Project delayed, pool will not open

The construction work to repave Indiana 167 and replace sidewalk ramps through Dunkirk has been slightly delayed.

Dunkirk Board of Works and Public Safety heard at its meeting Thursday that Indiana Department of Transportation has moved the start date of the project back.

Board members also heard an update about Dunkirk City Pool and approved additional work for a future sidewalk project.

Dunkirk Mayor Jack Robbins told the board the work on Indiana 167, which includes repaving the road from Albany to the northern limits of Dunkirk, will now likely begin on May 26.

“They’re saying now it’s going to be the day after Memorial Day,” Robbins said.

The construction crew will begin with the concrete work, which entails replacing sidewalk ramps along Main Street and installing bump-outs at the intersection of Main and Commerce streets.

Robbins also informed the board that Dunkirk City Pool will not be opening this year. Dunkirk Park Board voted to keep the pool closed because of the coronavirus pandemic; Fourth of July celebrations planned for the park have also been canceled.

However, the firework show is still scheduled to proceed as planned.

During the pool’s closure, city employees will look into any upgrades or work that can be done, including the possibility of installing a splash pad.

Also on the agenda for Thursday was approving additional work in preparation for the Highland Street sidewalk project between Johnson Street and Speedcat Alley, which is slated for construction next year. 

Mitch Hansel of Fleis & VandenBrink presented two items that needed to be added to the city’s contract with INDOT for the project. The first will allow Fleis & VandenBrink to draw up paperwork to acquire right of way on two or three parcels of land at a cost of $750 each. The second is the approval of an archeological investigation, which will cost $3,207, to ensure no historical artifacts are buried at the site.

The board voted to amend the city’s agreement with INDOT to include the two items. The cost of the entire project will be split with INDOT, with the city paying for 20% of the work.

Board members Dan Watson, Lisa Street and Robbins also approved a payment of $732.75 to Utility Supply Company for work on a chemical pump at the water plant.