Engineer seeking property in southeastern part of county for new motor grader shed

Henry County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss was authorized from supervisors Tuesday to seek and negotiate the purchase of land in the southeastern part of the county for a new motor grader shed.

Hotchkiss is looking for land off New London Road for better motor grader accessibility and efficiency throughout the southeastern part of the county. At this time, department has a shed in that area, but it is too small for today's motor graders and is only used for storage.

The current operator for the southeastern part of the county reports out of Mt. Pleasant and covers land all the way to Geode State Park. If Hotchkiss is able to find land for a new shed, he may consider adding another part-time operator to the department to improve coverage around Mt. Pleasant.

A discussion about where the money to purchase the land will occur later and will possibly be added to the 2020 fiscal budget. Right now, Hotchkiss said he is just looking to see if there is anyone interested in selling a portion of their property to the county.

This week, the Roads Department is waiting for a contractor for overlay on Mediapolis Road.

Iowa Bridge and Culvert completed their work on 130th Street and Gabriel Ave and have moved on to 200th Street, east of Nebraska Ave. Now, the county is working on grading. Wet conditions have slowed down progress on this road. Hotchkiss said when it rains this time of year, the soil takes much longer to dry out.

A 2018 CAT Motor Grader and 2018 Western Star Tandem Truck has been delivered to the department. The equipment was purchased earlier this year. The motor grader will be used in Tippecanoe Township.

Brush cutting will slowly ramp up as the weather starts to turn.

Last week, operators continued to haul spot rock, seeding operations and mowing shoulders. Resurfacing rock was hauled to Baltimore Township.

Thursday, Sept. 27, the department held a safety meeting, hearing tests, cleaned up shop and Public Health administered flu shots to those who wanted them.