Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Roads topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Roads and Bridge reports paving, chip-seal and dust-abatement schedules but signals persistent staffing gaps
Summary
Public Works and Roads and Bridge staff updated commissioners on paving, BST and chip-seal schedules, upcoming bridge preconstruction and dust-abatement work; staff noted two recent departures and two open operator positions.
Roads and Bridge and Public Works staff told the Board of Commissioners that multiple paving, BST (bituminous surface treatment) and chip-seal projects are underway or imminent, while dust-abatement and contractor coordination work has just begun. The department also reported two recent resignations and two open operator positions.
Director Jason said crews were paving the East River project, preparing Garfield Bay and Bay Road for asphalt, and planning a preconstruction meeting for a Colburn/Bridge (Grouse Creek) project. Lark Street was scheduled for its first BST application next Tuesday, followed by a chip-seal program and a final BST pass.
Jason said the county had started its dust-abatement program and that mag trucks and frac tanks were in place, but the new contractor was still coordinating equipment. “It’s gonna be probably 3 weeks before it's finished,” he said of the mag program; one mag truck had computer issues while other district trucks were operating.
Staffing impacts: Jason reported two full-time employees quit last week — one joining the city of Sandpoint and one starting a construction business — leaving two operator openings. He said recruitment is underway and that hiring remains a challenge.
Why it matters: paving and dust-abatement schedules affect travel and local commerce; persistent staffing gaps can delay projects and increase outsourcing costs. Commissioners and staff discussed timing relative to the county’s budget process and the need to maintain momentum on scheduled roadwork.
No formal action was taken; projects proceed under current contracting and staffing plans, and the department will continue recruitment and operational coordination.
