Huntingburg Board of Public Works Asked to Address Hoarding

At Thursday morning’s meeting, the agenda for the Huntingburg Board of Public Works focused heavily on administrative tasks and a request to address hoarding at residential properties. 

Street Superintendent Jason Stamm updated the board on some modifications that were made to a couple of street construction projects. A change order was approved for work completed on 17 th Street, where the Street department removed additional curb, gutter, and sidewalk, and removed and replaced an ADA ramp. The board tabled the request for a change order for work on 8 th Street, where the department removed and replaced some additional curb and replaced the asphalt. That order will be considered at the next meeting in January. Annual bids for the city were also presented, and recommendations made by Stamm regarding bid selection were approved by the board. 

Stamm presented a letter for the mayor’s signature regarding the city’s road inventory. The inventory is being updated for submission to INDOT, which is how the city receives some state funds. The last mileage check for Huntingburg was completed in 2023. The new inventory includes approximately two miles of new roadways, much of it from the Hunter’s Crossing area, and should result in eligibility for additional state funds. Stamm also reminded the board that the final leaf pickup for the season will be next week. 

The Wastewater Department’s request for a change order in the contract with Reynolds Construction was approved by the board. A decrease of over $149,000 resulted from design adjustments that eliminated unnecessary elements. These modifications were reported to have no impact on accessibility to equipment for servicing. 

For administrative reasons, Police Chief Brad Kramer suggested the creation of a sergeant position. The council will take final action, but requested that the board review the request first and make a recommendation. The board approved the recommendation of both the position creation and accompanying salary ordinance. The current detective sergeant position is not filled and will remain open, and the sergeant position will take over the supervisory role. The department is fully staffed, so no additional positions will need to be hired.  

Fire Chief Don Heim updated the board on the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus equipment for the department. The Redevelopment Committee approved the request to use TIF funds for the purchase of the SCBA gear, so the department budget will not have to absorb the cost. Heim also reported that he will be fully staffed as of this week. 

In the Citizens’ Items, a local resident said that she wants to gain a better understanding of how policies and procedures are developed and implemented, particularly in regard to hoarding. Janet Schnell said that this has been an issue for at least 15 years and wants to understand what can be done to address it. She also said that this issue could discourage potential home buyers in the area. 

Mayor Neil Elkins responded that the city doesn’t have a city ordinance that specifically addresses hoarding, mainly because it can be hard to define. The city also wants to “be conscientious of people’s right to own property without being unduly restrictive.” He said that the city does have ordinances prohibiting the accumulation of rubbish and materials that pose a health or safety hazard, or preventing access to emergency services. He said that he was not familiar with state recommendations, and Schnell provided some materials. She asked for assistance from the city in resolving the issue, particularly as it pertains to neighbors. Mayor Elkins said that he would work with city officials to see what could be done to strengthen Huntingburg’s property maintenance codes and to address some of these issues. 

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

- By Drew Hasselbring