11-05-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-November 5, 2007 3284 8. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Access points on Cass County Hiahway 15 bike path Keith Berndt, County Engineer, said the commission received correspondence from a citizen to discuss concerns about a future industrial development to the south of Kindred and a request to prohibit additional accesses on Cass County Highway 15 that would require road crossings over an existing bike path. Mr. Berndt was contacted by the Kindred City Auditor earlier this year questioning the number of allowable access points onto Highway 15 on a mile of road between Sheyenne Street and State Highway 46. Mr. Berndt suggested up to two additional accesses be permitted along the one mile stretch which he believes will provide safe traffic operations and reasonable access to the adjacent property. Vern Williams, resident of Kindred, provided copies of petitions that were circulated in Kindred and the surrounding rural area, asking additional road crossings over the bike and walking path that runs parallel to Cass County Highway 15 be prohibited. He suggested use of north and south frontage roads to access properties. Bob Clarke, Kindred City Mayor, said a frontage road to the south is not possible unless access is allowed onto Cass County Highway 15. He said an alternate bike path is available for citizens to use. Mr. Pawluk said while he understands the safety concerns, he believes this is a city issue and feels the city is obligated to provide safe road crossings. 9. ROAD DEPARTMENT, ReQuest denied to purchase land in Raymond Township to reduce culvert erosion Mr. Berndt said in 1995 the commission authorized the county engineer to provide short- term repairs to a township bridge located between Sections 7-18, Reed Township. In 2001, a decision was made to close the bridge due to its failing condition. Reed Township improved and raised 1 % miles of the road to provide an alternate route to four residences and as part of the improvement project, the township installed some culverts they received from the county for a minimal cost. In 2006, flooding occurred and water flowing through the culverts appears to have caused considerable erosion on three acres of farm land in Raymond Township. He is requesting the county purchase the three acres of land to be maintained as deep rooted prairie grass to minimize future erosion. Mr. Wagner asked if the county designed or provided consultation on the placement of the culverts. Mr. Berndt said the township installed them and did not consult with his office. Mr. Wagner asked if the township is willing to participate in the purchase of the land. Mr. Berndt said the township is not convinced the same erosion would have occurred if the road had not been raised and culverts not installed. Mr. Vanyo empathizes with the situation; however, he is concerned with setting a precedent if the request is approved. Mr. Pawluk owns property near the area in question and said during flood events, water flowed naturally over the road before the bridge was closed, the road was raised and culverts were installed. Mr. Pawluk feels the county needs to accept responsibility for the erosion. Jake Gust was present and is representing his sister, who owns a 60 acre parcel in the area. He said another solution to the problem would be to remove the culverts and lower the road; however, this would adversely affect other property owners upstream.