SRC Approves Main Street Contract

(posted Jan 14)

The Speedway Redevelopment Commission approved another contract with American Structurepoint to perform Main Street Design Engineering work for $965,150.

Mike Koyak of ASP said the work deals with subsurface utilities, streetscape and sidewalks, but not building facades.

Commissioner Ron Fisher asked ASP to coordinate with Commonwealth Engineers concerning the sewer master plan the firm is developing. He was concerned that storm water and sewer separations are needed for Praxair and Allison. "When we open up Main Street, we need to solve all of the problems."

The SRC also approved the 2009 master services agreement with American Structurepoint to do work outside the agreement. The Main Street and 16th Street projects are outside the master agreement. Executive Director Scott Harris said the agreement provides services at a discount rate.

The SRC also had its organizational vote at the January 13 meeting, naming Vince Noblet President for a second term and Benny Grove Vice President. Nancy Lawrence is serving as secretary and Ron Fisher is serving as executive secretary to comply with a state board of accounts requirement to review claims.

Since 2006, the commission has failed to have its organizational meetings in accordance with IC 36-7-14-8, which states: "Sec. 8. (a) The redevelopment commissioners shall hold a meeting for the purpose of organization not later than thirty (30) days after they are appointed and, after that, each year on the first day in January that is not a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday."

Harris said IDEM approved the Dry Run Ditch permit that allows relocating the ditch through the buildings at 4501 and 4601 W. 16th Street. Two remonstrator requests for a public hearing were denied.

Fisher urged the Community Development Corporation to move forward because of the recent influx of money for CDCs. He wants the CDC to obtain its tax exempt 501 (c) 3 status to be able to help the housing situation in Speedway. He said there are about 20 to 25 abandoned houses in town. "We have a manageable event here."

He said "all you got to do is have a vacant house next door to you and all of a sudden it starts speaking relevancy to you, and it very relevant to the president (Eileen Fisher) of the town board, because there is a vacant house next door."

Fisher is concerned with the two year delay in obtaining the IRS approval. Fisher is frustrated with legal counsel for not getting the job done. Fisher stopped short of accepting a position as a liaison to the CDC by saying that CDC President James Dillard can get the job done.

The CDC canceled its November, December and January meetings. Town Manager Barbara Lawrence said the CDC is not going to meet until the 501(c) 3 is accomplished. She thought the 501 (c) 3 would be approved by the IRS by the end of last year, but it still has not happened.

Harris said "just so everybody, knows the SRC is paying the legal bill for that."

"I understand," Fisher said.