HUNTINGBURG BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY MEETING

At Thursday morning’s Public Works board meeting in Huntingburg, this week’s storms were a focus. Mayor Neil Elkins noted that rain has saturated the ground and some flooding is expected. Patoka Lake is full and the Patoka River is over its banks. He thanked the department for the safety measures that were implemented as well as their hard work in preparing for yet another severe weather event this year. 

The mayor advised that there is enough funding to move forward with the rebid openings for the Street Department roof. The Council will need to approve the funding source, but the board expressed a desire to make their own recommendations. In order to provide enough time to make a determination on the best options for repair versus replacement, the board decided to table the issue until the next meeting. 

Street Superintendent Jason Stamm gave an update on the department’s efforts at completing some needed street repairs. A storm sewer on 20 th Street was incorrectly installed years ago, creating a dip in the road. In the process of replacing it this week, more storm sewer pipe issues were identified. A comprehensive list of storm sewers that need replacement will be created so that the repairs can be prioritized. 

Stamm also provided a few storm-related updates. The Street Department provided a little over 1500 sandbags on Wednesday. They do not currently have sand but will be getting another load in, although there are only about 100 more bags remaining. The department will be working on trying to source some more bags. 4 th Street was originally planned for a closure this weekend, but it will be open. With impending weather, the Daffodil Stroll activities have been moved indoors and the closure will not be necessary. 

Spring Cleanup will be held on Thursday, April 10 and Friday, April 11 from 1-7 and Saturday, April 12 from 8-4. Some price increases were approved. Information on the event and pricing details will be available on the City’s Facebook page. 

Wastewater Superintendent Brad Coomer told the board that Cherry Street has been paved, but some other work has been delayed because of the heavy rains. The department is fully staffed for the weekend to prepare for the expected rains. 

Fire Chief Don Heim said that the department’s numbers for calls have significantly increased since August, with many of those being EMS-driven calls. Mayor Elkins said that the City will be having a conversation about how Deaconess Memorial might be able to support the department more on EMS calls. The boat ramp at Huntingburg City Lake will be closed on Tuesday, May 20 for annual pump testing. The lake will still be open to fish from the banks. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.huntingburg-in.gov


- By Drew Hasselbring