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Council approves up to $50,170 for Burdett Park demolition, delays award to explore county garage help
Summary
Vanderburgh County Council appropriated up to $50,170 to remove two deteriorated ballfields and related structures at Burdett Park, but agreed to delay awarding contracts for ~20 days to see whether the county highway garage can perform some work and reduce costs.
Vanderburgh County Council approved an appropriation of up to $50,170 for demolition and cleanup at Burdett Park, including removal of light poles, small buildings and fencing. Council members and park staff said the work responds to flood damage and safety concerns at the site.
The motion included a 20-day delay before the county awards any contract so staff can ask the county highway garage whether in-house equipment and crews can perform part or all of the work, potentially lowering the county—s cost. Park director Zach (first name only in the record) and other staff described the site as aging and in a flood plain; they and council members discussed salvage value for metal poles and the logistics of removing poles that have sat in floodwaters.
Why this matters: Burdett Park is used for events and parking at times, and council members said the site—s deteriorated structures are a liability and an eyesore. Removing unsafe structures and clearing the field will also provide overflow parking for upcoming county-sponsored events.
Zach told the council the estimate for full demolition and cleanup was $50,170, a figure he described as a worst-case price; he said he anticipates costs closer to $36,000 if the county highway garage can remove fencing and small structures. "It's a liability for the county," Zach said of the deteriorated facilities.
Council members discussed possible reuse or salvage of material, the complications created by the park—s flood-prone location, and whether building a levee or permanent flood protection would be practical (several members said it would not). The council approved the appropriation with the caveat that staff wait roughly 20 days before awarding contracts so the highway garage can evaluate the work and, if feasible, perform part of it.
Ending: The county will appropriate up to $50,170 to clear Burdett Park and will attempt to reduce that amount by coordinating with the highway garage. Staff will rebid or adjust the contract based on any in-house work the garage can perform.
