By JONATHAN SNYDER
An additional $10,000 expense for construction observation on the Interurban Trail project was approved by the Bluffton Board of Public Works and Safety Tuesday.
Engineering Resources Incorporated out of Fort Wayne will help oversee the project. Engineering Resources will respond to contractor requests for information, review pay applications, hold construction progress meetings, issue change orders if need be, summarize information about ground conditions in regards to the native material underneath the pavement and complete a punch list when the project is completed.
Parks Department Superintendent Brandy Fiechter stated that donated funds will cover the additional expense.
Additionally, the board announced that Josh Barkley withdrew his request for funding assistance for his sidewalk. Barkley came to the board on April 16 asking if the program would assist landowners for rental properties in addition to homeowners. Mayor John Whicker stated that during a conversation involving Barkley, Street Commissioner Tim Simpson and Building Commissioner Richard Triplett, it was determined that a few items needed to be cleared up on Barkley’s end.
Furthermore, Utility Director Jon Oman stated that the wastewater treatment plant project has run into a debate about the proper variable speed drive motors to get for the project. These drives help control the speed and torque of electric motors and the company wants to ensure they get the right ones for the plant.
Oman clarified that a meeting tomorrow will discuss the proper specifications for the drives, while noting that the debate will not delay the project’s completion. Oman also noted that all the other aspects of the project are moving on schedule.
The board approved a raise for Dispatcher Dallas Creager. Creager, who has now worked one year in the department, will be getting a $1.00 per hour raise. The board also approved an SRF Claim for James S. Jackson Construction company, totaling $1,439,256.65. This claim covers the cost for the whole month of April, with the project still needing $18,396,011.95 to be paid in full.
jonathan@news-banner.com
