11-25-1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

County Engineer Don Richards stated that he advised the Stanley Township Board of Supervisors and Township resident, Tony Rutten, that the County Commission would hear their request for bridge replacement over the Wild Rice River between Sections 23 -24, Stanley Township. Stanley Township Chairman Warren Solberg was present and stated that the Township was presented with petitions containing 130 signatures requesting that the bridge be repaired. The County received a copy of the Stanley Township Bridge Resolution requesting Cass County to determine the exact cost of said bridge repair and to determine the financial contribution that Cass County will make to the project. Don Richards stated that he does not feel this bridge can be repaired to the standards they are requesting within a reasonable cost. He stated that they are requesting new construction requirements, which would cost approximately $300,000. This bridge is not on the County's five -year plan for rebuilding, and it is a township bridge. The County had the authority to close the bridge because it was determined to be unsafe. Mr. Solberg stated that the Township has not taken a stand on a suggestion to build an alternate route. Mr. Tony Rutten stated that he understood it would cost $50,000 to build a graveled road around the bridge location, and he is concerned about getting grain to market on a good road. Mr. Wes Bettenhausen expressed concerns over snow removal for emergency vehicles if the bridge is not repaired. Ray Rutten, another township resident, stated that he would like to see the bridge repaired because he estimated that there have been 3 bridges removed in the past 5 years in the area. Commission Chairman Wieland stated that it appears the bridge cannot be repaired without placing weight limitations on it, and the County is concerned about liability. Mr. Eckert stated that he would have a problem with repairing the bridge for limited use because if it mis -used the County may still be liable. The County is waiting for an opinion from the Attorney General's Office on what responsibility the County has on township roads and bridges. Chairman Wieland stated that he will notify the Stanley Township Board of Supervisors in writing that it is the consensus of the Cass County Commission that the cost of the bridge replacement or repair between Sections 23 -24 would be $300,000, that the County would not be in a position to contribute financially toward the repair of that bridge in the foreseeable future, that the Stanley Township Board of Supervisors consider and alternative route, and that Cass County requests that the bridge be closed on a permanent basis. Mr. Solberg asked that the repair of this bridge be placed on the County's 5 -year construction plan, and he was informed to make a request in writing, which will be forwarded to the committee which reviews such requests. A letter was received from the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management commending the Cass County Commission for the appointment of Glenn Ellingsberg as the Cass County Emergency Manager because of Glenn's professionalism and enthusiasm to the job.