Commission authorizes Niblock Excavating to use 908 N. 6th St. for construction staging through project completion

Engineering presented an agreement authorizing Niblock Excavating to use city-owned property at 908 North 6th Street for construction staging and laydown for the Northside service-line and utility improvement project (job 202429). Andrew Lund (Speaker 9, Goshen Engineering) explained that the arrangement mirrors a prior laydown agreement used during Wilson Avenue reconstruction: Niblock must restore the property to current conditions and include the site in its SWPPP and erosion controls. Project manager Brian Swallow was referenced as coordinating the staging details.

The proposed timeline discussed in the meeting extended 'from now until December 2027 or when the project completes'; staff clarified that the current project completion was slated for spring next year but might extend via change orders, and commissioners raised concern about locking the property into a long-term staging use if the city later seeks to sell it for redevelopment. Staff suggested the commission could shorten or amend the end date if redevelopment priorities change and noted restoration would occur after staging ended (possibly into the following summer).

A motion to approve the agreement was moved, seconded and the transcript records the vote as 'That has passed 5 to 0.' Staff will execute the agreement and monitor restoration obligations.

Next steps: staff to finalize the agreement with Niblock, monitor site protection measures, and coordinate potential earlier end dates if redevelopment interest emerges.