Lawrenceburg Board of Works approves HWC engineering contract, green-lights IT staffing and pension changes

Mayor Kelly Melonger and the Lawrenceburg Board of Works on May 4 approved a professional services agreement with HWC to prepare project drawings, bid documents and assist with the city's CCMG grant application and closeout. Austin Cook of CCMG told the board, "The total cost for this agreement is, not to exceed amount of $34,000," and said the expense would be charged to the design engineering line (2580001309).

The board clarified that the contract is for the 2027 CCMG cycle after members explained a previously planned 2025 project had been canceled and that the timing of state grant draws will affect when funding becomes available. Board members emphasized the award is contingent on the grant process; staff said the state draw was delayed and now expected later in the year.

The board also approved several IT items brought by Jenny Felix of the IT department. Felix asked the board to move forward with a memorandum of understanding between the city and the union covering IT positions; the board approved the MOU. The council approved an amendment to the IT manager's employment agreement allowing participation in the IAM pension plan effective May 11 (the next pay period), and authorized a conditional offer to Tyler Gilliam for the IT application specialist position, pending final start-date details.

Members voted to post internally two utility positions: an electric lineman apprentice and a water laborer. Several routine motions, including approval of prior minutes and payroll certification motions, were taken and carried during the session.

The board recorded the motions by voice and approved each item. Staff said any salary-ordinance changes and appropriations tied to the IT positions will be presented at upcoming meetings.