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Board hears spike in EMS calls and progress on quarry, discusses parking and stop signs
Summary
City staff told the Board of Public Works about a sharp increase in EMS run volume, progress on quarry infrastructure and possible four‑way stops; the board discussed farmers market parking constraints and a power outage at the quadplex tied to an underground fault.
City staff updated the North Vernon Board of Public Works on public-safety and infrastructure matters at the June 25 meeting, reporting a marked increase in emergency medical service calls, construction progress at the quarry and ongoing parking and traffic concerns around parks and event sites.
Staff explained the new Tahoe will be used as the first‑out vehicle for EMS calls when staffing allows, to reduce wear on the larger ambulance truck. The meeting record noted that from January through May year‑over‑year the run volume increased substantially; staff emphasized they were unsure why the increase occurred and said the Tahoe purchase is intended to help manage higher call volumes.
On capital projects, staff reported that contractors working on the CCNG program are staking rights‑of‑way and beginning work on Greensburg Street and Woodlawn. The quarry project has roughly 90% of its sanitary sewer installed for the RV park and over 50% of water mains in place; sidewalks and restrooms at the quarry overlook were scheduled to be poured as weather permits. Staff also presented pay application No. 1 from the electrical contractor (PC Systems) for materials stored on site; the board approved that pay application and staff said funds will come from previously authorized bond proceeds.
Traffic safety was raised as a concern at two intersections: Jackson & Main Street (line‑of‑sight issues) and Curry Drive off 4th Street near the overlook (increased congestion). Staff recommended requesting four‑way stops and adding stop‑ahead warning signs; the board requested that Larry Greathouse draft an ordinance for future council consideration.
Board members and staff spent significant time on localized parking problems: tournaments (including a coach‑pitch state tournament) doubled typical attendance on one weekend, causing overflow parking onto grass areas and crowding by the pool and shelter house. Possible short‑term solutions discussed included adding angled or straight pull‑in parking along Franklin Street; staff said they will explore options.
Separately, staff reported a recent power loss to the quadplex traced to a fault under a concrete box behind the A field; temporary repairs restored service but a more significant repair will be required after the tournament season. Cost estimates were not available at the time of the meeting.
Board members directed staff to bring traffic‑control ordinance language and to continue coordinating infrastructure work and event logistics; no final decisions on parking design or timing for the quadplex repairs were made during the meeting.
