Rod Meredith updated Commissioners on Park projects. They talked about the advantages of a trail beside the river. Meredith said they are looking for a new supplier for a natural gas pump for the natural gas powered vehicles they own. Gas is still cheaper than "petrol."
Gary Rosewicz, Asst County Engineer, presented bids for the replacement of surface of Health Dept parking lot. There were eight (8) bids, ranging from $34,988. to $47,163. Commissioners voted 3-0 to refer the bids to staff for study and recommendation.
Leon Hobson gave a road and bridge report. Contractors will be taking holiday leaves, to return Jan. 3.
Rod Meredith gave a very informative presentation on the procedures for snow removal/winter activities. They have 9 truck routes and 6 motor grader routes. Snow conditions are graded in 5 levels in order of intensity. When storms are predicted, they get at least two trucks ready to go before anything falls. Usually they try to prepare roads before major public travel hours, often starting as early as 4:00 a.m. In plowing, they begin with the most traveled routes. The ultimate aim is bare pavement. Meredith commented on the great efficiency of the new indoor storage for the vehicles, which makes all the work easier and is better for longevity of vehicles.
Ms McCullogh said people wanting advice on choices for Medicare enrollment or tax preparation should call the Area Agency on Aging.
Clancy Holeman conducted administrative work session. Appraisals of housing on Ft Riley; ATA Bus; County property in Leonardville; an intern for Holeman's office; RCPD concerns about how to enforce a possible quarantine for an epidemic.
Leon Hobson gave a project update: Wildcat Creek Road; the Advisory Board; plaza projects; removal of trees. Monty Wedel discussed the advice he received from historical building preservation people about windows for the "telephone building." The County is interested in getting a tax credit by replacing windows in historic style/materials. Cheryl Collins (Hist Mus Dir) is researching the present windows to find which are original and which replacements.
About 15 members of the public attended a discussion of a dispute between two farm families about claimed erosion of soil. The County Commission at one time made a ruling that the accused farmer was not causing undue erosion, listing measures they had been told were necessary by NRCS. The complainer continues to complain. Mr. Kearns outlined the history of the problem succinctly and clearly. The crux of the problem, as seen apparently by nearly everyone present, is the ridiculousness of the law which requires the County Commission, a body of non-soil experts, to make a judgement on such matters. A contributing problem is the difficulty they found in getting experts to help them come to a judgment. Mr. Kearns promised to attend the Legislature to urge revision or rewriting of this law. He invited Mr and Mrs Hoobler (the accused) to testify before the appropriate committee. Discussion of this matter was so extensive that it impinged on further agenda items. Two members had urgent need to leave, so one item was quickly approved without discussion and others were postponed.
Then they adjourned. Happy holidays to one and all. Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.
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