2020 Dust Control Program
Pottawatomie County Commissioners approved a Dust Control Program for 2020 during their meeting Monday.
The program involves putting magnesium chloride on county roads to prevent cars and wind from kicking up too much dust.
Public Works Director Peter Clark says he believes the program has been successful in the past.
      Peter Clark 1

Commissioner Pat Weixelman voted in opposition out of concern that the program stretches the county’s workforce too thin.
Magnesium chloride purchases total about $130,000.
New transfer station scale
Pottawatomie County Commissioners approved the purchase of a new transfer station scale Monday for about $72,000, well under the anticipated cost which was around $100,000.

The commission has the option of upgrading the scale’s deck from three-eighths inch to one-half inch thickness for about $3800 more and will take time to determine whether it’s necessary.

County Sanitarian Scott Schwinn says while the scale can handle even the heaviest vehicles that will use it, an upgrade would still be beneficial.

      Schwinn 1

2020 Asphalt overlay and chip seal projects

The commission approved asphalt overlay and chip-seal projects for 2020.

10.26 miles of county roads and .73 of rural roads will receive asphalt overays, which will cost about $1.1 million.

10.2 miles of county and rural roads will receive chip seal in 2020, which will cost about $270,000.

Asphalt overlays involve applying a new layer of asphalt to an existing layer of road and help strengthen the road while chip seal helps to preserve asphalt surfaces.

There are about 182 miles of asphalt roads maintained by Pottawatomie County.

Gravel-road repairs

The commission approved a plan to stay on schedule repairing gravel roads damaged by an unusually icy winter.

Road repairs require certain conditions for the materials used to be effective.

They also require a level of availability of materials from rock quarries.

To make sure the county has enough labor and material for road repairs, the commission will contract material-hauling efforts and labor to local companies.

US-24 Hwy. and Green Valley Rd. intersection project

The commission also approved construction-inspection services for the US-24 Hwy. and Green Valley Rd. intersection project.

They will assign in-house inspector Steve Roggenkamp to the project while also advertising for an additional Kansas Department of Transportation-certified inspector at $21 to $24 an hour.

Financial contributions to local events and projects

The Pottawatomie County Commission decided to provide financial support for a few different events and projects during their meeting.
They contributed $400 to the Wamego High School After-Prom party, which is meant to provide a safe and fun place for Wamego High School students to go to following the dance.
Wamego High School junior-class president Beth Land went to the After-Prom party last year and says it is a good alternative to going out and making poor choices.
      Land 1

The commission also decided to help the city of Olsburg install a roof over the entrance of it’s city pool with a $500 contribution.
The roof will serve to keep the cement area cool so children don’t burn their feet after they take their shoes off.
Between construction materials and labor, the total project cost is about $5300
In other Pottawatomie County Commission news…
  • County appraiser Lois Schlegel gave the commission a departmental update and also provided information on agricultural land values.
  • Ann O’Meara was recognized for 20 years of service with the county

The post Pott. County Commission approves several road-maintenance plans appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

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