Huntingburg Council August 26 meeting notes
The Huntingburg Common Council met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 and discussed the following.
The council held a lengthy conversation on a resolution for an interlocal agreement with Jasper to share the cost of a study of U.S. 231 by a consulting firm. The story can be read at the link.
Gas Department Operations and Infrastructure Updates
The gas department completed several major projects this month, including service installations for three new locations, with Dollar General near Holland being the primary focus. A significant infrastructure repair occurred on 3rd and Geiger Street, where crews discovered a gas leak from a deteriorated 1960s-era bolt flange cap. The repair required extensive welding work, including line stoppers and bypass installation.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission conducted an audit of the DIMP (Distribution Integrity Management Program) with excellent results, showing no violations or areas of concern.
The department completed 65 gas meter replacements, achieving 84% completion on their meter upgrade program citywide.
Gas Meter Procurement and Equipment Needs
With gas meter inventory running low, the department requested approval to purchase 100 additional census meters for $44,899 from their supplier. This represents the final meter order planned for the year, as the next shipment would face a lead time of 30-52 weeks. The council unanimously approved this purchase to maintain the momentum of the meter replacement program. The department continues to scrap old mechanical meters rather than sell them due to their age and condition.
Electric Department Projects and Upgrades
Superintendent John Reutepohler also told the council of issues with the delivery of a 55-foot bucket truck ordered two years ago. The department is still without delivery confirmation due to supply chain issues and tariff complications affecting the import of overseas parts, Reutepohler said. He received a ballpark estimate on the truck two years ago as well and was given permission to order it based on that estimate.
The electric department replaced four poles in St. Henry, upgrading copper lines to ACSR cable over approximately 750 feet. Crews removed a large dead oak tree near the golf course that posed safety risks to both road traffic and golfers. Additional tree management included collaboration with a homeowner on South Cary Street to remove a tree threatening power lines. Infrastructure work behind Steinkamps involved rerouting electrical service and pole replacements in preparation for the upcoming road reconstruction. The department successfully tested backup generator systems and completed meter upgrades at two large apartment complexes, installing 135 meters in a single day using three crews.
Electric Meter Replacement Program
The electric meter replacement program is showing strong progress, with 40 percent completion. The department requested approval for purchasing remaining electric meters totaling $133,976.33 to complete the upgrade program. The council approved this expenditure, recognizing the importance of modernizing the electrical infrastructure. The new meters provide improved monitoring capabilities and enhanced reliability for customers. Installation efficiency has improved significantly, with crews able to handle large-scale replacements effectively. The program represents a substantial investment in the city’s electrical infrastructure, ensuring reliable service delivery and improved system monitoring capabilities for years to come.
Water Filter Rehabilitation Project Bidding
Commonwealth Engineering presented bid results for the rehabilitation of water filters 5 and 7 at the filtration plant, with three contractors submitting proposals. Kiefer Brothers submitted the lowest bid at $752,578.72, approximately 20% lower than the bids from competitors Graves Construction Services and Thieneman. The project included complete filter content removal, false floor removal, concrete repairs, tank lining, and media replacement. Two alternate bids addressed different coating options and new versus reused separation media troughs. Kiefer Brothers has 24 hours to confirm their bid, as the significant price difference raised questions about potential errors. The council approved proceeding with Kiefer Brothers’ bid, contingent on their confirmation.
Water Department Infrastructure and Maintenance
The water department installed eight new services at 7th Street duplexes and conducted confined space training for staff safety. A damaged valve box on First Street necessitated complete replacement, utilizing hydro excavation to minimize road damage. The north entrance to the water treatment plant needed major concrete repair after discovering cracked and dropped pavement with deteriorated reinforcement. Multiple water main breaks on Van Buren Street between 7th and 8th Streets prompted plans for complete main replacement. The department replaced two sample stations with stainless steel units to ensure water quality testing accuracy and assisted with community events including the police department’s youth camp activities.
Water Treatment Operations and Quality Management
Superintendent Jerry Austin reported the water filtration plant is operating on six of eight filters while addressing the infrastructure issues. He explained that high water temperatures have led to increased turbidity levels, necessitating additional treatment shifts and overtime work to maintain an adequate supply. The department strategically manages overtime costs versus purchasing water from Patoka, finding overtime more economical. Large diameter meter replacements continue, with some installations requiring additional pipe work due to deteriorated components. The department maintains aggressive infrastructure replacement goals of four to five city blocks annually, focusing on essential water main upgrades. Lake facility discussions include potential restroom facilities; however, infrastructure priorities take precedence over recreational amenities in the current budget planning.
