Merrillville RDC approves $39,500 in design services for salt barn at Fire Station 73

The Town of Merrillville Redevelopment Commission approved $39,500 in additional design services for a salt barn at Fire Station 73 during a special meeting on Nov. 4.

The motion to approve the structure-point proposal for additional design was moved by Councilor Margaret Uzelac and seconded by Councilor Shauna Haines Edwards. A roll-call vote recorded four ayes and no nays; the motion carried 4-0.

Commission staff told members the town has consolidated several economic-development allocation areas and that funds from those allocation areas can be used for the design cost. Michael (staff) told the commission that the Mississippi allocation area would have sufficient funds to cover the $39,500 line item and that, among the consolidated allocation areas, the commission could use funds for the station project.

Commissioners also discussed related capital items. A staff member said a separate salt-dome structure was expected to cost roughly $250,000; the chair referenced an additional figure from the packet described as "$339.05." The commission did not take a separate vote on the dome at this meeting.

The meeting included a contentious exchange about extending a water line to the station. During discussion, the chair said he would not pay $950,000 to run a water line for Polycom Industries to reach the fire station and said the town would pursue the matter with Indiana American Water and, if necessary, the press. Staff later noted there might be federal funds available from a congressman—s office to help the water extension; the availability was described as hopeful, not confirmed.

Next steps identified by the commission include filing the design contract as approved and further staff follow-up on funding sources for the dome and on the status of the water-line extension.