As usual portions of the audio were very difficult to hear, so once again we relied heavily on the transcript for parts of this Board of Works meeting.
The Board of Works moved briskly through its 8/18/26 meeting, approving minutes from both the August 4 and August 6 sessions before turning to a series of departmental updates and contract actions.
Fire Chief Sheets announced that the city’s new aerial truck is officially in service. With that upgrade complete, the department is designating its older Simon LTI aerial truck as surplus. The board introduced and approved Resolution 2026‑2, which directs the city to offer the truck first to county fire departments. If no department expresses a need for it, Chief Sheets will be authorized to pursue a sale.
The board also approved an agreement with Dixon Engineering to manage the next phase of work on the North Water Tower. Dixon will handle engineering review, bid preparation, and project oversight. While the discussion included references to estimated project costs, several figures in the audio were unclear, and the board focused primarily on authorizing Dixon to begin the process. Mayor Dan Rickord was approved as the signatory for the contract.
Police Chief Gerber reported that AT&T FirstNet is offering a tiered data plan that could reduce costs for devices that see little or no usage. The board made the change a matter of record. Members also approved a contract for Pace Schedule, a software system that will consolidate scheduling, equipment tracking, certifications, payroll coordination, and other administrative tasks into a single platform.
The Merit Center’s tenants will see a small lease increase beginning with 2027 renewals, a change the board noted for the record. A memorandum of agreement with Belmont Cadet Youth Football for use of the outdoor field was also formally acknowledged.
The police department received a state grant to support Detective Cory Ham’s training at a national conference focused on crimes against children. Leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening investigative skills to protect youth in Adams County.
Before adjournment, the board recognized Street Department Superintendent Matt Schultz for completing certification to serve as the city’s ADA and Title VI coordinator. His appointment was entered into the record ahead of an upcoming compliance presentation.