Logansport Board approves $785,648 in claims, BCA contracts and multiple police personnel moves

Deputy Mayor Jacob Palmasel presided over the Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on Nov. 12, where the board approved $785,647.72 in claims and signed off on a series of contracts, personnel actions and street permits.

The board voted to approve claims totaling $785,647.72, which the deputy mayor said included payroll of $288,214.64 and multiple TIF-related claims. "This includes claims of a $177,062.38; payroll for $288,214.64," Palmasel said during the roll call on the consent items.

In business items the board approved a contract with BCA Environmental for remediation work on the project described in the meeting as the "Trello Board remediation" and separately authorized payment for a Phase I site assessment at 916 Ray Street and three parcels managed through the Redevelopment Commission. Palmasel said the remediation project had originally been slated for American Rescue Plan Act funding but "due to some clerical issues" and a recommendation from Baker Tilly some ARP funds were reallocated to other projects.

The board also voted to table the fire department's monthly report and related policy items at the request of Chief Brad Miller, who was dealing with an operational matter at the time.

Police department personnel actions completed at the meeting included acceptance of Chief Brad Miller's retirement request, effective at the close of business Nov. 17, 2025. In his written request Miller stated he was retiring after more than 28 years with the department. The board additionally approved a request to surplus the duty pistol assigned to Miller so he may retain it upon retirement, noting the action was "in accordance with Indiana State law."

The board approved the promotion of Corporal Joshua Bennett to the rank of sergeant, citing Bennett’s service since 2018 as a field training officer, department instructor and member of the SWAT team. The board also approved a conditional hire for Nathan Lowry as a probationary patrolman; Palmasel said Lowry had passed the department hiring process and met retirement-system enrollment requirements. The swearing-in for the new hire was scheduled to occur at the conclusion of the meeting.

Street department business included acceptance of the October 2025 monthly report from Street Superintendent Chad, who reported operations metrics including 159 brush loads collected in October, nearly 894 tons year-to-date sent to the landfill and 686 tons of mulch year-to-date. The board approved two street closures: the Light Up Logansport Parade on Nov. 28 (Broadway between 12th and 4th and adjacent segments during 5:15–7:15 p.m.) and a 2nd Street closure for All Saints’ monthly mobile food pantry (10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.). The board also approved a curb/street cut permit for Mekkos Plumbing at 1213–1215 Liberty Street to address a sewer repair.

All motions recorded at the meeting passed with the two members on the dais voting "yes"; one member (Chris Martin) was noted as absent. The board adjourned at 3:15 p.m., and the new hire swearing-in followed.

Quotes in this report are taken from remarks entered into the meeting record by board members and staff.