Frankfort Board of Works approved a two-year pavement management agreement and advanced plans to replace aging street equipment during its latest meeting, while also ratifying asset removals and highlighting new public safety funding.
Pavement plan approved
The board unanimously approved a $14,800 agreement with Butler, Fairman and Seufert (BFNS) for the city’s 2026–2027 pavement management program, aimed at maintaining grant eligibility and improving road planning.
Street Superintendent Brian Kilman said the work will help the city better track road conditions and secure funding. “Those ratings are used to evaluate the condition of our streets and help us prioritize future paving projects,” Kilman said. He added the agreement will also correct outdated state records, noting “INDOT currently lists Frankfort as having 70.5 roadway miles… despite the annexations.”
Equipment updates and purchases
The board approved moving forward with the purchase process for a replacement backhoe, pending City Council funding approval, after the city’s existing unit failed and was sold at auction.
“The machine has reached its end of useful life… and is no longer considered economically repairable,” Kilman said, pointing to ongoing mechanical issues.
Members also ratified the removal of a 2020 Ford Explorer police vehicle and a 1989 backhoe from city assets after both were sold.
Public safety funding and upgrades
Police Chief Scott Shoemaker reported the department secured multiple funding sources, including nearly $7,700 in federal grant money for ballistic vests and a similar amount from a local coalition for a license plate reader camera system.
Shoemaker also announced a $31,000 contribution from Center Township for a utility terrain vehicle to support emergency response at large events. “We live in a different world now… we plan to have officers from our tactical team available… to respond quickly to an incident,” he said.
Fire and parks updates
Fire Chief Matt Stidham said construction of Fire Station 4 remains on track for completion in late September and announced the delivery of a new brush truck funded by Center Township.
“It’s going to be a wonderful tool for us… one of the biggest things is the safety of it for the personnel,” Stidham said.
Park officials reported ongoing improvements, including new lighting near the golf course and resurfacing of basketball courts, with work expected to wrap up around early July.
Community projects and fee waivers
The board approved several $25 permit fee waivers, including ADA improvements at multiple locations and a community-led accessibility project at 656 Glendale Drive for a resident recovering from severe injuries.
Building official Rob noted the widespread local support behind the effort. “Everything in front of that house will have been donated in some way, shape, or fashion to this family,” he said.
Other business
Additional actions included approval of meeting minutes and claims, as well as authorization of a handicap parking space at 656 Glendale Drive. The meeting adjourned without further business.