11-04-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--November 4, 2002 2529 11. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Hili Township bridqe, Sections 11-14 Keith Berndt, County Engineer, gave a PowerPoint presentation and provided background information from previous Road Advisory and County Commission meetings concerning a bridge in Sections 11-14, Hill Township. He said the bridge, which was destroyed by fire several years ago, was located on a low-voiume township road. The county accepted a settlement from the landowner's insurance company for approximately $60,000.00. The requested river crossing selVes one vacant farm that has another reasonable access, according to Mr. Berndt, and there are crossings over the Maple River one mile south at County Road 12 and one mile north at Interstate-94. He said County Road 12 needs repair and is a road that selVes more than one township resident. Mr. Berndt favors ratifying the Road Advisory Committee action of July 22, 2002, recommending Cass County Highway 12 improvements in Hill Township and permanently closing the township road at the Maple River between Sections 11 and 14. He summarized his presentation by emphasizing the need to prioritize the limited amount of funds the commission budgeted in 2003 for special projects. He said if this bridge is a priority to the township, the township couid use gas tax money they receive or they wouid have authority to special assess the benefited properties for improvements. Three Hili Township representatives were present, and Township SupeIVisor Jeff Zaun said they would like a time extension of 1-2 years to keep the road open so they can investigate it further and bring a proposal back to the board. The township is trying to locate three used culverts to replace the bridge. Mr. Zaun said the infrastructure is needed in the rural areas of the county, as well as in the cities. Mr. Wagner said the board voted unanimously at budget time not to fund township projects to the extent they have in the past in order to not raise taxes and because of a reduction in State revenue. Mr. Wieland said some people moving to rural areas want special seIVices without paying for them through special assessments, like city residents do. MOTION, failed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to grant an 18-month extension to keep the road open since the bridge has been out four years already. Discussion: Mrs. Sorum thinks the board owes it to Hill Township to let them investigate finding used culverts in place of the bridge. Mr. Berndt was concerned that delaying the road closing would also delay the repairs needed on County Road 12. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion failed with Mr. Meyer and Mrs. Sorum voting "Aye"; Mr. Wagner, Mr. Wieland and Mrs. Schneider opposing. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded to approve the recommendation of the Road Advisory Committee to improve Cass County Highway 12 in Hill Township and permanently close the township road at the Maple River between Sections 11 and 14. Discussion; Mr. Wieland said the township will still have 6 months since no work would be done on the project until spring. The motion carried on roll call vote with three members voting "Aye," Mr. Meyer and Mrs. Sorum opposing. Mrs. Schneider left the meeting at this time due to another commitment.