The Barry County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a revised letter of agreement between the Barry Eaton District Health Department and Blue Zones, LLC, that will allow the Health Department in Hastings to provide office space for Blue Zones to establish the program in Barry County.
The original letter of agreement was turned down by Commissioners on a 4-3 vote in August over concerns about data security and technology. At the Committee of the Whole meeting September 3rd, the issue was re-visited when the provision of a laptop computer, Health Department I-T support services, and access to the Health Department copier/printer and web conferencing system were removed in the revised agreement.
Several citizens and community leaders spoke during public comment in support of Blue Zones, a public health initiative that the Barry community has agreed to pursue. It has financial backing from multiple community partners and the health care community. Barry County would be the first in the state to implement the initiative to change the health and wellbeing of all citizens.
The Commission also approved a bid for application of epoxy flooring in specific locations at the Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $60,563 from the Building Rehabilitation fund.
The hiring of a temporary part-time person in the County Clerk’s department for up to 10 hours per week was approved, to be paid from the Concealed Pistol Licensing fund. The hire will assist with the Concealed Pistol License workload and miscellaneous other tasks.
