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County administrator: bridge bid exceeds award; radios distributed; dispatch alarm monitoring to end
Summary
County administrator Janelle Dockbrook told commissioners that a KDOT off-system bridge award of $1.25 million will not fully cover a low bid and the county expects an additional local share; the county continues distribution of 800 radios to responders and will discontinue alarm monitoring through dispatch due to AT&T copper-line retirements.
County administrator Janelle Dockbrook updated the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners on multiple operational items, saying the low bid for a 60-foot off-system bridge exceeded the grant award and will require additional county funds, that new radios are being distributed to responders and that alarm monitoring through county dispatch will be discontinued because of telecommunications changes.
Dockbrook said the county's application to the Kansas Department of Transportation's off-system bridge program was approved for $1,250,000 in funding. She told commissioners the low bid came in higher than the award and that the county is "still anticipating between $180,000 and $200,000 more on that." She said the low bid was submitted by L & M Contractors; the exact low-bid figure in the transcript was unclear and staff indicated they will cover the additional county responsibility including inspection fees.
Dockbrook also reported that 800 radios are being distributed: portables have been delivered to agencies and mobile units are being installed. She said commissioners had previously heard the benefits of the radios in a study session.
On alarm monitoring, Dockbrook said the county will discontinue the alarm-monitoring service provided by dispatch because AT&T is removing copper phone lines and regulatory changes require a transition. "We're discontinuing the alarm monitoring service through dispatch," she said, and staff will send letters to account holders informing them of options; Dockbrook said a local vendor expects customers to contact them and the transition should be completed within about 60 days.
Dockbrook added that the health department is actively recruiting an RN (the MS director has conducted Zoom interviews and another is scheduled) following the recent departure of an employee named Jean. Finally, she noted a stolen 2006 Chevrolet pickup reported earlier has been recovered, though its condition is unknown.
