Redevelopment commission approves grant increase, Maryville scope change and several payments

The Hobart Redevelopment Commission on March 16 approved a series of financing, grant and contract measures: the commission increased the 2027 education and workforce training grant pool from $30,000 to $50,000; accepted a scope change requested by Maryville High School’s construction trades program; authorized Change Order No. 9 on the Colorado tracking project; approved the first roundabout payment application; and approved the register of claims and bond requisitions.

Grant increase and Maryville scope revision The commission moved and approved an increase in the 2027 education and workforce training grant from $30,000 to $50,000. Staff then presented an update on the Maryville construction trades project. A letter from Terrell Taylor, construction trades instructor at Maryville High School, was read into the record describing a scope change: rather than eight outdoor pantry boxes, students will design and build eight indoor multipurpose distribution cabinets (one per school) to store food, clothing and hygiene items. Staff said the revised approach stays within the originally approved budget and improves monitoring and protection of donated goods; the commission voted to accept the applicant’s revised scope.

Change Order No. 9 and project budget Project staff described Change Order No. 9 on the Colorado tracking project as necessary to perform a directional bore to reach a junction box after NIPSCO relocated a service pole. The amount discussed at the meeting was $6,688.02; an inspector present stated the overall project was about $64,000 under budget, and the commission approved the change order so work can continue.

Roundabout payment and claims The commission approved payment application No. 1 for a roundabout improvement project in the amount of $253,350; staff said most work is complete and only minor items remain. The register of claims and invoices presented totaled approximately $280,409.46 and covered items including supplemental funding for prefilter station improvements, engineering support, and an ALTA survey tied to the Greenwood Center purchase. Motions to approve the register and bond requisitions (Requisition 76 and Requisition 77) were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

What happens next Staff will continue project monitoring, complete appraisals and title work for pending property transactions, and report back to the commission as contracts close out or further payments are requested.