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Hobart reports strong rebate participation; engineers outline paving, stormwater and bridge work
Summary
City staff told the council the Residential Rebate Program has seen strong early participation, with 92 exterior approvals (totaling $672,033) and 29 interior approvals ($127,150); engineering and public-safety departments also provided project updates and monthly incident statistics.
City staff used the June 3 meeting to report program uptake and project progress across departments.
Kelly Clemens, chief of staff, said the Residential Rebate Programs have been active for about one month and reported 92 approved exterior rebate applications totaling $672,033 and 29 approved interior rebate applications totaling $127,150. Building Official Felix Perry said the exterior program would exceed $700,000 by the end of the week and noted strong participation among homeowners over age 65; he credited the OpenGov application process with speeding approvals. Clemens also announced the 50/50 Sidewalk Program opened June 1 and listed upcoming community events: Lakefront Fest (June 4–7), the Dam Duck Race and Cardboard Boat Race (June 6), the Summer Market starting June 11 and the Hobart Community Pool opening June 8.
City Engineer Alex Metz provided status updates on multiple capital projects: Wisconsin Street CCMG awaiting final billing; Linda Street SSO elimination and striping near closeout; Wisconsin Street Bridge bidding delayed pending utility relocation; Harbor Club sanitary line in design awaiting railroad permitting; Festival Park design 95% complete; stormwater inventory and surveying ongoing; County Line Culvert awarded with anticipated 2–3 week closure north of 10th Street; 38th Street stormwater bids lower than expected and coordination with contractor Grimmer planned; Hickey Street reconstruction under right-of-way acquisition; and the Annual Paving Program bid documents are being finalized.
Public-safety leaders gave monthly statistics: Police Chief Garrett Ciszewski reported 3,067 total May calls, including 1,600 officer-initiated calls, 1,388 dispatch calls, 821 traffic stops (143 ticketed) and 121 adult arrests; he highlighted recent community outreach and a life-saving rescue by a Hobart officer and a Good Samaritan. Assistant Fire Chief Ron Reed reported 323 incidents in May and described recent promotions, retirements and training progress. Lift Station Supervisor Phil Schoon reported 93 million gallons pumped to the GSD in May (about 3 million gallons per day) and 557 million gallons pumped so far in the year.
Building Official Perry noted the Unsafe Building Authority will meet in June to organize compliance oversight and said the Board of Works approved an on-site inspection contract with Skillman Corporation for the data-center project site to supplement Building Department staff while the project is active.
What’s next: staff will continue project permitting and public outreach, finalize bid documents for the paving program, and proceed with rebate application processing and inspections.
