09-17-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-September 17, 2007 3271 MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to authorize the chairman and the county auditor to sign quit claim deeds from Cass County for county-owned right-of-way in Drain 10, Drain 27 and Drain 53. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. ROAD DEPARTMENT, County bridQe repair update Keith Berndt, County Engineer, was present to provide an update on two bridges closed recently due to concerns with deteriorating substructures. The bridges are located in Durbin and Everest Townships. The county is responsible for maintenance of 246 county and township bridges and he said about half of them are 50 years old and 60 are structurally deficient. The structures are closely monitored and when practical are repaired or replaced as funding allows. Mr. Berndt discussed the repairs needed to the bridge in Everest Township. He said both abutments will be replaced as the pilings are rotted and cracked. An informal bidding process was completed last week and he recommends the low bid from Swingen Construction in the amount of $43,400 be accepted. The county will provide $30,000 in materials for the project. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to authorize the chairman to sign a contract with Swingen Construction, subject to state's attorney approval, in the amount of $"43,400 for costs to repair a bridge located between Sections 28 and 29 of Everest Township. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Berndt discussed the repairs needed to the bridge in Durbin Township, which crosses the Maple River. He said the plan is to replace rotted abutment timber and to re-open the bridge at reduced loads, which will allow the structure to be open in a timely manner but does not address decayed piling and deck issues. He said Industrial Builders will be completing the work; however, the crane that is best suited for this project is not available until October 8th. If the board wishes to begin repairs earlier, a larger crane would need to be used and would cost an additional $3,500. Mr. Wagner discussed his concerns about funding availability for bridge replacements. Mr. Berndt said in the future many rural bridges most likely will be eliminated due to lack of funding. Steve Miller, resident of Durbin Township, said since the closure of the bridge, he travels eight additional miles to transport his children to school in Casselton. He does not object to waiting until October to repair the structure. There was discussion about vehicles hauling heavy loads and how this may have contributed to the deterioration. Mr. Pawluk asked Mr. Miller as well as other area residents to report anyone disregarding the posted weight limit to the Sheriff's Department. MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to authorize Industrial Builders to proceed with repairs to a bridge located in Section 32 of Durbin Township on or about October 8, 2007, at a cost not to exceed $9,500. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.