Kokomo Board approves conference-center and sewer payments, hires four police officers and OKs Fire Station 6 bid notice

The Kokomo Board of Public Works and Safety approved a series of routine motions at its meeting, including payment applications for two construction projects, the hiring of four Kokomo Police Department recruits effective April 30, authorization to advertise for reconstruction of Fire Station No. 6, approval for nuisance cleanups at two properties and a transfer of wastewater funds. The board also approved claims totaling $2,503,021.45 and accepted a weight‑loss medication services contract for the city clinic.

The board voted to approve pay application No. 7 for the Kokomo Conference Center after staff presented the application and supporting recommendations. Documents provided to the board show Pay Application No. 7 was issued by Hagerman Inc. in the amount of $1,324,242.66, with the Verdis Group recommending a contractor payment of $1,191,818.39 and placing $132,424.27 into a retainage account as required by the construction contract. The board approved the payment motion with no recorded dissent.

The board also approved final payment actions for the Northside Interceptor Relief Sewer Project, a contract awarded to Atlas Excavating Inc. Staff reported the project is complete, all punch‑list items addressed and final waivers signed. The board approved release of retainage and Pay Application No. 7 in the amount of $194,950; staff reported the project’s adjusted contract amount in materials presented to the board (transcript record contains the amount as stated at the meeting). The motion carried unanimously as voiced at the meeting.

Acting City Engineer Carrie Stranahan asked the board to authorize advertisement of a notice to bidders for reconstruction of Fire Station No. 6, located at State Road 931 and Boulevard; the board approved the request and authorized advertising, with bids to be received on June 4, according to the materials presented.

Chief Stealth recommended the board accept the employment of Kayla Lair, Chris Bernie, Sean Rose and Chris Jones as Kokomo Police Department officers effective April 30; the board approved the hires by motion. The transcript records the motion to hire and a second, with the board voice vote recorded as "Aye. Motion carries." The personnel actions were presented by the police chief and accepted by the board during new business.

City staff member Chelsea requested authorization for city crews to enter two properties — 815 South Plate and 1018 South Leith Street — to remove items the city had previously ordered abated. The board approved the motion to allow city crews to enter and remove the abated items; the transcript records no public comment on the item before the vote.

Human Resources presented a contract for weight‑loss GLP‑1 management services for the Kokomo Howard Wellness Center clinic program, described in meeting materials as a master services agreement with a clinical/blueprint partner. The board approved the contract.

The board approved a requested transfer for the wastewater treatment plant totaling $25,000 (transcript records the amount as “25,000, $736.24” in the meeting remarks) and then approved claims totaling $2,503,021.45. The meeting concluded after the board approved those items.

The votes on these items were voice votes recorded in the transcript as "Aye. Motion carries." No roll‑call tallies or individual yes/no votes were recorded in the meeting transcript provided.

Ending: After approving claims and closing business, the board adjourned.