Richland County commissioners approve engineering contract, roadwork bids and equipment purchase

The Richland County Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved a 24-month contract with K. McCartney and Associates for sanitary engineering services for the wastewater department, authorized two roadwork contracts to the low bidder, and cleared the purchase of a used highway equipment truck.

Wastewater Director Amanda Miller asked commissioners to approve the 24-month agreement — capped at $10,000 per year — to give the department access to outside engineering expertise for troubleshooting and system diagnostics. "From time to time we need expert advice ... they gave us information back to look for and they came to the conclusion, gave us more things to look for and we were able to prove it and solve the problem," Miller said in presenting the request. The motion to approve was moved and seconded and recorded as approved by the commissioners.

On county roadwork, County Engineer Adam Gover said bids taken June 11 produced apparent low bids from Earthworm Construction. The company’s bid of roughly $458,000 was recommended for the annual chip-and-seal contract, which will cover about 16.2 miles on several county highways and be paid from road-and-bridge maintenance funds. Commissioners approved awarding that contract.

Gover also recommended awarding a cold-constructed asphalt pavement (CCAP) resurfacing contract to Earthworm Construction for about $692,465 to resurface roughly 8.7 miles; that project is partially funded by an Ohio Public Works Commission grant. Commissioners approved the CCAP award after Gover noted the technique’s cost-effectiveness on lower-volume rural roads and explained that CCAP is followed by a chip seal in a subsequent year.

Gover requested authorization to purchase a used 2017 Ford F-550 as an equipment service truck for $49,337 and to list the department’s existing 2005 F-250 for sale. He said the used vehicle includes a one-ton lift and hydraulics that would otherwise add substantially to the price of a new truck. The board approved the purchase and disposition.

Other routine agenda items passed without objection, including certification of the June 16 proceedings, approval of requisitions, weekly transfers and additional appropriations, acceptance of a wastewater employee resignation/retirement, and authorization for EMA Director Sarah Potz to attend a no-cost mercury response training.

The board recessed for brief intervals during the meeting to accommodate presentations and returned to regular business each time; no items were tabled or postponed.