Multiple North Judson Town Council Members Vote Against Paying for Railroad Ties

Posted on October 24, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

A railroad tie replacement project at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum was discussed during this week’s North Judson Town Council Meeting.

Councilwoman Wendy Hoppe, who serves as the council’s railroad liaison, presented members with quotes related to the project.

She explained that the lowest bid came from A&K Railroad Materials who offered a quote of $7,141 for used ties and an additional $715 for anchors. She noted that the quotes for new railroad ties ranged from $11,020 to $11,440 and stated that those quotes did not include anchors.

Council President John Rowe mentioned that since they’re planning to donate that section to the HVRM when they eventually sell the railroad, he didn’t support spending any money on the expense.

Councilman Josh Brown agreed with the statement but wanted to make it clear that there’s no animosity.

He stated, “For the record, I have nothing against the railroad.” Council President Rowe added, “I don’t either.”

Brown continued, “I just have a hard time putting money into something that’s not going to be ours.

Hoppe highlighted the fact that the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum brings a lot of people into the community.

She noted, “They bring a lot of people to Town. The weekend before last, they brought in over 600 people. Last weekend, by Saturday morning, they already had over 400 tickets sold.”

She made a motion to approve the lowest quote from A&K and Jane-Ellen Felchuck provided a second. However, Council President John Rowe and Councilmen Josh Brown and James Young opposed the motion so it failed to pass.