Board of Works

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY MINUTES September 9, 2025 Regular Session: The Board of Public Works and Safety met in regular session on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the Common Council Chambers. Members present were: Cindy Murray, Amy Moulton, Eric Rody and Ron Shriner. Absent: Gary Henriott Jacque Chosnek, City Attorney, was present. Mrs. Murray called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the flag of our Country. MINUTES Mrs. Moulton moved for approval of the minutes from the September 2, 2025 regular meeting. Mr. Rody seconded. Passed. QUOTE OPENING 2025 Small Concrete Projects This being the time set to open quotes for the Board of Public Works and Safety for the 2025 Small Concrete Projects the following quotes were received and opened: Case Construction Edinburgh, Indiana Quote: $122,00.00 Dixon Construction Lafayette, Indiana Quote: $87,954.00 Rieth-Riley Construction Lafayette, Indiana Quote: $216,000.00 Mr. Shriner moved to take the quotes under advisement for further review. Mrs. Moulton seconded. Passed. NEW BUSINESS Purchasing Contract-Renew 2025 Digester Interior Sealing Project Dave Payne, Purchasing Director, presented to the Board and recommended approval of a Contract for the Renew 2025 Digester Interior Sealing Project with The Blakely Corporation in the amount of $219,000.00. Mr. Payne Board of Public Works and Safety September 9, 2025 Page 2 stated that this service was previously solicited for quotes to be opened on August 26, 2025, but none were received. The Blakley Corporation representative was unable to hand-deliver the quote on time but did subsequently provide the only quote for these services in the amount of $219,000.00. Mr. Payne went over the details of the project. Mr. Payne answered questions from the Board. Mrs. Moulton moved for approval. Mr. Rody seconded. Passed. Notice to Proceed-Renew 2025 Digester Interior Sealing Project Mr. Payne presented to the Board and recommended approval of a Notice to Proceed for the Renew 2025 Digester Interior Sealing Project set for today. Mrs. Moulton moved for approval. Mr. Shriner seconded. Passed. Declaration of Worthless Property-Water Works Mr. Payne presented to the Board and recommended approval of a Declaration of Worthless Property for Water Works that includes a Glick #2 2001 Well Pump, Make: Flowise FW12MC2, Serial #: 79210964. Mr. Payne stated that this item has failed, is no longer serviceable and is being replaced. The item will be scrapped. Mr. Rody moved for approval. Mrs. Moulton seconded. Passed. Parks Department Change Order #1-McCaw Park Phase 2 Improvements Project Claudine Laufman, Parks Superintendent, presented to the Board and recommended approval of Change Order #1 for the McCaw Park Phase 2 Improvements Project with Chastain & Associates, LLC. The change order is an increase in the amount of $18,596.00 which brings the revised contract to $50,876.00. The change order includes services related to the following: complete redesign of the old pickleball courts, design of additional pickleball courts and a new basketball court, design of a new batting cage and dumpster enclosure, and design of additional parking lot lighting in the east parking lot. Mrs. Laufman answered questions from the Board. Mrs. Moulton moved for approval. Mr. Shriner seconded. Passed. CLAIMS Jeremy Diehl, Controller, presented for Board approval of Claims in the amount of $4,565,170.07. Mrs. Murray asked if there were any further questions and there were none. Mr. Rody moved for approval. Mr. Shriner seconded. Passed. MISCELLANEOUS Special Event Request-Bauer’s Backyard BBQ (Bauer Family Resources) Natalie McKenney, Event Representative, presented to the Board and recommended approval of a Special Event Request or the Bauer’s Backyard BBQ to be held on September 12, 2025 from 5:00pm-8:00pm located on Fountain Street between 3rd and 4th Street. Mr. Shriner moved for approval. Mr. Rody seconded. Passed. Board of Public Works and Safety September 9, 2025 Page 3 Special Event Request-Star City Nights Festival Nolan Willhite, Event Representative, presented to the Board and recommended approval of a Special Event Request for Star City Nights Festival to be held on September 26, 2025 from 6:00pm-12:00am midnight located on Main Street from 5th Street to 9th Street. Mrs. Moulton moved for approval. Mr. Rody seconded. Passed. Special Event Request-Shateeka Allen Birthday Party Mrs. Murray presented to the Board and recommended approval of a Special Event Request for Shateeka Allen Birthday Party to be held on November 15, 2025 from 8:00am-10:00pm located in the Big 4 Depot Community Room. Mr. Shriner moved for approval. Mrs. Moulton seconded. Passed. Banner Request-Wolf Park Mrs. Murray presented to the Board and recommended approval of a Banner Request for Wolf Park to be hung across Columbia Street from November 11-23, 2025. Mr. Rody moved for approval. Mr. Shriner seconded. Passed. Time: 9:10 a.m. Animal Control Appeal Hearing-Danica Payne BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY ANIMAL APPEAL MINUTES September 