County engineer updates board on bridge drafts, culverts and heavy snow response

Michael Coney, Winneshiek County engineer, updated the board on several infrastructure items, saying draft reports for bridge projects have arrived but require further review and coordination with contractor analyses before final designs are posted. He identified two locations under review, one near Bear Creek Road and another off Middleside Creek, and said those projects represent multiple bridges that still need final engineering work.

Coney reported that winter weather required extended operations: he said crews were out full days after a storm that dropped roughly 9–13 inches in parts of the county and that the department has many new blade operators and route changes to manage. He also reported progress on Quarry Hill and said Misty Valley requires a discontinuation document to be finalized this week.

On local safety and access, Coney described a dispute about roadside parking and a canoe landing where neighbors complained about trash and obstruction; he said the county will revisit signage and enforcement options in spring after assessing whether garbage is actually present. He also described a hiring timeline for a sign superintendent, saying the department interviewed candidates and expects to request hire approval next week.

The board did not take formal action on any bridge items at the meeting; members asked Coney to coordinate dates for two upcoming public hearings with landowners, noting that at least three weeks are needed to publish notices and mail landowner notifications.