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St. Francois County approves emergency purchase of winter aggregate, backs RTP grant assurances
Summary
At a regular meeting, commissioners authorized an emergency purchase of granite winter road-control aggregate after local quarries ran out, and approved a Recreational Trails Program project resolution and accompanying financial assurance letter to Missouri DNR.
St. Francois County commissioners on Thursday authorized an emergency purchase of winter road-control aggregate and approved two actions tied to a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
County staff told commissioners that the county’s usual granite supply ran out at local quarries and could not be replenished until spring, leaving the county short ahead of an approaching storm. Staff said they negotiated a one-time purchase of approximately 2,000 tons of a quarter-by-eighth-inch granite ice-control aggregate from New Frontier Materials for $26,529.28, after the quarry’s listed scale price was quoted at $35 per ton. The county said it negotiated a $13.50-per-ton price to cover its immediate winter road-control needs and characterized the purchase as an emergency procurement. The commission voted to approve the purchase.
In separate actions, the commission approved a project resolution for a county recreational-trails project funded through the RTP and then approved a required financial assurance letter to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. County staff said the financial assurance documents confirm the county will maintain the park for 25 years and that match funds are available; staff must complete and sign the DNR forms before final processing.
Other departmental reports and discussion items during the meeting included temporary maintenance labor for interior painting and floor work at a county facility, installation of a guardrail completed by county crews, and an update on pothole repair. Road staff explained that local asphalt plants are closed for winter, making hot-mix asphalt difficult to obtain; the county plans to use a cold-mix product called "Easy Street" in bulk at higher cost and will pursue out-of-county supplies for interim repairs when weather allows.
The sheriff reported a weekly jail population of 33 inmates (17 male, 16 female), said the facility has 194 bed spaces, and noted the county has previously accommodated higher numbers by double-bunking. The sheriff also said the department is interviewing candidates for two road deputy positions and expected a selection by Wednesday.
The commission opened the meeting with the pledge and moved through a consent agenda that was approved by voice vote. Commissioners said the new aggregate purchase should shore up winter stockpiles and that the granite product is preferred over limestone because of visibility and durability on icy roads. The RTP items passed with motions to approve the resolution and the financial assurance letter; staff noted required forms cannot be signed until the commission approves them.
The commission adjourned after approving the listed items and indicated it would meet again next week.
