2005 Project Status Report
Ramp Creek Debris Removal--COMPLETE
In the aftermath of one of the worst ice storms that Central Ohio has seen in recent years, Congressman Bob Ney secured federal assistance. This aid was in the form of an $11,000,000 winter storm recovery grant, of which $355,000 has been earmarked for Licking County. This money was used to employ area residents in the clean-up effort, as well as, help local governments restore public lands. Ramp Creek, north of The Base, was one of the target areas. Workers, assigned through Licking County Jobs and Family Services and managed by LEADS, have completed, as of December 6, clearing log jams from Ramp Creek. Hear a Base Radio interview at the start of the project.
Base Directional Sign--COMPLETE
At some point in late 2003, the sign directing traffic from northbound St. Rt. 79 to Irving Wick Drive West became a victim to the bridge widening and replacement project. The sign location was lost to the widened bridge and the sign itself was accidentally destroyed. A replacement sign was erected by Kessler Sign Company September 21.
Storm Drain Repairs--COMPLETED
Claggett & Sons completed concrete repair work on the West side of campus. Two of the storm drains in the roadway were crumbling and needed replacement. While here, they also repaired cracked and uneven sidewalks that can made it difficult for handicapped access.
Parking Lot Repairs--COMPLETED
A paving and repair project to the east side parking lot is now complete. The work, which saw repair to the most deteriorated parts of the lot, caused a detour of portions of the east side parking lot for parts of two days in mid June. East side parkers were very cooperative. The contractor was Columbus Asphalt Paving. See the paving plans.
Misc. Roof Repairs--COMPLETE
No major roof replacement projects were planned in 2005. However, a proactive review of the Building 4 roof conducted in late 2004, including a thermal imaging review over certain sections, identified the need for spot repairs and preventive maintenance to sections of the roof replaced before 1999. Tremco Roofing was awarded the work on a time and materials basis under a state cooperative purchasing contract and undertook repairs in May. The project resulted in zero outstanding work orders for roof leaks.
Buildings Painted--COMPLETE
Two buildings, 119 and 117, underwent a new paint job. The work was done by Coleman Painting and, except for punch list items, is substantially complete. These are the only buildings slated for painting this year.
Post 6 Awning--COMPLETE
The awning covering the entrance way to Post 6 has been replaced. The weather through the years has caused the awning to crack and pull away from the building. The new awning was installed by Kessler Sign Company this week.
Gazebo Equipment Upgrades--COMPLETE
The affixed chairs and tables in the Building 4 gazebos were removed in late 2004 pending location of equipment to repair them. The equipment arrived earlier this year and the furniture has been re-installed. This is an in-house project of the Port Authority. As of late May, fixture repair in all of the gazebos has been completed.
West Entrance Sign--COMPLETE
The west side entrance sign had been removed for major repair. The repair has now been completed. The nine-year-old sign, like it's east side counterpart which was repaired in January, had shown many indications of wear and corrosion due to Mother Nature. Kessler Sign Company completed the repair work in their shop. The fencing along the western entrance drive was permanently removed as part of this project.
Guard Rail Replacement--COMPLETE
Guard rail lining the western-most entrance to the Base Campus was replaced. The painted rail, which had become chipped and discolored, was replaced with galvinized steel railing. A 400 foot section on the west side of the road was permanently removed. Traffic was maintained. A&B Fence of Newark installed the rail. See the plans.
Marquees--COMPLETE
After a successful test of a new, less labor-intensive marquee system was conducted near the east entrance to the Base Campus of the COATC, a new marquee has been installed to replace the old one currently in use near the west entrance. The new marquee holds printed paper instead of letters. It also uses color and offers greater flexibility while also being safer and easier to change out.
Hess Park Shelter House--COMPLETE
The shelter house in Hess Park was razed on March 15, 2005 and the surrounding grounds were prepared for grass overgrowth. Law General Contracting of Newark was the contractor. The 2004 Holiday Ice Storm dropped large tree limbs on the roof of the shelter house on the east side of the Base Campus. The cost estimates to repair the damage exceeded the benefits, particularly considering only 10 scheduled events were held in the Park in 2004. The restroom facilities will be retained and remain available for scheduled use with the ballfield. Picnic tables will be retained around the ballfield. The Hess Park plaque was made a part of the Port Authority's permanent loan of former Newark AFB relics to The Works museum in Newark.
East Bridge Repairs--COMPLETE
An annual bridge inspection by Jobes Henderson revealed the need for minor repairs to the road surface on the bridge. Minor repairs were undertaken in March. Additional repairs may become necessary later in the year.
Upper Parking Lot Access--POSTPONED
This proposed project has been postponed for review again in 2007. The feasibility of an additional access to the Upper Parking Lot on the west side of the Base Campus was reviewed. The access point has been a request of those parking in the upper lot who work in Building 4. The feasibility analysis found the limited number of pedestrian users did not overcome the high cost estimates, safety, future maintenance, and regulatory compliance issues. Should use of the upper parking lot increase due to increased employment on the west side of the campus, the project will be reconsidered.
East Entrance Sign--COMPLETE
The east side entrance sign was removed for repair. The sign was removed January 11th, leaving a concrete monument with The Base logo as the only remnants of the sign. The sign, almost 9 years old, had shown many indications of wear and corrosion due to Mother Nature. Kessler Signs did the repair work in their shop and returned the repaired sign by month's end.
See the archive of projects completed in 2004.
