[0:01] Okay.

[0:04] First order of business is roll calls >> present here

[0:12] » a motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of August 26, 2026.

[0:17] So

[0:20] » I second

[0:24] motion's been made and seconded. All in favor say I.

[0:27] » I. Anyote? >> Yep. Any opposed? I have minutes are

[0:32] approved. Any citizen comments? None. Like normal.

[0:41] Unfinished business. There is none. So, we'll go into new business. And John,

[0:45] you're up first.

[0:51] » Second.

[0:54] » Good morning. Sean Parish, park director.

[0:59] I was asked to get quotes for our new recycling center on the fencing. Uh I

[1:06] contacted three companies. Um Yodar and Sun came in at the cheapest and they've

[1:14] done work for the city before for the street department and for the park. So

[1:17] we have a working relationship with them. I trust them. They do good quality

[1:21] work. Uh the low bid was $13,313.31.

[1:30] Uh Custom Fencing is out of Warsaw and they're the ones doing the West Noble

[1:35] project right now. So they came highly recommended, but they are super busy and

[1:40] they came in at the next lowest bid at $14,224.

[1:48] Wana fencing on a ship. Chana came in at the highest at $22,54023.

[1:56] Um, in this case, not only were we looking for price,

[2:01] um, but we were also looking at availability um, which it's um,

[2:07] important for us to get the fence there as soon as we possibly can without

[2:11] paying too much for that. Um we were very lucky that Yodor and Sun has the

[2:18] lowest bid and with our relationship with them uh they can order the product

[2:23] right away and they can start from the week of the 21st. So that's two weeks

[2:26] away. Um the next high next lowest bid can't start for two months. So that kind

[2:33] of pushed out from what I believe the mayor wants in this situation. So, um, I

[2:39] would ask that we approve the $13,313.31

[2:46] for Yoding to put the up at our recycling center.

[2:51] » John, the board has a diagram. Could could you kind of explain Yes. the

[2:56] height and and so forth, what we're trying to do here.

[2:59] » Okay. So this came this drawing and the application that we want to use uh came

[3:06] with the mayor the street department manager myself and is it Mr. Stucky from

[3:11] the solidways district. So we were all there at one time and we felt after a

[3:17] long discussion that we would do this. So the um longer portions, the L if you

[3:24] would, the longer portions, 75 ft and the 90 ft, we felt that that would be

[3:28] best. That was a 10-ft fence because of the prevailing winds. Um and also when

[3:34] they dump those dumpsters, they're lifted 14 feet in the air. So we wanted

[3:37] something higher. Uh when you build a 10-ft fence, um it has it has to be a

[3:42] heavier gauge and there's more parts to it. Um so that portion is kind of

[3:48] expensive. And then we wanted something to allow the trucks, the large trucks in

[3:53] and out and the public in and out. So what you have is a uh a few other

[3:59] sections of fencing there. Uh that's 8 ft because we wanted something if things

[4:05] did blow out and around it would kind of be caught. Um and then we wanted a

[4:09] little bit of privacy. We're dealing with privacy from the park looking in.

[4:12] They can't see all the dumpsters at one time. So that 8ft fence, we will have

[4:18] privacy slats slid through them. Uh that will let air through a little bit and it

[4:23] it will be kind of shaded somewhat so it's not smuggly. Those are like a mesh.

[4:30] We we went with we we could get the fabric of mesh but stretched out but

[4:35] that lets air through great. Those fade and those will tear up eventually the

[4:40] wind every couple years. Uh, and I've asked all my fence guys and their advice

[4:44] is to use the slats. They're a little bit more labor intensive, but they'll

[4:47] last longer and look better. So, are those wood or

[4:50] » they they are a heavy vinyl. They are slid very. So, that's the option that I

[4:56] felt was best. Um, there any questions in regards to

[5:03] recycling center and the fence proposed? >> I'll make motion we go.

[5:11] 13,3131.

[5:14] » I'll second that. >> Okay. Motion's been made uh to go with

[5:20] the lowest bid and uh that is yogurt fencing with the amount that Tom stated.

[5:27] Uh is there any further discussion in regards to the fence for the recycling

[5:31] center? If not, all in favor say I. I.

