April 19, 2024

County seats, bridges set to expire

By SARAH SCULL

This bridge on Iris Avenue southeast of Creston went from a six-ton weight limit to a three-ton weight limit after Union County Board of Supervisors received the deficient bridge notification for Union County this year. The bridge is one of seven county bridges to have decreased weight limits. There were also two bridges to be closed completely and one bridge to be replaced in future. (CNA photo)

Now in his 16th year as a Union County Supervisor, Ron Riley announced it will be his last year during the board’s regular meeting Monday.

Supervisors Dennis Brown and Rick Friday were approved as the board chair and and vice chair, respectively. Next to the county supervisor vacancy, the positions of Union County attorney, treasurer and recorder are also open to candidates. Those who wish to appear on the ballot this November will need to file paper work with the Union County Auditor between March 7 and 25. Those who wish to appear on the Republican ballot will need 61 signatures, and 29 signatures to appear on the Democrat ballot.

In his weekly maintenance report, Road Superintendent Al Hysell said a brush cutter attachment purchased two years ago and so far it has been a good investment. The board approved purchasing a second CAT brush cutter from Zielger at a cost of $48,964. Hysell assured the board secondary roads has the money in its budget and would have employees to run the equipment.

The board reviewed the latest deficient bridge report from engineering firm, Calhoun-Burns & Associates.

The report showed, of 13 bridges, the recommendation was to close one, replace two, consider the replacement of two more, and schedule three others for replacement. Four have already been scheduled for replacement in the next three years. It is estimated more than 45 county bridges are set to expire within the next five years, meaning they will be past their life expectancy.

The county has started replacing short bridges with used railroad tanker cars, which saves the county money and eliminates bridges. Hysell said would like to convert as many bridges as he can to pipes, saying it will be a real savings to the county checkbook. Deteriorated wood pilings are the problem for many of these bridges.

The bridge Calhoun Burns recommends closing is on Trout Avenue in Jones Township. It is currently a six-ton bridge and is severely decayed with failed abatement pile.

The Union County Board of Supervisors meet 9 a.m. Monday in the Union County Courthouse. Meeting minutes and agendas can all be found on the county website www.unioncountyiowa.gov.

Raquel Linch at KSIB Radio contributed to this report.

SARAH SCULL

SARAH SCULL

Sarah Scull is native of San Diego, California, now living in Creston, Iowa. She joined Creston News Advertiser's editorial staff in September 2012, where she has been the recipient of three 2020 Iowa Newspaper Association awards. She now serves as associate editor, writing for Creston News Advertiser, Creston Living and Southwest Iowa AgMag.