Mahaska County Supervisors Continue County Engineer Contract
The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors on July 16, 2012 (photo by Ginger Allsup)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Mahaska County Supervisors met in regular session, tackling a fairly substantial agenda.
The Mahaska County Sanitarian Eric Dursky was the first to give his report. “Just to update everyone a little bit about the Carbanado Road project out there. We’ve had five new systems put in, up to this point, out there.” Dursky told the Supervisors, also noting that two additional are yet to be installed this summer. Dursky reported that he had 12 more septic inspections in the area that failed. “Basically from when all of this initiated, we’ve given everybody until 2013 to get their systems updated. ‘Til the fall of 2013.”
Dursky also reported that 26 new septic systems have been installed county wide.
“One of the big complaints I’m seeing this year, at this point,” Dursky said, is “we’re seeing a lot of above ground pools with stagnated water not getting treated.” He said these areas allow for easy mosquito breeding. Dursky said that at this point if he finds one, he’s currently just asking the people to drain the pool. Dursky looks to “touch base” with the health board on these pool hazards. Another safety hazard he has been seeing is above ground pools with no fencing around them.
MCARD Director Miranda Johnson will be leaving her post to take a position as Ag/FFA Teacher at Twin Cedars School District. Her last day will be August 7. Until then, Miranda can be found at the Southern Iowa Fair.
The search for her replacement is ongoing, but Johnson says that this time of year should help make the transition easier. “Besides, it’s not like I’m leaving the planet, you can still get a hold of me if you have any questions,” Johnson told the Supervisors.
Burma Shave project was approved and finalized and will be working with the county road department to get the signs up along 220th Street.
Mahaska County Conservation Board Executive Director Dave Sedevic informed the Supervisors that camping revenue has been strong, and is just short of the record amount.
FEMA monies dating to the 2008 flooding have been finalized. Sedevic reported, “That’s all done and over with.”
Sedevic said that an upcoming benefit concert by Jason Brown will be held at the fairground to benefit the new nature center.
Oskaloosa Engineer Jerry Nusbaum asked for a one year extension. “I’ve been here ten years, I’m in the final year of my existing contract,” Nusbaum said. “We have a number of projects ongoing. We have some things coming up that I think I need that year to carry through on the projects that we have.”
Location of a possible SE Connector
Nusbaum asked for no pay increase, “I am comfortable with my current salary that additional year.” Nusbaum’s contract would then be completed June 30th, 2014.
Van Weelden made the motion to extend the contract, with Rozenboom seconding the motion. The Supervisors passed the motion on a split decision, with Gordy being the dissenting vote.
The Supervisors then appointed their nominee for the Consultant Selection Committee for a proposed SE Connector that would link up 163 to the industrial park area on the Southeast corner of Oskaloosa.
Nusbaum presented the Supervisors with the application for Area 15 funding for a consultant that’s been approved.
The process would involve Local Public Agency (LPA) appointing a selection committee that would consist of 3 to 5 individuals. Nusbaum said the process would be the same as the one for the Eveland Bridge as well as the initial Highway 63 study.
Of those on the committee, one has to be a registered engineer.
The SE Connector Route Location Study would “cost $375,000.00, and would define an industrial route providing an east/west connection across the southeastern part of Oskaloosa connecting U.S. 63 with Iowa Highway 23. The proposed connector will serve the industrial park located along South 35th Street and industries located along Iowa Highway 23. The route will also provide a connecting route between Iowa 92 and U.S. 63 via 35th Street, reducing truck movement thru Oskaloosa.”
“The request for STP funding for the SE Connector Route Location Study will fund the necessary Interchange Justification Report(s) required by the Iowa DOT, locate and cost of the Hwy 163/63 access point, and engineer a preferred alignment, with estimated costs, for the roadway.”
Nusbaum said the project has been around for 10 years, and he’s been saving money every year to help fund the study. “It’s not enough money to build the project, but it is enough money to give us a design and proper route selection.”
Rozenboom will represent Mahaska County on the committee.
