Restricted river access to block erosion
BY DALE HOGG
dhogg@gbtribune.com
The Barton County Commission Monday morning took action to restrict erosion-causing all-terrain vehicles from accessing the Arkansas River at the Radium Road bridge.
The banks at the bridge are used to reach the river for various outdoor activities, particularly four wheeling and similar excursions. The usage, however, is eroding the bridge banks, particularly at both the north and south end on the east side and on the south end on the west side, said Barton Road and Bridge Department Director Dale Phillips.
So, the commission gave the go-ahead for Road and Bridge to dump loads of rip-rap (chunks of rock and broken concrete) at the northeast and southwest access points, and for the installation of a guardrail to block the southwest point. The guardrail, however, will include an opening to allow horse users to get to the river.
In other business, the commission approved updates to the county’s employee handbook. “Periodically, we review the handbook to make sure it stays viable and relevant,” said County Administrator Richard Boeckman.
The biggest changes came in the areas of employee evaluations and workers compensation (which has changed dramatically with new state laws). A committee made up of elected officials, department heads and other employees studied the book and made recommendations.
Boeckman said those suggestions have been endorsed by the rest of the department heads and the county’s Employee Relations Committee. Included are revamped evaluation procedures, revamped policies on reporting accidents and employee personal cell phone use, distracted driving and social media use. Other changes came in the use of unpaid leave versus vacation days and holiday premium pay.
After weekend showers, the Barton County Commission Monday morning let the county-wide burn ban expire. The commissioners will revisit the issue at their next meeting, scheduled for Monday, June 25.
Without the declaration for a state of local disaster emergency, fire chiefs have the option of placing burn restrictions on their respective areas, said county Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller. Individuals in Barton County are required to apply for burn permits from the fire department having jurisdiction over the area where the burn is to take place.
Although Barton County received rain last week, it was noted during the commission meeting the moisture will rapidly disappear with the high temperatures and strong winds forecast for the upcoming week. Miller said fire chiefs across the county were divided on whether a ban is necessary now. And, should they feel individually that there is a risk, they have the authority to restrict any burning in their districts.
But, she said, with the wheat harvest pretty much done, farmers have a need now to burn off wheat stubble.
Any questions concerning local burning, should be directed to the fire chief having jurisdiction of the area where the burning is to take place, Miller said. The chief may or may not allow burning depending on the fire conditions within their jurisdiction.
Individuals who would like a copy of the Barton County Controlled Burn Resolution should visit www.bartoncounty.org/911/burning.htm.
