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Two trustees at odds over culvert project
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - April 25, 2012)
Two trustees at odds over culvert project
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
There is a difference in philosophies over what role the Chardon Township Road Department should take.
Township Trustees Steven Borawski and Charles Strazinsky Jr. butted heads over whether the department should continue on the course it has for decades or strike out in a new direction.
"I just think we're getting off center," Mr. Borawski said. "We need to get back to square one. We maintain them," he said of the roads. "We don't construct them."
But Mr. Strazinsky said having the department begin doing road construction under the helm of newly-appointed Road Superintendent John Washco can mean a savings for the township. "Just because it was never done before, doesn't mean you can't do it now," he said. "If you can save the taxpayers $15,000, why not?"
The project cost is estimated at $60,000.
Mr. Strazinksy said his position is supported by Trustee Michael Brown. The pair voted in favor of hiring Mr. Washco as road superintendent, while Mr. Borawski voted against it.
The $15,000 savings could be realized on a culvert replacement on Hermitage Road, according to Mr. Strazinsky.
The Geauga County Engineer's Office has identified the culvert as one in need of repairs.
Mr. Strazinsky said a wood frame for the culvert has deteriorated, and sandstone blocks are buckling. "It's a safety concern in their eyes, and it should be in ours," he said. "We don't want to get sued for not doing something we were told to do."
Mr. Borawski pointed out that county engineers have said the culvert could collapse tomorrow, or it could last for years. "It's a gamble," he said.
Mr. Borawski said the township is checking with county engineers to determine whether the township can use what is known as a "forced account," money reserved for emergencies, for the work.
The savings by doing the work in house are what an outside contractor would charge as profit for the work, he said. "We could always save one third."
There is a cost to the township when road crews begin doing road construction, Mr. Borawski said, because it takes away from the time spent on road maintenance. He said roadside mowing is not being done, and other roads are not being assessed for repairs.
He said Mr. Washco is also doing surveying work, which the county is willing to do for free.
Mr. Strazinksy disputed that.
He said Mr. Washco recently reported that crews had done 1,400 feet of ditching, three times what has been done in the more than four years he's been on the board. "More work is being done," he said. "It's more efficient and better for taxpayers."
Mr. Strazinsky said Mr. Washco has the experience to do the road work and has taken steps to improve the safety of road workers with the use of flaggers and signs at work sites.
"My intent is what's best for the township in terms of dollars," Mr. Strazinksy said.
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