Farmers wanting Level A access could get box culvert

The Adair County supervisors are likely to place a low water crossing near 150th Street and Lewis Avenue on the list for a box culvert, when it is possible, after discussion at their Wednesday, Sept. 18 regular meeting, though no action was formally promised.

The supervisors heard from farmers Rob and Bruce Mensing, who own property adjacent to that intersection. Level B dirt roads are on two sides of their property and they have requested to the county that a three-quarters of a mile stretch of one of the roads be upgraded to Level A.

Rob Mensing made the presentation to the supervisors during this meeting. He first clairified from previous conversations that he isn’t questioning anybody county employee’s competency or their willingness to do their job, and he understands that the roads are Level B in that area. He reiterated, however, that upgrading the roads to Level A would be safer for his farm.

While the breeding program the Mensings use is one key piece to them needing better access, he also said they’re signed up for rotational grazing on the property, which will require access. Former owners of the property lived far away, however the fact that the owners are now local and want to invest in the property should be noted, he said.

“We’re trying to get as much as we can out of this land, so don’t underestimate the economic impact of that single farm,” Mensing said. “It makes a big difference in the county, once we get done paying the bills at the bank, the vet, the co-op, the lumber yard, and we all three live here and work here. We’ve got other businesses that contribute to the county a lot.”

The supervisors noted in previous conversation a concern of starting a precedent of upgrading roads that seemingly only impact a few. Mensing said he completely understands the supervisors’ role of being responsible with tax dollars, however he encouraged them to stringently vet the next request considering their lack of access to better roads, characteristics of the farming operation, the owner or tenant’s level of investment to the property, and so on.

Mensing expressed his concern that more specific dollar amounts of upgrading the road aren’t known and asked if specific options and corresponding dollar amounts can be discussed.

The supervisors cautioned that upgrading a road isn’t as simple as putting rock down, there are preparations that have to be made.

Supervisor John Twombly said though he understands the Mensings’ situation, he still wasn’t in favor of raising the road to a Level A.

Engineer Nick Kauffman said that in two to three years, a box culvert could be installed where the low water crossing is, just off the intersection, at a cost of approximately $200,000.

Twombly said that he trusts Kauffman’s input to the situation, values his recommendation, and would be willing to go along with the box culvert option.

Mensing asked how much it would take to push the road to a Level A, and Twombly noted that a part of the cost would be ongoing maintenance. He made a motion that the county explore a culvert, however any other maintenance or rock would be at the farm’s expense.

Supervisor Matt Wedemeyer said that if there’s something that can be done to improve the road as a Level B, he felt that falls within the county’s scope of responsibility.

There are numerous variabilities that play into the cost of and work it takes to upgrade a road from Level B to Level A, and a schedule that should be followed. For instance, blueprints to replace the grandstand at the Adair County Fairgrounds cost over $30,000.

“From what I understand, maybe we haven’t heard much from you guys at all that there’s been an issue over the years,” Wedemeyer said. Mensing said he saw visiting with the supervisors as a last resort. Numerous other possibilities have been explored.

Chairman Jerry Walker said he understands the situation the Mensings are in, however it’s harder to explain that to everyone else in the county.

Wedemeyer reiterated that because of the cost associated with upgrading the road and keeping it maintained into the future, he’s not in favor of doing that.