Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Whitman County Commissioners Monday voted to table a decision on a road vacation Monday for Cottonwood Road/Kearns Bridge between Thornton and St. John after discussion at a public hearing.
“It’s a small road that basically dead-ends; it used to be part of a longer road,” said Whitman County Public Works Director Mark Storey, in describing it to the commissioners and gathered public.
As the hearing began, Milt Nelson of Thornton, started to speak.
“This is not the Kearns Bridge,” he said.
After some confusion over which bridge was in question, Commissioner Dean Kinzer directed Nelson to speak during the public comment period.
“I farmed that ground for 40 years,” said Nelson during the designated time. “Been here 25 years ago on this thing.”
He stated that the county had long ago agreed to maintain this bridge, for access to his land, which his grandfather obtained in 1915.
“Down there at Kearns Bridge, I couldn’t get a combine across, I had to put a bridge in,” Nelson said. “At my expense, I gotta put a bridge in… Now you want to pull it out. I don’t know why we can’t afford to keep a dad gum bridge. Why can’t we afford it? What’s the problem?”
Commissioner Dean Kinzer began to explain, saying that in 2007-08, the state passed Initiative 747, which limits tax growth to one percent of revenue per year, while the costs in Whitman County are increasing three to four percent per year.
Commissioner Art Swannack then spoke, pointing out that there are a few alternatives.
“There are options available to us, one of which would be to take out the bridge,” he said. “I think some research is needed. Is there a legal document obligating the county to maintain the bridge?”
“We can double-check,” said Storey.
Commissioner Michael Largent then put forth a solution.
“What if we leave the bridge there?” he asked. “It’s my inclination that this road could be abandoned, if we leave the infrastructure there. Would that be satisfactory?”
Nelson with Mike McCane, who farms the neighboring property, indicated agreement.
The road and bridge in question is used by both men to access a field and a pasture.
Swannack then assured the two of them that the county’s goal is not to cause grief or restrict access.
“Nothing is changing, other than you assume the liability,” said Largent of his proposal.
He then addressed the matter of the suggested document.
“You refer to a legal document that existed in history, I assume that was a resolution,” Largent said, concluding that it would not bind the current commissioners.
Nelson spoke some more, including some side commentary.
“Why does it take four people to paint a bridge?” he said.
“I’d like more information,” said Swannack, returning to the central question. “If there is a legally binding document that we should know about.”
He then made a motion to table the matter.
After further discussion, Largent seconded the motion and all approved unanimously.
Storey’s office will now go through county records – with help from Commissioners’ Clerk Maribeth Becker – to see if they can find any agreement with a property owner about maintaining a bridge.
Storey will report back to county commissioners Tuesday, Sept. 8.
If the commissioners ultimately approve vacating the Cottonwood Road and the Kearns Bridge turns over to the private jurisdiction of the landowners, it will be one of more of an estimated 200 privately-maintained bridges in Whitman County.
"These are wood bridges,” said Storey, indicating that it’s much simpler to determine and maintain the structural integrity of one as opposed to a steel or concrete span.
OTHER VACATION:
In an earlier, separate public hearing Monday, county commissioners voted unanimously to vacate D Meyer Road, a portion of a former road south of Pullman. Another section of it was vacated before, and the new action vacates a section which extended to the Wawawai —Pullman Road.
There was no public comment during the hearing.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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