Lisa A Guenther

The meeting covered several operational and planning discussions, including administrative items like approving the agenda and discussing the need for residents to sign up for Text My Gov notifications following a weather-related postponement. The Engineer and Road Department provided updates on numerous construction projects, noting which were slated for 2026, 2027, or later, detailing ongoing easement negotiations, permitting processes (including wetland and cultural impact coordination), and identifying potential projects for additional funding consideration. Updates were provided on bid openings for 103rd Avenue (set for February 18th) and 99th Avenue (rescheduled to February 4th). The Highlands department reported on a pay estimate for the 98th Avenue Southwest and Fourth Street Southwest paving project, and deferred final payments for Pinewood Meadows and 3T projects due to outstanding punch list items. A significant discussion involved seeking county approval to place the Food Pantry building under the County's insurance policy to reduce costs, which was subsequently approved by motion. Finally, budget amendments were reviewed, noting that the overall 2025 budget came in under target, but specific department expenditures (Governing Board travel, Auditor/Treasurer, Communications, Jail boarding/transport, Park Board projects, and Capital Projects donations) required amendment approvals.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included discussions regarding road department updates, such as the near completion of work on 100th Avenue Northwest and progress on various design projects like 92nd Avenue and 12th Street, with targeted July bid dates. The commission noted follow-up needed for the 16th Street project regarding a cultural site. Progress on 20th Street involved cultural and permitting reviews, while preliminary grading designs were nearing completion for 86th and 9th and 98th Street projects. Updates for 2026 projects focused on finishing field surveys and environmental/cultural assessments. Regarding 14th Street Southwest, progress on box installation and wing wall construction was noted, along with accountability for incorrectly installed pipes requiring correction at county expense; discussions also covered the volume of excess dirt anticipated for the project. For 119th Avenue, utility relocation was underway, including the need for approval to move Mackenzie electric poles. A significant delay on the 99th Avenue Southwest project due to cultural issues was discussed, with plans to schedule a meeting involving the Army Corps of Engineers and the state historical society. A public meeting concerning Manning water line installation by Southwest Water was held, with general positive reception, though future steps involve easement acquisition and minor reroutes, pending Southwest Water's capacity studies for service upgrades. Progress on 7th Street and 3rd Street projects involved filing core permits after purchasing mitigation credits. Updates for 115th and 1st indicated surveying completion and progression to preliminary design. Finally, there was substantial discussion concerning the sequence of the Manning water improvements relative to street paving, expressing concern over potential cost increases if paving proceeds before utility upgrades are finalized, and the overall structure of dissolving Manning Waterworks once Southwest assumes responsibility.

The meeting included approvals of previous minutes and the agenda with additions, including discussion on time off around the holidays and the Back the Blue grant program. Significant time was dedicated to road department and engineer reports covering multiple projects. Discussions included putting the 92nd Avenue project on hold until spring due to landowner concerns, working on easements for 12th Street (scheduled for 2026 construction), resubmitting permits for the 16th Street project (targeting 2026 construction), pursuing Ducks Unlimited credits for the 20th Street project, and evaluation processes for 86th and 9th related to environmental and cultural impacts. Updates were provided on the 98th Avenue project timeline (possibly 2026 construction) and the status of 2026 projects like 14th Street survey and design work on 94th and 79th. Furthermore, pay estimates were reviewed and approved, including one for 119th Avenue project suspension reimbursement to CSI ($25,000), final payment for 14th Street Reconstruction to Schwarz Construction ($16,748.99), final payment for 105th Avenue to Bron Brothers Incorporated ($32,758.37), payment for the 98th and Fourth Street project to Beckall Paving ($49,80.03), payment for 10th, 130th, and 7th Street Northwest projects to Bronco Brothers Incorporated ($380,817.88), and a partial payment for 3T Street to Win Construction ($19,500.21). Design updates covered coordination for easements on 114th Avenue and 104th Street, progress on BI10 plan signing, and discussion on flex/bridge funding for crossings on 91st Avenue and 104th Avenue.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various road and construction projects, including 12th Street, 16th Street, 20th Street, 98th Avenue, and others, with attention to permit acquisitions, easement negotiations, and environmental and cultural impacts. Pay requests for Martin Construction and Broner Brothers were reviewed and approved. The commission discussed the Manning water project, setting a bid opening date, and considered revisions to the project scope. They also covered the appointment of department heads and the transfer of a retired sheriff vehicle to the Kilder area ambulance squad for use as a quick response unit.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various road and construction projects, including 119th, 99th, Martin's, Seventh Street, 101st 97th, Third Street, 115th, 109th and 82nd St. Topics included easement procurement, wetland mitigation, project suspensions, and bidding processes. The commission also discussed defensive driving courses for employees, potentially partnering with the city of Kilder, and the auditor's wages, including a proposal for a $6,000 raise. Additionally, the commission addressed extension stipends and approved polling locations for the upcoming year.