Delaware County Redevelopment Commission approves multiple infrastructure contracts, funds senior center

The Delaware County Redevelopment Commission on Aug. 14 approved multiple construction contracts and funding requests, agreed to pursue valuations or additional information on two land holdings and voted to provide $30,000 to the Muncie Senior Center to cover urgent building repairs.

The actions came during a meeting at the Delaware County Government Center that included presentations from municipal and nonprofit representatives, a report on local industrial expansion and public comment that raised open‑meetings concerns.

Why it matters: The votes commit county redevelopment funds and direct staff follow‑up on parcels held for economic development. Several items (TIF allocations, contract awards and bond consents) affect how increment financing and redevelopment revenues will be used in the near term.

What the commission decided and discussed

Votes at a glance - Yorktown stormwater: The commission approved a request to share half of the construction cost for a stormwater project on the north side of Jackson Street in Yorktown, committing $70,484.84 from redevelopment funds. Chase Bruton, town manager of Yorktown, said the low construction bid was $140,969.69 and total project costs would be a little more than $202,000; the town asked the commission to cover half of the construction portion. Roll call: Kiesling—No; Amber Green (president)—No; Commissioner Brand—Yes; Commissioner Henry—Yes; Mister Wigley—Yes. Outcome: approved, yes 3, no 2.

- Fusion Road (Magna area) bids: The commission approved awarding the Fusion Road contract to E & B Paving, the lowest overall bidder at $795,005. Roll call was unanimous in favor. Outcome: approved, unanimous.

- McTrail / MIC Trail bids: Commissioners approved the low responsive bidder (Yarberry) for the McTrail item at a contract amount discussed in the packet (the engineer’s and bid tab materials were reviewed); roll call was unanimous. Outcome: approved, unanimous.

- MIC Trail / related pay request: The commission approved a motion authorizing $542,082 (payment referenced in the meeting as part of the trail project pay requests). Roll call: unanimous yes. Outcome: approved, unanimous.

- RAI membership dues: Informational only; no action requested at this meeting.

- America's Hometown Band funding request: The commission voted to table a $30,000 funding request from America’s Hometown (a…