La Porte approves stamped concrete for US‑35 downtown sidewalks, denies two INDOT change orders pending negotiation

Tucker King presented three INDOT change order requests for the US‑35 project that together total $367,513.74 and include sidewalk additions, public street‑lighting adjustments, and stamping of concrete in the downtown area. King said a portion of the cost results from a mismatch between conduit sizes and purchased light poles, and that INDOT's designer and suppliers would not accept returning the poles.

The board voted to approve the stamped concrete portion of the work (the aesthetic sidewalk treatment) but then moved to deny two other INDOT change orders tied to hand‑holes and pole replacements and directed staff and legal to negotiate with INDOT about cost responsibility. King told the board the city's expected immediate share is roughly $20,000 while INDOT would incur additional amounts; the board pressed for negotiation and legal review before final liability is accepted.

Mayor and councilors emphasized protecting the city's fiscal interests while seeking a negotiated solution with INDOT and asked staff to return with legal recommendations and proposed next steps.