Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety reviews Drive and Shine traffic plan, Fire Department hiring, and 2026 Paving Projects

The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety heard updates Monday evening on the upcoming Drive and Shine utility hookup project, fire department staffing, and the city's 2026 milling and paving schedule.

The traffic plan submitted for the utility hookup on Oak Drive by Drive and Shine was approved by the City of Plymouth last week. City Engineer Dan Sellers said work will start very soon, as Drive and Shine is just waiting for its INDOT permit. Sellers cautioned that there will be congestion during the work and some severe lane restrictions for about three weeks.

Board member Don Ecker expressed concern about allowing traffic to make a left turn when exiting the Drive and Shine driveway. Mayor Listenberger explained that about 18 months ago, during the initial planning stage, the city had it drawn one way, but the plan was changed because the two property owners couldn't get along. He indicated that while the city isn't in favor of left turns from the business, drivers will be able to access U.S. 30 from there.

It was noted that the city has no authority to restrict traffic at the intersection.

Board member Duane Culp asked whether the easement road immediately to the north of the new buildings will continue to allow access to the businesses west of Drive and Shine. Sellers confirmed that it will.

"Even from that drive, you can turn left," the mayor added.

Fire Chief Steve Holm updated board members on the department's hiring process. He said the lateral transfer employee has completed training and is working on his own. The second hire has been through the medical and psychological evaluations and has been approved by the pension board. That employee will start work on September 28th.

The third and final hire has completed the evaluations, and the chief is waiting on the results to send them down to the pension office for approval.

"We are stair-stepping their way in, but hopefully within another three to four weeks, we'll be fully staffed," Holm said.

City Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt told board members that he spoke to E&B Paving on Monday, and the city projects are not on their schedule for the next two weeks. Marquardt noted that all the concrete work is complete.

The 2026 city milling and paving projects include:

Parkview Street from the dead end to Michigan Street; Center Street from Novelty Street to Parkview Street; Adams Street from Plum Street to Michigan Street; Madison Street from 5th Street to the railroad; Kenwood Avenue from Oak Drive to Sycamore Street; and Harrison Street from Oak Drive to Michigan Street.