Loogootee Board of Works Considers Contract Bids, Pond Safety Measures, and Fire Prevention Outreach

At Monday night’s meeting, the Loogootee Board of Works meeting discussed public works projects, a new ordinance to enhance safety, and outreach for the LFD. 

The board reviewed new business for public utilities, evaluating bids for upcoming projects. At the new dump site, the department would like to pour a 30 x 80 x 6-inch concrete pad for stability. The lowest quote of $15,600 was accepted from Hampton’s Concrete in Shoals. 

At the new Oak Street Apartments, a new culvert pipe was laid under the roadway prior to paving. This was done in anticipation of the upcoming construction, but the department does not have the necessary equipment to finish running the pipe. Two quotes were presented, and the low bid of $8500 was accepted from Walker and Sons Excavating. 

Code clarification was requested for a resident that would like to install a pond. At present, the building code ordinance has no specific instructions for ponds. The board discussed whether the requirements for swimming pools should be applied, if the ordinance should be amended to address requirements for a pond, or if a variance would be necessary. 

 The proposed pond will be 16x14 and will be fenced. One board member said that a neighbor’s pond within city limits is 16 feet deep and unfenced. Concerns over safety led the board to express the need for an ordinance requiring retaining pools and ponds to have a fence and safety cover. The issue was tabled so that any pertinent safety concerns can be evaluated and drafted into an ordinance. 

This year, the Fire Department introduced some new fire prevention outreach ideas. They repurposed a trailer for school visits, and created new homeschool kits. Fire Chief Eric Thomas said the LFD hopes to increase awareness, and reduce risk, which could also have a positive impact on insurance rates or local businesses. Thomas said ISO ratings will come out in 2027, and that the department is on track. 
 
For more information on these and other updates, visit www.loogootee.in.gov 

 - Drew Hasselbring