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Richardson County Board Conducts Nuisance Hearings

By John Nixon

12/24/2014

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners with the assistance of County Attorney Doug Merz and Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert conducted hearings to determine if a nuisance exists in road ditches of property owners during their Tuesday meeting.

32 notices were sent out to property owners earlier this fall and 17 hearings were set for Tuesday to determine if the brush issues had been cleaned up or if a nuisance exists. If a nuisance is determined, the landowner is notified. If after 30 days they have not abated the nuisance, the County will have the brush cleaned up and will assess the costs of the cleanup to the property owner.

Dave Harlow from the Humboldt area admitted he had a brush issue in one location but said he felt he had another area cleaned up. Harlow said he would rather someone come talk to him and explain what needs to be done, than send a written notice.

Harlow went on to say he expects the County to provide services in return for tax dollars received, noting grass grew up in the road by his house last summer because the county maintainer had not drug the road.

Harlow said he has purchased a bulldozer and assured the Board the area where the nuisance was declared will be cleaned up.

Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert explained that with bigger farm equipment traveling county roads is one issue. But he said the brush encroaching on the road and making it difficult for drivers to see. Huppert said if a vehicle is involved in an accident with brush or a tree hanging in the road, it is the County that is liable. He said if the ditches are cleaned out the County can do a better job with snow removal and avoiding water runoff getting on roads. Huppert says insurance companies have complained about brush to the County Commissioners and to him.

Of the 17 hearings scheduled for Tuesday, only three people appeared at the Commissioners meeting.

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