Sconces, lettering and architectural elements remniscent of the Indiana Dunes State Park gatehouse are being proposed as additions to a planned $5 million bridge for Indiana 49 over U.S. 20 slated for construction next year.

The Porter Town Council voted 5-0 Tuesday to spend up to $205,000 in grant money awarded it last month for aesthetic bridge enhancements.

The money is part of $1.8 million from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority to fund year one with Porter as lead agency for the $30.7 million Indiana 49 Lakeshore Gateway Corridor Development Project.

Porter consultant A.J. Monroe of SEH said it was urgent that the council make a decision because the Indiana Department of Transportation is willing to make non-structural changes to the bridge if they’re submitted now.

Monroe presented several options and recommended adding twin monument pilasters on each of the north and south ends of the bridge visible from U.S. 20.

One south pilaster would be engraved with “Dunes Kankakee Trail” and “Town of Porter” below it. The trail is proposed to be built along Indiana 49 from U.S. 12 to south of Valparaiso.

Porter’s $1.8 million grant includes $911,500 for engineering/design of its 3.95-mile portion of the 10 foot-wide trail.

Monroe said INDOT seems receptive to Porter’s suggestions and if approved by the agency, all bridge pilasters would have sconces typical of details on the historic State Park gatehouse. At a later date, he added, the extended wing walls for the new bridge could be etched or stained or in some way detailed to enhance the gateway even more if money is available.

Monroe also said SEH is putting together a construction estimate for the initial work that won’t go over $205,000 and hopefully stay well below it.

Councilman Jon Granat asked if the Indiana 49 bridge over U.S. 12 will be replaced, too. Monroe said that’s slated for 2011 so the town can have more input earlier in the process.

Other projects planned by Porter using the $1.8 million award are a $240,000 Lakeshore Gateway plan; a $225,000 gateway alternative transportation study; $125,000 as a local match to receive $500,000 for Dunes Kankakee Trail approaches and crossings near Indiana 49 and U.S. 20; and $110,000 for an engineering study on the feasibility of modifying a section of Indiana 49 for an iconic park entrance.

Town resident Jennifer Klug noted that Porter County, an original RDA member, has a pending lawsuit seeking to withdraw from the RDA. She asked if the courts rule in favor of Porter County, would Porter be required to repay its RDA grant?

Town attorney Patrick Lyp said the litigation is a separate issue and no repayment would be required.

Paul Christofersen asked the council to stop trucks from using Mineral Springs to access Signature Graphics south of Beam Street. He said Mineral Springs is narrow, winding and children, joggers and cyclists frequent the road.

Public Works superintendent Brenda Brueckheimer said the Signature Graphics truck entrance should be off Highway Street from U.S. 20. Porter police chief James Spanier said since local deliveries are allowed on town streets, it would be hard to make arrests.

Councilman Todd Martin asked if the truck loads exceed the Mineral Springs bridge’s weight limit. Lyp said police could ticket on that basis if it does.

Brueckheimer said she would prefer trucks to use Beam Street if necessary rather than Mineral Springs.

Also Tuesday, Clerk-treasurer Carol Pomeroy was given approval to spend up to $5,000 in CEDIT funds for a new server. She said with year-end reports and an expected audit due, her office would be in deep trouble if the computer system crashes.

The council also OK’d Spanier’s request to use CEDIT money to purchase a $17,972 Dodge that will be used by police and town director of engineering Matt Keiser as needed.

Later in the meeting Keiser was given permission to attend a seminar next month on bridge inspection, design and maintenance; he said two planned town hike/bike trails include bridges so the seminar is of special interest.

Building commissioner Art Elwood was authorized to solicit bids for demolition of an unsafe structure at 1809 Old Porter Rd. Estimated contract cost was set at about $10,000.

Lyp said when the lot is sold at a later date, the demolition cost can be recouped by the town.

It was announced the annual Porter outdoor Christmas decorating contest will be judged Dec. 21 with the winners named at the Dec. 22 council meeting. Awarded will be gift certificates of $75, $50 and $25. Those wishing to participate are asked to leave their name and address with the Clerk-treasurer’s office at the town hall.

Pomeroy also acknowledged a $950 donation for the town Christmas party.

Park superintendent Jim Miller reminded that the Park Department’s Porter Express Christmas party takes place Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hawthorne Park community center. Games, prizes, crafts, refreshments and a visit from Santa are planned.

Brueckheimer announced leaf collection has been suspended for the season, however, residents still may bring bagged leaves to the Public Works building on Beam Street or call there to arrange pick-up of the bags.

Posted 12/9/2009