La Porte authorizes pavement-preservation purchases, consultant work and county paving invoice

The City of La Porte Board of Public Works and Safety on Oct. 7 approved a multi-part pavement-preservation plan that includes purchasing a crack-sealing machine, entering an agreement with a pavement consulting firm, and approving payment for Garden Street paving performed under a county contract.

City staff recommended and the board approved buying a Super Shot 250 DC crack-sealing machine from Sourcewell for $96,001.76. Staff said the “250 DC” model includes a compressor so operations can be run with a three-person crew; staff argued the model, though not the lowest-priced quote, will be least expensive over the life of the equipment because of staffing and operational savings. “I would recommend the Super Shot 2 50 DC. The DC means that the c has a has a compressor on it... The cost is $96,001.76,” staff said.

The board also approved a professional services agreement with Avenue (a pavement-consulting firm) to assist in pavement-preservation strategy and potential discussions with INDOT; staff estimated the fiscal exposure for the remainder of the year at about $45,000 and said the contract is task-order based.

Separately, the board approved payment for Garden Street paving work performed under a La Porte County contract. The total invoice amount, including striping, was presented as $41,679.94; staff recommended payment pending receipt of the city’s MVH draws.

Board members emphasized that equipment selection and consultant work were made to extend pavement life and reduce future repaving costs. Staff reported early results from new sewer-inspection equipment and an expanded pavement-preservation program that they said reduced the frequency of incidents requiring more extensive repairs.

Motions to approve the machine purchase, the consulting agreement and the county invoice all passed during the meeting.