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Board hears construction updates: bridge work, ditch repairs and pond drainage concerns; FEMA closeout near completion
Summary
County staff updated the board on road and drainage projects including equipment moves for an over replacement east of Thor, Nellis Bridge backfilling, tile and ditch repairs and a site‑specific pipe replacement; staff also reported progress toward closing out 2019 FEMA projects.
County roads and public works staff reported progress on multiple construction and drainage projects and raised a few outstanding maintenance issues.
Staff said equipment for an over‑replacement east of Thor was slated to move off site within days and that loose‑gravel signs and Type 2 barricades would be installed before reopening the roadway. Work at the Nellis Bridge replacement included setting box culverts and backfilling; staff said the bridge could be open by the end of the week. During a drainage repair, a contractor removed about 20 feet of fence to access and replace a damaged pipe joint; staff said driveway pipes and tile lines had been rerouted to drain to the north side of the roadway.
The board also discussed a washing/blacktopping project bid award (see votes) and ongoing issues at local ponds and drainage districts. Supervisors and staff inspected Brady’s Pond and noted silt accumulation; staff said the pond’s outlet governs water level and that dredging the pond, rather than only clearing ditches, would be required to change pond storage capacity. Board members flagged a beaver dam backing up water along a drainage reach across Highway 3 and noted state conservation rules require consulting the conservation officer before removing beaver dams.
On FEMA matters, staff said the county has provided GPS coordinates and scope documentation to the agency, that rule changes during the multi‑year closeout process required extra documentation, and that July 14 is the target cutoff for finalizing the 2019 FEMA closeout.
Board members asked for follow‑up on property‑related debris and abandoned trailers on county right‑of‑way piles; staff said they would try to locate property owners and coordinate removal with local junkers.
Construction and maintenance schedule highlights - East of Thor over replacement: equipment to be removed soon; signage and barricades before opening. - Nellis Bridge replacement: box set and backfilling complete; potential reopening by week’s end. - Local tile/ditch repairs: contractor replaced pipe joints and adjusted driveway connections; a 20‑foot fence was temporarily removed to facilitate work. - Brady’s Pond: silt accumulation noted; dredging would be required to change pond storage. - Beaver dams: county must consult conservation officer prior to removal under current state rules.
Staff asked the board to consider continued monitoring of contractor schedules, and the board directed staff to follow up with property‑owner location and nuisance removal where trailers/debris are present.
