July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.

Sewer work soon?

Steen project bidding due on July 29

By Rachelle [email protected]

Work to separate storm and sanitary sewers on the Portland's southeast side could begin in August.

Members of a local board have awarded an $85,000 contract to R.W. Armstrong & Associates Inc., Indianapolis, to oversee the construction, the bidding process and the awarding of a contract for the Steen Addition project. The project is designed to separate the storm and sanitary sewers, which will improve drainage.

An official with R.W. Armstrong told members of the Portland Board of Works Thursday morning that opening of the bids is scheduled for July 29.

The city recently was awarded a $600,000 Community Focus Fund grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs for the project. R.W. Armstrong will be paid through city utility funds, city clerk-treasurer Randy Geesaman said this morning.

The project is expected to cost about $975,000 and take 10 months to complete.

The addition includes Reed and Marion streets, and Hagins, Detroit and Massachusetts avenues.

In other business Thursday, board members were updated on the planned demolition of two houses in Portland.

Bill Milligan, Jay/Portland Building and Planning Administrator, told board members that James Romack recently sold his property at 622 N. Pleasant St. to contractor Jessie Walters. The contractor plans to begin work on the exterior Tuesday and have it in good enough shape by July 19 to pass inspection.

The house was damaged by fire in January of 2006 and has been vacant ever since. In May, board members voted to raze the house, but decided Thursday to review the matter again after July 19.

Also, board members agreed to grant an extension to Roger Caster, who is purchasing a property on contract at 318 N. Harrison St. The board previously also voted to raze this house, but learned Thursday that he has made improvements to the outside of the structure.

Board members also voted to set a July 19 deadline for Caster to paint the house and remove the chimney. If he does not meet the deadline, the house could be torn down.

In a related matter, board members voted to award a $4,340 contract to TJ's Concrete and Construction, Portland, to raze a dilapidated structure at 614 N. Williams St. The city council voted in February to accept ownership of the property.

The county previously owned the property because of back taxes. A lien will be put on the property - requiring anyone who purchases the lot in the future to pay the cost of the demolition.

Quotes also were submitted by Guy Tressler Excavating, $5,100, and A. Landon Excavating, $4,888.

In other business, board members voted to pay Indiana Landmarks $3,000 for Joe Jarzen's work as an advisor for the Portland Historic Preservation Commission.

The contract is for Nov. 1, 2009, to Oct. 1. Listed in the scope of work is Jarzen's assistance in implementing the Portland Downtown Façade Grant program, attending meetings and preparing agendas for meetings.[[In-content Ad]]
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