Kris Miller
Hiawatha World

The Brown County commissioners voted to accept a bid for replacing bridge OS-265–located south of Fairview–during Monday morning’s meeting.

Brady Hedstrom of BG Consultants visited with the commissioners about the OS-265 bridge. The contract that was awarded for replacing the bridge went to Wichita-based Dondlinger and Sons Construction for $542,692. This was one of the two bids received after the OS-265 project was re-bid.

Hedstrom stated that the bid that was approved was $50,000 lower than the original bid placed. The BG representative also explained that the transmission lines near the bridge site was a factor of the drive in costs and the limited about of bidders. Commissioner William Pollock discussed about the power lines with, “As a county, I think we need to be aware of that and now allow transmission lines to get too close to our bridges in the future.” He said as a future resolution, no bridges should be near power lines.

Road and Bridge Secretary Tami Lehmkuhl mentioned that the county’s share was estimated to be $115,000; this amount also includes most of the construction engineering cost for the bridge project.

Other items discussed

• Earlier in the meeting, the commission gave a moment of silence to the late Keith Olsen, who passed away on Sunday, Dec. 8. Olsen served on the Brown County commission for 12 years. Readers can find out more information in “Former Brown County commissioner passes away” in this issue on A1.

• The commissioners met with Landfill Director Don Pounds, who stated he researched a solid waste contract that would end up being detrimental for the Brown County Landfill and potentially lose money. Pounds requested the commissioners to look into the subject further.

• All commissioners voted to approve an audit engagement letter from Lawrence-based Gordon C.P.A.