After resident pleas, Gunter council orders county-assisted repairs for Hunter and Kimberlin roads

A Gunter resident who lives on Hunter Road told the City Council at its March 20 meeting that heavy recent rains, poor drainage and lack of regular maintenance have left parts of Hunter Road impassible and a safety hazard for emergency responders. The council directed staff to move forward with repairs for Hunter Road and nearby Kimberlin Road and authorized staff to pursue county assistance or interlocal work to complete reconstruction ahead of the rainy season.

Resident speaker Nick Wertro described repeated washouts and standing water that at times reached more than a foot deep; he said the road now functions as a drainage ditch in sections and appealed to the city to raise road elevation, install side ditches and restore the roadway so it will shed water. Planning and public works staff told the council the county had provided a cost estimate for Hunter and Kimberlin of about $105,087.75; two lesser‑priority roads on the city’s list (McDonald and Blaine) had a combined county estimate of roughly $20,366.

Councilmember David moved to prioritize Hunter and Kimberlin for immediate county‑assisted reconstruction; Councilmember Wade seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Staff said it would return with a signed interlocal agreement and schedule for work and that the city would discuss ongoing maintenance responsibilities and future budget allocations as needed.

The city’s action is meant to secure rapid reconstruction and to create a maintenance plan; staff said the county’s bid included raising the road profile and re‑establishing proper side ditches and culverts where needed. Council asked staff to follow up on the historical record of maintenance responsibility and to coordinate with county officials on future upkeep.