Commission tackles thorny issues of malcontents
Monday seemed to be the day for constituents to complain to Marion County Commission.
During the commission's weekly session, complaints regarding a right-of-way issue, unwanted tree trimming, and closed offices occupied much of the elected officials' time.
New bridge woes
A bridge on 140th that was scheduled to be replaced will require right-of-way property owned by Aaron and Angela Allen. The rural Florence couple said they were not aware of the project when they purchased their home and surrounding property, and felt "railroaded" by county personnel when notified.
Reportedly, the Allens were first contacted by county road and bridge personnel 30 days before bid letting for the project that will affect their front yard and tree line. Commission chairman Randy Dallke apologized to the Allens for the short notice.
"We would like the project not to happen," Aaron Allen said. "We're not here to get money from the county. We are not here to seek funds."
The couple requested the project be re-engineered because they believe the new bridge is too large and too much land is needed for the bridge. They also are not sure the bridge even needs to be replaced.
The commission explained that there was a need and the bridge was a part of the county's five-year plan that identifies and repairs or replaces bridges as needed.
"It's a safety issue," commissioner Dan Holub said. "It is an absolute necessity to replace this bridge."
He cited the need for the larger structure because of the number of acres that drains under the bridge and the size of agricultural equipment that use that road and bridge.
"It's an inadequate bridge for this day and age," Holub said.
Allen said the county had made a verbal offer of $4,500 for the land.
Dallke requested a 20-minute executive session with the Allens and road and bridge personnel to discuss land acquisition.
After 20 minutes, the session was extended another 10 minutes.
Later in the meeting, it was divulged that the Allens had asked for an additional 45 days to resolve the issues. County officials will contact Kansas Department of Transportation who is in charge of the project, and ask for an extension of time.
The commission will consider a policy that would notify landowners in a specific radius regarding pending road and bridge projects.
Trimming of trees was not requested
Joe and Joan Nowak, Pilsen residents, told the commission that they had lived in their house at Pilsen for nearly 40 years. Thirty-five years ago, they had planted approximately 30 cedar trees on the north side of their property which were used as a wind break. According to the couple, county workers came in without their permission and damaged the trees.
Dallke commented that the real question is "Who owns the area where the trees are located?"
Dennis Maggard of the road and bridge department said the public roadways at Pilsen were maintained by the county because Pilsen was unincorporated.
When asked what he wanted the county to do, Nowak said he wanted the county to remove the damaged trees and replace the trees with a privacy fence.
Later in the meeting, Maggard said he was sure it was a county road.
More research will be conducted to determine ownership and settle the issue.
Office closed for business
The commission informed county treasurer Jeannine Bateman that a county resident had issued a complaint against the treasurer's office after the individual went to the office Friday morning and was told the office was closed because employees were going to see the soldier train on Main Street.
The Hillsboro resident was wanting to renew her driver's license.
Bateman said employees were heading out the door when the customer came in.
"We asked her if she minded waiting and she said 'no'," Bateman said.
The train was late arriving in Marion so the customer waited for more than an hour for the office to reopen to take care of her business, Dallke said.
"We, as commissioners, are upset that this office was closed without the public being aware," Dallke said.
Bateman responded that a notice was posted but the decision to close the office was made too late for it to be in the newspapers. She added that three offices were closed Friday morning for the special event.
After Bateman left the meeting, Dallke asked county clerk Carol Maggard to send a letter to the Hillsboro resident and apologize on behalf of the commission.
Dallke said he was upset that county offices were closed to the public and those offices should be more business-minded in serving the public.
