Pottawatomie County Commissioners with Pawnee Mental Health Ex. Dir. Robbin Cole
Close to a dozen farmers and business owners who use the Belvue Bridge were present for Monday’s Pottawatomie County Commission meeting, to ask about timelines when it comes to fixing the structure. Doyle Pearl with J.D.Pearl Sales and Service was just one of the many who voiced his concerns, saying there is a need for this bridge. Pearl agrees that it will add up, but says they’re hoping for some progress.
Wabaunsee County Farmer Steven Holz paid a visit to the meeting Monday, to express concerns, with improvements considered for more than a year. While the bridge is also in Wabaunsee county, state statute only indicates 14 percent is Wabaunsee County’s responsibility, although Commissioner Stan Hartwich says he hopes for more participation from the neighboring county. Holz indicated he hasn’t seen much activity on the bridge project, saying he didn’t see it in the county’s budget or as a ballot issue.
Pottawatomie County Business owner Bob Awerkamp, who provided pictures and an update on patchwork done for the bridge. Awerkamp actually had some praise but also pointed out continuing problem areas. Awerkamp had a suggestion, which seemed to have support of the close to dozen farmers and business owners in attendance, saying as soon as harvest is over it would be nice to have more material on hand and the county would be done with other projects and could get  back to bridge work before the winter. Awerkamp says the patching seems to be working now and should help the bridge continue to be functional, although commissioners still expressed some concerns.
Commissioners indicated they are waiting for an inspection report on the bridge before making further decisions, and if the matter is put on the ballot it would likely be on the fall election when there’s a much better turn-out.
Commissioners assured the group of nearly a dozen farmers and business owners  they continue to work on the project.
County Commission Chair Pat Weixelman told the group during the meeting that projects like this take time and the bridge is not out of their minds.
Another item on the agenda was zoning, with three new subdivisions opening in the next two or three weeks in the southwest part of the county. Zoning Administrator Gregg Webster also addressed building permit numbers, with last month’s numbers about the same as last year’s.
During the meeting…commissioners also reappointed Jim Parker to the Big Lakes Development Center Board of Directors and proclaimed September Recovery Month on behalf of Pawnee Mental Health.
With election fever beginning to spread…Pottawatomie County will begin tabulating votes on a new system at a cost of $86,000, which is a savings of about $60,000. County Clerk Nancy McCarter also asked for another full time position to be filled early next year and commissioners assured her they would consider it.
Updates from the Noxious Weeds Director made the agenda of a Pottawatomie County Commission meeting. Noxious Weeds Director Tim Eisenbarth has been spraying about 90 miles for brush this past month.  Eisenbarth is helping to prepare for the landfill’s free day on October 3rd.
Public hearings on a new subdivision fell on the ears of Pottawatomie County Commissioners, involving sewer, street, and water projects at Brook Ridge.
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