State Representative Droge Announced House Bill Success Conversation during the weekly Road and Bridge report again included the bridge located on 90th Street west of G Road (referenced as the Bechtel Bridge).
Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood, who was in attendance via Zoom on Monday, April 8, shared that the bridge report for this crossing, which was provided for commission to review, was created following a meeting with contracted engineer Michael Maris. Work to the wingwall and new signs are needed. Greenwood noted that Maris felt the structure of the bridge was sound for traffic anticipated to be going across it. As discussion continued, Greenwood noted that this bridge is not on the inspection list. Greenwood County inspects all bridges on this list, which includes approximately 184 bridges and of these, 60 or 70 are annual inspections. Property owner Roger Bechtel was present to address the commission on the matter. Bechtel discussed weight and water issues with the bridge, noting that the crossing is too small. This was noted as the only way in and out of his ranch. Bechtel shared that other ranches also utilize this route. He made officials aware that semi loads of cattle, hay and other feed/ supplies often cross this point and noted concerns regarding the tonnage the bridge is rated for. He also commented that the route is also traveled for the Field Trials. Greenwood shared that he had spoken with Maris last week, and he could be available by Zoom next Monday morning to further discuss this. Greenwood further noted that Maris felt if property owners stuck to the weight of a normal cattle pod this would not be an issue for the bridge. Commissioners asked that Maris attend their regular meeting next Monday either by zoom or in person. As conversation continued, the option of putting in a rail car at the location to resolve any potential weight issue was briefly noted and this could also afford for looking to increase the opening to help with water issues. When asked for the ideal tonnage rating, Bechtel noted he was hoping to see a 20-25 ton limit on it.
Discussion turned to the bridge at U and 100th Street. The permit for the bridge is anticipated to be ballooned, making it possible for one permit to cover everything from tearing out to building at the site. Greenwood noted that the county is at a standstill until permitting is finalized.
They have sent off for the Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) reporting in preparation for when permitting is received. Further discussion is anticipated with Maris in regards to specific construction plans.
It was shared that the wood top bridge on 365th Street between CC and DD Roads had somehow caught on fire and planks were now needing replaced. Commissioner Paul Hodge brought a fence issue to the attention of fellow county officials. He shared that individuals had expressed concerns as the fence located south of Piedmont just west of K Road was crowding. Legal Counsel Paul Dean noted that this was near the Elk County/Greenwood County line and he had sent a letter to the given property in regards to the matter. Greenwood shared that he had spoken with Josh Wells in regards to end dumps. Wells expressed willingness to rent these to the county. After Commissioner Preston Evenson expressed that he felt such a piece of equipment would be used frequently, Commissioner Mac Obourn noted that this could be a short-term solution. Road and Bridge staff member Kassie Lazar presented the construction engineering agreement for the project pertaining to signage on Rural Secondary (RS) Roads east of Highway 99 on Highway 54, through KDOT. Commissioners approved the agreement.
Kansas State Representative Duane Droge shared with commissioners that House Bill 2532 pertaining to horse racing had passed and is now awaiting signature by the Governor. This will direct 3% of the gross from historic horse racing machines in Wichita locally, with one-third of the tax revenue generated being credited to the Kansas Horse Breeding Development Fund and two-thirds being credited to the Horse Fair Racing Benefit Fund. A sum of two million dollars will be received July 1, to be allocated for rehabilitation/ preparation of the facility for horse racing. Golden Circle, the historic horse racing machines in Wichita, are slated to begin operation on September 15, 2025. Droge shared with commissioners that his previous focus was getting the bill to pass, and moving forward, there are still additional questions to be answered. When questions were posed regarding impact on property taxes, Droge noted that when more cash flow is generated, this helps everywhere. As of Monday morning, the bill was awaiting signature by the governor. He added that this is veto-proof.
The subject of ambulance transfers was also briefly brought to the floor. Droge shared that this is anticipated to be reviewed again next year to continue bettering it, but added that he believed they had passed making it possible to transfer patients with one EMT in the ambulance. ( Additional details on the passage of HB 2532 can be found in a separate article).
Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey sought employment verification for Kate Lear, with a proposed start date of Monday morning (April 8) and beginning salary of $30 per hour. Commissioners approved the employment.
A 5-minute executive session for legal was held with Dean. No decisions were made following the session.
A 10-minute executive session for legal discussion with Dean was taken. Following the session, no action was taken.
Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson requested a 15-minute executive session for legal discussion pertaining to roads. Dean, Greenwood and Vinson remained for discussion with commissioners. No decisions were made following the session.
Minutes of the April 1 meeting were approved as written.
Special payables in the amount of $1,545.86 were approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, April 15 at 9 a.m.
