Jasper Board of Public Works: December 12, 2023

The Board approved requests for some yearly maintenance, including the yearly disposal of some city owned laptop computers. The police department was approved to make some budget adjustments for supply purchases for the department, and a new lieutenant position will be posted. 

A change order on the downtown project was approved for reduction, which includes the curb damage in front of Just Whimsy. City Engineer Chad Hurm received approval from the Board for the purchase of smaller profile planters to be installed at the downtown square to replace the larger ones that are currently being used. The new planters will not obstruct visibility, but they will help to steer vehicles around pedestrian traffic. In addition, Hurm advised the Board that the city is looking for opening bids for the multi-use trail project. This phase, which extends from the driving range down to St. Charles, would complete one loop around town. 

The Street Department, represented by Street Commissioner Jeff Theising, had quite a few agenda items to present to the board, beginning with a request to accept the bid from Daviess County Metal Sales for a kit to build the dirt building. The construction will be completed by the Street Department Labor force, and the Board gave its permission for the department to encumber $40,000 for the purchase of the kit and other raw materials. In addition, a previously approved purchase for a sign truck used to install traffic signs required some modifications. After accepting the bid, the supplier pointed out some modifications that he felt would make the truck a better purchase. In addition, some supply costs have risen since the original bid’s approval, resulting in a 5% increase that was approved by the Board. 

In November, the Street Department also performed its Reflectivity Study, which is completed every two years. The assessment is made to see how reflective the street signage is and determine which signs need replacing. The board approved the department’s recommendation that we accept the lower bid to replace the signs deemed as failing. Additionally, the Street Department secured the Board’s approval of supply bid results received for crushed stone, patching material, concrete and flowable fill, gasoline, diesel fuel, and the sidewalk replacement program. Theising also notified the board that the department received a notice from waste management that in 2024, dumping fees will increase by 8%. The Board was also able to review some images for signs to advise that there are no trucks allowed on the Town Square, which will probably be ordered later this week and which will be placed at the entrances to the Square. 

City Attorney Renee Kabrick updated the Board on phase two of the Main street revitalization project. A contract amendment with REA was approved to adjust the current parking design. Changes will be made to the current plan, which includes both parallel and angled parking, to incorporate angled parking on both sides. Additionally, the board was provided an update on the Vonderheide property. The city has been trying to find a way to resolve the long-standing code violations so that the sheriff’s sale can move forward. A resolution has been agreed to that will see all parties involved sharing the costs of the cleanup. The settlement has been approved that will see sale proceeds distributed to reimburse all parties for their decontamination costs, as well as reimbursing the city and county for their outstanding expenses. 

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