Infrastructure, street work on hold until spring
BY STU MERRY
BHG News
Underwood city officials will wait until spring before deciding what to do about a water main depth in Westridge Estates, a chip and seal project, and annexation of the city’s Industrial Park.
At their meeting Nov. 17, the Underwood City Commission heard from Ron Manchester and Harvey Schneider, Toman Engineering. The two talked about the storm sewer systems along Marion Drive and in Westridge Estates in west Underwood.
During the conversation, commissioners asked that Toman Engineering look at the project plans for city streets to prepare for a chip and seal project. Manchester and Schneider recommended holding off until spring before looking at the street to determine how much work should be done.
A map and legal description of the proposed annexation lands was presented by Manchester and Schneider. Auditor Diane Schell was was asked to create a tax comparison for land owners within the proposed annexation area.
Clayton Ostrom, Underwood site manager for Sand Solutions, spoke with the commission about the operation of the facility and truck traffic. Sand Solutions provides proppants, or sand, to the oil industry for use in the hydraulic fracturing process. The facility is located in the former grain elevator complex. Sand Solutions is part of Fox Run, which is the trucking side of the company.
In follow-up action from the Nov. 3 meeting, commissioners gave their final blessing to a "Jake Breaking" Ordinance. Jake breaking is the loud engine-breaking system that enables an 18-wheel truck driver to slow the vehicle without using brakes. County deputies will be in charge of enforcing the ordinance which carries a fine of $250.
