By Mary Alice Murphy
The purpose of the Grant County Commission special meeting on Feb. 16, 2017, was a public hearing regarding an ordinance entitled Fleming Tank Road and Wind Canyon Estates Improvement District Assessment Levy Ordinance.
Three commissioners, a quorum, were in attendance. District 3 Commissioner Alicia Edwards chaired the meeting. District 4 Commissioner Billy Billings and District 5 Commissioner Harry Browne also attended.
When the hearing opened, Grant County resident James Baldwin approached the podium and asked where Fleming Tank Road was. It was explained to him that it is part of the Wind Canyon Subdivision on West US Highway 180 outside the city limits.
The next to speak was Frank Bielfeldt, who has been the voice of the improvement district residents during the almost four years of negotiation to get the road improved and maintained by the county. "I want to thank (County Manager) Charlene Webb, (Planner and Economic Development Director Michael "Mischa") Larisch and his staff, including Ray Castillo, for all the help they have provided."
Larisch said the hearing and the ordinance to be considered were the final stages of the process. "We have gone through the resolutions and followed statutes. The ordinance is so the county can assess the levy and get the contractor on board and start the improvement."
Billings asked who the contractor for the project is. Larisch said Fowler Brothers would be doing the crowning and laying the base course. "The County Road Department will do the low water crossing."
Browne noted the assessment was in place for 10 years. Larisch said residents had the option of paying in full with no interest or they could choose payments and the county would send monthly invoices.
Browne asked if the Road Department is sure it will cover costs.
"The Road Department has estimated how much it will cost, and there will be one assessment per property owner," Larisch said.
The assessment was was based upon where the residents lived and which road was utilized to access their property, Wind Canyon Road or Fleming Tank Road.
Billings moved to approve the ordinance; Browne seconded it; and all three voted approval of the ordinance.
The commissioners adjourned.