Secondary Roads updates, utility permit approved; DOT easement notice set for June 5

Audubon County Engineer Mitch Rydl updated supervisors on Secondary Roads projects during the May 14 meeting, reporting that the M66 project is progressing and nearing completion, while the Cameron #7 job is moving slower than expected due to recent weather. Maintenance crews have been blading and rocking roads as needed.

The board approved a Mid‑American utility permit for work on 250th Crane/Dove (motion Thompson, second Hansen; unanimous vote).

Separately, Attorney Chris Swensen told the board that the Iowa Department of Transportation will seek a permanent easement (rather than an outright purchase) for the Hwy 71 bridge over Sifford Creek and will include language related to the Trails Act in the easement. A public notice and hearing on the DOT acquisition are scheduled for June 5 at 10:00 a.m. during the Board’s meeting at the Memorial Building; appropriate newspaper publications will be placed.

Engineer Rydl also confirmed supervisors’ authority to send a letter on county letterhead to a homeowner regarding a driveway issue.

No further formal actions beyond the permit approval and scheduling of the DOT notice were recorded for these infrastructure items.