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Landowners ask Big Horn County to repair decades-old fence on Road 5; county to review options
Summary
Landowners told the County Commission that a county-installed fence along Road 5 needs repair after heavy truck traffic; commissioners directed road staff to inspect, consider posting weight limits and will have bridges staff report back with recommendations.
Mr. and Mrs. Gams of Cowley told the Big Horn County Commission on Aug. 19 that fencing installed by the county along Road 5 in the 1970s needs repair and that heavy truck traffic is causing new damage.
"The county should maintain the fence since it was installed by the county back in the 70’s," Mr. Gams said, estimating about two miles of fence to be maintained on each side of the road. Commissioners asked road staff to inspect the sections where the fence meets pipe and to return with recommendations, including whether a posted weight limit is warranted.
Bridges, representing the county road and bridge staff, told commissioners crews will go out to review the situation and make recommendations. The discussion also covered other Road & Bridge business, including an approved right-of-way permit for Road 12½ near Lovell Lakes and a temporary bypass at Red Gulch constructed with G. Flitner that Bridges said is intended only for local landowner traffic.
Bridges sought permission for S. May to begin a SLIB bridge-replacement grant application; Jolley said that if the grant is funded the county would use state and county road funds to crush gravel and that bidding rules will clarify costs. Bridges noted the SLIB grant allows up to four years for project completion. Separately, a crushing contractor offered to set up on a county section of the pit, do reclamation, and allow the county to buy stockpiled material; the contractor would remit a royalty, meaning slightly higher county costs. Commissioners said a formal bidding process should be used if state or county road funds are involved.
Bridges also reported an email from North West Rural Water District (NWRWD) raising concerns about tap access for new lots in a proposed subdivision. Bridges said county policy appears similar to Park County’s but that approvals in Park County may be handled differently; Commissioner Neves recommended inviting NWRWD to a meeting or sending a letter to open dialogue. Bridges said he will invite the water district and attempt to resolve any misunderstandings that might deter growth.
The commission did not take a binding action on the fence request during the meeting; Bridges will inspect the fence and report back with findings and recommended remedies.
