Board approves Habitat change order and rehabilitation contracts to meet energy‑code requirements

The Muncie City Board of Public Works and Safety on March 4 approved a series of housing‑related contract adjustments and procurements.

Gretchen Cheeseman, director of community, presented a change order request for a Habitat for Humanity new‑construction project at 3407 West Charles Street to meet the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2021 requirements. Cheeseman said Habitat provided its normal insulation and furnace costs and the additional expense to comply with IECC 2021 totals $27,662, which adjusts the original $85,000 contract to a revised total of $112,662; Cheeseman said designated funds are available. The board moved and carried approval of the adjustment.

Separately, Nikita Adams of the Office of Community Development presented two contracts for the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program: a roofing consultant to help vet quotes and a continuing engagement with Home Savers for HVAC, water‑heater and accessibility work; both contracts were approved.

Courtney Walker from the Building Commissioner’s Office described a revised demolition contract for 1305 East Memorial: because the tax‑sale buyer saved the house, only the garage was demolished and the contractor’s fee was reduced to $3,700; the board approved that revision as well.

Staff said funds to cover the IECC compliance change order are designated in program accounts; the board approved the related motions.