The Board of Public Works and Safety met on March 5 to discuss updates and new developments in various city departments. Mayor Mike Pavey, city council members, department heads, and city attorney Julie Newhouse were present during the meeting. The meeting covered reports from different departments such as street, fire/rescue, police, park and recreation, utility, animal control and planning/zoning/code. The board also discussed unfinished and new business, including a deadline to re-write the zoning ordinance, hiring new employees, and updates on ongoing projects. 

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:  

Street

Superintendent Land reported that he is preparing a report on trash collection. Additionally, a light pole was lost at Kroger. The team has been patching potholes and cleaning drains, including repairing a storm sewer at Tenth and Jackson Streets. 

Fire/Rescue 

Chief Justice had good news to share. The Rushville Fire Department received grant money for the smokehouse and a check for $500 for another grant.

Justice informed the board all the necessary documentation for new hire, Lucas Byrd, has been submitted to INPRS. Lastly, Justice reported the department had submitted the grant application for assistance to firefighters.

Police 

Chief Tucker reported the school system's equipment had been installed on the Rushville Police Department tower. However, the school had requested some extra equipment to be added as well. After consulting with Ron Jarman, it was concluded that there is a better option for this additional equipment. As a result, extra equipment will not be installed in the tower.

Tucker took part in an active intruder drill at Benjamin Rush Middle School. 

Park & Recreation 

Director Shaw has announced that the park's trimming and grooming process has begun. In addition, the team is working closely with the Little League to prepare for the upcoming ball season. 

The pool's hiring process is underway, and Jensen Smith has been appointed as the manager. However, the team is still looking for a co-manager and will interview potential pool employees on March 11, 13, and 16. During the meeting, Berkemeier motioned to hire the lifeguard and concession staff and asked that the co-manager position be brought before the team before hiring. Bridges seconded the motion and it carried successfully. 

Shaw shared that on March 10, there was an adult coloring program held, and it was well attended.

Jackley has organized an informative walk about squirrels at Riverside Park, similar to the groundhog walk she previously conducted. 

Utility

Superintendent Shook reported that the water system has been reworked up north to prevent the chlorine incident from happening again. An alarm will alert him on his phone. 

Animal Control

Director Hanna reported the staff spent the majority of last week relocating dogs to a rescue center. Currently, 15 dogs still remain at the shelter. 

All employees are required to attend a training course scheduled for the following week.

The shelter received a donation of $1,000 from the Colts, which will be utilized towards adoption-related expenses.

Planning/Zoning/Code

Director Copley is continuing her training. She attended an APA conference last week and is now traveling to the government center to attend a class on flood plains. 

The city offers all employees first aid training on March 26 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Copley scheduled a meeting with Gary Cameron on Friday to discuss drainage permitting and the review process.

She has also sent letters to residents with outstanding code violations that must be addressed. Furthermore, Copley has completed a zoning compliance report regarding substations.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

Project Update: CCMG Landscaping will take place this spring at the intersection of 15th and Sexton.

North Washington Street: The budget is being finalized.

Rushville City Utilities Master Plan: The application for the master plan has been submitted.

NEW BUSINESS 

Planning/Zoning/Code: The deadline to re-write the zoning ordinance is April 1, 2024.  

Street Department 

Land said the department is still looking to purchase a chipper truck. Land requested to hire Daniel VanNatta as a truck driver and Tom Owens for the transfer station position. The board approved hiring VanNatta at $16.80 per hour with a start date of March 11. Owens was also approved for the transfer station position, with a salary of $15 per hour starting on April 1. Commissioner Land changed the heavy trash collection policy to allow for up to 10 minutes of trash pickup and is now accepting proposals for dumpsters at the dump site.

Fire/Rescue  

Construction Punchout List: The construction team is almost done with the brickwork and has framed the north side above the overhead doors.

Ambulance Replacement: Chief Justice received a quote of $10,000 to fix the ambulance but thinks it's not worth it. They looked at a used ambulance but found some issues. So, they decided to pass on the purchase. Justice is getting information from a couple of dealers that would include a remount.

Police & Fire Regional Training Center: They received a letter of support from Commissioner Jarman.

Police 

Hiring update: The board of works interviewed the prospective employee on March 12 at 6:30 p.m.

 Police/Fire/Utility  

There will be a meeting in April of the Advisory Committee for the Public Safety Career Pathway Program.    

General Topics 

The Grain Elevator demolition will be on April 1.