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Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety Hears Updates on Busy Fall Season
From park maintenance and public safety to new hires and road closures, the Jasper Board of
Public Works and Safety tackled a range of community issues during their latest meeting.
In his report, Park and Rec Department Director Tom Moorman gave an update on the
prescribed burn at the Parklands. The burn will be scheduled according to existing weather
conditions, including moisture and wind levels, as early as this week. A different area is selected
for a prescribed burn each year, and Moorman said that the return of vegetation in previously
treated areas has been very successful. This year’s burn will include the area behind the parking
lot at the Pavilion to the splash pad, as well as an additional section behind the splash pad.
Police Chief Chad Dick reported that all vehicle repairs have been completed in the
department’s fleet. Last month, the department had 1502 calls for service, worked 36 crashes,
issued 412 traffic warnings and 70 citations, and made 40 arrests. School resource officers had
350 documented activities in schools, including arrests, stop arm violations, and truancy. A K-9
sweep of the schools was also completed. Detectives had 13 interviews, 9 new investigations, 3
arrests, and 10 search warrants and subpoenas. This included the 2-week search for a missing
juvenile that was located in Indianapolis. The dispatch center handled 5,329 calls, which was
approximately 40% of calls received in the county. Total police radio transmissions were just
under 21,000.
In discussing follow-up for a reported dog bite, which required medical treatment, Chief Dick
reviewed the process used for these incidents. In conjunction with the City Attorney’s Office,
JPD notifies residents via mail if they have a dog found to be dangerous. The letters include a
list of annual required actions according to city ordinance, including microchip, vaccinations,
and insurance. Owners must re-register the dog as a dangerous animal each year by January 31,
and JPD will confirm compliance.
Chief Dick received authorization to open the hiring process for a new narcotics detective
position that was approved by the City Council. He also received permission to open the K-9
process, following the retirement of K-9 Mack in February.
City attorney Renee Kabrick discussed a resolution recommending changes to the Common
Council to the parking ordinance. This would clarify language and definitions, adding parking
lot, parking block, and restricted parking hours. Signage was not altered, and board member
Nancy Eckerle questioned whether the average driver would have sufficient information from
the sign to be aware of restrictions. She also acknowledged the difficulty of including multiple
details on the existing signage. The board unanimously approved Resolution BPWS 2026-4.
Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang was granted permission to make conditional offers of
employment for 4 new probationary firefighters. The board also approved a request to accept
donations from the Patriot Day Challenge.
In other business, Halloween at Central Green will be held on October 25 from 6-7. In case of
inclement weather, the event would be moved to the Parklands Pavilion.
Becki Moorman appeared on behalf of Boys and Girls Club of Dubois County. The organization
requested permission to close the alley between Trinity Church and the church office during
club hours. The board approved the request for closure during the current school year, Monday
through Friday from 3-6 pm.
Tyler Trent of Triple T Excavating received approval to close Wernsing Road for one day. Crews
will be completing a sanitary sewer install at Jasper Engines at 620 Wernsing Road. The closure
will be on October 20 from Division Road to West 12 th Street. Work is anticipated to begin at 7
am and be completed by 3 pm.
For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana
on Facebook.
- By Drew Hasselbring