Logansport Board approves contracts, claims and promotes police sergeant

The Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety on Nov. 19 approved a slate of vendor contracts and claims and confirmed a department promotion.

Mayor Chris Martin opened business by moving and the board voting to approve minutes from the Nov. 12 meeting and claims totaling $252,693.48. The chair said the claims package included $128,878.26 in general claims, a trash claim of $122,315.22 and a line labeled "ordinance 20 24 dash 11" for $1,500; the motion passed on recorded yes votes from Chris Martin, Levi Jones and Jacob Palmasol.

The board then approved several professional services agreements. The board voted to approve a translation services agreement for Raquel Perez Cotto after staff confirmed required paperwork was submitted. The board also approved a Spring Creek Landscaping agreement for boulevard landscaping services; the chair noted that council had previously acted to allow the contractor to assist with boulevard landscaping.

The board approved a Pontum Software hosting agreement intended for cemetery mapping and services; staff noted the project lead, identified as "Bob" in the meeting, was not present. The board separately approved Pontum's annual maintenance professional services agreement.

City staff received approval to proceed with new vehicle and asset signage from Split Road Media. Jan, speaking for the signage item, said the work reflects a new logo and that the funds are available in the current budget. The Early Lawn Care contract for exterior building landscaping and maintenance was also approved after Chief Heichman described mowing, weed control and planting work to improve department presentation.

In personnel business, the board approved a promotion request for Sergeant John Rogers to lieutenant effective Nov. 19, 2025. The promotion memo said Rogers has been with the department since 2011 and recently served as officer in charge of the Cass County Drug Task Force. Accepting the promotion, John Rogers said, "I'd just like to say thank you to the chief, assistant chief," and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the new role.

All motions recorded in open session passed on affirmative votes as noted in the minutes. No public comments were offered during the meeting.

The board's approvals allow staff to finalize vendor agreements and implement the personnel change; several items referenced ongoing operational work (cemetery software and annual maintenance) that staff said will continue under the approved contracts.