beam and other work, and will reopen Tuesday night.

County zoning officer Mike Fausz reported on his search for a replacement for the malfunctioning postage meter used by the county, and recommended a five-year lease with Coast to Coast of St. Louis.  Fausz based his recommendation on a combination of cost, timeliness, service availability and machine capabilities.

The board approved Fausz’s recommendation and directed him to move forward to acquire the new machine.

Assistant Regional School Superintendent Mary Ann Quivey and Administrative Assistant Darcy Fausz updated the board on several matters concerning the Regional Office of Education. They described a program called CEO — Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities.

The program, funded by area businesses, will give high school juniors and seniors detailed insights into how businesses operate.  Local community leaders will meet Thursday at 1 p.m. in the county annex building to explore ideas for the program that has the added target of getting people to return to Monroe County to start businesses after they finish college.

Quivey and Fausz also provided information about the growing testing and background certifications program, including GED tests, available at the regional office, located across from the courthouse.

County maintenance officer Brian Hooten presented a proposal to redo floors and paint the foyer, lobby and offices at the Monroe County Jail. Acknowledging that the jail must operate 24 hours a day, Hooten said he estimated the work could be accomplished in two to three weeks, while maintaining necessary operations.

The board appointed Mark Altadonna to the County Review Board.  He replaces Judy Vogt, who resigned recently. Eric Seidler was reappointed to the Fountain Water District Board.