Board approves multiple CIB funding allocations, awards and utility agreements

At its May 8 meeting the Hammond City Board of Public Works moved to approve several capital project funding allocations and contract awards recommended by city staff and the Capital Improvement Board (CIB).

Correspondence from Dean Button requested CIB funding of $9,595.76 to replace an existing manhole found in poor condition on a project described as "state line road closures"; staff said the sewer maintenance department identified the structure and the contractor performed the replacement, leading to change order No. 3. The board member recommended approval of the change order and the funding allocation and another member concurred.

The board also recommended awarding a median modification project on Florida Avenue at Orchard Drive to J & J Newell Concrete in the amount of $32,208.33. Staff said the work will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a housing development on Florida Avenue that created 11 new home lots (10 already constructed); the modification will lower curb and add concrete behind the curb to allow parking and safer driveway backing. The CIB and city officials already approved the funding allocation, staff said, and the board recommended approval of both the contract award and the funding allocation.

For the 2025 annual resurfacing program the board recommended approving a supplemental CIB allocation of $265,000 to cover a shortfall that staff attributed in part to the recent wheel tax revenue/bond projections; staff said the overall program budget for the year is approximately $1.266 million.

The board recommended approval of NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company) utility agreements to extend gas and electric service to the Memorial Park City development and authorized the city engineer to sign the agreements electronically.

Finally, the board recommended awarding the Hammond City Fence Project to Fence Masters Incorporated as the lowest responsive bidder for $58,000 and approved a $15,540 funding allocation from the mayor’s gaming fund to cover a shortfall beyond initial council commitments. Board members moved and concurred on each recommendation.

All actions at the meeting were recorded as board recommendations for approval; the transcript shows concurrence by another board member on each item. Staff flagged that consultant and administration review will follow in some cases to confirm funding availability and project details.