RDC approves spending plan; commission debates contractor insurance and an invoice for trail work

The Burns Harbor Redevelopment Commission approved the RDC spending plan for 2026 after staff said it follows the state template and will be uploaded to the state gateway upon approval. Speaker 1 moved to approve the spending plan and the board voted in favor by roll call.

The commission also considered project invoices for Marquette Greenway work. Packet materials included what staff described as a $48,000 invoice from RV Sutton and an additional $13,750 line item for tree removal. Commissioner 3 questioned paying the full $48,000 before excavation and other work were complete; staff said the lower bid was approved previously and that the tree‑removal line could be paid separately. A roll call on paying the tree‑removal portion recorded an abstention (Commissioner McGraw) and affirmative votes from other commissioners.

On contract renewals, the commission considered a renewal for Carterwood. Speaker 3 asked for proof of insurance coverage and effective dates. The contractor (identified in the meeting as Gina) said she carries errors‑and‑omissions and liability coverage and that a certificate of insurance had been provided; she offered to supply additional documentation. Commissioner McGraw recorded an abstention during the contract renewal vote; other commissioners voted to approve the renewal. Commissioners directed staff to request and collect proof‑of‑insurance documents consistently from all vendors the town and RDC hire.

The commission also approved the registered claims and the November 2025 financial report by roll call.