Boone County commissioners approve multiple highway contracts, two ordinances and board appointments; votes at a glance

Boone County commissioners on Jan. 20 approved a block of routine and project actions including multiple highway contracts, two ordinance second readings and two board appointments.

The meeting opened at 9 a.m. and, after roll call, commissioners approved minutes from past meetings and took several procurement items under advisement before authorizing later signature. Highway staff reported nine bids for Project 2025‑05 (replacement of small structure MA‑034); the bids ranged from $376,547.78 to approximately $536,000. Commissioners voted to take those bids under advisement.

Legal and planning items included acceptance of a maintenance bond for the Nathan at Whitestown storm drains in the amount of $51,251.69 and release of a performance bond for the Haven at Whitestown storm drains in the amount of $512,516.62. Commissioners approved both actions by voice vote.

Highway Department and engineering contracts approved included a master services agreement with Parsons Transportation Group to allow task orders for part‑time inspection services; a task order (No. 62) for Bridge 37 rigid deck overlay with Butler, Fairman & Seifert for inspection services not to exceed $26,000 (projected start date March 23, 2026); and contracts for road preservation work (Project 2026‑04 with All Star Paving and Project 2026‑05 with the low bidder identified in the record as Rejuve/“Redu” Tech) with a stated not‑to‑exceed amount of $372,044.95 for the latter. Funding for the bridge inspection will come from existing bridge preservation funds; the paving contracts were said to be paid from preservation/reservation dollars appropriated for 2026.

On ordinances, the commission approved Ordinance 2025‑19 (second reading) to reduce the speed limit on John Mar Road after staff said advertising requirements were met and an engineer recommended the change. The commission also approved Ordinance 2026‑01 (second reading), an amendment to the subdivision control ordinance to require signatures from the Boone County Surveyor’s Office and Boone County Highway Department and to allow certain secondary flag approvals after infrastructure is built, inspected and deeded to the county. No public comments were recorded during the John Mar Road hearing.

Appointments approved included Dr. Thomas Cartwright to the Health Board and an appointment enabling 'Donnie' to serve on the Citizens Energy Service Advisory Board; both nominations were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Other routine items approved by voice vote included authorization for a county staff member ('Jenny') to attend the annual Health Action Council conference with partial reimbursement, a three‑year LexisNexis subscription to reduce monthly costs, and approval of claims.

The meeting closed after commissioners noted February meeting dates (second and fourth Mondays) and moving to adjourn.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (Dec. 15, Dec. 19, Jan. 6): approved (voice vote). - Fuel bids (2026) — take under advisement and authorize signing after advisement: approved (voice vote). - Project 2025‑05 bids (MA‑034 small structure): take under advisement: approved (voice vote). - Consent agenda (with account change to 4614 for one item): approved (voice vote). - Ordinance 2025‑19 (John Mar Road speed limit reduction) — second reading: approved (voice vote). - Health Board appointment — Dr. Thomas Cartwright: approved (voice vote). - Citizens Energy Service Advisory Board appointment — Donnie: approved (voice vote). - Accept maintenance bond (Nathan at Whitestown storm drains) $51,251.69; release performance bond (Haven at Whitestown) $512,516.62: approved (voice vote). - Parsons Transportation Group master services agreement: approved (voice vote). - Task Order No. 62 — Bridge 37 rigid overlay (inspection, BF&S), not to exceed $26,000: approved (voice vote). - Project 2026‑04 (crack sealing) — All Star Paving contract: approved (voice vote). - Project 2026‑05 (paving) — low bidder 'Rejuve/Redu Tech' contract, not to exceed $372,044.95: approved (voice vote). - Health Action Council travel and reimbursement for 'Jenny': approved (voice vote). - LexisNexis three‑year subscription: approved (voice vote). - Ordinance 2026‑01 (subdivision control amendment) — second reading: approved (voice vote). - Approval of claims: approved (voice vote).

What to watch next

Bridge overlay work (Project 2025‑08 / Task Order 62) is tentatively scheduled to begin March 23, 2026. Highway staff said they will bring individual task orders under the Parsons master services agreement to future meetings for approval.

(Quotes used in this story were taken from the meeting transcript. Speakers are identified where the transcript provides names.)