Westfield board approves easements, contracts and resurfacing sign‑authority for multiple projects

The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved a package of easements, procurement awards and reimbursement agreements to move forward on road, utility and public‑safety projects.

The board approved a trail easement granted to Community Health Network to accommodate a slight trail relocation around a Duke Energy transformer, and authorized an accompanying agreement with Citizens Water for wastewater access tied to the new police headquarters project, Michael Pierce, director of engineering, told the board.

Pierce also presented a utility reimbursement agreement to pay Duke Energy for relocating roughly 1,600 feet of poles for the 191st Street widening project and gave the estimate of $227,524.46. He reported a separate reimbursement to AT&T—required because an existing protective casing must be extended across the widened roadway—of approximately $501,000. The board authorized both agreements.

The board approved a revised emergency‑medical‑services contractor agreement with Riverview Health that allows Westfield ambulance crews to exchange or purchase pharmaceuticals at the hospital pharmacy. Rob Gaylor, Westfield Fire Department, said the arrangement keeps supplies local and produces “significant savings,” estimating a 10%–30% markup would otherwise apply on some items but not providing a firm dollar total at the meeting.

On procurement, the board awarded the Hundred and 81st/Grand Park roundabout paving contract to low bidder E & B Paving at $1,260,000 (engineer estimate about $1.7 million) and authorized the Crossroads Engineers professional services agreement for Jersey Street right‑of‑way engineering at $95,400. Staff said work on the roundabout is expected to begin on or after April 6.

City staff also won approval to continue stormwater services with Christopher Burke Engineering under a not‑to‑exceed $45,000 contract and to contract 1 Source Group for post‑construction BMP maintenance at a total of $70,500—a roughly $5,000 savings over the prior year, staff said.

Claire Jelimus of Economic Development requested and the board approved a $13,000 change order for Sikich, the city’s CRM developer, to refine the CRM to departmental needs.

The board granted signing authority for the resurfacing program so staff can execute contracts quickly after the March 6 bid opening if bids are within 5% of estimates. Pierce noted pending state legislation that could provide additional 'Community Crossings' funding.

The meeting’s consent agenda passed after staff reviewed a conflict‑of‑interest disclosure filed concerning an insurance services item involving Mayor Willis; the mayor recused himself from the related vote and legal counsel confirmed the required disclosure filing.

The board took all approvals by voice vote and adjourned; no contested votes or recorded roll‑call tallies were shown in the transcript.