Structural engineer will assess transfer station
County approves Doyle Creek watershed proposal
Staff reporter
Marion County Transfer Station Director David Brazil reported Monday to Marion County Commission that the condition of the transfer station building was deteriorating.
A roof leak had been observed, causing damage to a bathroom. Brazil said there was $14,000 budgeted in 2005 for building repairs. Commissioner Howard Collett said he had looked at the building, climbing on the roof to view the damage. He said he observed the roof was lower than the downspout to the other building.
Collett also said it appeared to him the brick exterior wall was bulging, due to water damage.
The commission authorized Brazil to contact a structural engineer for an assessment. Brazil commented the commission was aware of these concerns when the building was purchased.
Brazil also updated the commission regardng the landfill closure. He said that consultant Jack Chappell wanted an 80-acre tract mowed. The land will be used as fill dirt for the landfill.
Discussion followed regarding how to mow the area. It was noted some refuse was in the field's tall grass, requiring a bush hog mower.
Brazil said Chappell required the area mowed before a survey was completed. Collett asked if the area could be burned by a fire department instead of being mowed. Brazil will check with fire department.
Use of the land, once the landfill is filled and closed, needs to be considered, Brazil said.
A decision was made not to renew the contract for the tract used for CRP (Conservation Reserve Program). It was determined it would not be in the county's best interest to agree to continue maintenance of that area as CRP land.
Brazil was instructed to obtain additional bids regarding the replacement of the compactor at the transfer station.
A cost estimate of $2,768 was obtained from Salina Steel Company for the steel required for the compactor. Commissioner Bob Hein suggested Brazil check with Manhattan Steel Company for a bid.
Collett suggested Brazil check into a concrete block with rebar. Brazil said he would do that but was concerned about a concrete block without a steel frame. The concrete block will chip away, Brazil said. With a steel frame, the compactor will last longer.
Brazil requested and received a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
In other business, the commission approved a proposed watershed project in Doyle Creek township.
Charles Rayl, attorney for the Doyle Creek watershed district, presented information about the proposed project.
The site is located on 90th Road, along the north side of section 28, township 21, range two, and along the south side of section 21, township 21, range two, near Peabody.
The project will construct a structure for flood control. The watershed board was seeking permission from the commission to allow flood waters to cross the county road.
Rayl explained if water was to cross the road, it would be for a short period of time and in extreme conditions.
The watershed district will reimburse the county for public notifications in the newspaper and necessary signs, warning motorists of possible flood waters on roadway.
County attorney Susan Robson said she and the road and bridge department had reviewed the proposal and found it to be appropriate.
Rayl said easements have been obtained from landowners. The project was contingent on federal funding, Rayl said. He was not sure when the project would be funded.
