The Hammond City Board of Public Works and Safety on June 12 approved a request to sign a blanket bond so the city can perform work in Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) rights of way.

The request came from Dean Button in correspondence to the board. "The Indiana Department of Transportation has changed their policy last year to, now require local public agencies to provide bonds for work done in INDOT right of way," Button told the board, explaining the change followed an incident involving a noncompliant agency.

Button said the city worked with Prestimer Insurance to obtain a blanket bond that would cover maintenance or permitted events where work touches state right of way. He asked the board to authorize a signed execution of the bond, noting that the board president can sign or assign the signature responsibility. A motion to approve the request passed with the board responding "Aye."

Board members noted the signature will need notarization before completion. The board did not discuss specific dollar amounts or coverage limits during the public discussion on the item.

The approval allows the city to execute the document with the insurer and provide insurers' proof for future permits that affect INDOT right of way.