Muncie Board of Works approves homecoming permits, noise exemption and move-in closure; opens demolition bids

The Muncie Board of Works, Public Works and Safety on Aug. 13 approved a noise exemption for a community concert hosted by Wolfram Radio, granted multiple Ball State University and Muncie Central homecoming permits and street closures, approved a short closure for the Village Promenade move-in day and opened public bids for demolition work on 52 properties.

The actions affect fall homecoming events, routine city permitting and the city’s upcoming demolition contract decisions. Board members also approved the meeting minutes and a register of claims during the session.

Craig Wright, city controller, presented the register of claims and said the packet included detailed descriptions for higher-dollar items and routine utility and paving expenses. A motion to approve the claims was made and the board approved the register by voice vote; the mover’s stated amount was recorded in the meeting transcript as “1,084,004 and $14.” The transcript does not specify the exact cents or format for that figure.

The board granted a noise-exemption request for a free community concert promoted by Wolfram Radio. Megan Minnick, who said she was organizing the event, told the board the band Toy Factory will start at 6:30 p.m. and the performance will be wrapped up by 8 p.m. Minnick said the event will not require street closures, that security had been arranged through Chief Sloan and that alcohol permits were handled by RoHo’s. The board approved the exemption by voice vote.

Justin Oliver, representing Muncie Central High School, requested a street closure for the school’s annual homecoming parade on Friday, Sept. 26, with a 4 p.m. step-off from the high school, down Walnut to the roundabout and returning down Mulberry. The board approved that closure by motion.

Ashley Anderson, representing the Ball State University Foundation, presented a package of homecoming-related permits and exemptions that the foundation requested for October events. Anderson said the foundation submitted a primary parade route and an alternate and that a village project manager committed to opening a lane on University Avenue for the parade by Oct. 17 if needed. The board approved the Ball State packet in a single motion; the items listed in the transcript include a food-truck festival (Oct. 13), a bed race (noise exemption and street closure on Oct. 17), a Chase Charlie 5K street closure and the homecoming parade (Oct. 18). The board approved the group of forms by voice vote.

The board conducted a public bid opening for demolition work covering 52 properties. City staff read bid amounts and bidders aloud for each address. Bidders and bid packets named in the transcript include Shroyer Solutions; JA Schroyer Group; Mike Frederick Services; Fritz Family Trucking and Excavating; Steen Building Solutions; Newsom’s Construction; and Tim Yarberry Company, among others. The board took the bids under consideration; no award or contract decision was made at the meeting.

The board also approved a short street closure request for the Village Promenade’s move-in day this weekend. Carrie Grimes, speaking for the Village Promenade, said the property had reached 100% capacity for the year and that the closure — from University to Dill Street — was “100% for safety.” The board approved the closure by voice vote and indicated documents would be signed.

The meeting opened with roll call and the board approved the Aug. 6 minutes by voice vote. With no further business, the board adjourned.

Votes at a glance - Approval of Aug. 6 minutes — outcome: approved (voice vote). Mover/second not specified in transcript. - Approval of register of claims (amount recorded in transcript as “1,084,004 and $14”) — outcome: approved (voice vote). Mover/second not specified in transcript. - Noise exemption for Wolfram Radio community concert (Toy Factory, 6:30–8 p.m.) — outcome: approved (voice vote). Motion text not recorded verbatim in transcript. - Street closure: Muncie Central High School homecoming parade, Sept. 26 — outcome: approved (voice vote). Motion text not recorded verbatim. - Ball State University homecoming permits and exemptions (food-truck festival Oct. 13; bed race Oct. 17; bed race street closure Oct. 17; Chase Charlie 5K street closure; homecoming parade Oct. 18) — outcome: approved as a packet (voice vote). - Demolition public bid opening for 52 properties — action: bids opened and taken under consideration; no award or contractor selection made. - Street closure: Village Promenade move-in day (this weekend) — outcome: approved (voice vote).

The board’s approvals were by voice vote; the transcript records members saying “aye” but does not record a roll-call tally for those votes.

Ending Board members said they would sign permits and documents after the meeting for those present. The board did not schedule or announce any formal contract awards related to the demolition bids during the session.