Reno County approves vacating portion of Mohawk Road, grants easements for utilities to accommodate landfill expansion

The Reno County Commission approved Resolution 20-27 on Sept. 1 to vacate a portion of Mohawk Road to allow expansion of landfill operations and to reduce safety risks posed by heavy equipment movements. The resolution exempts the south 235 feet of the originally proposed half-mile vacation so a cul-de-sac large enough for a semi tractor-trailer can be built on county property.

County counselor Joe explained the change to the legal description and the safety rationale: "the necessity for Reno County to expand the landfill operations ... the necessity to maintain the road as a public utility is not justified" for the portion proposed to be vacated because alternate access routes exist and measures will be taken to accommodate utility relocations and public access.

The counselor also described three negotiated non-exclusive easements required to relocate Evergy and IdeaTek infrastructure away from the vacated right-of-way; in part of the vacated section Evergy's overhead poles will be placed underground to eliminate guy-wire conflicts with heavy equipment. Commissioners discussed signage, drainage and the need for additional right of way to construct the cul-de-sac. After discussion the commission voted (roll call) with Commissioners Hurst and Sellers both voting yes; the resolution was approved effective upon placement of barricades and signage as determined by public works.

In a separate but related vote the commission approved the three utility easements, agreed to record them with the register of deeds and directed staff to prepare quitclaim deeds for additional right of way as needed. No opposition was recorded in the meeting minutes.

What happens next: county staff will finalize legal descriptions and record the easements and deeds; public-works will determine barricade placement and additional signage to redirect traffic to Clark Road and other alternate routes.