An update on the Township’s 2023 Road Program:

The contractor, Strawser Construction, has completed the South Section and the North Section of the Township. We presented their foreman and project manager our punch list of items to repair and/or repave early last week.  It was presented to the Township that those items would be addressed, either by paving or patch repairing, and that work on those punch list items would begin on Monday, 8/28  in the South and on Tuesday, 8/29 in the North. Those residents who were going to be affected by the repairs were notified on Thursday, 8/24 and Friday, 8/25 Friday.  After the first section of repairs was performed on Monday, the Township immediately stopped the work due to our concern that the method being used to perform the repairs was not satisfactory to our liking. The Township scheduled a meeting Tuesday, 8/29 with the contractor’s management team from Columbus to discuss the method of repairs and other concerns. 

The following is a summary of the meeting:

  1. We are going to give the product more time to cure and to let the air temperatures cool off. This will help prevent the large equipment used from damaging the road.
  2. Strawser is committed to doing all repairs. We will meet in about 2 to 3 weeks to go over the punch list items, field visit those areas and a determination on the repair method will be presented to us.
  3. Strawser has not been paid a dime yet. Once all repairs have been completed to our satisfaction, and an invoice for payment is submitted, a retainage will be withheld for a mutually agreed upon amount and term.
  4. The work is covered by the ODOT Spec Item 421 and is warranted for two years.

These types of discussions with contractors can be very difficult and challenging.  I can reaffirm that they are willing to do what it takes to complete the project to our satisfaction. I would like to thank everyone who has reached out with concerns and let you know that we are doing everything in our power to ensure that the work is completed satisfactorily. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Mike Gould, Assistant Road Superintendent/ Project Manager at either mgould@sycamoretownship.org or (513) 792 -7251.

Steve Reutelshofer
Superintendent