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Van Buren supervisors adopt roadside vegetation plan, authorize $30,000 grant application for hydroseeder
Summary
The board adopted Resolution #04-27-2026 approving an Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Plan and authorized the chairman and county engineer to sign documents for a $30,000 Living Roadway Trust Fund grant to help purchase a hydroseeder for FY2027.
Van Buren County supervisors on April 27 adopted the Van Buren County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Plan (dated April 24, 2026), approving it as a working county policy for roadside vegetation management.
The resolution (No. 04-27-2026) was approved on a motion by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Supervisor House, with Roll Call votes recorded as Waugh—Aye, House—Aye, Meek—Aye. The resolution frames integrated roadside vegetation management as a long-term approach supporting roadway safety, erosion control and establishment of desirable vegetation.
County Engineer Ryne Thornburg also discussed equipment needs and told the board he would like to pursue purchase of a hydroseeder in the 2027 fiscal year. Thornburg said he plans to apply for a $30,000 grant through the Living Roadway Trust Fund, with the grant application due June 1, 2026. The board authorized the chairman and county engineer to sign documents necessary for the grant application on a motion by Meek, seconded by House (Ayes: 3).
Thornburg’s report included acknowledgment of a resignation from full-time equipment operator Jim Schmitt, effective April 30, 2026, and the board noted interviews for the open equipment operator position are planned May 7, 2026. The board did not set a purchase order or appropriate funds for the hydroseeder on April 27; authorization recorded was limited to pursuing grant support and signing application documents.
