Porter County commissioners approve multiple construction bids, first readings for new funds and public-safety MOUs

VALPARAISO, Ind. — The Porter County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a slate of construction contracts and project payments, advanced three ordinances in first reading to create county funds, and authorized memoranda of understanding for public-safety and health equipment, the board said at its May 19 meeting.

Commissioner Edward (Ed) Morales called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.; Commissioner Barb Regnitz moved routine motions and Commissioner Jim Biggs seconded much of the business, with motions routinely carried by the board.

Most notable procurements included awarding the Hackney Lane Pavement and Drainage Improvement Project to Reith Riley Construction (base bid $1,124,597.00) and awarding the Marquette Greenway Calumet Trail Reroute Phase 4A contract to Gariup Construction (base bid $1,368,500.00). Auditor Karen Martin opened sealed bids earlier in the meeting; the board subsequently moved to accept the successful bidders.

Facilities and capital projects also advanced. Hasse Construction was awarded the 157 Franklin Building rear-basement access stair renovation (base bid $199,729.00), and commissioners approved a number of contractor pay applications across projects, including several payments related to the county jail and highway work. Specific pay applications approved included sums presented for contractors such as Gariup, Kleckner Interior, Stan’s Painting, F.E. Moran and others.

The board approved several health and safety agreements: an MOU designating the Porter County Expo Center as a Point of Distribution (POD) site for public-health emergencies; an MOU to install and maintain two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and a Save Heart Station at the Expo Center; and an MOU to install and maintain one AED and Save Heart Station at Sunset Hill Park. These MOUs were presented by the Health Department and approved on motion of Regnitz, seconded by Biggs.

Soil & Water Conservation District Director Michelle Benson received approval to lease a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox from Chevrolet of Merrillville; the board authorized up to an additional $550 if the specified vehicle is unavailable at the time of lease.

Development and stormwater management items included authorization to solicit early procurement quotes for precast box beams for Bridge 132 and approval of bridge replacement bid documents for Bridge 132 (CR 200 W over Salt Creek Tributary), Bridge 1 (Division Rd over Hutton Ditch/Crooked Creek) and Bridge 66 (CR 250 W over Phillips Ditch Creek). The board also approved annual professional services agreements with American Structurepoint, United Consulting and DLZ Indiana (each agreement not to exceed $150,000), and affirmed a Local Public Agency-Consultant Agreement with DLZ Indiana for construction engineering services on an INDOT project (CR 100 S Safety Project) not to exceed $715,180.

The Board held first readings (no final adoption) for three ordinance/fund items: Non-Reverting Fund #9183 for Community Corrections Outreach, Prevention and Intervention; Non-Reverting Fund #9140 for the JDAI FY27 Grant Fund; and an ordinance adding Chapter 3.095 to the Porter County Code to establish the EMA DHS Reimbursement Grant Fund. The first readings received no public comment and were approved to proceed to the next step.

Sheriff Jeff Balon presented two small agreements related to a proposed gun range: Soils Solutions Inc. for professional wetland determination and delineation services (not to exceed $7,500) and Abonmarche for preliminary detention-pond storage evaluation (not to exceed $8,000); both were approved.

IT Director Lee Childress received an additional appropriation of $1,000 into the travel line item. The board also approved a community-event request from The Salvation Army for a Nov. 14, 2026 four-mile “Run 4 Angels” through county roads, starting and finishing at Haven Hollow Park.

Commissioners announced open application windows for three appointments — the Porter County Public Library System Board of Trustees, the Plan Commission (to finish a term) and the Porter County Airport Authority — with applications due May 28; appointments will be announced at the June 2 meeting. With no further business, the meeting recessed at 11:42 a.m.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (payroll, claims, minutes): approved (mover: Commissioner Barb Regnitz; seconder: Commissioner Jim Biggs). (SEG 008) - Moser Consulting contract continuation for IT services: approved (Regnitz/Biggs). (SEG 013) - Award — Hackney Lane Pavement and Drainage Improvement Project to Reith Riley Construction (base bid $1,124,597.00): approved (Biggs/Regnitz). (SEG 017–SEG 018) - Award — Marquette Greenway Calumet Trail Reroute Phase 4A to Gariup Construction (base bid $1,368,500.00): approved (Regnitz/Biggs). (SEG 083–SEG 085) - Award — 157 Franklin rear-basement stair renovations to Hasse Construction (base bid $199,729.00): approved (Regnitz/Biggs). (SEG 033) - Soil & Water lease of 2026 Chevrolet Equinox (Chevrolet of Merrillville), with up to $550 additional authorization if needed: approved (Regnitz/Biggs). (SEG 019–SEG 023) - Health Dept MOUs (Porter County Expo POD; AED/Save Heart at Expo and Sunset Hill Park): approved (Regnitz/Biggs). (SEG 025–SEG 033) - Ordinances — Non-Reverting Fund #9183; Non-Reverting Fund #9140; Chapter 3.095 (EMA DHS Reimbursement Grant Fund): first readings approved (no public comment). (SEG 046–SEG 055) - Agreements for wetland delineation and detention pond evaluation (Soils Solutions Inc., Abonmarche): approved (Regnitz/Biggs). (SEG 087–SEG 091) - IT additional appropriation $1,000 (line item 32100—travel): approved (Regnitz/Biggs). (SEG 092–SEG 094) - Salvation Army Run 4 Angels (Nov. 14, 2026): approved (Regnitz/Biggs). (SEG 095–SEG 096)

What happens next

Several items were approved as first readings and will return for second readings or further action at subsequent meetings (for example, zoning amendments and the ordinances establishing county funds). Appointments to the library board, Plan Commission and Airport Authority will be announced at the June 2 Commissioners’ meeting.