During the January 21, 2015 meeting of the Clark County Commissions, the commissioners approved an amendment to the Lower Valley Pike widening project schedule to start this year.  The agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is estimated at $8,974,389.86.  The funds will be used pay to pay costs associated with the design, right of-way, environmental, and actual construction costs, including construction engineering and inspection activities.  John Detrick, Commissioner, complimented John Burr, County Engineer.  He said, “You have done a phenomenal job of getting outside funds to cover the cost of community improvements.”

In addition, the commissioners approved an amendment to the funding of the Croft Road Construction Project with ODOT.  The project is designed to improve safety on Croft Road by widening the shoulders to five feet and establishing a multiuse path for bikes and pedestrians along the road.  The Project Manager estimated the total cost for the project to be $1,802,500.  The ODOT monies apply to costs associated with construction and transportation project improvements.  Burr expects this project to begin in 2017.

The commissioners also authorized a contract with Carpenter Marty Transportation for $49,994.36 for engineering services for the Newlove Road Bridge.  This project is projected to begin in 2019 or 2020.

In other engineering business, Burr reported that the Engineering Department has secured the right-of-way access for over 90% of the properties needed for the Lower Valley Pike widening project.  

In regular business, the commissioners authorized a contract with Moorefield Township for law enforcement for $178,360.22 for 2015and a contract with Harmony Township for dispatching services for 2015 at the cost of $12,090.26.

Burr requested that the commissioners reject a bid for a unit price contract from Mechanicsburg Sand and Gravel.  Detrick questioned Burr about the recommendation.  He said, “The commissioners request that the county use as many local contractors as possible.”  Burr replied, “The bid was late.  I like to use local companies but I am not willing to go to jail for it.”  He then explained that the county cannot award a contract to a late bidder.

In other business, the commissioners instructed the clerk to advertise for a tree-clearing contract for the Lower Valley Pike construction project.  The deadline is 10:00 a.m. on February 12, 2105.  In addition, they approved the purchase of two busses from TESCO for $110,266.  The purchase is to replace obsolete vehicles.

Lastly, Nathan Kennedy, County Administrator, reviewed the 2015 Appropriations Budget with the commissioners.  The total budget is for $163.3 million with $41.2 million allocated to the general fund and the remaining $122.1 million allocated to all other funds.  The commissioners approved the budget two to one with David Hartley, Commissioner, being the negative vote.

The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for January 28, 2015 in the County Commission Offices at 8:30 a.m.

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