The Crown Point Board of Public Works and Safety voted through a slate of routine approvals at its Dec. 17 meeting, including a final payment application to a contractor, multiple contract renewals and the release of park maintenance bonds.

The most significant financial action was approval of Pienaman Construction Incorporated’s final payment application (application number 4) and release of retainage in the amount of $608,684.70, as recommended by the city engineer. A board member moved to approve the payment application, the motion was seconded, and members approved it by voice vote.

Other motions adopted by the board included approval of the city’s 2026 legal contracts (minor hourly‑rate adjustments), two HIDA contracts (on‑site IT support and a part‑time investigative analyst), and a professional services contract with Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) to perform a fire station location and deployment study (not to exceed $32,461). The legal department reviewed the ESCI agreement and recommended minor changes prior to finalization.

The board approved the purchase of a GIS large‑format printer from ARC Imaging Resources for $11,730 (with a trade‑in for the existing printer), and authorized continuation of pharmacy services with TrueScripts for 2026.

Engineering requested and the board approved release of maintenance bonds for Walkerton Park after verification that contract items were met: Phase 1 ($196,301.99), Phase 2 ($240,954.31) and Phase 3 ($205,425.25).

All motions taken during the meeting were approved by voice vote with no recorded roll‑call tallies in the transcript. The board also added and later approved an add‑on for a hosting agreement for a WGN weather camera pending final legal review. The meeting adjourned and the next regular meeting was set for Jan. 7 at 11 a.m.