12-21-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--December 21,1998 1912 Mr. Steiner said the grant would run for approximately 18 to 24 months and if awarded, Cass County would receive about $110,000 of the total grant for management of the project. He noted that one staff member would be needed for the duration of the grant; however, the county would not be committed to long-term funding for the position. Cass County would need to provide the physical space for the staff member and equipment. Mr. Steiner said if the grant is awarded, seven counties will be involved in the pilot project. He had requested a letter of funding commitment be signed; however, the letter is not needed at this time. MOTION, passed Mrs. Quick moved and Mr. Wieland seconded to authorize the Cass County Commission Chairperson to sign the Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding Application, according to correspondence from the Information Services Director, Michael Steiner, dated December 11, 1998. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 13. FLOOD UPDATE, Report from County Engineer County Engineer Keith Berndt was present to give a flood update for Irv Rustad. Mr. Berndt said according to Mr. Rustad the buyouts are proceeding well. Mr. Rustad plans to give the Commission a complete flood update at the January 4, 1999, meeting. 14. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Weight restriction on County Road #1 discussed Mr. Berndt received a request from Pak Ag Services Inc. to leave a short section of Highway 1 from 1-94 to Tower City unposted in the spring. The request represents a policy change as well as a long-term financial expense to Cass County. He said in an unposted condition, a tandem axle semi-trailer may legally haul 80,000 pounds. With a Class 1 restriction, the same truck can legally haul 72,000 pounds. He concluded that if county roads are left unposted, the repair and maintenance costs to the county would be approximately $3,000 to $4,000 per mile. Mr. Berndt does not argue that a significant added economic benefit exists for business owners without the weight restrictions; however, the county needs to consider if that warrants the costs involved to repair the roads. He is not prepared to make an overall recommendation at this time. Mr. Meyer said high speeds as well as weights are enemies to county roads. He asked Mr. Berndt about the average length of time involved with the load restrictions. Mr. Berndt agreed that lower speeds cause less stress on roads and said the weight restrictions go into effect around mid-February and continue through mid-May. Mr. Koenig feels the weight restrictions are not being complied with because trucks are loaded to 80,000 pounds, not 72,000 pounds and said that almost 100% are overloaded. He said haulers do not have a way to haul product unless the trucks are overloaded. Mr. Wieland suggested possibly reducing the speed limits to help reduce road repair costs. Mr. Koenig felt that speed limits may be complied with more than weight restrictions. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Wieland seconded to table this issue until further information is provided and to discuss this item with the Road Advisory Committee. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.