The Hammond City Board of Public Works and Safety on April 17 approved a $298,369.31 change order for Clark Field infrastructure and authorized Northern Indiana Public Service Company to extend gas and electric service to the Clark Field subdivision at no cost to the city.

City staff said the change order with contractor Aegis covers multiple unanticipated items including road elevation adjustments and additional fill required where a water main was shallow. Dean Button requested approval of the change order and stated, "Funding for this project was is from the funding that's been set aside by the Hammond Common Council through the American Rescue Plan Act funds, that was dedicated for this project." The board voted to approve the request by voice.

The board also approved standard agreements with NIPSCO to provide gas and electric service to Clark Field and authorized the city engineer to sign the electronic agreements. Dean Button told the board the agreements are NIPSCO's standard boilerplate and asked for authorization for electronic signature so utilities may be extended without cost to the city.

Discussion focused on scope and funding. Button said there remains about $230,000 of ARPA funds still available for the project and that more work remains to be completed. Board members confirmed that the ARPA allocation covers the immediate change order and that staff will continue to manage remaining items under the existing appropriation.

No statute or ordinance was cited during the discussion. The board did not set separate follow-up conditions beyond the authorization to execute the change order and utility agreements.

Officials present said work will continue under the approved contract and funding; no additional city appropriation was requested at the meeting.