Jasper Board of Public Works: New geocall system ups Jasper 911 calls

The Jasper Police Department handled 64 more 911 calls in September than in August, and the city’s new geocall routing system now processes 36% of all emergency calls countywide, Police Chief Chad Dick reported to the Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety on Tuesday.

The geocall routing system, which uses geofencing technology, went live in September and automatically directs 911 calls made within Jasper city limits to the local dispatch center. Previously, the department handled only 25% of countywide emergency calls.

“Impact obviously is faster response times as they are answered directly by our 911 center,” Dick said. “There’s fewer handoffs going from dispatch center to dispatch center and then improved efficiency because now each dispatch center is kind of focusing on their own jurisdictions.”

The system has attracted attention from state officials, with the executive director of the state 911 board approaching Jasper telecommunications officers at a recent conference. Other areas in Indiana are looking to model similar systems after Jasper’s implementation, the chief reported.

The department continues progressing through its hiring process for officer and dispatch positions. Six applicants underwent departmental interviews for the officer vacancy, with three candidates advancing.

Probationary Officer Daniel Moore is scheduled to graduate Nov. 21. Officer Josh Pretty completed his field training officer process and worked his first solo patrol shift last weekend.

For dispatch positions, the application process closed Oct. 3 with three applications received. Testing is scheduled for Friday, with conditional offers expected by Nov. 25. This hiring would fill the sixth of seven budgeted dispatch positions.

“Our dispatchers continue to amaze me with their dedication and providing the services that they do while being short staffed,” Dick said.

School resource officers conducted 10 searches and handled four drug and alcohol violations. They made one arrest, issued 11 stop arm citations, investigated two crashes, conducted 13 home visits, managed 13 student behavior situations and delivered 25 classroom presentations and trainings.

The detective division faced additional demands from conducting background investigations for 10 job applicants, a process that took three weeks to complete. Despite the extra workload, detectives made three arrests during September, including two child molestation cases and one invasion of privacy case.

Detectives initiated 11 new investigations, conducted three forensic interviews and six regular interviews. They also began using a new data-pilot device, obtained through a grant, that extracts information from cellular devices for those cases.

Dick also highlighted a positive community interaction involving Officers Elijah Mundy and Alec Wallace, who responded to a domestic situation with an uncooperative female. Despite being called derogatory names, the officers remained professional and offered resources.

Several days later, the woman returned to the police department to apologize for her behavior and thank the officers for their professionalism and kindness.

The chief emphasized that such positive feedback is rare, noting that supervisor meetings with citizens typically involve complaints rather than praise.

“I think this is a testament to not only Officers Mundy and Wallace, but all the officers on how they conduct themselves when dealing with the citizens,” Dick said. “Our patrol officers encounter hundreds of citizens each month and provide the best service that’s available.”

The department also participated in National Coffee with a Cop Day, though attendance was limited due to officer interviews that day. Board member Nancy Eckerle, executive director of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, suggested coordinating with the chamber for future community engagement events to increase participation.

The board also discussed the following:

Claims and Financial Approvals

The board approved claims totaling $3,199,308.61 for the period between September 12 and October 14, 2025. Notable payments include $325,280 for a Community Crossings pavement refund to Knies Construction, $20,554 to Ragle Construction for a multi-use trails project, and $127,254 for Main Street redevelopment. Legal services for the Regional Wellness Center cost $64,559, funded by TIF Central. The city also completes the purchase of the garage next to the Jasper Police Department from Old National Bank for $25,000. They also approved a payment for perimeter lighting projects. All claims receive unanimous approval from the board members.

Equipment Procurement and Bidding

The board reviews bids for a new paint striping machine for the street department. Two companies submit proposals, with Seal Master Indy offering the lowest bid at $78,318, well under the budgeted $100,000. The board approved the purchase pending final review, noting the equipment meets departmental needs and represents good value. For city hall window replacements, only one bid is received from Pipes Glass, prompting the board to take the matter under advisement for further review at the next meeting to ensure competitive pricing.

Veterans Oktoberfest Event Coordination

Operation Mind Body and Soul presents plans for Veterans Oktoberfest, a fundraising event supporting veterans with PTSD and mental health issues. The organization operates a 24/7 facility for veterans and is expanding to include first responders and police officers. The event features a resource fair at the Cultural Center from noon to 4 p.m., followed by a Jeep and motorcycle run ending at the River Center. Activities include live music, speakers, and community outreach. Mayor Dean Vonderheide issued a proclamation for Veterans Oktoberfest Day, and the event coordinates with existing Music on Main activities.

Autistic Child Safety Signage

Tracy Eckstein requested the installation of an autistic child sign near her home on West 36th Street for her 10-year-old son, Miles, who has profound autism. The board discussed placement options, taking into account existing stop signs and traffic patterns. The board agreed to allow the sign on the property, with the street department conducting a site visit to determine optimal placement for maximum visibility while avoiding obstruction of driveways or other signage.

Technology and Administrative Matters

The board approves a one-year Cisco Enterprise server subscription for $10,279.85, split between civil and utility departments. The shorter contract allows evaluation of phone system upgrades planned for 2026. A negative change order of $20,075.52 for the Community Crossings project requires refunding half to INDOT due to quantity adjustments. The board also approved a sidewalk program request for 1310 Kundeck and increased the speed limit on County Road 490 West to 35 mph, consistent with county jurisdiction.

Building Permits

Director of Community Development Josh Gunselman reported 11 building permits were issued in September for five residential units and six accessory structures, totaling $2.7 million in projected building costs.

He also reminded the public of the ongoing survey as part of the development of the city’s comprehensive plan. Information and links to the survey are available at this link: https://www.jasperindiana.gov/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=4765

Historic Designation

Mayor Dean Vonderheide announced the Indiana Desk building at 1224 Mill Street had been accepted into the National Registry of Historic Places on Sept. 2. The building was built in 1905 as the Jasper Novelty Works.