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Merrillville council ratifies emergency debris contracts, approves police ATV; councilor abstains on disclosure
Summary
The Town of Merrillville council ratified emergency debris-removal agreements with Clemens Tree Service and Dyer Construction, approved a $25,531 ATV purchase for the police department, and accepted a conflict-of-interest disclosure from Council Pettit, who abstained on that item.
The Town of Merrillville council on Wednesday ratified emergency debris-removal contracts with Clemens Tree Service and Dyer Construction and approved the purchase of a $25,531 all-terrain vehicle for the police department, actions the council said were needed to continue post-event cleanup and public-safety operations.
Mr. Griffin, the town attorney/administrator who introduced the agenda items, told the council that Items A through K were handled under the town’s emergency procurement authority so staff could secure vendors quickly. He said Clemens Tree Service originally proposed $15 per cubic yard and lowered its price to $9.95 per cubic yard and that the company had already performed cleanup work; the town is ratifying the agreement in case total costs exceed a department head’s $15,000 contracting limit.
The council moved to approve the Clemens Tree Service ratification; the motion by Mr. Pettit with a second by Councilwoman Neal passed by roll call with four votes in favor.
Council discussion of the second debris contract noted its history. Mr. Griffin said Dyer Construction initially proposed $30 per cubic yard, reduced its price to $15 after Fire Chief Yurga intervened, and has been a major provider of collection and cleanup services. Councilman Pettit praised Dyer Construction’s work on a prior road-widening project, saying the firm “did an outstanding job.” A motion to approve the Dyer contract passed by roll call (four in favor).
The council also approved Resolution 26-29 to purchase an ATV for the police department; the packet lists the amount as $25,531. The motion to approve was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Separately, Council Pettit disclosed her employment with Lamar Advertisements under Indiana law and said she would abstain from matters involving that company. The council received and accepted the annual filing; the roll call showed four votes in favor and one abstention (Pettit).
The council adjourned after staff said there was no further business.
Votes at a glance: Clemens Tree Service ratification — motion carried, roll call recorded as four in favor; Dyer Construction approval — motion carried, roll call recorded as four in favor; ATV purchase (Resolution 26-29) — passed by voice vote; Conflict-of-interest disclosure for Council Pettit — received/approved, four in favor, one abstention.
