Whitestown council OKs roundabout design contract and third‑party plan‑review agreement

The Town of Whitestown approved two separate professional services agreements designed to advance transportation and permitting work.

For the Route 500 South/Main Street roundabout and related trail connection, staff presented an agreement with Butler, Fairman & Seifert to finish design work and manage land acquisitions and utility relocations. Sri (staff) estimated land acquisition would take four to five months absent condemnation and said utility relocation and related work meant construction was likely in 2027. "Once we start the land acquisition process, it usually takes 4 to 5 months...so we're talking about, like, 12 months at least by the time utilities relocate," Sri said. Council approved the expenditure as presented by roll-call vote.

Separately, the council approved an agreement with Value Plus Engineering Solution LLC to provide third‑party plan review for larger commercial projects on a pass-through basis; staff said the town uses outside reviewers for larger projects and bills developers for consultant costs. The contract was presented as a routine operational item to speed plan review and ensure timely inspection and permitting. Council approved the expenditure not to exceed $80,000 by roll-call vote 5-0.

Both contracts will move forward with staff oversight; the Butler, Fairman & Seifert agreement specifically includes land‑acquisition services to allow utility relocation on the northwest corner of the intersection and to help finish the trail connection.