Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Eddy County Road Superintendent Todd Weber would like to be more consistent when it comes to maintaining the quality of winter bus and mail routes. Current policies state that the county will only clear township roads when a township supervisor has called in a request.
Most often though, Weber said he receives calls from residents before he hears from the township officials. That gets tricky, because even if he sees the need to clear that road, he must first get township approval.
Weber adds that it is the residents who know those roads best, especially considering the impact that wind and terrain can have on blowing snow.
“There’s got to be a more effective way to do this,” said Weber to Eddy County Commissioners during their Jan. 7 meeting. The commissioners welcome suggestions from residents on ways to improve the winter road situation.
Other business
• Commissioners approved Weber’s request to purchase at least 20,000 tons of gravel in preparation for thaw. The commitment from the gravel pit in Maddock offered a price of $3 per ton of gravel. Commissioners agreed it makes sense of have a supply on hand when it comes to maintaining roads.
• Eddy County Weed Control Officer Bryant Huso informed the commission of his resignation. Huso has worked in this position since January 2013. The position will be posted by the Eddy County Weed Board, which includes Corey Longnecker, Tim Becker, Nate Collier, Adam Fleming and Jerry Schuster. Huso agreed to stay on through the month of January and into February to ensure grant reporting is complete.
• Bids have been received by contractors Randy Linderman and Scott Taverna for repairs to the interior and lighting of the county shop in Colvin Township. The commissioners voted to accept the bids from both contractors so that they can begin the work.
• Damages resulted to the front steps during the removal of the chairlift. Presumably workers damaged the stairs while dragging something down them. The steps had just been replaced this past fall. Commissioners agreed to take photos of the damage and request repairs be paid by Access Elevators. Commissioners will also be asking the company regarding a date for installing the back elevator.
• The State of North Dakota has set the 2020 Mileage Reimbursement Rate for Private Use of Vehicles at 57.5 cents, down one-half cent from 58 cents. Commissioners voted to keep the county rate at 58 cents.