Franklin Board approves active adult center change order, INDOT cost amendment and $100,386 asphalt art project

Franklin — The City of Franklin Board of Public Works and Safety on Feb. 19 approved multiple contracts, grants and project adjustments, including a small change order for the active adult center, an amended interlocal agreement with INDOT on the US‑31 corridor project and an asphalt art installation at Jackson and Monroe.

Assistant City Engineer Matt McElroy told the board Change Order No. 10 replaces concrete entry slabs with stone cobbles, adds landscaping and includes the standard contractor markup capped at 15%. The change order carries a $5,655 cost and raises the contract from $4,744,616 to $4,949,947.13, McElroy said. “They're moving right along,” he said, estimating the project is about 60% complete and on track for a July finish.

The board also approved Amendment No. 2 to an interlocal agreement with INDOT for the US‑31 corridor. McElroy said the city's share increases by $62,650 for aesthetic improvements, bringing the city's construction allocation to $1,259,125 from an original $1,196,500, while INDOT's share rose by roughly $18.4 million after bids. Construction was described as set to begin no earlier than March 31; McElroy said the city will use EDIT funds already budgeted to cover its portion.

On grants and department needs, Deputy Chief Scott Summers asked the board to apply for the Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership program, a matching grant covering up to 50% of vest costs. “We just got a $14,000 payout last year,” he said, adding the local match will be covered within the department's budget if awarded.

The board approved a professional services agreement with Avenue for the 2025 PASER road condition ratings and asset management plan ($45,000) — a requirement tied to NDOT funding eligibility — and approved a $172,000 Scribe contract for design of a new Department of Public Works billing office on approximately 1.5 acres at 796 South State Street. City Attorney Lynn Gray noted Scribe's original terms were edited to align with the city's standard professional services agreement.

For operations and utilities tied to the active adult center, the board approved dedicating an additional 15 feet of public right‑of‑way along the west side of Ritchie Street so Duke Energy can install infrastructure without the city granting an easement that could require costly relocations later.

The board approved retaining Lexipol to revise police and fire SOPs/SOGs; Lynn Gray outlined a three‑part proposal (policy/manual revisions, annual supplements and optional training content) that included $17,271 for police and $9,270 for fire to update manuals. Chiefs said they also use a separate training subscription (Vector Solutions) but supported outside help to consolidate and update large, inconsistent manuals.

Community Development Specialist Dana Monson described an asphalt art project at the amphitheater entrance intended to calm traffic and highlight the venue. The total cost is $100,386; a REDI arts grant will fund $90,000 and the Board of Works will cover the remaining $10,386. After reviewing three quotes, the board awarded the contract to low, responsive bidder Globe Asphalt.

Other routine actions included approving a sponsorship MOU batch for amphitheater events (sponsors listed in meeting materials), accepting township funding via an interlocal agreement for fire/rescue equipment purchases, and approving a benefit transfer for retired Franklin police officer Steven Stalitz. Department heads gave brief reports (wastewater operations, staffing, housing projects) before the board adjourned.

Votes at a glance: Change Order No. 10 (active adult center) — approved; Retirement transfer for Steven Stalitz — approved; Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant application — approved; 2025 sponsor MOUs — approved; Lexipol SOP/SOG engagement — approved; Resolution naming Joanna Tennell (Title VI) and Matt McElroy (ADA coordinator) — approved; Interlocal with Franklin Union Needham township for equipment — approved; Amendment No. 2 with INDOT (US‑31 corridor) — approved; Avenue PASER contract (2025) — approved; Scribe professional services (DPW billing office) — approved; Dedication of 15 ft. ROW on Ritchie Street — approved; Asphalt art contract (Globe Asphalt, $100,386) — approved; Motion to adjourn — approved.

The Board of Public Works and Safety meeting was called to order at 5 p.m. and adjourned after department reports and the listed votes. The board indicated several items will proceed to the City Council for final acceptance where council approval is required (noted in meeting discussion).