Mayor Vonderheide Honors Jasper Chamber of Commerce with Proclamation

In the absence of Mayor Dean Vonderheide, board member Nancy Eckerle presided over the meeting. She had the special privilege of reading a proclamation from Mayor Vonderheide, which declared October 14-18 as Jasper Chamber of Commerce Week. The Chamber is in its 71 st year of supporting local business with its stated mission of advancing “the economic, industrial, professional and civic welfare of its membership and the community.” Eckerle has been at the helm for 37 years, serving as the Chamber’s Executive Director. 

Parks Director Tom Moorman provided an update on the Parklands burn schedule. The consulting biologist has been monitoring weather conditions, and the originally proposed schedule was modified as a result. The burn has been tentatively rescheduled to October 10 th or 11 th , pending evaluation of weather conditions including wind and humidity. 

Chief Kenny Hochgesang told the board that this is Fire Prevention Week, and the theme this year is Fire Alarms: Make Them Work for You! This week, the department will activate school fire alarms and do fire drills, a process which is completed annually. Chief Hochgesang reminded the public that this is a good opportunity to be sure that there are adequate fire alarms in the home and that they are functioning properly. Press the test button and change the batteries if needed and remember that alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Chief Hochgesang also suggested reviewing family fire escape plans. 

City Engineer Chad Hurm presented his report, providing updates on the multi-use trail project construction. Storms sewers are currently being installed and concrete crews will be in to pour sidewalks possibly next week, depending on storm sewer progress. On Northwood Avenue, crews are starting to pave on the west end of the trail project and are still working on curb ramps. The trail head has been excavated at St. Charles. Crews have been given permission to start on the east end of project, starting at the practice facility and working back westward. 

The Street Department was granted approval to remove a tree in front of 408 Mill Street. Removal will occur within the next couple of weeks and will require temporary road closures in that area. Closures will be posted when work is scheduled to begin. In other business, City Attorney Renee Kabrick received the board’s permission to proceed with the hiring process of an intern for Summer 2025. The board also confirmed the official Halloween Trick or Treat hours for the city, which will be from 6-8 pm on October 31 st . Trick or Treaters are reminded only to visit houses with a porch light on.