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Council hears plan to complete sidewalks left out of INDOT work; counsel urges soliciting additional quotes
Summary
Staff recommended town hire Ruth Riley to complete sidewalks adjacent to an INDOT project; legal counsel said statute does not always require formal bids but does advise soliciting additional quotes in the $50k–$300k range, and asked staff to document two other quotes or invitations.
Town staff told the council that parts of the INDOT roadway project will leave sidewalk gaps and proposed contracting with Ruth Riley to do the remaining sidewalk work for continuity.
Staff said the proposal is based on an estimate and noted that some components of the cost mirror prices in the INDOT bid package. Alex Bowman, the town’s legal counsel, advised that while a formal sealed bid may not be necessary for work in the $50,000–$300,000 range, statute and sound procurement practices call for soliciting multiple quotes: "Strict compliance with the statute would require you to go find two other quotes," Bowman said, recommending documented quotes to show compliance.
Why it matters: Completing sidewalks ensures continuity across properties and prevents a patchwork of new and old sidewalks that would disrupt pedestrian access and local businesses. Councilors flagged the need to balance schedule constraints (the INDOT timeline and the contractor’s availability) against procurement requirements.
Next steps: Staff will request additional quotes or invitations for quotes and return with documentation; no contract award occurred at the meeting.
