PORTAGE | The Board of Works on Friday approved a project to clean out a culvert in Willow Creek at Stone Avenue.

Director of Public Works Craig Hendrix said the problems in the area had nothing to do with the mid-September storms. Hendrix said two large culverts allow the creek to flow under Stone Avenue, but presently there are islands of sediment in front and behind the western most culvert.

He sent specifications for the project to four local companies. The quotes are due back Monday. Because the regularly scheduled Monday Board of Works was moved to Friday, Hendrix said he had not received the quotes, but knew they would be less than the $50,000 bid requirement limit. He anticipated the project would cost about $30,000.

In other business, the Board of Works:

- Approved a contract with SEH of Munster to act as consultant for the updating of the city's comprehensive plan at a cost not to exceed $64,500.

- Tentatively approved a contract with Area Tree Service of Portage to remove trees and clear an area of brush at the Northside Business Park. The cost of the contract was $12,400, which was significantly lower than the two other bidders. Terry Edmonds Tree Service of Portage submitted a bid of $24,500 and Edmonds Tree Service of Portage submitted a bid for $17,250. Hendrix said he wanted to check with Area Tree Service to make sure they understand the scope of the project.

- Set Trick-or-Treat hours from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.