Huntingburg Police Department to Expand K-9 Unit and Reserve Officers

Chief Kramer advised the Council that a private donation has been offered to be used for another dual-purpose K-9 for the city. In addition to the donated funds, application would be made for the same grant that helped to fund the procurement of Romeo, the last K-9 that was acquired for the city. The Council passed a motion to accept up to a $20,000 donation whenever it might be received. If it is insufficient or for any reason could not be used for the K- 9 program, the funds would be returned to the donor. Estimated pricing will be obtained for the K-9, kennel, equipment for the K-9 vehicle, training, as well as the potential grant funds, to prepare for any departmental budget impact. 

The Huntingburg police department will be expanding its roster of reserves in order to better cover special events like festivals and ballgames. In most instances, the cost for the reserve officers is covered by the organization hosting the event rather than by the city. Two new reserve officers were approved by the Council and bring a wealth of experience to the department. 

 Energy Superintendent John Reutepohler provided his report, saying that the gas department provided four new services this month and 65 new Sensus meters were replaced. Last week, crews were called to A Street, where some older steel service lines had begun to leak. The main and all services were replaced with plastic while the road was already under construction. Locator truck bids were also received, and the lowest bid was approved by the Council. The Council heard that crews installed solar lights at North Side park this month. The lights appear dim, but have motion sensors that will brighten when motion is detected. This will be a benefit to residents in the area so that bright lights are not being used when no one is in the park. 

Water Superintendent Jerry Austin addressed the board said that the intersection of 2 nd Street and Walnut had a four-inched water main that was supposed to be cut and capped in the mid- 90s. It was discovered that this was never completed when the water main blew, and parts were ordered so that the necessary repairs could be finished. The intersection has been replaced with six-inch water main and the four inch was removed. It was common practice in the past when water mains were replaced, the four inch was left in the intersection, creating problems with flow. The fire hydrant at 2 nd and Walnut has doubled its water flow as a result of the repairs. Various old mains and valves are being replaced over time, and this will continue as these remaining older materials are discovered.

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

- Drew Hasselbring