If cold and uncooperative weather develops early this winter, the new bridge on old U.S. 169 just north of the Allen-Neosho counties line might not open until spring.
The bridge’s concrete deck was poured two weeks ago, with curing time of 28 days.
Bill King, director of Public Works for Allen County, told commissioners Tuesday the contractor “has had some hang-ups with dirt and rock work,” on either side of the bridge and asphalt roadway approaches won’t be laid until after that work is complete.
“If it gets into December and the weather turns cold, the asphalt work — and opening of the bridge — may have to be put off until spring,” King said.
King also mentioned that property owners planting trees on property lines next to roads was a nuisance for maintenance crews.
Commissioners asked County Counselor Alan Weber whether they could impose a setback requirement for trees. Weber said he would research the matter.
“I don’t know why you couldn’t,” he added. “We have a 35-foot setback for buildings.”
ALLEN COUNTY commissioners aren’t eager to become involved in the funeral business, but may not have any choice because of state funding cuts.
They noted Tuesday that since July 1 Social and Rehabilitation Services had stopped paying for burial of unclaimed bodies of indigents. Previously SRS provided $575 for each.
Allen County has not yet had to deal with such a case but likely will. Commission Chairman Gary McIntosh suggested meeting with funeral home directors to develop plans for how the county might handle such demands.
Commissioner Dick Works, in a call to a counterpart in Labette County, learned that county had had to pay for disposition of one corpse since July 1.
RON HOLMAN, courthouse custodian, was given permission to purchase an eight-foot bench for $390, which initially will be used to seat people coming for court sessions.
Holman said he wanted to see whether the bench was stable enough before recommending purchase of several for lawn use near the bandstand.
“The ones we have out there are in bad condition and really need to be replaced,” Holman said.
