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Wakarusa council adopts Build‑Operate‑Transfer resolution, OKs water plant payments and advances Memorial Park pickleball project
Summary
At its May 5 meeting the Wakarusa Town Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026‑3 authorizing use of a Build‑Operate‑Transfer procurement method, approved two pay applications for the Water Treatment Plant totaling $129,503.34, and authorized an RFQ for the Memorial Park pickleball project.
The Wakarusa Town Council on May 5 unanimously adopted Resolution 2026‑3 to permit use of a Build‑Operate‑Transfer (BOT) procurement method under Indiana Code 5‑23, approved two payments for ongoing work at the Water Treatment Plant, and authorized publication of a request for proposals and qualifications for the Memorial Park pickleball project.
The vote to adopt Resolution 2026‑3 came after Councilwoman Annette Brown moved to suspend the rules and pass the measure on first reading; the motion was seconded by Councilman Randall Mitschelen and approved unanimously. The resolution adopts the use of a Build‑Operate‑Transfer approach, commonly abbreviated BOT, consistent with the language referenced in Indiana Code 5‑23.
Council members also approved two contractor pay applications tied to the Water Treatment Plant project: Pay Application #20 to engineering firm DLZ for $22,545 and Pay Application #18 to R. Yoder Construction for $106,958.34. Both motions passed with unanimous support from the five council members present (Carl Gilbert, Phil Klotz, Annette Brown, Rocco Rigsby and Randall Mitschelen).
On the Memorial Park pickleball project, resident Seward Horner, attending with Jenni, told the council he and Jenni were "excited to hear about the progress of the pickleball project." Councilman Phil Klotz moved to authorize Town Manager Rob Slagle to publish notices soliciting proposals and qualifications for that project; the motion, seconded by Mitschelen, passed unanimously.
Bill Etzler of Abonmarch attended to answer questions about the Safe Streets for All grant the council had discussed at its prior work session; the council expressed support for pursuing that federal grant program to fund street‑safety improvements. The meeting closed after Councilwoman Brown thanked the Maple Syrup Festival Committee, the council approved claims and adjourned. The next work session is scheduled for June 1, 2026, and the next council meeting for June 2, 2026.
The meeting record lists the council members present, the clerk‑treasurer and notes that Town Manager Rob Slagle and Town Attorney Charlie Zercher were absent.
