RDC tables contractor laydown agreement for Hopewell East after erosion and bonding concerns

The Redevelopment Commission on June 1 declined to approve a proposed temporary storage and laydown agreement with Calumet Civil Contractors Incorporated for part of the Hopewell East lot and asked staff to return with a revised contract.

Engineering staff described the contractor’s request for a fenced, gravel staging area adjacent to the federally funded 2nd Street (INDOT) project for use through the end of the year. Kevin Pinocchio said contractor access would be from 2nd Street and that monitoring wells and environmental study areas would be protected with concrete barriers.

Commissioners raised several concerns. One commissioner said a 90‑day removal clause is too long for a seven‑month job and advocated shortening it to 30 days; another asked for clearer, enforceable language spelling out erosion control measures, ongoing erosion mitigation responsibilities, pre‑use photographic documentation of existing conditions, and a bond or other security to ensure restoration. A commissioner also suggested limiting access to 2nd Street to avoid additional traffic and wear on recently reconstructed adjacent improvements.

Because of those unresolved protections, commissioners voted to postpone action and directed staff to return a revised agreement that includes: (1) explicit erosion‑control and restoration requirements with photos documenting pre‑existing conditions; (2) access limits (access from 2nd Street only while staging area in use); and (3) consideration of a performance bond or other security to guarantee restoration costs.

The item was tabled to a future meeting to allow staff time to incorporate those changes and bring the agreement back for approval.