The Dent County Commission met for its weekly meetings Thursday, July 3, and Monday, July 7. In attendance were county clerk Angie Curley, first district commissioner Keith Green, second district commissioner Jimmy Williams and presiding commissioner Gary Larson. Larson was absent July 3, Curley designated Green as acting presiding commissioner.
The agenda was approved, as well as minutes from the June 30 meeting. Road crews were off for the Independence Day holiday.
Bills were approved Thursday. Clerk Angie Curley balanced with the collector and assessor on all monthly collections, add-ons, and abatements.
The deadline to return appointment forms for committees is July 14.
Zach Moser, Dent County Health Center Administrator, visited to give an update on a new CPR course. The community assessment survey deadline is July 15.
A letter of support was signed by the commission for Scenic Rivers Industries to apply for a grant-funded paper shredder.
Unleaded fuel bids were accepted: County Fuels, $2.55; MFA Oil, $2.64. The bid was given to County Fuels.
In Monday’s meeting, the continued weather was discussed in relation to road conditions in both districts.
Larson commended both districts on working through the continued hardships of the spring rains, that have lasted through the summer.
“You read stuff on Facebook, about impatience for county employees. Right now, we get one thing done and the weather hits again,” shared Larson. “These two are doing a darn good job keeping up, with everything they have been handed - all while being new and learning the ropes,” he continued.
Williams and Green thanked Larson and gave ultimate credit to the hard-working crews in both districts for doing everything they can to keep with the historical rain.
Curley reported bills were in need of approval.
Great River Engineering’s Jeff Banderet visited to open bids at 10 a.m. Commissioners voted 3-0 to accept the bid from GRE. Banderet will return in a couple of weeks with further information on the proposal, as well as updates on the downtown sidewalk project, as well as others.
There are discussions regarding lighting that need to take place, before courthouse sidewalks are renovated, he shared.
District One Commissioner Keith Green
Crew members were looking for washouts throughout the county and assisting Jimmy in the district two area, as needed.
District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams
Crew members were working on a bridge on County Road 5300, making it passable. In addition, road 3310 was also being worked on. Crews were looking for other washouts after heavy rain continues to cover the region.
“Roads are really messed up,” shared Williams. “They are torn up from grading and then rain comes and messes up the work just completed.”
Green echoed the sentiment.
A landowner was cleaning out a cattle gate on 3180, but the road would still be passable, reported Williams.
District One Commissioner Keith Green
Crews would be grading on 6435, 6550, 6540, and 6490. Brush cutting would take place on 6450 and rock hauling to 6230. Crews would access a tree over the road on 5015.
District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams
Crews would be patching in Boss on 2115, 3270, 3273, and 3275; hauling rock to 3300, and installing a culvert pipe. Brush cutting would take place on 3290. A grader will be in the Anutt area to hopefully finish this week, reported Williams.
