Commission approves Maryville High School scope change for workforce-training grant

The Hobart City Redevelopment Commission approved a revision to a previously awarded education and workforce training grant for a Maryville School Corporation construction-trades project, shifting the project from eight outdoor food pantry boxes to eight indoor multipurpose distribution cabinets located inside each participating school.

Staff (Miguel) read a letter from Terrell Taylor, a construction trades instructor at Maryville High School, describing the rationale for the change. The letter said indoor cabinets will allow school staff to manage and monitor distribution, prevent weather-related spoilage and vandalism, and provide a hands-on service-learning experience for students who will design and build the units.

Commissioners and staff discussed liability and spoilage concerns as the primary reason for the scope change. One presenter said the revision “eliminates any liability issue” and that the amendment would not increase the previously approved budget; the board therefore moved to accept the revised application and approved it by voice vote.

The commission had earlier (on a separate motion) approved increasing the RDC’s 2027 education and workforce training grant pool from $30,000 to $50,000 to expand program support. Staff confirmed the Maryville scope change will be completed within the originally approved grant allocation for that project and will not draw on the increased 2027 pool for this revision.

Staff listed follow-up items: confirm documented receipt of the letter (the letter was received by email), record the revised scope in grant files, and monitor project completion to ensure compliance with the approved budget.