County plans to set its sights on low water crossings

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

As the county wraps up its asphalt projects for the year, the Bourbon County Commissioners agreed Tuesday it will soon be time to focus on low water crossings.

Public Works Director Jim Harris said the asphalt crew was working on the West Lake Road at Lake Fort Scott. After finishing there this week, the crew and equipment will then move to 205th to do a small section.

“Then unless I get further direction from the commissioners, we’re done for the year,” he said.

Commission Chairman Lynne Oharah said he isn’t sure the county will have money to do any chip and seal work this year.

“What I recommend is give everybody 30 days to catch their breath, then sit down, look at it, maybe have a work session,” Harris said.

Harris agreed with Oharah, who said public works should have money in reserve. Harris said he would like to have enough money in reserve to request a “good used” paving machine in January, “with an option on how to pay for it.”

He said with a new machine, the county could “do a better job laying asphalt.” The current machine does not have skis, which allow the machine to compensate for uneven ground when asphalt is being laid.

Harris asked the commissioners to have a discussion in the next few weeks about low water crossings. He said he expects to receive the county’s bridge inspection report, compiled by Schwab Eaton, by the end of this week. Commissioners agreed to wait until they have the report in hand before scheduling a work session to discuss low water crossings.

Harris said there are currently three low water crossings that have been closed and Oharah said there are five crossings that have “some very big problems.”

Other business

• Harris reported the Kansas Department of Health and Environment conducted a surprise inspection at the landfill. No violations were found, which Harris said is “unheard of.” He said there were a couple of suggestions, which he said is common when there is a new inspector.

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