MOUNT VERNON — Two different meetings were on tap for the Knox County Commissioners on Monday, one for a small construction project and the other to hear a cost savings proposal.
The commissioners met at the home of Andrew and Caroline Hahneman on U.S. 36, east of Howard, along with Natalie Pirvu, north central regional manager of the Scenic Rivers Program, Ohio Department of Natural Resources. While much of the discussion centered around plans to lay a wastewater line across the Hahneman property next year, the immediate job on hand is to repair a hole behind a retaining wall running along the Kokosing River on the Hahneman property.
The project will consist of cleaning and removing debris, then laying stone lifts (concrete and stone) and layers of rebar in an attempt to reinforce the retaining wall.
“This is along a scenic river, and it will not change anything on their property,” said commissioner Allen Stockberger.
Much of the concern with the wastewater line project was the tentative path laid out for the pipe as it was situated near many trees.
“We want to satisfy you,” said commissioner Bob Wise to Andrew Hahneman. “Our goal is to stay away from these trees as much as possible.”
Other concerns discussed included a location for a bore pit and a dumping site for shale.
The retaining wall project is expected to be performed soon by Shaley Valley Excavating and should take about two days, according to Stockberger.
The commissioners returned to their office to discuss an energy conservation proposal with representatives from Perfection Group Inc. Alan Lindeman and Rick Anderson met the commissioners at an earlier date and performed a walk-through of various county buildings to see what measures could be taken to cut down on energy consumption and save the county some money.
“Our goal is to re-invigorate and re-energize these buildings, minimizing the operating costs,” said Lindeman, explaining that loans can be taken out toward a 30-year plan, but that most clients utilize a 10- or 15-year plan. “Ideally, there is no money out of your pocket. You can take the money that is saved and invest it in the program.”
