The high cost of fuel is snaking its way through the economy with everyone feeling the pinch, including Truro Township, which saw costs for asphalt spiral upward from $49 a ton to $70, adding nearly $100,000 to a road project.
Truro Road Superintendent Stan Knoderer reported on the increase during the June 5 Truro Township trustee meeting. The township is in the process of bidding the project, which includes curbs, gutters, handicap ramps, surface reconstruction, and pavement marking. The estimated cost for the base bid is $290,000 and does not include four alternates.
"We have to put up $35,000," said Truro Administrator Bob Stapleton, "and nobody knows what oil is going to do. A year ago, when Franklin County engineers surveyed the area and came up with everything, they estimated it at $49 a ton. It’s now at $70 and continues to go up. Ten roads were originally involved. We had to scale back the project to compensate for the increase in cost, so we bid six roads with alternates for the other four, just in case we might be able to get it to come in where we originally wanted."
A bid opening will be held on July 1, with completion expected by Nov. 14. The six primary streets are Quincy, Olivette, Parkline West, Renfro, Talbert, and Rodebaugh. The four alternates are Parkline East, Silverton, Ronda, and Tuxworth.
Other Truro news
•Sanitary sewer drains were inspected following a recent round of heavy rains and an obstruction was discovered in one at Fleet and Parkline West. Knoderer said Franklin County drainage engineers were backlogged with work, but scheduled vacuum service for the drain line on June 9.
"The line was clogged and running out into the street," said Knoderer. "I have no idea what’s been put down there."
•Five properties in Qualstan were reported to the board of health for high grass/weeds.
"One property (3050 Silverton), that’s been sitting vacant for over a year, was forfeited in a bankruptcy proceeding, and the board is trying to find out the status on the property," said Knoderer. "I mowed it on June 5. Also, the Franklin County Zoning Board sent two property owners letters of warning for inoperable vehicles, which mostly fall within expired tags."
•A pair of Reynoldsburg scout troops were lauded by Knoderer and the trustees for their participation in Memorial Day ceremonies at the Silent Home Cemetery.
"The ceremony was very moving," commented Trustee Barb Strussion. "The scouts were impressive and the VFW was very impressive."
Knoderer added, "When the Boy Scouts showed up en masse on Memorial Day, they did a really nice job and we really appreciate it."
