Commissioners approve highway encroachment, bridge contract acceptance and replace mowers

Hamilton County commissioners approved multiple highway department actions on July 13, including an encroachment/right-of-way agreement allowing a subdivision sign at Ashmore Trace to remain in place, final acceptance of work on the Bell Ford Bridge contract, authorization to advertise and open bids for the 146 Hazelton/Hainbleville Road project on Aug. 24, and permission to procure three zero-turn mowers to replace aging equipment.

Highway staff told the board the Ashmore Trace sign could not be relocated easily and that the county would acquire the necessary right-of-way; the board approved the agreement after legal review and a motion. For Bell Ford Bridge the highway recommendation was for final acceptance of the contract; commissioners moved and approved final acceptance. The board also approved title-sheet signatures for the 146 Hainbleville Road work and agreed to open bids on Aug. 24.

On equipment, staff said they would replace three mowers and dispose of remaining units by auction or as unusable; the board authorized procurement of the replacements. Each item was approved by roll-call-style voice votes recorded as "Aye" during the meeting.