Kosciusko County Parks Board approves first pay application for trail extension

The Kosciusko County Parks Board on an unspecified date approved certification of the first pay application from contractor Niblock for work on the Chinworth trail extension, a county engineer told the board.

John, a representative of Versus Engineering, told the board the contractor is approximately 15% complete, installing storm sewer pipe and manholes. Versus recommended approval of pay application No. 1 in the amount of $143,094.60 based on quantities installed to date.

The recommendation matters because it authorizes the county to forward the payment request to the county commissioners, a staff member confirmed during the meeting. Versus’ update noted that crews encountered several previously unknown utilities during excavation: a gas service that was relocated, a telephone line that appears to be out of service, and conflicts with an existing force main and storm sewer. The engineer said the team worked with the highway department to route around an existing storm sewer serving West Haven Estates.

Board members discussed other project details: county staff and the contractor plan to disconnect and reconnect two residences’ sump or tile drains that were not tied into the new drainage; exploratory digging to locate the pipes is scheduled the following Monday. Versus said the subcontractor has worked extended hours and occasional Saturdays to make up for delays. Project completion was described as still tracking the contractor’s schedule, with the speaker estimating a finish in July or August but saying the pedestrian crossing electrical work and coordination with the electric company remain uncertain and could push a formal ribbon-cutting into August or September.

John also reported that the project crew preserved memorial-tree attachments removed during construction and located the family of the person honored; he said he delivered the items to the family.

Board member discussion produced no change order at the meeting; Versus said a change order is likely before project end but the amount is not yet known. The board voted to approve the certificate for payment; members said “aye,” and the chair declared the motion carried. Board staff indicated the certified payment will be placed on the commissioners’ agenda for final approval.

The board also asked the contractor and staff to continue coordination with residents and utilities and to provide a firmer completion date at the next Parks Board meeting so the county can plan a ribbon-cutting event.