Kiersten Knies

The meeting included discussions regarding Old Business, specifically the resignations of Nick Goller and Elijah Mundy from the Jasper Police Department and subsequent unanimous votes to remove both individuals from the local pension fund. Under New Business, the board received and accepted the 2026 Report presented by the Clerk Treasurer and Carma Gentry. The board also acknowledged Mayor Vonderheide's upcoming departure and the appointment of Ryan Craig as his successor and replacement on the board. Furthermore, the terms of Lt. Dave Burger and Sgt. Brent Duncan were voted to be renewed.

The agenda for this regular meeting included several key discussions and actions. Key items involved the consideration of Ordinance No. 2025-32, concerning the rezoning of property from R2 to B3 based on the Jasper Advisory Plan Commission's favorable recommendation following a public hearing on December 3, 2025. Additionally, the Council addressed three resolutions: Resolution No. 2026-1 and Resolution No. 2026-2, both confirming the designation of areas as Economic Revitalization Areas and approving statements of benefits for Canterbury Green IV. LLC and Kimball International, Inc., respectively (with declaratory resolutions passed in December 2025). Resolution No. 2026-3 authorizes the issuance of bonds and lease for a Regional Wellness Center Project. Other items included accepting the list of encumbrances for 2025 into 2026, reviewing Uniform Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statements, accepting December donations, approving a Gas Contractor License for Michael B Ferguson of Benner Heating and Air, and the vote for the President Pro Tempore for 2026.

Key discussion items for the meeting include an easement encroachment request from Kyle Jahn of Wood Capital Pizza regarding dumpster placement in an alleyway, and a request from Josh Gunselman of the Jasper Band Parents concerning parking lot usage for the ISSMA Scholastic Preliminary/Open Invitational event. The Board will also address an updated downtown light schedule and speaker/music schedule presented by Lisa Bower. Additionally, the Police Chief is scheduled to provide a monthly report, update the officer hiring process, and request permission to seek bids for a police car and to accept donations with restrictions. The Fire Chief plans to request permission to solicit quotes for roof replacement at Station #3. The Street Commissioner seeks permission to purchase a 1-ton dump truck with snowplow/spreader and a rubbish truck for yard waste collection, and permission to seek quotes for replacing approximately 300 traffic and informational signs. The Clerk-Treasurer will provide an update on the Smithville contract status.

The agenda items for this meeting included the Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance, and adjournment procedures. The New Business section featured a Public Hearing, followed by consideration for the approval of the Declaratory Resolution of the Redevelopment Commission regarding the University Heights Project.

Key discussion and action items for this meeting include the appointment of an Acting Secretary and the reorganization of the Utility Service Board for 2026, including the appointment of Commissioners and Committees. Significant operational discussions include a Wessler Engineering presentation on Water Asset Management Plan findings. Manager reports cover updates and requests for change orders or approvals related to training and conference attendance for the Electric, Gas & Water, and Wastewater departments. Specific action items include approval of a change order for the Northwest Substation project, approval for lineman training, approval for employee conference attendance (AWWA and Alliance of Indiana Rural Water), and approval of a Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure Statement for Phil Schmidt. General Business includes addressing the replacement of the General Manager of Utilities due to resignation.