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Residents and JCEDC representative back fire department and small-business support; chiefs report staffing and equipment updates
Summary
Public commenters urged quick action on a new fire truck and JCEDC provided an overview of small-business assistance; chiefs reported recent police and fire statistics and equipment status, including a broken fire pumper slated for replacement.
At the Sept. 19 Holden City Council meeting, resident Steve Thelen and Tracy Branter of the Johnson County Economic Development Corporation addressed the council during the public comment period, and department chiefs reported operational statistics and equipment conditions.
Citizen Steve Thelen (1016 Golden Eagle Trail) spoke in support of purchasing a new fire truck and urged the council to move quickly to secure one. Tracy Branter of JCEDC described the organization's role in assisting small businesses from startup through later stages and thanked the city for past support and contributions.
Police Chief Mayhew provided a written and verbal report listing 54 incident reports for the period, including 15 misdemeanors, five felonies, 11 warrant arrests, two domestic incidents, 46 traffic summonses and 82 traffic warnings. He told the council that with full staffing the department had enough manpower to manage the recent street fair without sheriff assistance.
Fire Chief Wakeman reported nine fire incidents and 12 rescue/EMS incidents for August. He noted Engine 211 is currently broken down and said the pumper will be replaced using proceeds from the bond that the council later authorized. Chief Wakeman also reported that Engine 212 had no current maintenance issues, Brush 215 had a computer replaced and Car 200 is used for medical calls; the department's new Explorer is now in service and the old vehicle will be offered as surplus.
Street Superintendent Joe Robb summarized weekly maintenance work, culvert installations and large-equipment maintenance and said crews are preparing for upcoming mill-and-overlay and chip-seal projects.
The Public Safety Committee reported a community hydrant repaint project with WINGS Academy and O & M Enterprises, a recommendation to install digital speed signs on South 131 Highway, and scoping work for generators at the Police Department, Fire Department and City Hall. The council also noted intent to register for HGACBuy to allow cooperative procurement under Ordinance 25.020.6.D.
The council later approved a resolution authorizing a fire truck agreement and passed the bond that Chief Wakeman referenced; meeting minutes show the bond carries an interest rate of 4.63% through Huntington Public Capital. A public forum on the Comprehensive Plan was also announced for Sept. 24.
