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Road and Bridge director says county short staffed for runway repairs; commissioners discuss hauling and mowing help
Summary
Public Works Director Chris Smith told the commission county crews must use multiple contractors for hauling, lack equipment to "spray oil" for runway repair in Minneapolis, and are short staffed; commissioners noted an offer to help with roadside mowing and discussed scheduling around harvest.
During Road and Bridge comments, Commissioner Scott Mortimer asked about a trucking invoice and whether a lower-cost vendor could be used. Public Works Director Chris Smith said the county "has to use different companies because the one cannot do all of the hauling that needs to be done," explaining operational limits on a single contractor.
Smith told the commission the City of Minneapolis approached Ottawa County about helping repair the runway but said Public Works "do not have the equipment to spray oil" and that the department is short staffed. Mortimer noted a private offer to help with mowing on the east side of the county and urged trying to assist where feasible, suggesting work could be scheduled outside of harvest when equipment and staff availability would be less disruptive.
The exchange clarified staffing, equipment constraints, and intergovernmental requests for assistance; no formal action or funding change was proposed at the meeting.
