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Weekly Blast!: The F3 tornado that severely damaged the City of Menasha last week has been devastating to that community. Have you ever wondered what the Town of Grant would do in case of a similar disaster? Recently Portage County Emergency Managers Bob Weinert and Tanner Arnold, T. Grant First Responders Jim Yetter and Keith Kardash, and Clerk Stefanie Schlapa and I met to work on a Local Emergency Response Guide. All Portage County municipalities are required to have this document available, but it needs to be reviewed and updated every so often. Case in point…Menasha.   So, what does this Response Guide entail? We must identify where could residents go if their structures were in danger or uninhabitable, and who we the Town could call on to supply three critical items: food, water, and power. Emergency contact names and their numbers are included in the Guide. Questions including if there are critical infrastructures that could be impacted, for example chemical, commercial, communications, emergency services, energy, transportation, etc. In the next few weeks, we’ll be reconvening to make updates to our Guide. Do you have large equipment or a skill set that might be helpful to us in case of a disaster? If so, let Clerk Stefanie Schlapa at 715-213-7370 or me at 715-213-1717 know so we can add your name to the list of contacts. It’s important that we work together if disaster strikes.   Have a good weekend. Perhaps rain may fall, Sharon

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Weekly News Blast

Show me the culvert!

It’s been a painfully long wait for the culvert on 90th Street, south of CTH W. Low supply and high demand have been brutal on manufacturers, especially for specialized culverts like the one needed at this site. We’re not alone, Portage County, a big customer for culverts, are also in the same situation as us. However, the end is near. The culvert was finally delivered last Tuesday and the local contractor, Red Run will be installing it next week provided the weather is suitable.

More on culverts. There are many types of culverts, but not all are created equal. For example, appropriately sized round culverts are common, but a properly sized round culvert on 90th would have too high of a profile. That leaves us with an arched-type culvert (wider than higher) that has a lower profile to fit without causing a hump, and large enough to pass peak flows. That rules out round metal or plastic culverts – that vast majority of culverts in stock.

More to consider, the need for an arched culvert that is comprised of materials that can resist the acidic and corrosive nature of our water, puts this culvert in a customized category. An arched-metal culvert coated with a polymer, is needed to last (see attached photo). Proof positive is the existing failed culvert – that basically rotted away in 23 years. This is what happens when an uncoated metal and undersized culvert is used in this type of situation. Proper sizing and the type of material needed must be considered when we install it. If not, we are only contributing to the problem of inadequate infrastructure. It’s important to do it right!  Keep in mind that most of the culvert replacements will not need this level of analysis. Thus, we will proceed as needed in the most efficient way possible.  

Looking back, I was a “persistent” customer to the manufacturer by inquiring on a weekly basis regarding the status of the manufacturing of our culvert. The manufacturer is dependable, but like the rest, are moving as fast as they can. The board will always be looking for other vendors based on quality, costs and inventory.  In addition, the contractor who will be installing this culvert is also chomping at the bit! It is notable that the Town was not required to go through the usual bid process since an Emergency Resolution was passed. But finally, we’re ready to go! Unfortunately, there are some ill-created rumors, by the usual folks, about the process. There was, and never is, any favoritism in contractor selection. These rumors are unneeded and mean-spirited, which you’d think would stop just out of human decency, but here we are. Meanwhile, the Board and our partners are moving forward.

Thank you,

Scott Provost and your Board.