County limits traffic on Nighthawk
Staff reporter
In an effort to discourage over-the-road truck traffic, Marion County Commission decided Tuesday to restrict a portion of Nighthawk Road to local traffic.
The commission asked County Attorney Susan Robson to draft the limits because of concerns about the road being used as an alternative when U.S.-77 is closed for reconstruction in 2005.
The county has been negotiating with KDOT to secure state money for anticipated repairs to Indigo and Sunflower Roads after construction. No final settlement has been disclosed.
Commission members and county personnel have voiced concerns about heavy truck traffic on Nighthawk, Sunflower, and Indigo during construction. It was determined that Nighthawk was the most vulnerable because it is the most accessible for larger vehicles.
Sunflower and Indigo go through Marion and Hillsboro, respectively, which should discourage tractor-trailer traffic.
Only local traffic will be permitted on Nighthawk between U.S.-50 and U.S.-56. Violators may be fined up to $150.
The resolution will become effective when published in the Marion County Record, the county's official newspaper.
Construction on U.S.-77 will begin at K-150 near Marion and extend to Florence. Traffic will be routed on a detour north on U.S.-50 to K-150.
Bid-letting for the project was in December. Construction is planned to begin in mid-March. Completion is anticipated by fall of 2006.
C&D waste bills sent to cities
The commission was notified by David Brazil, director of the county's transfer station, that bills were sent last week to the cities of Marion, Hillsboro, and Florence and two private haulers regarding commercial and demolition (C&D) waste.
A 60-day moratorium, which ended May 26, 2003, had been placed on C&D waste by the county. Jim Kaup, the county's legal counsel for the issue, recommended that Brazil send billing statements to the entities for collection.
A total of $11,684 was anticipated to be collected from the haulers.
The City of Marion was billed $24; the City of Hillsboro, $5,539; and the City of Florence, $1,414. Two private haulers, Stutzman Refuse, Inc., and M&K, Inc., owe $4,530 and $176 respectively. The totals reflect charges from May 27, 2003, through Dec. 20, 2004, Brazil said.
More than $30,000 has been collected from the general public for C&D disposal.
In other business:
— The commission approved an updated policy document for general public transportation.
Noreen Weems, director of the county's department for elderly, presented the policy for review.
The policy, a requirement of Kansas Department of Transportation, was updated by personnel and board members in the department.
Changes noted by Weems were duties of the driver, which are to assist passengers on and off the van and nursing home personnel accompanying residents.
Weems also reviewed policies regarding luggage, first-aid equipment, and railroad crossings.
She reminded the commission that public transportation vehicles were not "for rent," but were to serve the public as per the policy. Interested residents need to contact the office for more information. Requests for services need to be made at least 24 hours in advance.
— Brazil reported the receipt of one bid for an air jack at the transfer station. The commission approved a bid of $759 from Marion Auto Supply.
Brazil also reported that Kevin Robinson of Robinson Trucking, the transfer station's solid waste hauler, received and approved the county's contract for the coming year.
— Fiennes Jantz of Hillsboro was approved to serve a two-year term on the senior citizens board.
— Bill Smithhart, director of the county's noxious weed and household hazardous waste departments, showed the commission a detailed map of the areas that were sprayed this past year.
Smithhart also presented a letter from the state, indicating he had completed the necessary credentials to continue as director of the departments.
Annual collections of household hazardous waste was noted. Nearly seven tons were collected in Marion, 2.9 tons in Hillsboro, and 3.7 tons by mobile pickup.
— Smithhart requested and received a five-minute executive session with the commission to discuss personnel issues.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The commission will meet at 9 a.m. Friday and Tuesday in the courthouse.
Newly-elected commissioners will be sworn in Jan. 10.
