Whiteland RDC withdraws unsigned generator offer, orders rebid and approves $5,000 sizing study

The Whiteland Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously on April 9 to withdraw the outstanding offer for a fire-station generator, direct staff to rebid the project and approve up to $5,000 for an engineering study to determine the correct size and specifications.

The action followed staff reports that the prospective vendor had not signed a contract after roughly nine months of negotiation and that lead times and prices had diverged between bidders. ‘‘They couldn't come to ... couldn't get it signed. So at some point we're just going to have to either cut ties and figure out our next step,’’ staff told the commission, urging a rebid if the vendor would not execute terms.

Why it matters: the generator is intended to ensure fire-department operations during outages and severe weather. Commissioners said they want competition and clearer delivery terms so the town is not left waiting as costs rise. Staff noted the lift-station work and other capital items that have affected the RDC’s committed funds and asked for accuracy in the 2025 annual report before submission to the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF).

Commission debate focused on sizing, fuel type and procurement approach. Several participants said an 80-kilowatt unit had been envisioned but suggested that a 60-kilowatt unit might be sufficient and quicker to source; staff also flagged a 100-kilowatt unit for the lift station. Commissioners discussed warranties, fuel options (diesel, natural gas, propane) and the merits of broader versus narrow bid specifications to invite more vendors. One participant noted brand availability can affect lead time, referencing brands such as Cummins, Kohler and Caterpillar.

Procedural steps: after a motion and second to revoke the outstanding offer, the commission voted 5–0 to withdraw the offer and proceed with rebidding. Later the commission approved a separate motion to conduct a sizing study and authorized up to $5,000 to pay for an independent engineering assessment; that motion also passed 5–0. Commissioners also discussed whether to accept a pro bono assessment offered by a local contractor but raised potential conflict-of-interest concerns and favored an independent review.

Votes at a glance (all roll-call votes): minutes approved 5–0; main voucher packet approved 5–0; additional voucher packet for $28,548.40 approved 5–0; revocation of the outstanding generator offer approved 5–0; authorization of up to $5,000 for an engineering study approved 5–0.

Next steps: staff will pursue rebidding the generator contract with clarified timeline and delivery terms, proceed with the sizing study and, if needed, retrieve original building drawings to inform scope. The RDC staff said the 2025 annual report will be revised for accuracy and submitted to the DLGF ahead of its filing deadline.

The commission adjourned with no further public action on the project at the meeting.