County engineer updates on paving, stockpiled millings and right‑of‑way sale to BJ Oil LLC

County Engineer Dan Dahlke reported on active paving, patching and crack‑seal work across St. Clair County and brought two items for commission action: clarification on stockpiled millings and approval of a small right‑of‑way sale.

Dahlke said contractors (ABS, Wiregrass, Holland Rock and others) have completed paving and patching on several roads, including Cutty Creek Road, Atmar Road, Marquis and Irving, as well as subdivision streets and cracks sealing on Kerr, Condell and Gallop roads. He told commissioners work at Trails Inn is progressing to grade, with erosion controls in place.

Commissioners raised a concern about a stockpile of millings near the Watsonville turn on Highway 231. Dahlke said his understanding was that some millings would be returned to the plant for recycling and that a few truckloads might be temporarily stockpiled near the site; he agreed to confirm ownership and whether the county would receive any material and report back. Several commissioners said they did not want millings given to the county “as a surprise” without a formal process.

Dahlke presented a request from BJ Oil LLC (operator of a gas station on Logan Martin Down Road) to purchase 3,994 square feet of county right‑of‑way that currently contains fuel tanks that encroach into the right‑of‑way. He recommended a sale price derived from tax‑record acreage and land values, which Dahlke summarized as $5,054. Commissioners discussed whether selling the parcel would compromise an 80/20 federal match for future road work; staff and the commission confirmed the county would retain adequate right‑of‑way for foreseeable needs, and the commission approved the sale.

Dahlke also described a recommended consultant proposal from George F. Young to perform preliminary engineering and grant development for a proposed roundabout/safety project at County Roads 33 and 26; Dahlke cited an overall consultant proposal budget of $49,959 and recommended proceeding. Commissioners discussed which tasks would count toward the county’s 20 percent match for an 80/20 safety grant and approved the engagement.

Finally, Dahlke explained a change order on the Trails Inn project to add groundwater drainage, riprap and a catch basin that would direct flow into a new pipe. He said the change order adds roughly $28,949 to the contract and will address slope stabilization and where water crosses the road. The commission approved the change order. Dahlke said additional railroad permitting would complicate any more extensive pipe work.

The engineer’s report also included multiple staffing recommendations for road crews; the commission approved the hires in one omnibus motion.