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Porter County commissioners approve routine contracts, advertise several public works projects and appoint Arvid Merkner
Summary
At its April 21, 2026 meeting the Porter County Board of Commissioners approved the consent agenda, appointed Arvid Merkner to the Board of Zoning Appeals, approved multiple contracts and leases (including a $21,600/year tower lease to SBA Towers, LLC), and authorized advertising for road and trail projects with bids due May 12, 2026.
The Porter County Board of Commissioners met April 21, 2026 in Valparaiso and approved a slate of routine items, contracts and project advertisements.
Commissioners Ed Morales and Barb Regnitz voted to approve the consent agenda, which included payroll for April 10, claims for April 3, 9 and 16, and the March 31 meeting minutes. Commissioner Regnitz announced and moved to appoint Arvid Merkner to the Porter County Board of Zoning Appeals; Commissioner Morales seconded and the appointment passed.
County Attorney Scott McClure read an update on the 911 Department. The board also approved a request from the Porter County Community Foundation Historic Fund (the transcript does not specify the amount) and later approved a separate request to allocate funds from that foundation to the Animal Shelter; the dollar amounts were not stated in the meeting record.
On procurement and contracts, the board approved renewal of the county's property and casualty insurance with Highstreet Insurance. The board also approved an agreement to lease the county cell tower at 2055 Heavilin Road in Valparaiso to SBA Towers, LLC for $21,600 per year, following an update from County Attorney McClure.
Michelle Benson, director of the Soil & Water Conservation District, requested authorization to lease a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The board approved leasing the vehicle from Wiers Chevrolet at $481 per month for 36 months (36-month lease), after reviewing three vendor quotes.
IT Director Lee Childress presented a service agreement with NITCO for eight static IP addresses. Childress said the total monthly cost would be $57.95; the board approved the agreement to be paid from the commissioners' budget.
Facilities Director Phil Kubacki asked the board to approve two items paid from bond funds: a Korellis base bid of $16,325 to reroof the Annex canopy at 157 Franklin, and a Nitco fiber-relocation quote of $9,759.86 for the Porter County Highway SR2 project. Both motions passed.
Highway Director Jim Polarek recommended awarding annual bituminous bids; the board accepted all bids as presented. The board also approved advertising for the Hackney Lane Pavement and Drainage Improvement Project; bids are due at 9:00 a.m. on May 12, 2026 and will be opened at the commissioners' meeting that day.
Mike Jabo, director of Development & Storm Water Management, requested authorization to advertise bidding for Phase 4A of the Calumet Trail reroute (construction limits from Kemil Road to Broadway). The board approved advertising for those bids; they will likewise be opened at the May 12 meeting. Jabo also presented and the board approved a resolution adopting a purchasing policy for his department.
Pierce Kelly, representing USW 12775, asked to use portions of the courthouse grounds on April 25, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to inform the public about what he described as an "illegal lockout by NIPSCO" against USW locals 12775 and 13796. The board granted use of the designated courthouse areas for the event. The transcript records Kelly's allegation but records no response from NIPSCO or further investigation during the meeting.
With no further business, the board recessed at 10:47 a.m. The meeting record shows standard motions carried, but the transcript does not include vote tallies for individual members beyond the routine announcement "motion carried."
