December 20, 2011
12/20/11 Jim Bettin from NIPSCO appeared before the Commissioners Monday to answer their question, why a gas line was installed in the area of 5B and King Road without a County permit. The pipe is in the county’s right-of-way crossing the Seltin Right Ditch.
Bettin said the project had been submitted to their Merrillville office on September 8th and then to the County on October 17th. County Survey Larry Fisher reviewed the scope of the project and determined that it would jeopardize the integrity of the foundation of the roadway. His suggestion was to move the project to the other side of the roadway. Discussions between NIPSCO and Neal Haeck from the Highway Department explained the county’s concerns.
Commissioner Jack Roose had received a couple of calls from neighbors with concerns when work had been started on the project. He and Haeck went to the site and stopped any additional action until a permit could be secured.
Bettin said they had never received the permit application back stating that the county wanted the project on the other side of the roadway. He blamed miss communication was the cause of the issue.
Commissioner Roose and Kevin Overmyer expounded their disapproval of NIPSCO doing a project in the county’s right-of-way without a permit.
Bettin was directed to re-submit an application for a road cut permit and include as built plans with it. The commissioners also requested a letter from NIPSCO stating they will accept responsibility for any problems that may develop during the next year with the project.