[5:36] » I. Any opposed? >> All right. You can let them know, John.

[5:40] Well, we can order that right away. >> Get moving.

[5:43] » Thank you. >> I do have two other quotes.

[5:46] » Yep. >> Go right ahead.

[5:48] » Okay. Um we seal coated last year all Kenny Park.

[5:53] However, um with the garden up front off Union Street, it stays really beautiful.

[5:59] Um obviously most of the traffic, but all of the traffic comes in from Union

[6:04] Street. So that entrance portion from Union through the garden to the first Y,

[6:10] which takes us back to the rec center fades quicker and earlier um that than

[6:16] the rest of it because there's more traffic. So I still had money left over

[6:20] in my asphalt capital fund this year um that I wanted to use that remainder to

[6:27] seal coat that again before winter. The cracks were filled this year, so that's

[6:31] not a problem. But I wanted to seal that again to make that look really nice with

[6:36] the garden and everything there. So, I got two quotes. I'd asked for three, got

[6:43] two. Uh, Steel Curtain, who does most of my work in the park, they're seem to

[6:48] always be the lowest. I have a good working relationship with them. Their

[6:52] quote came in at $2,190. Uh that's to seal that and then to

[6:58] repaint the um track crosswalk and the pedal walking zones on each side of

[7:06] that. Um I al that was for yeah 2190. I also then asked Premier Asphalt for

[7:14] sealed pettit park for country scapes. They're also a really good local

[7:18] company. Um their bid was 231275. So they are a little bit higher. Um and

[7:26] then I talked to Nate Palver um messaged him back and forth. Um but he's too busy

[7:33] so he doesn't have time to to bring something out. It's only um like I said

[7:38] two2 to $3,000 job and they do a lot bigger jobs. So um he was unable to get

[7:44] me a quote for that. So I would recommend using steel kirby lowest bid

[7:49] $2,190.

[7:53] And I would have Kenny Park entrance closed next Monday and Tuesday. Uh we're

[7:58] notifying everyone. We'll have signs out, have barricades out. They can use

[8:02] the back entrance to the compost site and around to our parking lot. And you

[8:06] can still get through the park from our rec center because as you come up to the

[8:10] stop sign there to go back to the park, that will be open. We're not going to

[8:15] seal code up to there just shy of that. So the act the park will still have

[8:19] access

[8:23] questions there. Motion to approve the post steel

[8:28] curtain second. Motion's been made and seconded.

[8:32] Any further discussion? Not all in favor say I. I.

[8:41] » Thank you. You're next. Uh last and final, uh my yearly fall tree plant

[8:48] plantings, um I have $5,000 in my budget and the

[8:53] city um bar has 5,000 in another fund that street department usually used to u

[9:02] plant trees. Um you guys have been nice enough to let me have all of that last

[9:06] few years. So that's a total of 10,000 I have for planting trees. We're losing

[9:11] trees at a a very fast rate in our parks now. So, I'm putting 10,000 a year back

[9:16] into them. Um, I got I asked for three quotes. I got two um vision one here in

[9:24] landscaping with Tony Mast. Um, he can do 20 trees for $10,000. So, that's $500

[9:32] a tree. Not. And those are trees with a 2 inch caliber. So, they're probably 8

[9:37] to 10 feet tall. And that's what I require if you want a nicer, better tree

[9:42] every year. Um, and that's state mulched. Um, and with the actual poly

[9:49] tide um, and water bags, we we water them. We use the water bags

[9:56] at the park and we take them off in the winter. So, that's a complete package,

[9:59] completely done for um 20 trees for 10,000. Uh both um biders knew I had

[10:07] $10,000, so it was a matter of how many trees they could give me for that price.

[10:12] And Country Scapes quoted and they can give me 18 trees

[10:17] or 10 for $9,99 $9,900.

[10:23] So both both very very close this time. Um, I'm going to recommend going with

[10:28] the lowest uh Tony Mass Vision lawn care landscaping

[10:33] 20 trees for $10,000 to do and that will happen probably next

[10:40] if approved. >> Will he plant the like as big a variety

[10:45] as what Jason suggested or >> um he's he's going to have at least four

[10:49] varieties and that's fine with me. um saying I think he's listed uh two and

[10:56] then a mix of ornamental trees. >> So there'll be at least four probably

[11:01] five or six actually. >> Okay. I didn't know a lot of the trees

[11:04] that were on Jason you know as a familiar with us.

