Mishawaka Board of Public Works and Safety approves appointments, contract changes and claims

On Jan. 6, 2026, the Mishawaka Board of Public Works and Safety and the Mishawaka Utility Board approved a series of routine personnel actions, contract adjustments and claims dockets during a short meeting that also included officer elections for each board.

The board approved the swearing-in of Philip Ferman as a reserve school resource officer for the Mishawaka Police Department after the chief introduced Ferman and requested the board’s approval. Ferman, who was described as a former South Bend police officer with extensive experience working as a school resource officer, took the oath and told the board protecting children is a top priority for public safety.

The Board of Public Works approved change order No. 1 for Indiana Earth to demolish structures at 1123 and 1612 Union Street, increasing the contract by $4,427.50 for a new contract total of $76,314.50. The utility board approved a services agreement with Boston Associates for design and construction services on the 2026 in-place pipe rehabilitation projects, described in the meeting as not to exceed $174,000 per year.

The boards approved various claims dockets and routine appointments by voice vote, including the reappointment of Randy Frost to the Mishawaka Planning Commission for a one-year term. The meeting record lists the board’s approval of seven claim documents in one vote and a separate claims/payment docket for the utility board; the transcript contains figures for those dockets that appear to be transcribed inconsistently and were not confirmed verbally during the meeting record.

Board procedures, including election of officers for each board and approval of minutes from Dec. 30, 2025, were handled early in the session. The meetings were brief and largely procedural; contested votes or extended debates were not recorded.