City officials presented several operational items from the police and fire departments that the Board of Public Safety approved on Nov. 12.

Police department: Captain Travis Snyder told the board that the department seeks approval for an advertising agreement to support recruitment and that the vendor (recorded in the transcript as "Joshua k LLC") will provide a certificate of liability. A board member moved to approve the advertisement agreement for up to $5,000 and to authorize Captain Snyder to sign the documents; the motion carried by voice vote.

Snyder also outlined three HVAC repairs identified under the department's service agreement with Trane: replacement of two flame sensors and two igniters on four units ($2,351), replacement of a failed condenser coil on Unit 1 ($14,202), and replacement of a failed heat exchanger in Unit 2 ($6,801). He said some areas of the police department had been cooler recently because of the Unit 1 leak. The board approved each repair and authorized the captain to sign the vendor contracts.

911 and staffing: Dustin McLean of Elkhart Communications (911) presented the October month-end report, which the board accepted and placed on file. McLean said the department will open a hiring pool to fill four current dispatcher vacancies and plans to hire two at a time to ensure thorough interviews. "Right now, we're gonna open it up for 2 dispatchers, but we have 4 openings at this time," McLean said.

Fire department: The Fire Chief described the department's "whole blood" program and requested approval to buy a 2025 Chevy Tahoe to serve as a chase vehicle so blood can be transported when an ambulance is not available. The chief said the program "has saved several lives this year" and that a dedicated chase vehicle will reduce response complications. The board approved the purchase.

Policy: The board approved a clarified traffic accident reporting and review policy for the department; the chief said the policy had not been substantially changed but had been clarified to address recent confusion about its application.

All motions related to these items were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript.