Elkhart Board of Public Works approves $5.83M in year-end claims, ratifies construction payments and contract changes

At its Dec. 22 meeting the City of Elkhart Board of Public Works approved year-end claims totaling $5,834,173.84, ratified several construction payments tied to Oakland-area projects and approved multiple contract change orders and short-term repairs.

Deputy Controller Erin ***** told the board, “Our largest claim here is to INDOT ... for the relocation of transmission lines for Hailey Overpass, and that is for $1,420,271,” and said American Rescue Plan claims totaled $460,318.87. The board voted to approve the claims and allowances report.

The board ratified partial payment request No. 10 — $3,203,061 — to Selj Construction from SRF loan WW24182006 for construction on the Oakland CSO Tank Division 1 project; staff described this as the standard SRF payment process and said the project is approximately 40% complete. The board also ratified partial payment No. 30 to C & E Excavating in the amount of $518,415 (plus $12,310 from a separate DW loan) for work on the Oakland Avenue Forcemain Phase A project; staff said Indiana Avenue is now open and the forcemain work is nearing completion.

The board approved change order No. 6 for the Oakland Forcemain Phase A project, which staff explained adds work for an extra-long water service line installed at 1802 W. Indiana Ave., and approved change order No. 7 after staff reported unforeseen conditions at the wastewater plant, including a pipe that was unexpectedly full of sludge. Packet figures show the contract totals moving to $12,457,137.38 and $12,477,778.38, respectively, after the listed changes.

In a separate engineering item the board approved a small, expedited repair to the Napanee Street pedestrian bridge. Staff said multiple contractors were solicited, one could meet the two-week schedule and quoted $11,100; the board approved the contract. The presiding official said the bridge “will remain open the entire time,” and staff characterized the work as repairs to the approaches rather than a full closure.

On insurance matters the board approved a six-month renewal with USI for broker services covering general liability while staff prepares an RFP in 2026, and approved a two-year renewal of the workers' compensation excess-loss premium with Midwest Employee Casualty. Gloria Lopez, the city’s safety risk manager, said the six-month term allows the city to start an RFP and consider broker options later next year.

Votes at a glance: - Claims and allowances of $5,834,173.84 — approved - Ratify partial payment #10 to Selj Construction ($3,203,061) — approved - Ratify partial payment #30 to C & E Excavating ($518,415 + $12,310) — approved - Change Order No. 6 (Oakland Forcemain Phase A) — approved - Change Order No. 7 (Oakland Forcemain Phase A) — approved - Napanee Street pedestrian bridge small repair contract ($11,100) — approved - USI broker services renewal (6 months, general liability) — approved - Midwest Employee Casualty workers’ comp excess renewal (2 years) — approved

The board did not receive public comments and adjourned after the listed business. Several motions were moved and seconded on the floor; packet and staff summaries provided project-specific context and loan numbers.