MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County commissioners opened bids on May 12 for the county’s annual resurfacing program. Small’s Asphalt Paving was the lone bidder, submitting a bid of $822,263.41.
County Engineer Cameron Keaton said some roads will be a 1.25- to 1.5-inch overlay with a chip seal on top.
“The roads that are still in pretty good shape profile-wise will just get a chip seal,” he said.
Roads slated for resurfacing include:
•Dunham
•Montgomery
•Nashville
•Utica
•Vincent
•Magers
•Prospect
•Brinkhaven
Additionally, Keaton said the Knox County Highway Department will patch Cornish Road as well as Howard-Danville Road when the contractor finishes the bridge project.
Three companies submitted bids for the annual asphalt patching material program:
•Mid Ohio paving $473,048.50.
•Small’s Asphalt Paving $500,505.
•Kokosing Materials $669,250.
Keaton will review the bids and make a recommendation to the commissioners.
Update on the Thayer Road compost facility
County Administrator Jason Booth said he has talked with several contractors and is putting together a plan for daily operations.
His preference right now is to turn it into a managed site, the same structure that Marion, Morrow and Delaware counties follow.
It is likely the county will need to close the site for a few weeks so the contractor can work the site. A potential closing date is July when the area is dry and less busy.
Rob Clendenning, Knox Soil and Water Conservation District, estimates there are 12,500 cubic yards of mulch on the site. The county is hosting events on May 16 and May 23 where Green Machine will load mulch into residents’ vehicles at no charge.
Commissioners take legislative action
The commissioners passed the following resolutions over the past two weeks:
• Recognized Drew David Dumbaugh for achieving Eagle Scout as member of Scout Troop 350.
• Recognized the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Lucy Knox County Chapter for 30 years of service to Knox County.
• Approved a supplemental appropriation of $2.5 million to pay off the note the county took out last year for the Knox County Transit Center. Booth said the county’s cash position is such that there is no need to renew that note and pay additional interest.
• Approved an $88,650 agreement with Terracon Consultants Inc for construction and inspection for resurfacing the Kokosing Gap Trail. The park district will cover the cost. Small’s Asphalt won the resurfacing bid and has until September to complete the project.
• Accepted the donation of a 12-by-20-foot steel storage building for the Knox County Park District. The shed is adjacent to the picnic shelter at the Bridge of Dreams.
