Owensville aldermen approve police SUV and firefighter gear, adopt procurement changes and delay street‑sweeper decision

The Owensville Board of Aldermen on July 21 approved several public-safety purchases, adopted changes to the city procurement policy and postponed a decision on a street sweeper.

Alderman Lahmeyer moved and Alderman Breeden seconded a motion to accept a $62,500 quote from ESU Pursuits for a fully outfitted 2025 Ford Explorer for the police fleet; the motion carried without dissent. The City Marshal told the board the vehicle will require additional outfitting — decals, a computer desk and radios — at an estimated additional cost of about $3,000 and said the city plans three take‑home supervisor vehicles and an SRO vehicle for Officer Baldwin.

The board also approved a request from the Fire Chief to purchase turnout gear. After reviewing three bids, the Fire Chief recommended up to four sets from Dinges Fire Company at $2,500 per set (maximum $10,000) or, if appropriate, use remaining funds to buy boots. Alderman Kramme moved and Alderman Bohl seconded the measure, which passed without dissent. The chief said turnout gear must be retired after 10 years and reported the department has responded to 256 calls year‑to‑date; he also noted an Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant award was expected soon and that the Owensville Fire District is seeking a September workshop with the board to discuss a transfer to a district structure.

Code enforcement staff reported 15 violations in June 2025 (10 corrected warnings and 5 citations) and said a homemade structure behind O’Reilly Auto Parts on city park property will be the subject of a police trespass report and cleaned up before the fair.

Public Works staff presented multiple quotes for a new street sweeper — with vendor and model prices ranging from used units (~$106,000–$160,000) to new machines (approximately $237,346–$386,905) — and described on‑site visits to review available models. After discussion of costs and operating needs, the board postponed the purchase decision to its Aug. 18, 2025 meeting.

Parks and Recreation staff summarized recent events (a ‘Christmas in July’ movie night and Santa visits) and said the waterpark’s 27 operational days in 2025 made this the department’s worst season in five years; staff set Aug. 17 as the last regular waterpark day with a Doggie Dip planned for Aug. 18.

City Administrator staff reported the Winters Memorial Fund has risen by about $40,000 over two months to a balance of $983,658.29. The administrator and city attorney said they have drafted warning letters to landowners with abandoned or deteriorating properties, asking owners to clean up lots within the city.

The board adopted Resolution No. 2025‑4, amending the procurement policy to increase purchase thresholds and clarify bidding procedures. Alderman Kramme moved and Alderman Lahmeyer seconded the resolution; it passed without dissent.

Mayor Kevin McFadden said the city will continue discussions about enlarging and updating directional signage for the Senior Center, the HUB and other facilities. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. City Clerk Peggy Farrell attested the minutes.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2025; staff also expect a September workshop request from the Owensville Fire District to discuss the potential transfer from a city volunteer fire department to a district.