Feb 8 2021
Clay County's
Lead Economic Development agency, the Business Development
Authority (BDA) held their monthly public meeting on Feb 8th
in their office complex in Two Run.
In their general account, the BDA has just $4630.05. The balances on their other accounts are not made public during public meetings.
During the 45 minute meeting, Chair Mitch DeBoard provided an update on the FEMA paid for stretch of railroad track from Dundon to Widen. Over four years ago, the rails were damaged by the Great Wash Out flood. Since then the BDA has been waiting for the funding and a go ahead to rebuild the 18 miles of track.
As of this date, $600,000 has been spent in preliminary paperwork. Total FEMA funds for the upgrade amounts to $4.5 million.
Back to the foot draggin.
According to DeBoard, after months of delay, they now have the master plan and paperwork for the work in hand. The only thing left to be done before construction can be begin is "permitting".
Potential contractors will visit the project site April 8 2021. The project will be advertised nationwide with the low bidder getting the job. Bids will be opened May 15th 2021.
Get this readers. The complete job includes new ballast, culverts, 13,000 ties, some new rail and the hiking trail. And And And, the whole enchilada will be complete by Dec 31 2021. If you think that sounds like pie in the sky, we do too.
Sadly, DeBoard reported to his Board that the State had not selected a Superintendent for the coming State Park. He said, they are back to bidding for the job.
There's a couple kids on ATV's riding around on the BDA parking lot in Two Run. That parking lot now includes a basketball court. The BDA spent loads of time discussing whether or not to put up "No ATV" signs around the lot and on buildings. We're talking, like 15 minutes! With Dustin Fitzwater leading the charge to spend $$ and put up sings, there was one voice of reason, Mike Shamblin who summarized, signs are not going to fix the problem and "May do more harm than good."
Didn't matter, the BDA voted to erect 5 11x17 size signs.
Instead of wasting time and $$$, sure seems like talking to the kids' parents / guardian or have a Badge come over and skeer the crapola out of the brats with strong words.... that might actually work.
After the meeting adjourned, the Board remained seated and in discussion after the public had left. Our guess, that's when the real business of the BDA was conducted.
Now for the gem.
Several members of the BDA refused to wear a face mask during the public meeting. They refused even after a member of the public requested that masks be worn. None of the wayward put on a mask. They get their direction from the Chair who spoke in no uncertain terms, he wasn't going to wear a face covering. No Way!
How very sad and dangerous.
AW
In their general account, the BDA has just $4630.05. The balances on their other accounts are not made public during public meetings.
During the 45 minute meeting, Chair Mitch DeBoard provided an update on the FEMA paid for stretch of railroad track from Dundon to Widen. Over four years ago, the rails were damaged by the Great Wash Out flood. Since then the BDA has been waiting for the funding and a go ahead to rebuild the 18 miles of track.
As of this date, $600,000 has been spent in preliminary paperwork. Total FEMA funds for the upgrade amounts to $4.5 million.
Back to the foot draggin.
According to DeBoard, after months of delay, they now have the master plan and paperwork for the work in hand. The only thing left to be done before construction can be begin is "permitting".
Potential contractors will visit the project site April 8 2021. The project will be advertised nationwide with the low bidder getting the job. Bids will be opened May 15th 2021.
Get this readers. The complete job includes new ballast, culverts, 13,000 ties, some new rail and the hiking trail. And And And, the whole enchilada will be complete by Dec 31 2021. If you think that sounds like pie in the sky, we do too.
Sadly, DeBoard reported to his Board that the State had not selected a Superintendent for the coming State Park. He said, they are back to bidding for the job.
There's a couple kids on ATV's riding around on the BDA parking lot in Two Run. That parking lot now includes a basketball court. The BDA spent loads of time discussing whether or not to put up "No ATV" signs around the lot and on buildings. We're talking, like 15 minutes! With Dustin Fitzwater leading the charge to spend $$ and put up sings, there was one voice of reason, Mike Shamblin who summarized, signs are not going to fix the problem and "May do more harm than good."
Didn't matter, the BDA voted to erect 5 11x17 size signs.
Instead of wasting time and $$$, sure seems like talking to the kids' parents / guardian or have a Badge come over and skeer the crapola out of the brats with strong words.... that might actually work.
After the meeting adjourned, the Board remained seated and in discussion after the public had left. Our guess, that's when the real business of the BDA was conducted.
Now for the gem.
Several members of the BDA refused to wear a face mask during the public meeting. They refused even after a member of the public requested that masks be worn. None of the wayward put on a mask. They get their direction from the Chair who spoke in no uncertain terms, he wasn't going to wear a face covering. No Way!
How very sad and dangerous.
AW
Heck, even Dustin Fitzwater (R) wore a mask!
That's the Chair on the right and Treasurer on the left. In the foreground is Boardster Gage Bass who knew the importance of protecting himself and others by wearing a mask.