Action by the Barton County Commission Monday morning will improve entry into two county facilities. Approved was the replacement of gates to the Barton County Landfill and the Sheriff’s Office shooting range, both on NW 30 Road, by Eldridge Fencing of Great Bend at cost of $8,618 for both.

“This is something that has been on my radar for a while,” said County Administrator Phil Hathcock, who also serves as the county’s solid waste director overseeing the landfill.

The main entrance gate to the landfill is constructed of oilfield pipe and is “sort of a homemade affair,” he said. It has gotten to the point where it needs to be replaced.

“I wanted to automate it,” he said. The new gate will be operable via a garage door opener-type of remote, allowing it to be opened and closed from the office. 

In addition, there will be a keypad at the gate itself.

Fires occur at the facility, often at night, he said, meaning firefighters now have to call landfill personnel to come open the gate. Also, if the alarm sounds, Sheriff’s Office deputies have to call for assistance or jump the fence.

In both cases with the improvements, first responders can be given a temporary code to enter at the keypad for access.

“This is just such a good idea,” said commission Chairwoman Jennifer Schartz. “Sometimes technology is our friend.”

Also, the entrance to the Sheriff’s Office shooting range needs to be enlarged to better accommodate its use as a voting location. While the site worked well as a polling station during the last election, it was noted that the driveway and gate were too narrow.

This project involves the widening of the drive and replacing the culvert and installing the new gate.

Although Eldridge Fencing in replacing the gates, landfill personnel will help remove the old gate there and county Road and Bridge Department will widen the driveway at the range.

Work will start soon on both. As for the range, it will be ready for the next election in April.

Funding for both gates will come from the 2020 budget.