Columbia City department reports: ladder truck demo, Old Settlers Day wrap-up, fireworks planning and staffing updates

City department heads briefed the Columbia City Common Council on June 24 about equipment maintenance, recent events and upcoming public-safety and public-works activity.

Fire department and equipment Tom (Fire Department) reported that ground-ladder testing was completed and “all of our ground ladders passed. No issues.” He said the ladder truck’s intercom system has been problematic and that the department has had the unit’s intercom replaced several times. Tom said Convoy Tech of Fort Wayne contacted the department about demoing a camera intercom system and making a promotional video; a hold‑harmless agreement was signed and the company will provide the intercom system at the conclusion of the demo. Tom said he hopes the demo will resolve the recurring intercom problem.

Public events and emergency preparedness City staff reported Old Settlers Day (OSD) activities concluded with only minor issues and that cleanup was completed quickly. Tom and other staff confirmed planning is underway for July 4 events: staff measured fallout zones for the fireworks and discussed expanding the fireworks display; staff noted compliance with applicable safety rules as part of that planning.

Tornado sirens and public-safety staffing Staff reported two tornado sirens were ordered with an estimated lead time in July. The police/fire departments also reported personnel changes: Officer Sturgis is attending the academy and Officer Ewing informed department leadership he submitted a two-week notice because of personal matters; the city will open a hiring process to fill the vacant position.

Public works and utilities Kelly (Public Works/street staff) briefed the council on Brooks construction and said the city will mill and pave segments of Tenth Street starting next week and that concrete crews completed sidewalks and ADA ramps in the Eagle Glen area. Kelly said crews will begin alley and street trimming and credited close cooperation among city departments for efficient event support.

Terry (Electric Department) reported completion of fiber network installation by the electric department. Staff noted the utility and other departments cooperated closely for OSD logistics.

Arts and parks The Columbia City Arts Commission’s Spark art camp — a program offering arts activities for children who might otherwise not afford camp — is running its second year and received funding from the Indiana Arts Commission, staff reported. The commission recognized April Frazer for leading the effort.

Why it matters: The reports show routine equipment maintenance and cross-department cooperation supporting public events and safety systems; the demo of the ladder-truck intercom and the tornado-siren orders are operational items to watch for near-term public-safety improvements.

Next steps: The city will follow through on the Convoy Tech demo, proceed with July 4 logistics and fireworks planning, install tornado sirens when delivered, initiate recruitment to replace Officer Ewing, and continue scheduled milling and paving and ADA ramp work.