Minutes from the August 26, 2026 Bates County Commissioner's meeting
The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Chris Gach was present at all meetings that took place.
Kent Page and Tom Pilcher, with Road and Bridge, came in and spoke to the Commission about the bridge that is about to be under construction. Kent had questions about certain things that were not in the plans and informed the Commission that Christian, with Viebrock, reached out and asked that the bridge be started by September 21st at the latest. Kent told the Commission that Tom, Daniel and himself took the time to go out and view this bridge to see if they can answer anything on their own before presenting any questions to the Commission. They felt like there was missing information on how they are building this bridge and concerns of safety for the Road and Bridge Crew Employees.
Kent expressed another concern dealing with power lines that could be a hazard during the construction process and called Jared Campbell, with Osage Valley, and asked for the powerlines to be wrapped during the construction period. Jared got with his project manager, and they plan to wrap the powerlines the morning of the 27th.
Kent then discussed the tear out process and pointed out that after going and scoping out the bridge, it seems to have a little “jog” to it. He asked the Commission if they stick with it having that little “jog” in the bridge or do they make it straight and center from the center point of the bridge. The Commission didn’t really have the answer, as they need to hear more information from Great River once the tear out process has been finished. John mentioned that they want to really try to save the I-beam, but Kent says that will be decided when they see the status of the I-beam once the bridge is tore out. He also asked about the low water crossing but the Commission also did not have much of an answer, as they needed to speak with the landowner to see where they could potentially put it. Kent felt as if it needed to go on the south side of the bridge and Trent agreed. Trent then asked Kent if he would be willing to go with him to speak to the landowner, that way they can become familiar with the landowner and talk to him personally. They spoke a little about rock and limestone that they have for this project. Kent is worried about the timeline that Viebrock is needing this bridge to be done in. He feels as if they’re going in blind and won’t know anything until the bridge is torn out.
Jim was absent after lunch, attending a Kaysinger Basin Meeting.
Trent made a motion to put Road and Bridges 2017 John Deere Tractor out for bids. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Jami Page, County Clerk, pointed out that there was no bid opening or closing date. John said August 31st to September 14th at 9:00 am. John suggested writing it on the bid paper and when Jim returns, he can redo the bid sheet so they can get it sent off. Jami took a copy of the bid paper and stated she was going to post it on Facebook to grab more attention.
Jim stated in the bid opening that the tractor can be viewed at the Bates County Administration Building. Trent and John agreed, thinking it would be easier for interested buyers to come and look at it after hours. Appointments can be made through the Road and Bridge Office to hear the tractor run and discuss anything further.
Trent then spoke over Kent Page, Tom Pilcher, Chris Gach and himself going and speaking about the residents of the area and landowner around the bridge they are about to demolish and rebuild.
Trent, John and Chris then spoke about the importance of having a Property Agreement signed for the landowners’ piece of mind and the county's.
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