The Seward County Commissioners discussed an open meeting violation at their July 2 meeting. Read about that on pages 1 and 3.
In other business, Seward County residents Joe and Jessica Fehlhafer asked the Seward County Commissioners to approve an oversized driveway on Old Cheney Road between 448th and 462nd roads in order for semi-trucks to access the driveway safely.
Matt Kline with the Seward County Road Department said the highway superintendent’s recommendation is 45 to 60 feet but that is not a standard.
Commissioner Becky Paulsen said she was concerned that raising the limit of 45 feet would set a standard.
Seward County resident Jon Eberspacher asked what this would mean for those people who already had to follow the existing standard.
Commissioner John Culver said the board will only look at future cases.
“Houses that are already there are already there,” Culver said.
The board approved a motion to set the driveway width at 50 feet, 4-0. Commissioner Ken Schmieding was absent.
In other business, Kevin Roth, Tyler Roth and other local agriculture producers spoke to commissioners about the conditions of gravel roads in Seward County.
“We are tired of the road situation. There’s holes left in the gravel road, and it’s a disaster,” Tyler Roth said. “We understand it’s been a long year, but why aren’t we seeing trucks?”
Culver said weather conditions have created a lot of problems with roads this year.
Ag producers Cecil Roth, Bill White and Greg Roth also spoke about poor road conditions in specific areas and the need for something to be done soon.
“We just don’t want anybody getting hurt,” Greg Roth said.
Culver said the board would look into its options.
In an unrelated matter, Seward County resident Scott Shafer discussed the county’s contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare. He said his son was recently in jail for a probation violation and needed to take his medications for autism, but the jail personnel would not give them to him. Shafer said he has a good relationship with Sheriff Mike Vance and could tell that Vance was also frustrated with the situation.
“I’d like to formally request Sheriff Vance be allowed to start making contract reviews, to consult with a citizen adviser group, and the ultimate authority can lie with him and the board of commissioners,” Shafer said.
Vance said he thinks the contract needs to be reviewed, but he cannot discuss any individual case. No action was taken.
