The Kosciusko County Department of Parks and Recreation Board discussed next steps for the Chinworth Trail project during its meeting Thursday.
John Nelson, of Triad Associates Inc., presented blueprints and specifications for the trail, which the board and the public reviewed during a 10-minute break. As part of the presentation, he provided an aerial view of the intersection and outlined where pedestrian signage would be placed at each road of the four-way stop. He also discussed potential upgrades to improve accessibility.
After returning from the break, the board made a motion to allow two board members to attend a video conference with Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent Steve Moriarty to review different power source options for the flashing lights.
Questions were raised about whether the trail would meet standards set by another, concurrent trail project and how to handle overlapping timelines if both projects remain unapproved. The example mentioned was the different approaches to using gravel to transition between asphalt surfaces and grass. Board member Mike Cusick said they will "have to make decisions along the way."
Nelson presented updated cost sheets, which reflected a price increase. He attributed the higher costs to additional project details, quotes from various contractors and complications with ditch work. The board did not disclose the new figures.
The board informally addressed homeowners in attendance, asking for their reaction to the proposals. One homeowner stated he was satisfied with the plans addressing the drainage concerns. Another homeowner inquired whether the trail would be leveled with his neighbor’s property. Cusick explained that the trail would "flow with the topography" of the land rather than being raised or leveled.
Nelson said, "The goal of this project is to improve drainage. So all the yards are going to drain across the trail, into the ditch to the river. That's the goal."
The board inquired about next steps for releasing the bid request. After reviewing corrections to the advertisement, Nelson confirmed it would be ready the following week. The board tentatively adjusted its meeting schedule to accommodate 30 days for bid openings before presenting the project to the county commissioners.
The proposed schedule is as follows, subject to change:
• Thursday, Sept. 30: Release advertisement for bids (no meeting).
• 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17: Regular board meeting in the Old Courtroom.
• 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30: Special meeting for bid selection, Old Courtroom.
• Thursday, Nov. 7: Special meeting in the video conference room.
• Tuesday, Nov. 19: Commissioners meeting.
• 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21: Regular board meeting in the Old Courtroom.
Updates will be provided when the schedule is confirmed.