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County to take over DOT roadside gopher control; new drivers start May 4
Summary
Brookings County will handle pocket gopher control along state rights-of-way after the County Commission approved a DOT contract; two new drivers join the Weed Department May 4 to begin gopher work. The board also confirmed continued township participation in a gopher bounty program and utility partnerships.
Chairperson Steve Olson called the meeting to order at 12:04 PM. The board discussed gopher-control plans after the County Commission approved a DOT contract for roadside pocket-gopher work, Steffensen said.
Stacy Steffensen, Commission Department Director, told the board the commission approved the DOT gopher contract at its last meeting so the county will handle pocket-gopher control along state rights-of-way. Tim Huber, Weed & Pest Supervisor, said the two truck drivers "start with the Weed Department on Monday and they will start working on gophers right away." Huber later specified the drivers are scheduled to begin Monday, May 4, and to work four 10-hour days.
Huber also reported that the same townships as last year are rejoining the county's Gopher Bounty Program. Steffensen confirmed that utility partners ITC and Sioux Valley Energy are once again partnering with the county and townships on that program. The board discussed how townships will handle their weed and gopher control responsibilities going forward.
No new county action on the DOT contract was taken at the board meeting; the board's role in this session was informational and to coordinate operational staffing and schedules.