[11:09] We we do try to purchase the ones buy the ones um I can't say that are

[11:13] diseasefree but uh we obviously don't buy the ones that have problems here in

[11:19] Indiana with diseases try to buy around those. So

[11:24] any further questions in regards to tree planting

[11:30] park? Okay.

[11:34] Recommendation or motion. I'll make a motion that we go with

[11:39] vision long landscaping for 10,000.

[11:45] » Motion made second. Any further discussion?

[11:49] If not, all in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you,

[11:54] John. >> I just have one thing on this board. Um

[11:57] I've been short for a couple of months now. A desk attendant one to five. Very

[12:01] hard to find the perfect person for that. Um thought I found one and uh she

[12:07] kind of washed out during the process. Um but I have um a lady who is well

[12:15] known to us at at the parks. Uh she's a wonderful person. Uh she's in our senior

[12:20] fitness. Uh Marge Durham would like to come and actually work and be busy. Uh

[12:26] she hasn't want to set at home all winter and we we know her very well and

[12:30] she's a sweetheart. Um she's actually been in on her own time to because I

[12:35] said I want her to be sure that this is what she wants to do. She's come in on

[12:38] her own time and set the desk a little bit and trained a little. Um so

[12:43] hopefully next board of works I will bring you guys the paperwork and um ask

[12:49] your permission to hire her. So again this is it's a little premature to ask

[12:53] that but just let you know that's who uh shown interest and so far I see no

[12:58] problem. I think it work great. >> My question what what's your

[13:05] » Well, I just I don't want to say I'm hiring her. Is that your decision? Why

[13:09] don't you just request that you right now?

[13:12] » Yeah. Okay. >> I don't think there's an issue. I think

[13:15] we all know Mar's background. >> Absolutely. No, that would

[13:19] » that would help me immensely with having to wait two weeks to start her training.

[13:24] » I don't think there's any reason. >> Can I ask another question? Are we

[13:29] allowed to We probably can't wait drug tests on certain people. Uh, right. We

[13:34] have to go through that. I'm guessing >> Okay. I just I mean I again once again I

[13:42] see no purpose to drug tests margin unless we have to with every employee if

[13:46] we do we do we will wonder about pay scale what is that

[13:50] » it is it's like 1540

[13:55] next year like 1580 with 4% rates >> we have a standard for people that are

[14:00] that work that position okay >> our yeah our our part- timerrs that

[14:05] that's standard pay for our partimer But that position has a standard scale that

[14:12] » it's what a great fit. I know she

[14:17] » I would make a motion we just go forward and that way you

[14:21] » Well, like I said, um I don't meet too many people anymore that's happy all the

[14:25] time that's just a great person that is just and she is just amazing. So

[14:31] » I was really shocked off on the floor when she showed an interest. But then

[14:35] having a personal friendship with her, I wanted her to make sure that's what she

[14:38] wanted to do. She want to talk to Jolene, her daughter. Sure.

[14:41] » And she thinks it's great. I talked to Jolene personally, too. And so I think

[14:45] » I would make a motion to go ahead.

[14:50] » Any further discussion? All in favor say I. Parttime position for March.

[14:56] » Durham. >> Any oppose? Motion carries. Thank you

[15:00] guys very much. >> Thank you.

[15:02] » Great fit.

[15:06] Jeremy

[15:14] » Jeremy Weieber Fire Department. Um earlier this year I got some quotes.

[15:22] We're working on the capital plan for a controller timer um for the tornado

[15:29] sirens. Uh we haven't had a timer to set and test them. Um we used to test

[15:36] them once a week on Saturday. We haven't had that since we've been in the new

[15:41] station. Um the old one I didn't want to move with all the equipment because it

[15:47] was very difficult to set. We've had all kinds of problems with it.

