Bedford Redevelopment Commission OKs engineering contract for new BPD

Carol Johnson, The Times-Mail
·2 min read

An Indiana firm will provide design and engineering services for the new Bedford Police Department.

The Bedford Redevelopment Commission approved a contract for services with Midwestern Engineers, which has offices in Loogootee and Indianapolis. The city will pay a total of $186,500, which includes any demolition work, engineering and design of exterior and facade, public access and parking, floor plan, mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing and permitting.

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Midwestern Engineers will also provide bidding assistance, contract administration and construction engineering. Inspection services are not included. Mayor Sam Craig said some of the inspection can by done by city employees.

The new BPD will be in the former Aldi building, 2308 16th St. The city purchased the building for $825,000 and announced in 2021 it would be the future headquarters for BPD. The current BPD is adjacent to Bedford City Hall.

During a special meeting Tuesday of the RDC, Craig said he and BPD Chief Terry Moore met with representatives from Midwestern Engineers to discuss the project. Craig said he wanted to make sure the firm had experience with installing bullet-proof glass and ballistic shields to protect employees, which they have. Craig also asked about how the firm is prepared to handle any staffing interruptions because of COVID.

The city has experienced delays with other projects due to COVID and Craig said it's important that this project stay on pace.

Midwestern representatives said they have adequate staff to cover for any employees who would have to quarantine.

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Craig also told RDC members that Midwestern Engineers performed work on the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant and that Bedford Utilities was well satisfied with the work.

Moore, he said, contacted other entities that used the firm and all were pleased.

The breakdown of the contract:

  • $146,000 for design services

  • $33,000 for contract administration and engineering

  • $7,500 for bidding services

RDC members approving the contract were Craig Turpen, Judy Carlisle, Ryan Griffith and Penny May.

Contact Times-Mail Staff Writer Carol Johnson at cjohnson@tmnews.com or 812-277-7252.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: Bedford RDC OKs engineering contract for new BPD