Valparaiso Board of Works approves contracts, plats, bond release and awards demolition contract for 401 Oak Street

Valparaiso City’s Board of Works on Tuesday approved a bundle of routine contracts, plats and administrative items and awarded a demolition contract for 401 Oak Street.

The board approved a services agreement with Midwest Electric to maintain the city’s traffic signals, a contract the city said will not exceed $67,779. "They help us maintain our traffic signals throughout the city," said Max, an engineering staff member who presented the item, and recommended approval. Mayor (speaker 1) moved to approve the contract and the motion carried.

Engineering staff also recommended a tree‑clearing agreement to remove trees in advance of a pathways project along Froeburg Road and 500 North. Staff recommended a $16,000 contract for removal of trees on the west side of Froeburg from Bell Park to Pepper Estates and along 500 North from Froeburg west to Iron Gate Drive; the board approved the contract.

The board approved final plats for two developments. Staff said the Cumberland Crossing South plat, located north of Vail Park Road in the Old Kmart area behind Starbucks and Chipotle, had plat committee approval and the board approved the final plat. The board likewise approved a final plat for the Eastgate Sylhaven entrance subdivision related to the US 30 Sylhaven Improvements Project; staff said the single lot will be split to allow road improvements and further development.

The board approved the release of a stormwater performance bond for Midwood Terrace Phase 1. Bill Laird (speaker 6) told the board that Molotov Homes provided the performance bond on 10/24/2025 and that the work had been inspected and accepted by Valparaiso City Utilities; engineering recommended release of a $285,363 performance bond per the city’s ordinance. The clerk and staff clarified that the utilities’ maintenance-bond requirement is 10 percent of project cost for one year.

City staff sought and received approval to advertise for bids on the 2026 sidewalk program packages 1 and 2, both with planned bid openings on February 13. Staff said package 1 is intended to address resident complaints and package 2 includes pathway segments previously discussed along Froeburg Road and 500 North.

The board opened two demolition quotes for 401 Oak Street and later voted to award the contract to the lowest bidder. City staff opened quotes from GE Marshall (about $18,501.08) and C Lee (about $16,301.06). After a brief review, Vicki (city staff) recommended awarding the contract to C Lee (recorded in the packet also as 'Seeley'); the board approved the award to the low bidder.

Clerk‑Treasurer Holly reported receipt of the 2026 public official bond for the clerk‑treasurer and two blanket bonds (one covering named public officials and one covering remaining staff); the board voted to receive and approve those bonds. The board also approved a street‑closure route for the YMCA’s 'Ringing in Spring' event scheduled for April 4 after departments confirmed earlier concerns about a roundabout had been resolved.

The meeting concluded with routine administrative remarks and adjournment. The board did not receive public comment during the public-comment portion of the meeting and did not take additional substantive action beyond the approved items.

Votes at a glance: - Minutes from multiple dates: approved (motion by Mayor (speaker 1), seconded by Board member (speaker 4)). - Claims submitted to Clerk‑Treasurer: approved. - Midwest Electric services agreement (traffic‑signal maintenance): approved; not to exceed $67,779. - Tree‑clearing agreement for pathways (Froeburg Road/500 North): approved; $16,000. - Cumberland Crossing South final plat: approved. - Eastgate Sylhaven entrance subdivision final plat: approved. - Release of Midwood Terrace Phase 1 stormwater performance bond: approved; $285,363 (per record). - Advertise bids: 2026 Sidewalk Program Package 1: approved (bid opening planned Feb. 13). - Advertise bids: 2026 Sidewalk Program Package 2: approved (bid opening planned Feb. 13). - Demolition of 401 Oak Street: awarded to low bidder C Lee (approx. $16,301.06); approved. - Receipt/approval of 2026 bonds (Clerk and blanket bonds): approved. - YMCA 'Ringing in Spring' street closure (April 4): approved.

What’s next: Several items required follow-up administrative steps: staff will finalize and sign awarded contracts and publish bid solicitations; the demolition contractor is expected to proceed under the 60‑day court timeline referenced by staff. The board is scheduled to meet again in a couple of weeks.