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La Porte board approves INDOT invoice, authorizes utilities shutoff at Spectrum site for Park Street overpass
Summary
The Board of Public Works approved payment of an INDOT invoice for the Park Street overpass railroad work contingent on an additional appropriation, and voted to disconnect utilities at the Spectrum property as part of eminent‑domain actions and project staging plans.
The La Porte Board of Public Works approved payment of INDOT invoice #888861 for the railroad portion of the Park Street overpass local match and voted to disconnect utilities at the nearby Spectrum property to allow contractors to begin staging for the overpass project.
City staff said the INDOT invoice totals $54,018.80 and that payment will be made once the La Porte Common Council passes an additional appropriation and completes the public hearing scheduled for July 21. The board voted to approve the payment contingent on that appropriation.
City Attorney Nick Otis updated the board on eminent‑domain proceedings affecting the Spectrum parcel, saying the court ordered Spectrum to vacate the property by July 22 and asking the board to authorize disconnection of utilities on Friday, July 25, to permit contractors working on the overpass to use the site for equipment storage. "We've gone through imminent domain proceedings with Spectrum regarding the Overpass project," Otis said, describing the court deadline and the need to disconnect services before contractors begin work.
Mayor Dermody and other board members described the overpass as an emergency‑response and traffic‑flow improvement, noting police and fire have supported an additional crossing to reduce delays when trains block downtown. Staff said the overpass's railroad portion was bid in early May and the INDOT invoice reflects the actual railroad contractor costs now that bids are finalized.
The board approved the motion to disconnect utilities effective July 25 by voice vote. The city also noted a site review with Spectrum about a potential new in‑city location for the business.
Funding and next steps: staff said the INDOT invoice payment is funded by local match funds designated for the project and that the council will consider the appropriation on July 21. The board did not set additional dates for disconnection beyond the July 25 effective date approved at the meeting.
Provenance: Topic intro: staff presentation about INDOT invoice at 09:03:13 (transcript excerpt: "INDOT invoice 888861, which is part of the local tracks project ... asking for board approval for $54,018.80"). Topic finish: motion and approval to disconnect utilities at 09:08:26 (transcript excerpt: "I'll make that motion... Second... All in favor? Aye. Motion passes.").
