Improvement of road conditions discussed
Staff reporter
The harsh winter weather has taken its toll on county roads — especially graveled and low-maintenance roads.
Marion County Commission discussed road conditions Monday with acting road and bridge superintendent Jim Herzet.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said he would like the Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement funds the county received from this past summer's flood to be used to pay off the lease for the county's graders, purchase rock for county roads, and purchase dump trucks to haul the rock.
Two county dump trucks have mileage of more than 500,000 miles each, Dallke said, and wanted the FEMA funds to be utilized where they originated.
Commissioner Dan Holub said he wanted the county to be careful with the placement of rock. Some roads are in need of rebuilding and putting rock on them is a waste of time and money, Holub said.
Holub also said he wasn't sure it was such a big savings to pay off the graders due to the low interest. He asked Herzet if contractors could be hired to haul rock to get the county caught up.
Commission chairman Bob Hein asked Herzet if there were any used dump trucks available. Herzet said he would check. He also advised the commission snow blades needed to be replaced and wasn't sure what the cost would be.
Herzet also informed the commission when the motor grader leases are paid, the county will not own the graders.
Specific roads in need of immediate attention were discussed with instructions given to complete.
Dallke also instructed Herzet to address complaints immediately regarding piles of rock on roads left by grader operators.
Holub asked if road materials have been ordered for various road projects. Herzet said some materials have been purchased. Blade patch materials are provided by a contractor and Herzet said 10 tons will be ordered.
The county will receive the top four inches of old highway materials when U.S.-77 is reconstructed.
In other road and bridge business:
— Herzet provided information to the commission per Holub's request regarding uniforms for road and bridge employees.
Holub thought road and bridge employees should be easily identifiable when dealing with the public.
County clerk Carol Maggard said all employees have identification badges that identify them as county employees.
Diana Carter-Frantz, county appraiser, said she has the same situation in the appraisal department.
The information included the purchase and cleaning of shirts and shirts and jeans.
The shirts could be orange which would eliminate the need for an additional orange vest.
— Herzet selected Kirkham-Michael Consulting as the engineer for the next bridge project.
A bridge is scheduled for replacement on Pawnee near Marion Reservoir.
— The commission will review Herzet's request for a computer program designed for road and bridge departments.
The program will keep inventory of signs, road materials, and equipment. The program costs $3,000 with a $750 per year maintenance fee.
Herzet said it should reduce some of the work in the road and bridge office.
He said Chase County has had the program since 2001 and was pleased with it.
Funds are available, Herzet said. The commission will make a decision at a future meeting.
— New employee Dale Nellans was hired as an equipment operator in the Peabody area.
