Elkhart Board of Public Works approves bids, utility transfers and contract changes; tables parking permit

The Elkhart City Board of Public Works on Tuesday, Jan. 21, approved the claims docket totaling $6,746,570.74, authorized a $3,000,000 transfer of interest income from the general fund into capital outlay, approved multiple bid advertisements and contract awards, and supported a change to the city’s wastewater utility use ordinance while tabling a revocable right-of-way parking permit for a Linde Gas & Equipment site.

The actions affect public-works projects (including a new Fire Station 6), ADA curb-ramp work, street resurfacing tied to Community Crossings matching grants, utility fund transfers for water/wastewater/stormwater, and several pretreatment enforcement items. Board members also declared an emergency for a sewer collapse on Hubbard Avenue and authorized repairs.

Why it matters: The board’s approvals move several capital projects toward construction and adjust utility fund flows for 2025. The board’s authorization to accept an amended merchant-processing arrangement for the city’s utility payments is projected by staff to reduce annual credit-card fees by about $300,000. A number of environmental-enforcement penalties and permit renewals also set compliance expectations for local industries.

Claims, transfers and finance Erin (deputy controller) presented the claims docket of $6,746,570.74 and flagged line items including January trash services ($199,335.21), tolls/attorneys payments (~$350,000), and American Rescue Plan related claims totaling $330,115.38. The board approved the claims and a $3,000,000 transfer of interest income from the general fund to capital outlay, described by staff as the second half of a previously appropriated transfer.

Utility operations and transfers The board accepted the water utility monthly operations report for December 2024 and approved the 2025 transfer schedule for the water, wastewater and stormwater utilities. Tim Reeser (assistant director) said the schedule transfers billed revenue into operating and capital funds for 2025 and that staff will reevaluate midyear if revenues exceed forecasts.

Credit-card processing for utility payments Staff reported that Global Payments agreed to place the city back onto a utilities discount program that applies to Visa, Mastercard and Discover merchant rates for public utilities. Tim Reeser and staff said the change requires a signature amendment and will not affect other city departments. Staff estimated the change will save about $300,000 annually; the board authorized the city to accept the client-satisfaction offer and gave Reeser signature authority.

Capital projects and bids - Fire Station No. 6: The board approved bid documents and permission to advertise bid number 25-04 for a relocated Fire Station No. 6 on Ada Drive to replace the cramped existing station near Bristol Street and Oslo Road. Jeff Schaffer (assistant city engineer) said the new station will include three apparatus bays and space to stage an ambulance. The board…