[15:52] So ERS finally got back with me. We were doing the capital plan and

[16:00] I planned a little high on on the price that they gave me, but

[16:06] evidently I didn't plan high enough. Um, they gave me two

[16:12] quotes. One is just to basically activate,

[16:16] set a timer and test them and stuff. And the second one is actually

[16:21] um a quote that it does the same thing plus it gives us feedback so we know if

[16:27] there's a problem in that siren and we have had

[16:32] brand new siren that's given us fits every year. Um, so I kind of wanted to

[16:37] go with that, but when it doubled in price from earlier this year, um, I

[16:44] talked with them and they said we could go with the cheaper model and eventually

[16:50] upgrade when we get the money upgrade to that

[16:54] software to the the other one. >> So it's just a software change. That's

[16:59] » Yeah, that that part would be a soft just a software upgrade.

[17:03] » How much did you budget? We put 15 in the capital plan and it ended up coming

[17:09] in at 26 26,760

[17:16] plus. So it like it doubled in price. So >> what do you feel is the importance of

[17:23] having the other one versus that? I may be able to at this point in the year

[17:27] there may be some things we didn't do that I could maybe come up with money if

[17:31] if we really think that we need it now or if we're able to wait until next year

[17:37] but in >> No, that's with the issues we've had

[17:42] because like I said that siren at the water tower was brand new one at that

[17:47] time and that one every year since we put it up when we do our tests

[17:54] um statewide it did not activate. Um this would give us feedback. We could

[18:00] set the timer. It would give us feedback if we're having problems with it. Um

[18:05] they have battery backups, too. So, it actually gives us information on the

[18:09] batteries. We know when they're

[18:14] going bad, which two of the sirens I had to replace batteries this year. Eight

[18:20] batteries, four per siren. Try to stay on top of those. Just

[18:28] » Jeremy, can you tell me where are the sirens? I don't even know where.

[18:32] » So, we have one at the rec center. The water tower

[18:38] back in the new edition. We put one up there.

[18:41] » Uh the grocery store, we just installed a brand new one there. And then we have

[18:47] one at the waterworks. Um, Silicon Plastic has an old one on

[18:52] top of their station or on top of their factory and I believe it still

[18:57] activates. Um, the one that we took down from the grocery store still works. And

[19:05] I'm I'm trying to work to get it put out at the school, maybe out of the complex

[19:11] so they at least have something to alert them. But the price of getting it

[19:18] installed and stuff is holding us up right now on that. So it might be a next

[19:23] year project on that.

[19:25] » Well, not that I

[19:29] didn't do anything with that. They use some of their capital project money to

[19:33] help. >> Well, I I kind of I kind of said

[19:36] something. I was feeling around and stuff and

[19:40] » they didn't have anything left. >> Yeah. with their big additions and

[19:44] stuff. I >> I think he was a little hesitant at the

[19:47] time, >> but that's something we can work on for

[19:52] sure. >> Yeah.

[19:53] » Yeah. >> If Barb's comfortable,

[19:58] » I find that >> I would I would rather spend the 11,000

[20:02] additional this year and know it's right.

[20:05] » I think it's going to get less expensive.

[20:07] » Exactly. Obviously, it's >> if it's double for me, that is really

[20:12] what I see here. >> Yeah, I just contacted him for an update

[20:15] because you know most of the stuff anymore you only have a month at the

[20:19] most on your pricing. I contacted him. >> I almost fell out of my chair when I

[20:24] opened the email. So, >> and the reason he doesn't get three

[20:28] quotes on this is because it has to go with the siren that we have and certain

[20:33] things like that you're not able to get more than one

[20:36] » special. I talked with some of the command staff over at Gian Fire and they

[20:40] use this this program. He really likes really likes it. It gives them the

[20:45] feedback and they kind of they they know what's going on with the sirens thing.

[20:52] Thank you, Jeremy. Any further questions for Chief Web?

[20:58] Um, I would make a motion that we go ahead with the u new quote of $26,000

[21:05] 267601 to improve the uh communications

[21:11] of the tornado.

[21:16] » Motion's been made and seconded. Any further discussion?

[21:19] If not, all in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion pass. Thank you, Jeremy.

[21:26] Thanks for getting that upgrade and getting it now.

[21:30] All right. Administration and board member comments. Chief Rosley.

[21:40] » Well, thank you for that. Yes. Jeremy, you have any further?

