Hammond board approves CIB allocations, roads contract and traffic changes; sets multiple status dates

Hammond City board members approved a slate of capital allocations and contract actions at their meeting, including funds for drainage, street lighting and a design project at a crash-prone curve and an award for the city's annual road maintenance contract.

The board voted to allocate $16,425 from the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) for construction observation on J.F. Mahoney Drive ditch improvements and $120,500 for realignment design of Willow Court at State Street, work prompted by police reports of vehicles leaving the roadway. Members also approved $1,985.55 to restore Sibley street lighting, $18,567 to replace benches and trash receptacles on Homan Avenue, and a $126,083.51 allocation from fourth-district gaming funds for decorative lighting on Lawndale (a request identified as having been made by Councilman Emerson). NIES Engineering recommended awarding the 2026 road maintenance program to Site Services Inc.; the board approved awarding the agreement, with funding details to follow.

Board members also approved a traffic plan submitted by Milestone to switch traffic to the east side of Homan Avenue, startable on or after March 9 and expected to last through mid-May for that phase, with staff advising the full project may finish as late as June.

In administrative business the board approved routine items including a certificate of self-insurance, right-of-way permits for utilities and repairs, a lab-services agreement in support of Hammond Fire Department physicals, and a parade permit for the Hammond Optimist Youth Sports event on May 1, 2026.

Several enforcement and property matters were scheduled for follow-up. The board set a 60-day status review for the rehab at 2104 Sherman (owner Mr. Fentress confirmed interior work was underway and the board scheduled a May 7, 2026 status date). For 1137 Indiana the board heard from contractor Felipe Hernandez, who said he purchased the property after it appeared on a demolition list and has been waiting about two months for paperwork processing; inspections staff said they prefer to allow permitted rehab over demolition and the board set an April 2, 2026 status review.

The board also addressed licensing and registration appeals, waiving late fees in multiple cases: Laurie Ann's Preschool owner Tenisha Wilcox had late fees waived after explaining a second location never opened; owner Francisco Salas received waivers for three late rental registrations (4924 Elm, 4425 Elm and 6258 Van Buren); and the board waived a late fee for new owner Veronica Resendiz Barriga at 1244 Indiana conditioned on removing a homestead exemption and completing paperwork.

The meeting ended after a brief public comment period and routine motions to adjourn.