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Highway superintendent seeks approval for utility crossings, training trip; board reviews right-of-way policies
Summary
The highway superintendent presented a Midwest Electric right-of-way permit for new power to White Buffalo Subdivision, requested approval for staff to attend LTAP training (costs to be reimbursed), and reviewed county right-of-way policies on signage, watering pivots, driveway culverts and permits.
Highway Superintendent Thomas Wilbur asked the Keith County Board of Commissioners to approve a Midwest Electric permit to occupy county right-of-way for electrical crossings to serve the White Buffalo Subdivision and to approve staff attendance at an LTAP training later in June.
Wilbur said the utility will pay standard permit fees (base permit and crossing fees). Commissioners approved the permit by motion and roll call. Wilbur also said ten highway staff want to attend the LTAP training; the event is reimbursable through workforce development, and the county would carry payment until the reimbursement posts in July. Commissioners supported the plan and encouraged more budgeted professional development for highway staff.
Wilbur used his update to remind residents and landowners about right-of-way rules: (1) signs are not permitted in the county right-of-way without board approval; (2) landowners should monitor pivots that water county roads and adjust them as needed to avoid damage; (3) new driveway access requires a right-of-way permit — agricultural permits are currently waived but the county maintains standards; and (4) culvert/driveway-installation responsibility and cost has been a recurring policy issue. Wilbur and commissioners agreed to consider clarifying or updating policy on who pays for initial culverts and on permit fees; Wilbur offered to prepare proposals for board review.
Wilbur also said county crews will continue roadside mowing but landowners retain responsibility to maintain private entrances and adjacent grass as needed for safety and fire hazard reduction.
