Supervisors approve routine claims, forward manure plan to DNR and hear engineer on road repairs

The Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors on April 6 approved routine business including the agenda and minutes, certified claims presented by the county auditor and approved a dock permit for Gal Street Dock.

Chair called for and the board passed motions by voice vote to approve the agenda and minutes and to certify the claims as presented. The board also clarified auditor payments should be quarterly and approved the quarterly fee schedule.

The board moved to send a manure management plan for C.V. Neilan & Sons, which Environmental Health said contained no changes from the previous submission, on to the Department of Natural Resources for its review. Chair motioned to forward the plan and the referral was approved by voice vote.

A drainage issue was reported in Drainage District 39 that appeared to involve the main tile; the board voted to send the drainage watchman to investigate and directed that person to report back with findings.

County Engineer delivered the report on roads and equipment. He said unit #24 is in the shop for a recurring wiring/harness problem and that crews are troubleshooting a grader that has intermittent control failures from different components. On road conditions, the engineer said recent rain exposed numerous frost boils and severe road damage and crews will prioritize pothole and ditch repairs over the next day or two to restore travel.

On upcoming projects, the engineer said a federal funding agreement for Thrush Avenue will be brought to the board for signature; letting is expected in August and construction will likely occur next spring because contractor paving deadlines push work past the county's current fiscal cutoff. He also said a letting is being scheduled for the Sheriff Ridge Road Quarry Lake project (S60) on the north side of Quarry Lake and right-of-way agreements are being finalized.

When asked about winter materials, the county engineer said, “We bring in 800 tons every year. Probably went through about of third of it this year,” explaining that rain and mixed conditions reduced the need for salt and sand compared with a heavier icing season. The engineer also noted plans to remove plows from most trucks as snow melts to reduce wear and reclaim hauling capacity.

The board approved the dock permit (Doc 50P) for Gal Street Dock and completed routine business before adjourning.

The supervisors adjourned after passing the listed motions; no additional public comments were offered during the meeting.