Jasper Signs Automatic Aid Agreement with Huntingburg

The board has approved Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang’s request to sign the Automatic Aid Agreement with Huntingburg, which was tabled at the last meeting. Hochgesang said that the HFD has also signed. When smoke and flames are visible, dispatch will automatically page both JFD and HFD, improving both response times and ISO ratings. 

Police Chief Chad Dick opened his report by saying that this was a very difficult month for the department and the community. October saw 1,362 calls for service, 35 welfare checks, and 3 suicide attempts, one of which claimed a life. Chief Dick asked community members to please reach out if they need help because there are resources available. 

The department responded to 12 domestic situations with one arrest for battery. While taking the suspect into custody, multiple officers were assaulted and exposed to various body fluids. These officers had to wait for infectious disease test results before they could have any physical contact with others, including their families. Investigations for crimes against children were also conducted. Chief Dick thanked the Huntingburg PD for their assistance in executing a search warrant for a child sexual assault case. The narcotics unit made arrests and drug seizures, including a new type of “purple heroin,” prompting increase public education regarding drug use. 

The board opened bids for several projects. Two quotes were received for the Station #3 flooring installation. Jasper Equipment and Supply submitted a bid of $9,054, but did not include documentation. Garage Experts in Evansville quoted $6,765.75 and included the requested documentation. Approval is pending an evaluation of required specifications. 

Bids for the new tower fire truck were also reviewed. Hoosier Fire Equipment Inc. submitted a quote of $2,235,216, with an expected delivery date of 650 days. Mid-America Fire and Safety out of Evansville bid $2,024,598 with a delivery date of November 2028. Heritage Fire also provided an alternate bid of $1,914,579 delivery date of 550 days. Unfortunately, since an alternate was not included in the bid specifications, it could not be accepted today. The department will take the bids under advisement and report back at the next meeting. 

Two bids were received for the annual tree limb and yard waste grinding. The quotes of $71,645 for 8,260 cubic yards and $36,361 and $3.50 per cubic yard will be taken under advisement. 

Phil Buehler from Brosmer Land Surveying appeared on behalf of Kimball International to request a dedicated right-of-way at County Road 100 South. Kimball owns a 29.3-acre property and has a buyer for a 10-acre tract. The motion was approved contingent upon plat committee approval. 
 

In other news, the board accepted the base bid from Keusch Glass for $276,000 to replace most of the windows in City Hall. The Street Department will be conducting the biennial sign reflectivity study during the week of November 16 from 6pm to 2 am daily. 

 - By Drew Hasselbring