Schererville council approves $30,000 boost for Illiana redevelopment consulting

The Schererville Town Council voted 3–1 Wednesday to approve a $30,000 secondary budget increase to Reardon Consulting Services for phase 2 of the Illiana redevelopment project.

Councilman Thomas Schmidt, who outlined the amendment, said the increase covers expanded work at the Indiana Speedway commercial area and additional planning deliverables. "The fee covers additional design, master planning services required to develop three new conceptual scenarios, including the evaluation of expanded opportunities and potential modifications to the project area," Schmidt said, summarizing the consultant's scope.

The amendment directs the consultant team to prepare new conceptual designs, supporting graphics and illustrative land‑use plans and to integrate the preferred scenario into the phase‑2 master plan. Schmidt said the work also includes economic considerations, implementation planning and milestone tracking ahead of a draft master plan.

Not all council members supported the increase. A council member opposed additional consultant spending, arguing town staff could manage the remainder of phase 2. "I feel strongly that no additional taxpayer dollars should be spent on Reardon Consulting," the council member said, and noted that "of the $30,000, about $12,500 is going to StructurePoint," a contracted engineering firm.

After brief discussion the council voted. The tally was: Kevin Connolly — No; Thomas Schmidt — Yes; Rob Getzloff — Yes; Robin Arbonaides — Yes. The motion passed 3–1.

Pat Reardon of Reardon Consulting Services addressed the council during business from the floor and said he would provide revised schedule dates to town administration. "We'll get the new dates to town administration," Reardon said, adding that the firm would circulate firm dates to the council.

The council did not assign further conditions or amendments to the contract during the meeting. The special session adjourned after the vote.