RDC: Trail contracts signed; pre-construction meeting set, executive session scheduled to discuss land purchases

Michael, a presenter to the RDC, reported that the Market Greenway Maninoi Prairie Trail contracts have been signed and that pre-construction steps will begin this month.

"All the documents are signed," Michael said, and he told members the pre-construction meeting with National Park will be held March 3 at 11:30 a.m. at Town Hall. He said Burns Harbor—s contractor bids are due March 4.

Michael added that tree clearing must be completed by March 31 to meet requirements for avoiding disturbance to local bat populations, and that the trail—s grant structure with the Next Level Trails partner (per Gary Schultz) will pay roughly half up front and the remainder at a later agreed milestone rather than operating as a reimbursable grant.

Board members also discussed property needed for the trail. The board announced it has authorization to use grant money to purchase property and set an executive session for March 10 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss specific parcels. The chair said the time was chosen to avoid conflicts with other meetings; members said details about which properties will be discussed will be provided during the executive session.

The schedule of near-term steps provided to the RDC includes the March 3 pre-construction meeting, contractor bid openings in Burns Harbor on March 4, tree clearing by March 31 and subsequent construction scheduling. The board did not disclose which specific parcels will be considered; that discussion is reserved for the March 10 executive session.