Board of Works Meeting
Allie Beck, Executive Director of Main Street Greensburg, received approval for the proposed parade route and street closures for the Holiday Walk and Parade. This year’s theme for the Holiday Walk is “A Community of Light.” The Parade theme is “Sparkle & Shine.”
Joe Cain, Wastewater Superintendent, explained that during the last major rain event in August, the department’s 8-inch diesel pump broke down. He stated that they had been nursing the machine along for some time. They took it in for repairs and were recently informed that the cost of repairs would exceed the machine’s value. Since the equipment has been out of service, the department has been renting a replacement. The board approved Joe moving forward with the purchase of a new 8-inch diesel pump with a John Deere engine from a local dealer.
Mark Klosterkemper, Street Department Commissioner, received approval to purchase a new commercial mower. Mark explained that over the past few years, the department has taken on significantly more mowing responsibilities and that this larger mower would be a welcome addition to the department’s equipment. He explained that having a larger mower would reduce the manpower needed for mowing by allowing employees to cover more ground in less time.
Mark also updated the board on the Bobcat purchase. During the previous meeting, the board approved him spending up to $50,500 on the equipment. Following additional discussions with Miller Equipment, they were able to purchase the machinery for $44,836.
Mark also explained that the city received $137,000 through its Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) submission. This program provides a 20% local matching opportunity. However, the award was significantly less than the amount the city had requested. He stated that, overall, the state reduced funding by approximately 60% across Indiana.
The board approved the city working with Waggoner, Irwin, Scheele & Associates to conduct a compensation study. The study will compare the compensation the city currently pays its employees with compensation offered by other municipalities and the private sector.
Zach Wirrig, Director of Public Projects, received approval to enter into a contract with Lochmueller. The firm will assist the city with engineering services and identifying alternative funding opportunities for sidewalk improvements.
Zach also received approval to move forward with Lohrum Electrical, which was selected to complete the work and review associated with the $200,000 federal Department of Energy grant awarded to the city. No local matching funds were required to receive this grant. The project is related to improvements at City Hall and is scheduled to be completed by June 2027.
Zach received approval to contract with Johannigman Excavating, Inc., to complete ditch cleanup from McKee Street to Park Road. The work will include cutting back and removing brush, as well as cleaning out the bottom of the ditch. The project is intended to improve water flow through the ditch. The anticipated timeline for completing the work is this winter or spring.
The board also approved Made Right to install a fence at the City Park Dam. Zach explained that the city’s insurance provider had expressed concerns about people having access to the top of the dam. The fence will be five feet tall.
The board concluded by approving all claims.
City Council Meeting
The meeting began with a Public Hearing- No public comments were made during the public hearing for Ordinance 2026-15, Additional Appropriations. Amy Borns, Clerk-Treasurer, explained that the request was to move additional funds to cover fuel expenses for the Fire and Police Departments.
The normal meeting began with the council approving Ordinance 2026-13, Amending the Unified Development Ordinance, on its second reading. For more information about this ordinance, refer to my article covering the October 13th City Council Meeting.
The council also approved Ordinance 2026-14, Establishing the Municipal Riverfront Development, on its second reading. Mayor Marsh stated that he had already been contacted by one prospective business owner interested in the opportunity. For more information about this ordinance, refer to my article covering the October 13th City Council Meeting.
Following the passage of Ordinance 2026-14, the council also approved the guidelines drafted by the mayor outlining the process for business owners interested in participating.
Ordinance 2026-15, Additional Appropriation – Police and Fire, was approved on its first reading.
Ordinance 2026-17, Additional Appropriation – Greensburg Schools, was approved on its first reading. A representative from Greensburg Community Schools attended the meeting and explained that the district had planned to issue its final payroll of the year on January 1, 2027. However, because that date is a bank holiday, the funds needed to be included in an additional appropriation so employees could be paid on December 31, 2026. It was clarified that this was simply a matter of the payroll being issued in 2026 rather than 2027.
Ordinance 2026-16, Trash Tipping Fees, was approved on its first reading. This ordinance would increase trash tipping fees by $2 per month. It would also increase the monthly cost of a second trash toter from $5 to $7 per month.
Amy Borns explained that the following ordinances were created in response to guidance from the State Board of Accounts (SBOA), which recommended that the city establish separate funds for grant proceeds. Both ordinances were approved on their first readings. The council then approved suspending the rules requiring a second reading at the next meeting and proceeded to approve both ordinances on their second readings.
- Ordinance 2026-18: Creation of Fund for READI 1.0 Grant
- Ordinance 2026-19: Creation of Fund for READI 2.0 Grant
Resolution 2026-21, Declare Funds Dormant, was approved on its first reading.
Hoosier START Program – Resolution 2026-23, Adoption of Deferred Payment Plan, was approved on its first reading. This would provide city employees with a second retirement account option beginning January 1, 2027. There would be no cost to the city at this time. The council also approved the city’s participation in the Deferred Compensation Plan Agreement.
The council concluded the meeting by approving the 2027 Public Meeting Schedule, the 2027 City Holiday Schedule, which will remain unchanged from 2026, and the 2027 Holiday Trash Schedule.
Chris Ramey – WTRE News
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