Pumpkinvine in Goshen might get paved
May 13—GOSHEN — Elkhart County Commissioners are planning to work with the city of Goshen to pave a mile and a half of Goshen's Pumpkinvine Trail between Ind. 4 and C.R. 28.
During the Elkhart County Commissioners meeting on Monday, commissioner Brad Rogers explained that the primary reason for the paving project, which encompasses the trail both within city limits and in the county, is for safety.
"Some of the dynamics of paving this mile and a half is really primarily because of safety because a lot of this area is clay and it's compacted gravel, and when it rains or after a snow event after it melts, the trail is quite slippery and issues with people falling and getting stuck in clay and things of that nature," Rogers said.
The county would be the lead agency, but the city would handle the funding. Commissioners approved the agreement.
Commissioners also received bids for the 2024 Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. The project includes 15 miles of paving and a few asphalt bridge decks. An alternate package also includes the Pumpkinvine Trail paving project. Bids were received from: Niblock Excavating for $2,987,420.90 with an alternate bid of $259,730.20; Milestone Contractors for $3,996,000 with an alternate bid of $382,000; and Reith Riley Construction for $3,808,426.64 with an alternate bid of $263,299.95.
Grant funding is $1.5 million with a 50% match, but the Pumpkinvine project is not included in that total.
Commissioners also approved the interlocal agreement with the city of Goshen for the Pumpkinvine Trail project in the city. Rogers explained that he's been in talks with Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty regarding the matter.
OTHER BOARD ITEMS
—Commissioners approved an ordinance regulating compression release engine brakes, or Jake brakes, on C.R. 17 between Walorski Parkway and C.R. 10/C.R. 8. The county must advertise the ordinance before it goes into effect. The move would restrict the use of Jake brakes unless there is an emergency situation.
—Commissioners approved a request from the Economic Development Income Tax fund for road maintenance in the amount of $158,179. The fund, according to Elkhart County Highway Engineer Charlie McKenzie, the fund has been earning above expectations due to interest accumulated and per statute, can be transferred to go toward road maintenance.
—Commissioners also approved an additional appropriation from the Northwest Gateway Tax Increment Finance district for $5,965 for the accounting firm of Baker Tilly to review how the bond functions and what can be done with it.
—Commissioners approved a request from Cindi Hajicek to use the courthouse steps for a press conference on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Rogers said Hajicek had requested to use amplification, but commissioners denied that portion of the request so as not to distract anyone in court proceedings. Hajicek was permitted to use the west steps of the courthouse.
Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at dani.messick@goshennews.com or at 574-538-2065.
