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Board approves Fire Station 6 change order and authorizes 2026 street and ADA bids
Summary
Elkhart's Board of Works approved change order No. 1 for the Fire Station 6 project — adding concrete work, a larger job‑trailer parking area and extra soil testing — increasing the contract by $45,159 to a current price of $7,489,159; the board also authorized advertisement of standard 2026 street materials, on‑call construction and ADA curb‑ramp bids.
The Elkhart City Board of Works approved change order No. 1 for the Fire Station 6 project on Ada Drive and authorized a set of routine 2026 procurement actions for streets and drainage.
City engineer Jeff Schafer told the board the change order covers three items: (1) upgrading a portion of asphalt pavement to concrete behind the apparatus bay to provide a better surface for maintenance, (2) installing a larger parking area in front of the contractor's job trailer for site use during construction and events, and (3) additional soil testing after discovery of a buried, perforated vapor barrier (Visqueen) under topsoil. Schafer said there was no contamination found and staff’s speculation — based on aerial photographs — is the material had been used historically for topsoil or mulch work. The board approved the change order increasing contract value by $45,159 to a current contract price of $7,489,159.
Public Works Director Mark Lucas briefed the board on procurement items and the board authorized advertisement of bid No. 2603 (2026 Street Materials), bid No. 2604 (2026 On‑Call Street and Drainage Construction), and bid No. 2605 (2026 ADA‑funded curb ramp replacement program). Lucas described 2604 as the separated annual on‑call services contract (utility patches, expedited placement and construction services) and said 2603 is the standard annual materials package.
Board action: change order and bid advertisements were approved by voice votes. Staff will proceed with contract administration and issuance of bid advertisements and return with contract awards and bid results for board consideration as required.
