Last updated: June 15, 2024
June 13, 2024 Meeting Notes. Management and Planning – Roads and Bridges
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- Handout: PASER RATINGS FOR ROADS : GOOD (8-10), FAIR (5-7), POOR (1-4).
RDC – Roads and Bridges. Bill Cayne of the Redevelopment Commissioner (RDC) coordinated a meeting with the new Highway Superintendent, Alec Burton, and an advisor from Purdue’s LTEP program (Pat Connor). Additional attendees included: Council members Gary Huett, Jim Kemp, Commissioner Candidate Kevin Patrick (District 1), and Tim Clark (Commissioner Candidate District 3 and (RDC member).
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- At RDC meetings, Bill expressed interest in county road conditions and I shared my information on past practices and available information that included the road inventory and status, links to the Purdue LTEP program, and available reports.
- Highway Department Website:
Infrastructure and RDC. The availability and condition of infrastructure including Roads and Bridges, is a core function of government and an important aspect of redevelopment.
Commissioners appoint the highway superintendent and have overall responsibility for the operation of the department and the safety of roads and bridges.
Historically, the commissioner’s focus was limited to complaints, road paving, and status on response to weather-related issues – flooding, storms, and snow removal. The county typically receives an extra million a year (1.5 this year) from the Community Crossing Grant for new paving. The highway superintendent provided an update on the status at every commissioner meeting.
Key Issues. Paving is just one aspect of the overall operations. Key issues include the status of equipment and maintenance, the placement and installation of signs, and the requirements for maintaining the engineering standards for roads and bridges. The county is required (and receives funding) to develop a bridge plan that identifies the inventory of bridges and their status and identifies funding requirements. This should be followed by a plan for what needs to be done and when. This would include identifying unfunded requirements and applying for grant opportunities.
Commissioners Responsibility: Communicate the condition of all roads and bridges along with the plan and budget for repairs, replacements, and paving. This is supported by maintaining awareness of the status of equipment, including scheduled maintenance and replacement needs. Provide the support needed for staffing, funding, and contract support. Communicate the status of the scheduled dates/times of closures/re-openings. Support the engagement with Purdue’s LTEP program and advisor to reinforce and support the good work being done by high department personnel and consideration of best practices from other counties. Provide an annual report to the citizens on accomplishments and improvement plans. Website – Purdue/ Local Technical Assistant Program (LTEP) and leverage the capabilities of the county GIS system.
Additional Information
Facebook: Brown County Matters. For “years,” I have routinely communicated the information provided by the Highway Superintendent at Commissioner meetings along with additional research.
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