Jefferson engineer’s office to use GIS to more precisely map, assess pavement conditions, formations

STEUBENVILLE--Jefferson County Engineer Eric Hilty is going to use new GIS (geographic information system) technology to assess the condition of nearly 260 miles of county roadways.

The technology, provided by Applied Research Associates, Inc., involves an automated pavement condition survey using industry-standard pavement imaging equipment and a web-based data visualization solution. The company's vehicles are equipped with the same top-of-the-line sensors, lasers and cameras used by ODOT for their annual statewide pavement condition assessments.

"We're going to gather GIS data for water valves, fire hydrants, manholes, utility poles, mailboxes, guardrails, driveways, roadside ditches and obstructions within five feet of the edge of the road, along with a pavement...rating of all county highways and we'll also have 360-degree imagery and downward facing imagery similar to what you see in Google Maps," Hilty said, stressing that it's a non-invasive "data collection effort."

He said the one-time expense is $74,800, which will be covered by the county's GIS fund.

"We met with a couple different companies and received proposals from a few," he said. "And one thing that we found is that each entity kind of offers a different set of services and abilities. We settled on ARA due to the costs and the overall nature of what they're going to provide us, which is a tremendous amount of data."

Hilty said any county department will be able to access the data, making it a valuable tool for the water and sewer departments, among others.

"We'll know exactly what we have, where it's at, (its) current condition," Hilty said. "It's a really neat project that we're very excited about."

Commissioners said the fact that other departments will be able to use the data adds to its consumer value, and since the equipment is pointed downward there are no privacy concerns.

Commissioner Jake Kleineke saw the value immediately, pointing out that "when things are paved over top of and you can't find them, this is going to find them."

"This is us working smarter," Hilty replied. "Knowing what we have and where we have it ... It's one thing to do this but then to continually address the data and make sure that our assets are continually monitored."

Commissioner Eric Timmons wanted assurance that the technology wouldn't be intrusive.

"It's no different than what you're seeing on Google Maps," Hilty replied. "We won't be zooming into windows--it's just a drive by, and ultimately we're looking at the road and the road features, that's truly what we care about. And we're not selling this data, we're not collecting the license plates or pictures of homes. "

"It's going to pay for itself," Commissioner Tony Morelli said. "There are many times when (crews go out to) try to find something--I know Wintersville had a big leak and they were thre for two days just trying to identify it--so taxpayers won't see it our feel it but they're going to get a benefit out of this GIS."

Commissioners balked at paying a $149,585 invoice from Johnson Control for the water meter replacement project due to lingering concerns over water damage at the Edison Fieldhouse 10 months ago. The school district's insurer has repaired and replaced the damage, but so far neither Johnson Controls, the general contractor; its subcontractor, PMI, or Koorsen Fire & Safety, called in by the district to repair a leak in the backflow preventer valve after the meter was replaced, has taken responsibility for a blown meter that happened after service was restored and the contractors left, causing thousands of gallons of water to spill onto the gymnasium floor.

Commissioners moved behind closed doors to discuss the issue, citing potential litigation.

"One thing you always have to do is look at the whole system when you’re making decisions," Hilty said. "Any one road or any one ditch line can look bad or have issues, but you have to look at the magnitude of what we’re dealing with, and this will allow us to really comprehensively review what we have and make better decisions. This mostly stems from maintenance needs–it’s hard when you go out and review a roadway, and then you go out the next day and review another one. If the sun’s at a different angle or if there’s moisture in the ground, the roads look different, and there’s a lot of human error in looking at pavement and comparing it to other pavements that you have within the county. So we’re very excited because this is going to be a one-time drive-through that is going to be automated partially with that data extraction, which is going to take a little bit of the human element out of it and kind of (give us a) more standardized review of the pavement condition."

In other business, commissioners:

*Returned Soil & Water Conservation District Project Manager Aaron Dodds to the Ohio Mid-Eastern Government Association board. Dodds previously resigned the seat because of a grant application he was working on, they said.

*Finalized Fort Steuben Maintenance's $349,500 contract for the courthouse fire alarm project.

*Signed off on the engineering department's Local Public Agency agreement with ODOT for the County Road 22A resurfacing project, which will involve resurfacing 1.8 miles of CR 22A. Hilty said some federal funding is involved in the project, which will focus on the five-lane portion of CR 22A between the Wintersville corporate limits and Reeds Mill exit.

*Gave Fort Steuben Maintenance the go-ahead to replace the existing handicap ramp at the courthouse, including the top slab and caulking. The update will cost $9,200.

*Approved a $44,568 expenditure for switch support services provided by Chi Corporation, an annual expense deemed "critical to maintaining the operational integrity and security of our county's network infrastructure, ensuring continued efficiency in our computer systems,"

*Agreed to spend $1,800 to replace non-working exterior light fixtures at the Tower building.

*Told the Jefferson County Agricultural Society to proceed with the purchase of a zero-turn mower needed to keep up with grass cutting, done by one paid part-time employee and volunteers. The new mower will cost just under $15,000.