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Bremer County supervisors approve $657,000 resurfacing contract, advance repeal of surveying ordinance
Summary
At its regular meeting, the Bremer County Board of Supervisors authorized a roughly $657,000 HMA resurfacing contract for C‑38 and T‑77, advanced Ordinance 2605 (a repeal of the county's surveying ordinance) to a second reading, approved routine agreements and permits, and discussed a proposed septic‑tank safety amendment after a child fell into a tank.
Bremer County supervisors on Friday approved a contract of about $657,000 for resurfacing work on county roads C‑38 and T‑77 and advanced an ordinance repeal of the county's surveying rule to a second reading, while also authorizing routine agreements and considering a septic‑safety amendment after a recent child‑injury incident.
The board voted to authorize the chair to sign a contract for project M‑32026, a hot‑mix asphalt resurfacing job covering sections of T‑77 and C‑38. County Engineer Landon Moore said the apparent low bid was "657,000 plus or minus" and that paperwork had been reviewed and found to be in order; he recommended awarding the contract to Portland Asphalt. Moore described a probable construction window measured in days to a few weeks for different phases of the work and said approaches to gravel roads would be extended where needed. "All looks good," Moore said when recommending approval.
The board also opened and closed a public hearing on Ordinance 2605, which staff described as a repeal of the county's survey ordinance (previously recorded as ordinance 24‑10), enacted about two years ago amid litigation tied to non‑voluntary surveys on private land. Engineer Moore summarized the rationale: "This essentially is just an ordinance to repeal our 24‑10 ordinance… attorneys felt that in a particular case… the easiest way was just to repeal this." No public comments were offered during the hearing. Supervisors approved the ordinance's first reading and set a second reading for May 12 at 10:15.
In administrative business, the board authorized an annual in‑kind facility use agreement so the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging can continue occupying space in the county annex; Cassandra noted the fair‑market value of the space is "about $1,800 per year." The board also approved a fireworks permit for a May 9 display after discussing prior cancellations, insurance, and whether to add a last‑minute cancellation clause to future permits.
Planning and zoning staff reported permit valuations and a forthcoming comprehensive‑plan public hearing likely in June. Staff also said they will bring a septic‑amendment proposal after a child fell into an in‑use plastic septic tank; staff said a simple tank shield costing about $85 would reduce that risk. The planning presentation described the amendment as moving first to the board of health before returning to the board for final action.
Elections staff presented a canvass for a Sumner special election: 49 voters on election day plus six early votes (55 total) and Daryl Mullis was reported as the only candidate and the winner.
Other routine actions included approval of minutes, claims authorizations, a minor plat splitting a farmstead for Sejor Ham/Eleanor (approved), and discussion of a potential Permazyme materials test on a separate stretch of road. Moore said the county will coordinate with landowners and operators to identify trial sections and send letters with staking details.
The board adjourned following the day's business. The second reading of Ordinance 2605 is scheduled for May 12 at 10:15; the resurfacing contractor is expected to begin work according to permitting and scheduling confirmations.
