Elkhart advances Hively Avenue overpass work after demo change orders; consultant added for FRA grant management

The Elkhart City Board of Public Works on Feb. 4 approved change orders that reduced two demolition contracts tied to the Hively Avenue overpass project and authorized an amendment to the city’s consultant agreement for Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant management.

Board members passed a change order that shifts $31,152 within bid number 24-18, demolition contract number 5, after staff reported no asbestos-containing materials were found in the two targeted buildings. Jeff Schafer, assistant city engineer, told the board crews did find an old fuel-oil tank beneath one building and arranged removal through proper permitting and notifications. "The tank itself was not leaking or anything. It just was there," Schafer said. He said removing the tank allowed the city to reallocate the allowance previously set aside for asbestos removal and reduce the contract price.

The board also approved a change order for demolition contract number 6 on the east side of the tracks (corner of Hammond and Highbury), decreasing that contract by $20,000 after staff found no hazardous material issues similar to those at the Hunter’s Place site.

Separately, the board authorized Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) so the consultant can help prepare and manage the FRA grant agreement for the Hively project. Schafer said CMT already assisted in winning the FRA grant and that Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and FRA recommended continuing with CMT because of existing relationships. Schafer told the board the amendment adds $25,000 to the original $21,000 agreement, producing a new not-to-exceed fee of $46,000 to help finalize the grant agreement.

Board members asked whether national pauses or litigation affecting some federal programs would delay work; Schafer said INDOT and FRA indicated the project is “full speed ahead,” and a kickoff meeting for grant recipients remains scheduled. Schafer said the city’s environmental documents are complete and the project is shovel ready, which should accelerate the grant agreement process.

The board approved all three measures by voice vote.

Funding and contract details: the change orders reduce the contract values by the amounts stated above; the CMT amendment is for an adjusted fee not to exceed $46,000. The record shows that permits were issued and contractor obligations (including tank removal) were completed or underway as described by staff.

The Hively Avenue overpass remains in pre-construction and grant-finalization stages; staff said they expect FRA grant paperwork to move faster because of prior environmental clearance and an established FRA project manager who previously worked with CMT on nearby projects.