Commissioners contract with Chain-of-Lakes for wooden bridge maintenance work

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 12:00 AM

During Monday’s County Commissioners meeting the commissioners accepted a nepotism disclosure from Highway Superintendent Jason Peters.

Several months ago, Peters sought Requests for Proposals using the Pilot News, South Bend Tribune, and Farmers Exchange for companies interested in doing maintenance work on the county’s wooden bridge structures. The only RFP received came from Chain-Of-Lakes Excavating out of Plymouth. The company is owned by Superintendent Peter’s sons.

County Attorney Jim Clevenger said the proper procedure is for the Highway Superintendent to disclose he is going to contract with Chain-Of-Lakes, a company that is owned by his relatives, thus the need to complete the nepotism disclosure form that explains the situation.

County Commission Kevin Overmyer commented that the County Commissioners are the contracting authority and not Jason Peters.

Attorney Clevenger confirmed Overmyer’s statement and said, “This is just being extra cautious.”

Commissioner Stan Klotz explained that an engineer prescribes the work that needs to be completed on the wooden bridges and once finished the work is reviewed by the engineer before payment is made.

After motioning to accept the nepotism document was approved the commissioners also approved the contract with Chain-of-Lakes for the work.