County approves bridge inspection contract, performance bond and $135,264 line‑striping award

County Engineer Todd Lis briefed the board on multiple transportation items June 2. He asked the board to approve a not-to-exceed $63,385 inspection and testing agreement for replacement of Bridge 221 (Davidson Road). Lis said the inspection firm will perform on-site testing throughout construction to ensure work meets plan specifications and materials certifications.

The commissioners approved the inspection agreement. Lis also explained the required performance and payment bond that protects subcontractors and ensures contract performance; the board approved that bond as presented.

On routine maintenance procurement, the county conducted a bid opening for the 2026 line-striping contract and received five bidders. The low, responsive bid from ANA Safety of Amelia, Ohio, was $135,264. Commissioners approved the notice of award and acceptance forms and awarded the annual striping contract (centerline and edgeline on roads carrying 1,000+ vehicles per day).

Lis also reported that INDOT approved negotiated design fees for two federally funded bridge projects (St. Peters Road bridge 73 and Lower Dillsboro Road bridge 218), noting those projects are 80% reimbursable by the state under current programs and will require the county to pay invoices up front and request reimbursement.

Several commissioners asked practical questions about sequencing, start dates and whether inspection/testing tasks could be done in house; Lis said INDOT-certified inspectors and testing make contracting more economical than hiring specialized in-house staff. Staff said clearing and mobilization would delay start until October with a goal of completing the bridge work before year-end.

The board voted to approve the inspection contract, the performance/payment bond and the line striping award during the meeting.