Government : May 10, 2010 Supervisor Minutes

May 10, 2010

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in special session with Supervisors Sanders, Buch and Vermedahl present. The chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Shellsburg elementary school.

The purpose of the meeting was to receive public comment on the Oak Grove road improvement project, the acquisition of property, and the time-line of the project. The project consists of widening the current gravel road, upgrading it, and placing a seal coated surface on it. There were approximately thirty interested persons present.

Myron Parizek, Benton County Engineer, and Jeff Sogge of Clappsaddle-Garber Associates, presented information and responded to various questions and concerns. Concerns included but were not limited to the following:

Compensation for removal of trees, including walnuts and cedars

Compensation for damage to area wells

Compensation for fencing (or who would be responsible for replacement)

Bridge improvements

Speed limits – a request for a 35 mph or 45 mph speed was made

Installation of stop signs

Ingress and Egress to properties during the construction

Widening of farm drives

Seeding of vegetation in the right-of-way and the height of the vegetation

Funding stream

Purpose of road improvement project

The engineer responded that the loss of trees that were in the acquired right-of-way would be negotiated in acquisition cost. Parizek stated that he was aware that two wells may be affected, but that he was not aware of any potential damage to area wells not located in the right-of-way. Parizek stated that fencing is usually the responsibility of the landowner, who is compensated for the fence; however, it may be a possibility that the county could arrange for the erection of new fence. There are four bridges on the proposed route and three will be replaced during the project. Parizek stated that he would consider a speed limit on the new roadway, as it will not be built to handle interstate or highway speeds. Installation of stop signs was discussed with no clear direction decided. The county engineer agreed to widen farm drives within reason if they were along the project. The type of vegetation to be seeded would be grasses in front of residents and native plantings elsewhere. It was explained that the funding for the project was local money.

The time-line for the project is: acquisition of right-of-way to be started immediately and is anticipated to be completed within two months. Once acquisition is completed, the design phase will be completed, the project will be put out to bid and let – which is anticipated to be around the first of August 2010. Grading should begin within thirty days of the project being let. The road will be surfaced with rock for two winters and then seal coated after that.

The purpose of the improvement is to provide another route from eastern Benton County into Linn County. The traffic on the current hard surfaced roads has increased dramatically over the past 20 years and there is a need to develop another route.

Moved by Buch, seconded by Vermedahl, to adjourn. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried at 7:10 p.m.

_________________________________________

Jason Sanders, Chairman

Attest: ____________________________________

Jill Marlow, Auditor