Huntingburg Utilities Continue Upgrades

On Tuesday night, the Huntingburg Common Council and Utility Board meeting agenda was full of year-end and winter preparation updates. 

In his report, Energy Superintendent John Reutepohler told the Council that the department has replaced an additional 67 gas meters. The annual leak survey was conducted, and some repairs were made where indicated. South of Ireland, a service area was upgraded to prevent any drop in pressure during cold weather. The Christmas décor on 4 th Street was hung, and banners were also installed. Additional tree trimming was completed in areas where branches were encroaching on electric lines. 

The Electric Department finished the League Stadium light conversion project and replaced poles leading into the stadium, which made the connection safer and more efficient. At the Wastewater facility, temporary power was hooked up, which will be in place until the new transformer is received sometime next year. The Council approved the quote for the low bid received for another new transformer, which will be installed at the new airport terminal. The Council also voted to begin the sealed bid process for the purchase of a replacement vehicle for the 2008 model currently in use.  

Water Superintendent Jerry Austin provided an update that the stump grinding process was completed for the 68 trees removed along the spillway over the last few months. The department is also continuing its inventory project to identify unknown services using the hydro excavator, and this will continue through the winter as weather allows. All unknown services are required to be verified by October 16 of 2027, but the department plans to have the inventory complete and known lead lines replaced by the end of next year. This month, a major project was completed as the water main at the intersection of 1 st and Jackson Street was updated and repaired, decommissioning about 1000 feet of main that was not providing service. The filter plant facilities have also been winterized for the coming season. 

In other business, Police Chief Brad Kramer received permission to make some minor modifications to the structure and title of some positions to create better flow within the department. The city’s holiday calendar was approved by the Council, confirming city offices will be open on December 24 and closed on December 26. Transit Director April Blessinger presented the highest bid of $2850 for the sale of a van in inventory, which was accepted by the Council. In the citizens’ items, a local resident thanked the Gas and Street Departments regarding an issue on South Sycamore. She thanked them for their professionalism, saying that they were “kind, courteous, informative, and totally worked with us” to identify and diagnose a gas leak that was unknown to the residents. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.huntingburg-in.gov 

 - By Drew Hasselbring