Ferdinand Town Council: Many changes forthcoming among officials

Change is inevitable — but not always welcome.

Several changes came to the fore during the Ferdinand Town Council’s Tuesday night meeting. One had already been announced — Bev Schulthise is stepping down as clerk-treasurer after 40 years working for the town.

No doubt about it — she will be missed.

She has agreed to stay on part-time to assist her replacement and the council made that official by adopting a policy making her the temporary, part-time deputy clerk. Council President Ken Sicard prepared a document outlining her roles and responsibilities assisting her replacement.

That person, by the way, will be chosen Monday night (December 18) during a special caucus in town hall at 6 p.m. The two Democrat precinct committee people for Ferdinand will make that choice. So far two have filed their intent, Sicard explained, noting the town council has no part in the decision-making process.

Anyone interested may attend and anyone thinking they’d like the job must file paperwork with Dubois County Democratic Party Chairman Joe Huddleston 72 hours in advance.

On the good news front, Schulthise agreed to continue as Ferdinand’s representative on the Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission board.

Another change will come in the fire department. Dan Lindauer is stepping down as chief after 12 years filling that role. He will be replaced by John Hoppenjans (effective January 1), a 15-year member of the department who served 13 of those years as safety officer and is also a First Responder.

Lindauer was given a huge round of applause for his service.

Councilwoman Debbie Johnson was glad to hear Lindauer will continue as a firefighter. “It’s always good to have someone with experience, such a good mix” of the younger and older members.

In the Park Department, Mike Steffe is stepping down as president and that board elected Matt Weyer for the job. Steffe will take over as vice president, Delores Boeglin will continue as secretary and Natalie Howard as the at-large member.

A change that wasn’t as welcome in the police department was announced by Chief Lloyd Froman. Officer Zink, who just completed training at the academy in October, is joining the Huntingburg Department and Officer Lindeman was hired away by Jasper.

Froman wants to replace them by their last day (December 31) and will interview the reserves, who have gone through pre-basic and completed other requirements such as drug testing. He will also look at filling the vacancies among the reserves and was authorized to proceed on both counts. The final hiring decision will come at a special council meeting next week or the week after.

In one other change, Colin Leinenbach will join the electric/water department on January 8.

Still have an abundance of leaves to dispose of? Property and Street Superintendent Tom Lueken said his crew will make a final sweep of the entire town next Tuesday, December 19. They will continue on until the job is finished but that will end leaf disposal. Have leaves curbside by 7 a.m.

The council also:

• Will purchase a skid steer from Black Equipment in Evansville (the bid was opened last month) for the Wastewater Department. The price tag is $46,950 but that amount will be lower as Town Attorney Bill Shaneyfelt suggested skipping the performance bond since the equipment will be ready for pick up early next year.

• Gave approval for Wastewater Superintendent Roger Schaefer and his crew to attend the 2018 Expo in Indianapolis February 22, covering transportation, admission, parking and meals.

• Also for Town Manager Chris James to attend an FMLA (family medical leave) master class on February 22 for $549 plus transportation, meals and possibly one night’s lodging.

• During James’ report learned Brian Dale is stepping down as president of the Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce and Mike Blume will replace him in that role, while Audra Dilger will replace Dale on the chamber board.

• Agreed to pay a change order to Quality Craft Construction of Dale ($8,074.28) for the Missouri, Virginia and West 16th Street water main replacement project, and also the final claim of $46,259.73, less $1,600 for the one punch list item still on the books — a survey marking stone that was removed during construction on the Kermit Greulich property. To relocate it a survey must be done and council members said this expense falls to the contractor.

• Heard both the musical playground equipment and disc golf targets for 18th Street Park have been delivered and will be installed by Lueken as time allows. Also that grant paperwork has been signed for the Old Lake walking trail project.

• Learned a portion of the punch list items for the phosphorous facility have been completed while some must wait until spring. So far 250,000 gallons (58 loads) have been hauled. The clear liquid it creates is brought back to the plant for treatment.

• Officially hired Universal Design ($30,700) for the final design and construction phase of the West 23rd Street replacement project. Bid letting is set for February and will be awarded at the March 13 meeting. Also will open bids for street projects at 8 p.m. on January 8.

• Heard the steps to be taken for the new fire truck from Ferrara Fire Apparatus. A pre-construction conference will be held in January.

• Learned they are not to use the term “Jake Brakes” as that is a registered trademark of Jacobs Vehicle System, Inc., when discussing engine suppression brakes, via a letter from the company. So, an ordinance will be written forbidding the use of engine suppression brakes from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. due to noise complaints from residents.

• Adopted a salary ordinance amendment setting Ryan Ernst’s rate of pay at $20.50 per hour, retroactive to November 16.

• Heard Lueken spent the day recently with 10 yellow-jacketed INDOT employees, walking from 3rd to 18th Street and discussing ADA ramps and other issues, including a grade on 16th Street to the library and YMCA that was authorized by an INDOT official, but which Lueken claims does not comply with ADA standards. He wants it marked as non-compliant and will push for a crosswalk. “That was seven and a half hours of my life that I’ll never get back,” he deadpanned.

• Learned from Johnson the insurance committee opted for a United Healthcare Plan and the 14% increase will be absorbed by the town so raises (to be determined at the special meeting) will not have to go to insurance increases.

• Also from Johnson that she wants to review the town’s property and liability insurance coverage before renewal in March and was given the go-ahead to proceed.

• Appointed Johnson to replace Schulthise on the Dubois County Solid Waste Board.

• Learned the BZA and Plan Commission will meet at 6:30 and 7 p.m., respectively on Wednesday, December 27, the Park Board will meet at 4:30 p.m. on January 3 and the Economic Development Commission will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, followed by the Town Council at 7:30 p.m. The council will also meet in special session before year’s end, date to be determined.