BPWS OKs bid for demolition of several homes

Eleven structures located near the future site of a Margaret Avenue overpass are slated for demolition/Lucy Perry Photos

Rob McMullen, director, explains the recent switch to better internet service for dispatch

The Terre Haute Board of Public Works approved a $70, 420 bid for the demolition of 11 vacated structures located along Margaret Avenue near the S. 19th Street intersection.

The city gained right of way to the properties in coordination with the Margaret Avenue improvements underway there.

The construction project, widening the roadway, is step closer to the  much-anticipated railroad overpass planned for 2017.

In other business:

During the meeting, a representative of Gill’s Towing addressed the board about problems the company’s experiencing with the city towing  rotation schedule and the Central Dispatch 911 computer system.

Board member Jon Stinson asked for more information and if there is a glitch in the system.

Rob McMullen, 911 director, acknowledged there had been computer-related problems in the past,  but since switching to a new internet service provider in August, the glitches seem to be resolved. He added that they have implemented using a paper on-call list as a backup system as well.

“Since then, I can’t prove that certain wrecker services have been skipped, or they have not. When I go back to the wrecker log, it looks to me as if everything’s going normal operations,” McMullen said, pointing out that oftentimes individuals express a personal preference outside of the rotation.

The board will continue to  monitor the issue.

The board is also considering four bids for the purchase of a tandem axle dump truck.

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The board approved the following:
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• Approved a request for handicapped parking in front of a residence at 1225 S. 10th St.

• Awarded financial lease for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Terre Haute Fire Department.

• Approved grass mowing lien certifications.

• Approved request from the Bridge Church to close N. 19th Street between Eighth Avenue Plum Street and Eighth Avenue on Oct.30 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Approved changes to the Terre Haute Police Department Union contract regarding minor uniform policy changes.

• Voted in favor of rescinding an agreement with PNC Equipment Finance,LLC for golf carts, as requested by the city parks department.