Staff writer
City council members discussed damage done to the small bridge on S. Locust St. during the flooding caused by the Labor Day storm that dumped between five and six inches of rain on Peabody overnight. The bridge spans Spring Creek, a normally shallow waterway that borders the city park.
A large section of asphalt on the southeast side of the bridge washed away and a section of the wing-wall beneath the bridge collapsed. Also damaged was a pillar in the concrete guardrail.
Mayor Larsen told the council he had spoken with Gary Williams, Marion County Road and Bridge Superintendent, about getting county assistance to repair the damage since the bridge is on a “connecting link” into Peabody.
“Williams said he would have to get the OK from the county commissioners,” said Larsen. “He did agree that our equipment was not big enough to move all the rock, gravel, and debris from the creek bed, but he said the county equipment could handle it.”
Larsen said he also spoke with County Commissioner Randy Dallke about the issue.
Larsen will follow up with the county commission and keep the council members informed.
Larsen also thanked members of the council and community for the many hours of volunteer labor that took place on Labor Day to get tree limbs and debris cleaned up and electrical service re-established.
In other business:
- Council member Bob Knapp reported that as the city approaches the last quarter of 2014, shortages appear to be “creeping up” on city funds. He warned that in December, city departments historically had higher expenses, which he thought might be an effort to spend the remaining money in their budgets and advised keeping a watch on spending.
- The council was told that Westar Energy replaced seven electric poles, most on Walnut St.
- Council members heard that Interim Public Works Director Ronnie Harms had removed the guardrail from the culvert on N. Elm St. and installed caution reflectors. No action was taken on the remaining scope of the project.
- A Kansas Department of Health and Environment inspector was in Peabody August 4 and inspected the open burn pit on S. Olive St., finding it in compliance with all regulations.
- Council members examined an architectural drawing of a proposed drive-up window Peabody State Bank is thinking of installing on the north side of the bank building. Traffic would enter from Walnut St. and leave via the alley between Walnut St. and Vine St. Council members discussed alley maintenance, but took no action.
- Larsen reviewed ambulance personnel on-call hours for the month of September. Peabody has seven certified volunteers and all of Marion County has only 14. Larsen told the council that classes to train additional ambulance personnel would begin Sept. 16 and he encouraged them to contact people who might be interested in serving.
The next council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 in the city building.