The Beech Grove Board of Public Works and Safety approved several contracts and personnel matters at its May 5 meeting, including a citywide tree inventory, a major equipment upgrade for emergency medical services, and the promotion of a public works employee. The meeting also marked the resignation of longtime board member Sandy Seward (Photo Credit: City of Beech Grove).
Beech Grove tree inventory
The board voted to award a $12,945 contract to SavATree for a citywide tree inventory, part of a grant-funded project aimed at increasing urban greenery. Four bids were submitted for the project, and SavATree was the lowest bidder. The city was awarded up to $17,500 in federal grant funds for the work.
“I appreciate the Green Scape Commission and their work and the evaluating each of the different opportunities that we have,” one board member said. “SavATree is certainly the lowest bidder, and I think that they accomplish everything that we are looking for.”
The board also approved updating the project timeline, setting an August 1 deadline for completion of the tree inventory.
New EMS equipment
In a major item of new business, the board approved a seven-year, $628,215.58 agreement with Stryker for updated EMS equipment, including heart monitors and power load systems. The equipment will be paid through ambulance reimbursement funds.
“Our monitors are currently 13 years old and have reached the end of service life and are no longer able to be maintained or serviced,” said Beech Grove EMS Director Rob Chesire. “We have experienced tomography and oxygen sensor issues that can jeopardize patient care and treatment.”
Chesire said the equipment is essential for diagnosing and responding to heart attacks and other emergencies.
“We can recognize if they’re having that severe heart attack with the trolley EKG and start treating that patient and get them to the appropriate facility,” he said.
Hiring Public Assistance Officer
The board also approved hiring Sydney Miller as a summer part-time Public Assistance Officer. Miller, a criminal justice student at Ball State University, will work up to 29 hours per week at a rate of $17.50 per hour.
Community Crossings Matching Grant bids opening next meeting
The board also accepted a letter from the Indiana Department of Transportation notifying the city of a $487,810.89 Community Crossings Matching Grant award. No vote was taken, but bids for the project will be opened at the next meeting.
Property purchased for Beech Grove Police Department
The board also approved a judgment for the purchase of property on Emerson Avenue for $565,000, including interest, for the Police Department.
Public Works employee promoted
Public Works employee Parker Pettigrew was promoted to commercial driver after obtaining a Class B CDL license. His new biweekly salary will be $2,616.66.
Sandy Seward retires from Board of Public Works and Safety
The meeting ended on a reflective note as Clerk-Treasurer Samantha Stratton read a resignation letter from Sandy Seward, who served more than 13 years on the Board of Public Works and Safety.
“Sandy made her mark here in Beech Grove, and her legacy will be felt for years,” Stratton said. “I know without a doubt Sandy will be back to visit, to walk the trails, to shop Main Street or to simply check in on me in the city that she loves.”
In her resignation letter, Seward thanked current and former mayors and city staff for the opportunity to serve. “Serving on the board for the past 13 years has been a great honor. I am proud of all that we have achieved together to strengthen the safety, infrastructure and overall well-being of our residents,” she wrote.
The next Board of Works meeting is scheduled for May 19.