Commissioners discuss Northridge access concerns, road‑viewing fees and contacting Kansas DOT

Geary County commissioners discussed a local access issue in the Northridge area and the county’s formal procedures for road viewings and notices.

Commissioners said a road entrance into a development had been cut off and discussed asking the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to consider extending the entrance. One commissioner recommended formally writing to the state so the county’s request is on record; she said an informal employee-level inquiry had already occurred but a formal letter would be appropriate.

The commission also reviewed the administrative costs associated with road viewings and fence viewings. During the discussion one participant said the county would only need to pay publication and mailing costs if a road was already laid out, and that survey costs would be minimal. Commissioners cited a viewer fee estimate of about $70.20 per hour and a reference to line items described as "Road viewing is 20, and fence viewing is $7.50" (the discussion did not clarify the units or statutory basis for those particular figures). Another commissioner noted that fence viewing fees are governed by statute while the road‑viewing procedure referenced a prevailing wage provision in the commission's materials.

Commissioners asked staff to prepare a formal letter to KDOT if needed and to confirm the precise fees and statutory references for road and fence viewers before proceeding. They also discussed the practicalities of whether a separate viewer would be required depending on whether a road is already laid out.

No formal vote was recorded on writing to KDOT during this discussion; commissioners agreed to pursue clarification and to follow up at a future meeting.