BRIDGE CONCERNS HEARD AT COMMISSION MEETING

    Several members of the public attended the Marshall County Commission meeting Tuesday morning. Many of them were there to discuss the bridge that was closed on 416th Ave south of Hwy 10. The bridge closed after failing an inspection. Though the bridge is on a township road, it is a county asset since it is over 20 feet long. 
Highway Supervisor Dustin Hofland presented information on performing a hydraulic study of the bridge that would cost around $25,000. The study is required in order to apply for a state bridge improvement grant. The board approved the study.
    Hofland noted though that the county is low on ‘points’ when it comes to receiving such grants. He added that the county could better their chances though if they have a replacement plan in place or agree to contribute more to the project. As he had noted last meeting, Hofland reminded that a new box culvert would cost around $770,000. 
    Ryan Patterson, representing the Upper Crow Creek Watershed, asked if the county has plans for other needed bridge repair before bridges might need to be closed. The commission informed the group that the county had previously applied for 12 federal bridge grants and had not received them. 
    Also during public comment, Jerry Burger recommended that the board should move one meeting a month to the evening to allow more people to be able to come. Commissioner Jason Bender asked Burger to put together a proposal regarding an evening time that might work for meetings. Burger also asked for floorplans for the courthouse project again. It was noted uring courthouse project updates that the architects are working on a letter discussing changes to the project. 
    Dianne and Eric MacConnell were at the meeting to discuss the  noise and traffic from trucks hauling from the gravel pit on County Road 2. Material is being hauled from the pit as part of the Interstate diversion project in North Dakota. The commission noted that since it is not a county pit they likely cannot do much about it though they are going to reach out to the State’s Attorney’s office to look into a resolution banning jake brakes. 
    In other business items, the board approved next year’s budget with minor changes. See next week’s meeting minutes for full details. A stop sign was approved to replace a yield sign on County Road 8 south of Veblen. 
    An executive session of a little over an hour was held for personnel matter and contract negotiations. In general session, the board gave State’s Attorney Victor Rapkoch permission to negotiate a personnel request. An amendment to the agreement with Comstock Construction was approved. The lease agreement of $800 per month for the Schumaker Building was approved. And the board agreed to transport individuals to Day County for trials but not regular court matters. 
    In zoning matters, a plat was approved for Lake Dumarce 10th Subdivision - Dumarce Township. Building permits were accepted for Charles Ringkob - Hamilton Township, Evan Ogren - Hickman Township, Mike and Ruby Hagen - Waverly Township, and Leo Hull - Buffalo Township. 
    The second reading and adoption for Ordinance No. 68 for a rezone in Buffalo Township took place during regular session of the meeting. Ordinance No. 67 which includes updates to the fence section of the zoning ordinance will become effective on Oct. 1.
    The next Commission meeting, which will include the five-year road and bridge plan meeting is scheduled for Oct. 8. Meetings going forth will be held at the North Marshall Fire Hall.