By HOLLY GASKILL
Final construction items at the new Wells County Highway Garage have now stretched six months past the project’s initial “substantial completion.”
Highway Department Supervisor Shawn Bonar presented a list of 17 unfinished items to the County Commissioners during their meeting Monday evening. Bonar has discussed many of these items for months, such as heat and air conditioning issues in the technical room.
The building has been in use for roughly 10 months and commissioners approved “substantial completion” in June. Also on the list were two roof leaks, waterline concerns, and the installation of multiple overhead door thresholds.
Bonar said he walked through the building with Project Manager Conor Jackson last week and identified issues, but did not have a deadline for the work.
Bonar and Sheriff Scott Holliday have shared ongoing issues with their respective building projects. On Monday, Holliday shared that all final items should be completed by mid-January.
Meanwhile, Bonar also reported that paving between county roads 200 S and 300 S will not take place before spring. The road soil failed tests for its sulfate content and the contractor, Gradex, was ordered to remove the 14 inches of soil and replace it with stone. Bonar stated that Gradex initially wanted to pave immediately, but would not warranty the road.
Commissioner Blake Gerber then recognized Bonar’s work in responding to a water line issue at the courthouse in November. Gerber stated that Bonar stayed on-site from approximately 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. working despite being unable to eat before a doctor’s visit the following day. “This guy saved us thousands of dollars,” Gerber emphasized.
Also during the commissioner meeting, the board approved multiple board appointments for 2025.
New appointments were Lisa McCormick to the Community Corrections Advisory Board, replacing Commissioner Jeff Stringer, and David Ferguson to the Huntington Public Library Board, replacing Jessica Mankey. Additionally, Tim Rohr and Tyson Brooks were re-appointed to the Area Plan Commission among five applicants. Bruce Stinson and Andy Stoller were also re-appointed to the Regional Sewer District among four applicants.
The following appointments were renewed: Bonar as highway supervisor, Bobbie Studebaker as courthouse custodian and ADA coordinator, Ted Storer as county attorney, Nate Whitacre as county engineer, Roger Richardson as IT director, Dewey Randall as veterans officer, Mike Miller as 911 director, Bill Dowty to the cemetery board, Dr. Mary Donley to a one-year term on the health board, Steve Bales to a four-year term on the health board, Ben Beer to a three-year term on the Property Tax Board of Appeals, Nathan Shrock to a one-year term on the PTABOA, Robert Mautz and Mike Shumm to the Rockcreek Conservancy District, Laura Dalrymple, Shari Duncan and Diana Collins to the sick bank committee, and Michelle Blount and Jon Winne to the Wells County Convention and Visitors Commission.
Due to Commissioner Mike Vanover’s absence, the board postponed appointments for the Emergency Management Director, Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and a second appointment to the Cemetery Board. They also did not vote on appointments the commissioners currently occupy on the 911 Advisory Board, Economic Development Commission, EMA Board and EMS Board.
The commissioners will meet next at 5 p.m. on Jan. 6.
holly@news-banner.com
