Kokomo Board of Public Works approves police promotions, budgets, paving payment and development plats

KOKOMO — The Board of Public Works and Safety met Wednesday and approved a slate of routine but consequential items, including police department promotions, utility budgets, contractor payment and development paperwork.

A memorandum from Chief Stout recommended two administrative appointments and two promotions within the Kokomo Police Department. Chief Stout "recommended the appointment of Lieutenant Gary Quirk to the rank of captain, within the patrol division and appointment of sergeant Ty Darlan to the rank of captain over the criminal investigation division and special investigation division," and recommended promotions of Justin Mackey and Alex Toth to sergeant ranks. The board approved those appointments and promotions; the changes are effective Jan. 4, 2026, and all four officers must complete a 180-day probationary period in their new roles.

The board also approved two event sponsorships presented by Tory Rowe. Rowe's memorandum explained the Parks Department will use available fiscal year 2025 appropriations to secure sponsorship commitments for events that will occur in fiscal year 2026. The board approved payments of $20,000 to Haynes Apperson and $25,000 to Bullpen Ventures, to be charged to FY2025 funds as described in the memorandum.

Caven, the city controller, presented the 2026 operating, capital, equipment and infrastructure budgets and bond-payment schedules for the Kokomo municipal wastewater and stormwater utilities. After presentation, the board voted to approve the 2026 wastewater and stormwater utility budgets.

John Pike presented pay estimate number 2 for the 2025 CCMG resurfacing project (project E2502-1A). Pike reported construction quantities complete from Oct. 1, 2025, through Dec. 5, 2025, with a total pay estimate amount of $888,790.14 and $44,436.01 in retainage, producing a payment request of $844,354.13 to contractor E and B Paving. The board approved the pay estimate.

Pike also presented a right-of-way consent-to-encroach agreement for the Walgreens property at the southwest corner of Marklin and Goyer roads to allow two parking-lot lights to encroach into the right of way. Pike said the project includes installation of sidewalk designed around the existing light poles and that consent documentation will be completed with right-of-way clearance for the parcel; the board approved the agreement.

The board approved a plat titled "Bivens Proper Section 1." Pike told the board that although infrastructure work for the subdivision has begun and is not yet complete, the developer requested the plat be recorded to expedite home building; the developer will provide performance bonds to guarantee completion of required infrastructure.

Finally, the board approved claims totaling $5,853,531.70 and adjourned.

Votes at a glance: approval motions throughout the meeting were made and seconded by unidentified board members and carried by voice vote with "aye" recorded. Specific roll-call tallies were not provided in the transcript.