[21:50] » Jeremy with the Leg Department. Um I also I want to let you guys know that we

[21:55] are working towards 800 paging. Our paging system at present time is uh BHL.

[22:03] Some of the other departments are going that way. Um but Branch County has got

[22:08] some going that way. We are in the process of looking up that. I last two

[22:14] years we purchased the pictures. Um, so basically we're going through the

[22:19] station trying to figure out what all we needed to upgrade and stuff. Um,

[22:25] yesterday I met with ERS at the station. They're trying to with our alerting

[22:30] system. They have to make something so that works with that. And then our

[22:36] amplifier, it's all got to work together. So they're trying to figure

[22:40] out everything there. They said we should be in a good area

[22:46] because ERS has got the 800 tower right outside of town. So, we should get

[22:51] pretty good coverage with that those pagers. So, the expense is going to be

[22:57] just getting that part going. I've already, like I said, I've already got

[23:02] 800 pagers purchase. So,

[23:06] » is that something you'll request in the 27th capital plan or

[23:10] » possibly depending on what this this comes up with? Is

[23:15] » so can you explain for those of us that don't know what that means?

[23:20] » They're just they're going to a different system. So, back in back in

[23:25] the day they were all the pagers were the radios were VHF. Um now they're 800.

[23:31] We use 800 radios, but we still have the VHF paging.

[23:36] Kendville went to the 800 paging. So, they had just a few issues and stuff.

[23:44] Um, the bill I think a bill went to it now.

[23:50] So, it's it's a little bit of programming on the

[23:56] county's part that we'll we'll end up paying to have that program put into

[24:02] their their computer. So, basically, it's just

[24:06] a a switch in the what what it's going out over. So, it won't go over our VHF

[24:13] pages anymore. Uh, we will keep our VHF paging ability because if we need to

[24:19] activate sirens or we could activate anybody else's in the county if we

[24:25] needed to. >> Sure.

[24:27] » And in case of emergency, we just wouldn't be able to activate our own

[24:31] page. >> You say HF

[24:34] VHF

[24:38] » it's an upgrade from >> software to

[24:43] the technology. >> I just sent me a follow

[24:46] » that was just for fire department.

[24:51] » Yeah, that would just be we are aging. So our alerting system

[24:57] so we have two different right now we use VHF and our active 911 that goes out

[25:02] over their cell phones. So, we'll be switching. We're going to want to switch

[25:07] to the 800 and then we'll keep the active 911 because nothing these days is

[25:13] 100%. I mean, we buy a brand new pager and it

[25:18] still acts up got dead spots and your cell phone has dead spots. So, cell

[25:24] phone's not really a emergency activation one, but it we use it a lot

[25:30] since it's a lot nicer. Everybody has a cell phone it seems

[25:35] like. So we can alert the guys or send messages out over that. So but the

[25:44] 800 paging it hopefully it does a little better.

[25:49] » We'll see. >> All right. Well, thank you Jeremy for

[25:51] the information. Appreciate it. John from the park department.

[26:04] » Um yeah, we are going to start winding down slowly in the parks. Obviously, the

[26:09] splash pad is closed now. Um we'll start making plans and doing schedules on

[26:14] winterizing. Uh that won't come until the middle of October or late October

[26:19] depending on what weather that we have. So we'll winterize the bathrooms again.

[26:24] competitive will remain open year round. That gives us another set of bathrooms

[26:28] downtown. I've already started to get quotes on installation and things that I

[26:31] need there to make that happen. Um, everything else is going pretty well. Of

[26:38] course, the middle of October, I'll probably lose my outside part- timerrs,

[26:42] my my older guys that mow and stuff like that. Uh, just be Chris and I for the

[26:46] most part. Um, but we had had we had a really good year. We're looking forward

[26:53] to next year possibly getting the year round bathrooms in King Park. We're

[26:57] going to tear down the old bathrooms and the old pavilions and start a new. So,

[27:03] looking forward to that project. Yes, we are. Thank you,

[27:08] » Jeff. >> Ben,

[27:15] » Mary, welcome aboard. Yeah. Um, look forward to this journey and um,

[27:24] I thought it was important. Um, guess I'm going out of turn here. What the

[27:30] heck? Right. I I thought it was important um, first of all, I want to

[27:34] say I appreciate Ron and Terry's service u to to Mayor Franklin's administration

[27:41] serving on the board of works. Um, I wanted to diversify some boards in the

[27:47] city that that just weren't uh male dominant to be honest and um Mary sits

[27:54] on the county council and has sat on many boards and um I knew she would do a

[27:59] wonderful job and and give a different perspective u than just a group of guys.

[28:06] Um, so that was all. U Ron did nothing wrong. Um, but I just thought it would

[28:11] be good to diversify um the boards and Mary was my selection and we welcome you

[28:18] and look forward to this. >> Thank you, Mary. Tom,

[28:24] » welcome aboard, Mary. Thank you. I work with you on other things and I know you

[28:29] will be. Thanks for your confidence. >> Laura,

[28:34] I have a few things. Uh, just to update, uh, I've been emailing Landon from BS,

[28:39] our engineering firm, uh, Fendon Brown, who was doing our paving project this

[28:44] year, will be here the week of the 21st, uh, of this month. So, the 21st is going

[28:48] to be busy. We're going to have fences going up and, uh, probably some some

[28:53] paving uh, going on. So, um, that's a plus. Uh, the redevelopment commission

[28:58] this morning approved two more facade programs. Uh, one for grounded. They're

[29:03] going to take the uh built-in windows upstairs, take the shutters off and

[29:09] install new windows. Um which will be a wonderful addition. And then um the

[29:16] folks that bought uh the Letty's building um is having that totally

[29:20] repainted and before he left, I think he's going to include the awning that

[29:26] they're going to put in front of the building. Um it's really really going to

[29:29] look nice. Um, Elroy has a couple other facade programs out. I and my and Barb

[29:36] gave uh two other ones out last week. Um, so we're getting people to finally

[29:42] pay attention um downtown. I've taken upon myself to start contacting building

[29:48] owners and just simply saying if you own it, you're going to maintain it and and

[29:55] help us with our downtown. If you can't, here's our programs. there really are no

[30:00] excuses. U and if you just simply can't afford it, we've got people willing to

[30:05] buy buildings and and make improvements. So, um we're we're going to keep the

[30:11] foot on the gas uh for that. And um anything that you would hear or people

[30:18] are inquiring about um the facade program, please feed them to Elroy and

[30:23] myself. Um, I met with an owner from 205 South Cabin Street last Thursday or

[30:30] Friday, I forget which now. Um, they had no clue about the program and had been

[30:35] the first time the city had reached out and said, "Let's work together this."

[30:40] So, they're very excited. They're going to make some improvements. So, um, very

[30:44] excited. U, I updated the RDC uh, on our alley project. Um, I'll be the first to

[30:52] admit I was probably a little too anxious to get that going. Um, I gave

[30:56] them a deadline at the end of October. Little bit unreasonable because there's

[31:01] things they have to order. Um, so we're confident uh that next spring. We'll

[31:07] we'll do that. Um, that will be the Kit family alley. Uh we're going to focus on

[31:13] Kitten Company and what they did for our community and kind of post their history

[31:17] in the alley and have two very nice row iron gates to the front and back of the

[31:23] alley. Um that'll have kid family on both leather lettering

[31:28] » that's right across the street. Yeah. Between uh Hustler and it'll

[31:33] » and that will go from cabin to the back corner of the south building. So it

[31:38] won't be the whole alley. Um they brought us some preliminary numbers last

[31:43] week uh in regards to the alley. We think with using local folks and their

[31:49] talents and uh that we can reduce the cost that it came in at. Um so we think

[31:56] it's going to be very cool. So um the other focus from um that BOT project is

[32:04] the remodel and of the early childhood development building particular

[32:10] building. So a lot of things going on. Uh some of

[32:15] those started obviously before me but we're going to make sure we see those

[32:19] through and get those things going. So uh this is my first public meeting as

[32:25] you can tell. I'm very excited. I think we as a team are going to do some

[32:30] amazing things and and make a difference and and change the thought process of of

[32:36] folks. Um so um I think that's all I have. I would entertain a motion to

[32:44] adjourn. So moved and second. Any further discussion? I know there

[32:49] probably won't be. Motion passes. Thank you guys.

Board of Works Park Authority Meeting 09 09 2026

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