Meeting Information
<1/2xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />LECOMPTON COMMUNITY BUILDING (in joint session with Lecompton City Council)
-Convene
-Pledge of Allegiance
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders
(b) Consider approval of Agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation
for Inspection of Bridge Hinge Pins on Kansas River Bridge at Lecompton (Keith
Browning)
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Hearing on 2006 Budget (Craig Weinaug)
(3) Discussion of possible temporary closure of Lecompton Bridge to accommodate repairs (Keith Browning)
(4
Jones called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M. on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 at the Lecompton Community Building, Lecompton, Kansas, with all members present.
CONSENT AGENDA 08-17-05
Johnson moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
- Approve Agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for inspection of the pin and hanger assemblies on the Kansas River Bridge at Lecompton -- Douglas County Bridge No. 21.30-06.15; NBI Bridge No. 000000000230240.
Motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS 08-17-05
The Board conducted a joint session with the Lecompton City Council to discuss the possible temporary closure of the Lecompton Bridge to accommodate repairs. Keith Browning, Director of Public Works/County Engineer, explained that the existing bridge carrying Route 1029 over the Kansas River at Lecompton is an 11-span continuous steel girder bridge with a concrete deck. The bridge was constructed in 1970 and is 1682 feet long. The bridge carries traffic of approximately 4100 vehicles per day. The bridge is not posted for reduced loading although the Jefferson County roadway north of the bridge is posted for a load limit of 15 tons.
The concrete bridge deck has been experiencing deterioration for several years. Douglas County crews have patched the deck numerous times. Although the deck is deteriorating, the steel superstructure and concrete abutments and piers are in good condition.
The Boards of County Commissioners for Douglas and Jefferson counties have discussed the deck replacement project. The Boards have agreed to share the cost of the project according to assessed valuations of the two counties. It was also agreed that Douglas County would act as the lead county for the project and would contract with a qualified firm for design services with Jefferson County reimbursing Douglas County for their share of design costs.
The Boards also agreed that the question of whether or not to close the bridge during construction should be answered prior to detailed engineering design of the project. The advantages of keeping one lane of traffic during construction are fairly clear, i.e., access across the Kansas River at this location would not be totally removed. Perry-Lecompton school district as well as the general traveling public could continue to cross the river at this location and avoid the need to travel to Topeka or Lawrence to cross the river.
Disadvantages to keeping one lane of traffic open during construction are as follows:
- The duration of construction would be approximately nine (9) months as opposed to approximately four (4) months if closed to all traffic.
- The construction cost would be significantly higher if one lane of traffic is maintained. It is estimated closing the bridge to all traffic would reduce construction costs 15% to 20%.
- Even if one lane of traffic is maintained during construction, there will be significant periods of time that the bridge must be closed to all traffic. The bridge would require closing to all traffic during concrete pours and for three days after each pour to allow for concrete curing. Assuming four concrete pours per lane (eight pours total), and closure of four days per pour, the bridge would be closed to all traffic for 32 days.
- Keeping one lane open will necessitate a centerline joint that will likely cause problems in the future. Closing the bridge would allow for a much more sound concrete deck.
- All truck (tractor-trailer) traffic will be prohibited during construction even if one lane is kept open.
The consulting engineering firm hired by Douglas County should further study the ramifications of keeping one lane of traffic open on the bridge during construction. A final decision on whether to close the bridge during construction should be made following further study.
Another question that should be answered prior to detailed engineering design is whether or not the existing lead-based paint should be removed and the superstructure repainted as part of this project. The consultant should also study this issue for a decision by Douglas and Jefferson counties prior to detailed design.
It is currently planned to complete engineering design for this project in 2006 and to construct the project in 2007.
Numerous comments were received about the negative impacts on the economy of the area town and everyday life if the bridge were closed. A straw poll indicated unanimous support for keeping the bridge open. No action was taken.
BUDGET & RESOLUTIONS 08-17-05
As advertised, the Board conducted a public hearing regarding the 2006 budget. No comments were received. Jones made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Johnson and carried unanimously. Johnson moved approval of Resolution 05-28 expressing the property taxation policy of the Board of Douglas County Commissioners with respect to financing the 2006 annual budget for Douglas County. Motion was seconded by Jones and carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS 08-17-05
Jones made a motion to appoint Kathy Donner, Lawrence, Kansas, to the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors to fill the unexpired term of Jennifer Magyar who recently resigned. Motion was seconded by Johnson and carried unanimously. It should be noted that Donner's term will expire on September 30, 2007.
Johnson made a motion to adjourn; Jones seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Charles Jones, Chairman Bob Johnson, Member
ATTEST:
_____________________________ _____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk Jere McElhaney, Member
Time and Date