(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday), approved the appointment of Dorene South as an assistant to Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman. Sundermen told the Board there were nine applicants for the job. South will replace Mary Anstey, who now serves as the Cass County Assessor. The Board also discussed at length, a proposal to close 570^th Street, which runs underneath Interstate 80. Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken explained the DOT’s logic, and benefit to the County, in closing 570^th.

Landowners in the area have voiced their opposition to the plan, citing the need to get to their crops and/or animals living on either side of the bridge on their land. Scott Schram said Iowa Code states while those properties must be accessible, it does not say that does means “Convenient Access.” There is also some concern over high water in the area when there are periods of excessive rain that results in flooding.

Iowa Department of Transportation District of Engineer Scott Schram, in Ankeny, said the bridge over 570^th Street is due for maintenance activity or due for replacement.

(He said they are fully prepared to replace the bridge, but wanted to see first, if the County was interested in voluntarily vacate the road way instead.)

The reason they are interested in closing 570^th, is so that I-80 can eventually be turned into six lanes (3 each direction) across the State. Putting a culvert in-place instead of a bridge, would result in a substantial cost savings for the DOT, and reduce the level of maintenance necessary, as compared to installing a new bridge. But then there’s the matter of how soon is a six-lane I-80 in that area needed?

(I-80 traffic flow show the section of road in Cass County does not necessitate the creation of six-lanes at this time, but if the County wishes to vacate it, the DOT can include the section in their long-term program.)

Iowa DOT District 4 Planner Scott Suhr said studies on 570^th Street show the traffic flow runs about 12-to 15 vehicles per day. A Public Hearing on vacating the road will be held 9-a.m. Friday, October 29^th in the Supervisor’s Board Room at the Cass County Courthouse. In other business, the Board discussed at length, being part of ISICS (the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System), cost and funding. A public hearing on securing essential purpose bonds for the project, was previously set for Oct. 12th.

The bond amount to be proposed is still being kicked around, and is dependent on several factors, including the use of grants, what equipment should be included in the bond, and maintenance contracts. At this point, the proposal is for at least $1.75-million. Timing on passing a bond referendum is a relevant matter, due to the proposal the County has received from Motorola.