JASPER BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY MEETING

Repairs and preventative maintenance dominated the Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on Tuesday.

Cale Knies, Director of Personnel, Safety, and Loss Control, provided some updates on aging systems at City Hall. The building’s Fire Protection service requires some repair, as it has not been responding as it should. At the suggestion of City Hall employees and Astro Security personnel, repairs of just over $26,000 were approved by the board. Astro is a single source provider, and competitive bids are not required. Some of the detectors were not responding to the fire board. Since it has become difficult to get replacement parts, it was determined that the best course of action was to replace the fire panel. From a safety and loss control standpoint, it was determined that City Hall also needs to have new duct detectors installed for almost another $13,000. Both heat pumps in the maintenance room of the basement also required major service, which was approved for $3770.

Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang told the board that the roof repairs at Fire Station 2 were completed yesterday. A quote for the flooring installation project at Station 3 was accepted. The low bid of $6765 was from Garage Experts in Evansville, and work will begin in January.

Police Chief Chad Dick received permission to fill the new Chief Telecommunications role, which will be a supervisory position. If the promotion comes from within, the board also approved a request to fill any internal position that is vacated as a result.

The board approved the low quote for tree limb and yard waste grinding for the Resource Recovery site. The base quote is for $36,361 with an additional cubic yard cost of $3.50 per cubic yard not to exceed $46,864. They also authorized a closure at 20 th Street between Emily and 19 th Street for a storm sewer replacement. Weather permitting, the closure is expected on December 1, and a failed pipe will be replaced and encased in concrete to provide longevity and support. The board further approved a request to periodically close the alley between 15 th and Newton and Park Streets after Thanksgiving in order to replace a wall.

An update was provided on the city’s comprehensive plan. The surveys that were recently completed are being reviewed and synthesized into the plan. An open house will be held at the Parklands on December 6 from 9-12, and registration is requested. The event is open to the public. The plan is expected to be ready for adoption by June of 2026.

In other business, Hoosier Business Machines received approval to block the parking lot for an awning replacement, which will most likely be completed on a Saturday. The board approved a request from Dubois County Pride to move their annual festival from June to October. The decision was made for comfort and safety, as the extreme summer heat has continued to be a challenge. The next event will be held on October 17, 2026, at Dave Buehler Plaza. A Letter service agreement with Trecs was also approved.

Mayor Vonderheide announced that the City of Jasper will be closing offices on December 3 from 11:30-1 pm for an Employee Appreciation Luncheon. All departments will be closed except emergency services.

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.

- By Drew Hasselbring