Redevelopment Commission approves US 30/Colorado change orders; fence to mitigate Sam's Club trash noted

HOBART, Ind. — The Hobart City Redevelopment Commission on April 20 approved four change orders for the ongoing US 30 and Colorado Street safety improvements, voting unanimously to accept measures that staff said respond to utility conflicts and revised detour and phasing needs.

Mr. Brandon, who presented the change orders, described a deduction for subcontractor work that had not been pre‑approved, additional MOT signage ($2,860) to support a revised detour route, permanent Type III barricades at a new intersection north of US 30, and a 42‑inch black chain‑link PVC fence installed along the west right‑of‑way on Colorado Street to block debris moving from the Sam's Club parking area. The minutes record the fence cost at approximately $14,000; staff said they plan to reach out to Sam's Club to seek reimbursement. Indiana Department of Transportation participation in the project was noted; staff said IDOT covers 80% of the fence cost with 20% billed to the city.

Commissioner Mark Kara moved to approve change orders 1–4; Commissioner Jeremy Cartagena seconded and the motion carried 4‑0.

The presenter also said utility conflicts have been ongoing and that additional change orders (5–8) will be brought forward next month. The minutes state the project remains significantly under budget despite the change orders.

The commission’s action covered administrative acceptance of the change orders and did not formalize any final settlement with Sam's Club; staff indicated they would pursue reimbursement separately.