Mostly pictures, Feb 2022

Power-plant activity

A week ago on the 17th I noticed activity near the power plant. One of the large windows had been removed and workers were taking down the wall below the window.

On Saturday a large crane was in the middle of the street and on Sunday it had lifted out one of the generators. The generator is the part that has the wiring to make electricity.

Later in the day this generator and another had been loaded onto a truck. On Monday the truck left.

Below is the view inside the building showing the two engines without their generators.  

On Tuesday one of the engines had been lifted up.

On Wednesday the crane had been moved from the street and a flat-bed trailer with some odds and ends was getting ready to leave. 

I expect more activity next week.

Walgreens

Work continues on the new Walgreens. The exterior has undergone some changes and when this picture was taken, an electrical contractor was working inside.

Middle-school art show

The Fendig Gallery currently has the 29th Regional Middle School Art Show.

The show runs until April 3, 2022. The Gallery is open Tuesdays (noon - 4:00), Thursdays (2:00 - 6:00), and Saturdays (noon - 2:00).

Sewer financing and meeting

On Thursday morning the bond financing for the upcoming sewer project (new lift station and construction of sewers in three areas of the City) was finalized with a lot of forms and documents signed. Representatives from Commonwealth Engineering and USDA Rural Development attended. This meeting was scheduled in March to take advantage of some low interest rates that will disappear in the next few weeks. 

After the financing documents had been reviewed and signed, there was a preconstruction meeting for the contractors awarded the project. The main contractor, Thieneman Construction of Westville, IN, was awarded the $7 million dollar contract. The meeting was to review all the requirements the contractors had to meet, and there are many because the Federal Government is financing the project through a State agency. I have an unusual tolerance for sitting through boring meetings but this one was too much for me. I bailed after 15 minutes. 

A note from the City Building Department

 The City of Rensselaer would like to inspire our residents and also assist them with increasing pride in our community. Spring is here and everyone is looking forward to being outside, enjoying our yards, streets and parks. We would like to challenge to all of our citizens to help beautify our city. 

 What can you do to help? Possible things may include clean up lawns, make sure all trash is picked up, get rid of vacated vehicles and tires, plant some flowers, help a neighbor, get inspired! 

I f there are some things you are inspired to do but need help accomplishing contact the Building Department at (219) 866-2311. We can put you in touch with some groups who would like to help with beautifying our city. 

 Happy Spring!!!