Spencer Council approves purchase of police vehicles

Spencer Town Council members Jon Stantz, Evan McKalip, and Ginger Kohr met in regular session Jan. 20, along with clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke and town attorney Richard Lorenz.

Following approval of the Jan. 5th meeting minutes, the council heard from Steve Withem of Spencer Main Street concerning memorial benches being considered to honor Spencer attorney John Fuhs and former town council member Mike Spinks, both of whom passed away in 2025. Although the exact locations have yet to be determined, Withem noted the benches would be purchased and installed at no cost to the town.

Next, the council received an update from Lorenz concerning three town contracts/agreements he was working to finalize for 2026, including with the Owen County Humane Society, Economic Development Corporation and Rural Transit.

The council also approved a public hearing for Tuesday, March 10 to consider the adoption of local sewer rates. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building at 90 N. West St.

In departmental reports, Spencer Chief of Police Terry Sips announced the resignation of reserve officer Sam Robinson due to personal reasons. Sips also noted the appointment of reserve officer Jeremy Burke to serve as president of the department's reserve officers' division.

The council later voted 3-0 to approve the purchase of two 2026 Dodge Durango police vehicles for the department from the John Jones dealership. The total cost approved was $149,345.20.

Sewer Department superintendent Ryan Klaassen later provided the council with an update regarding site visits that were being scheduled with contractors and subcontractors related to obtaining quotes for the town's planned sewer improvement project. Klaassen also indicated he was still awaiting a quote for a second pump for the State Road 43S lift station, though he was tentatively anticipating a cost of around $10,000.

Klaassen also indicated a desire to have around 60 feet of sewer main replaced on W. Wayne Street near Riverside Cemetery due to deterioration of the existing sewer main and the presence of tree roots that have infiltrated the damaged line. Klaassen said he had received a quote from HFI (Harrell-Fish, Inc.) of Bloomington for the replacement of 60 feet of PVC sewer main, three new taps, and a new cleanout. The quote was for about $20,000. He noted additional quotes would be obtained.

Street department superintendent Tony Floyd provided the council with an update concerning the installation of new banners on light poles in and around downtown Spencer. He said during periods of colder weather, the staff had been working to clean and organize the street department building, as well as repainting traffic barricades in preparation for spring.

Floyd noted the department had recently purchased a load of salt, bringing the department to the halfway point of the amount budgeted for the purchase of salt this winter.

Lastly, Floyd spoke of the need to post signage at the new pickleball and basketball courts on Spencer's south side advising park patrons of the park's hours of operation, suggesting dawn to dusk. Councilman McKalip noted he would bring the issue to the attention of the Spencer Parks and Recreation Board.

The Spencer Town Council will meet again on Monday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St.