Hammond City board approves $148,366 for quiet-zone study, EV chargers and Summer Street change-order match

The Hammond City Capital Improvement Board on an apparent unanimous voice and roll-call vote approved three funding allocations to begin a quiet-zone evaluation with Norfolk Southern Railroad, install electric vehicle charging stations at City facilities and cover the city—s 20% match for Summer Street change orders.

The board approved a $26,500 administrative fee to Norfolk Southern Railroad to commence quiet-zone evaluations at five downtown crossings and four crossings in Hessville. The board also awarded $106,300 to Midwestern Electric for installation and payment-collection equipment for electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall and the Sportsplex, and approved the city—s $15,005.67 share (20%) of Summer Street change orders that total $77,839.70.

Board action and why it matters

The quiet-zone allocation covers the railroad—s administrative fee to begin evaluating safety improvements at crossings identified in the proposal: Willow Court, Sibley, State, Oakley and Seul in downtown Hammond, and Kennedy, 60 Ninth, 170 Third and Grand in Hessville. First Group Engineering, previously retained by the city, will serve as the city—s consultant for traffic studies and application work related to creating those quiet zones.

Establishing quiet zones could change how train crossing warnings are managed at multiple crossings in both downtown Hammond and Hessville; the board did not adopt any traffic-control measures itself at the meeting, but approved funding to start the railroad's evaluation and the consultant work.

On the electric vehicle charging project, the board authorized funds to construct charging infrastructure for previously purchased equipment: two chargers at City Hall (including one replacement level-2 charger and one DC fast charger) and two new fast chargers at the Sportsplex. The board discussed and approved adding payment-collection capability; staff noted earlier chargers had been free because the city lacked a way to collect fees. A board member said the controller will coordinate implementation of payment collection so non-city users will be charged for electricity.

The Summer Street funding covers the city—s required 20% matching share of several change orders (identified as numbers 8 and 13 through 17) presented by INDOT and contractor Reath Bridal Construction. The full cost of those change orders is $77,839.70; the city—s share approved at the meeting was $15,005.67. The change orders were described as resulting from utility reconnections, discovery of unlisted sewer lines and modifications to a water valve vault along Summer Street.

Votes and movers

- Item 9a (Quiet-zone administrative fee to Norfolk Southern Railroad, $26,500): moved by Councilman Rakos, seconded by Councilman Salinas. Roll call recorded six affirmative votes; the chair stated, "Motion carries. 6 in favor and no dissent." Recorded yes votes were Commissioners Muda and Prieto and Councilmen Rakos, Salinas, Warple and Button.

- Item 9b (Electric vehicle charging stations contract with Midwestern Electric, $106,300): moved by Councilman Rico, seconded by Commissioner Prieto. The board recorded six affirmative votes and the chair announced the motion carried with no dissent. Recorded yes votes were Commissioners Muda and Prieto and Councilmen Rakos, Salinas, Warple and Button.

- Item 9c (Summer Street change orders: city match $15,005.67 of $77,839.70): moved by Commissioner Munoz, seconded by Commissioner Prieto. The board recorded six affirmative votes and the chair announced the motion carried with no dissent. Recorded yes votes were Commissioners Muda and Prieto and Councilmen Rakos, Salinas, Warple and Button.

Discussion and next steps

Board discussion on the quiet-zone item referenced the city—s prior engagement of First Group Engineering to prepare traffic studies and application materials. On the EV chargers, a board member asked whether the new installations would require users to pay; staff confirmed the new equipment will include means to collect payment and that the controller will set up the payment method. For Summer Street, staff explained the change orders reflected unanticipated utility work found during construction.

No members of the public addressed the board during the public-expression portion of the meeting. The board completed other routine items earlier in the session, including approving previous meeting minutes and receiving a brief work-study report.

The board adjourned after the votes.