Vermilion Township trustees spent significant time during last night’s meeting reviewing whether the township should pay the full invoice submitted by Hart Asphalt for the North Risden Road overlay project. After discussion, the board voted to pay the contractor for all completed work except for a disputed $3,900 charge related to grinding at a resident’s driveway.
The grinding work was performed to address a steep rise into the driveway and potential stormwater issues. Trustees discussed whether the work had been formally authorized and whether the contractor had previously agreed to waive the cost.
Engineer Confirms Overlay Met Standards
Erie County Engineer Eric Dodrill reviewed the two-inch asphalt overlay that was placed on 520 feet of North Risden Road. In his written evaluation, Dodrill stated the asphalt depth was correct, the workmanship appeared sound, and the completed overlay showed no visible defects. He also verified the asphalt quantities and confirmed the work matched the expected scope.
Resident Reported Improved Drainage
A resident whose driveway connects to the project area submitted a detailed email thanking Hart Asphalt for resolving longstanding issues. The resident said the improvements corrected drainage problems that had worsened after repeated resurfacing over the years and prevented the driveway from ponding during heavy rain. He also noted that the adjustments made on site eliminated the need for a costly engineering study.
Contractor Cites Field Approval from Road Foreman
Andrew “Drew” Russell of Hart Asphalt told trustees the grinding work was approved in the field by Road Foreman Steve Young. According to Russell, the elevation of the existing driveway would have created a five to seven inch rise unless the asphalt was ground down. He said the work was performed based on direction from township staff and that he never agreed to waive the $3,900 cost.
Russell also referenced email exchanges with Township Administrator Joe Baxter that outlined the full scope of the project, including the overlay, the grinding work, and a separate $7,900 extension.
Trustees Say Grinding Was Never Board-Approved
Trustees countered that the grinding expense was never formally brought before the Board for approval. They noted that staff members, including the road foreman, do not have authority to authorize change orders. Some trustees recalled earlier conversations in which they believed Russell had agreed to absorb the cost, although Russell disputed that at the meeting.
Trustee Kurt Johnson said he plans to speak directly with Foreman Young to clarify what was approved before making a recommendation on the disputed amount.
Board Votes to Hold $3,900 Until Review Is Complete
The trustees voted unanimously to issue a partial payment to Hart Asphalt for the work that was clearly authorized and completed. The $3,900 charge for grinding will remain unresolved until the township confirms the chain of approvals and what was agreed to during the project.
Next Steps
Trustees stated they expect to resolve the matter at their next regular meeting on December 5, 2025. Hart Asphalt will receive a partial payment in the meantime, and the remaining amount will be reviewed once Trustee Kurt Johnson completes additional follow-up with Road Foreman Steve Young.
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