9, 2025 Appeal Hearing: The Board of Public Works and Safety met on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. in the Common Council Chambers. Members present were: Ron Shriner, Cindy Murray, Amy Moulton and Eric Rody. Absent: Gary Henriott Jacque Chosnek, City Attorney, was also present. Mrs. Murray called the meeting to order. Animal Control Appeal Hearing-Danica Payne Ms. Chosnek stated Danica Payne and Nashid Muhammad have appealed the seizure of their dog Chevelle (Chevy) on August 28, 2025. Ms. Chosnek stated that the owners filed a timely appeal of that impoundment to the Clerk’s Office. Mitchell Burchfield, Animal Control Officer (ACO), stated that on August 28, 2025 he responded to a dog bite call involving Chevy. ACO Burchfield stated that the call was made by a third party that said the event took place on August 27, 2025 in the evening and that the owners of the victim dog were afraid to come forward about the incident. ACO Burchfield stated that when he arrived, he first spoke to the owners of the victim dog, Ms. Munoz. ACO Burchfield stated that Ms. Munoz confirmed that their dog was attacked on August 27, 2025 and had taken the dog to Purdue Small Animal Clinic. Ms. Munoz stated that their dog “Django” had to be euthanized due to the injuries sustained by the incident. ACO Burchfield stated that Ms. Munoz told him that they were walking down Board of Public Works and Safety September 9, 2025 Page 4 the sidewalk with their Bichon Frise, Django, and when they got in front of Chevy’s home, Chevy came out and attacked Django. ACO Burchfield stated that Ms. Munoz told him that they were walking Django on a leash on the sidewalk. ACO Burchfield stated that Ms. Munoz gave him a report from Purdue Vet Clinic and was later given pictures of Django from the granddaughter. ACO Burchfield stated that the Purdue Vet Clinic reports stated that there were multiple punctures, bruises and possible fractures on the pelvis and spine. ACO Burchfield stated that Django was originally treated at Purdue Vet Clinic but later euthanized due to poor prognosis. ACO Burchfield stated that went to 2117 Arapahoe Drive to speak to Chevy’s owners, Danica Payne and Nashid Muhammad. ACO Burchfield stated that the interaction was cordial. ACO Burchfield was advised that it was just a single bite and then Chevy released Django. However, after the extent of the injuries were explained, the story was changed to needing to open Chevy’s mouth to get her to release Django during the incident. ACO Burchfield stated that Chevy was on her property walking with her owner but not leashed or restrained at that time. Chevy walked over to Django originally to interact with the dog and sniff. When Chevy approached Django, Django snapped and then Chevy reacted. ACO Burchfield stated that the injuries were consistent of more than just a single bite. ACO Burchfield classified this as a serious injury that includes multiple puncture wounds, suspected herniation of the intestines, and issues such as that. ACO Burchfield determined that Chevy would be seized for this incident because when one dog kills another dog it is deemed a Dangerous Activity, there is a quarantine period and time to inform the public. ACO Burchfield stated that Chevy did not have a Dangerous Animal Agreement (DAA) before this incident. ACO Burchfield gave the Board a brief description as to why a DAA would be issued for certain animals. Mrs. Murray asked what kind of dog Chevy is. ACO Burchfield stated that Chevy is a pit bull. ACO Burchfield answered questions from the Board. Sarah Goans, Chief Animal Control Officer (ACO), stated that ACO Burchfield called her to describe the situation briefly after he had spoken with the owners of the victim dog. ACO Goans stated that since Django was euthanized due to its injuries ACO Goans accompanied ACO Burchfield on that call so there were two ACO’s present. ACO Goans stated that they made contact with Mr. Muhammad at 2117 Arapahoe Drive. ACO Goans stated that she observed that there was no fence in the front yard. ACO Goans stated that when speaking to Mr. Muhammad, he described that there was a bite and that when Chevy went down to the sidewalk Django had turned around to snap at Chevy and that is what triggered Chevy to bite Django. ACO Goans explained to Mr. Muhammad that the records from Purdue Vet Clinic suggested that it was more serious than just a simple bite/let go. ACO Goans stated that Mr. Muhammad admitted that he and a friend had to get Chevy off of Django. ACO Goans stated that Mr. Muhammad admitted that Chevy was unrestrained at the time of the attack. ACO Goans classified the injuries as serve and borderline catastrophic for a small dog like Django. ACO Goans stated that anytime a dog is euthanized due to injury or killed from an attack with another dog, the ACO’s will seize the offending dog because of the severity. ACO Goans recommended denying the appeal for Chevy to be returned home. Nashid Muhammad, 2117 Arapahoe Drive, stated that he resides in the home with Chevy. Mr. Muhammad confirms that on August 27, 2025 there was an incident with Chevy and a Bichon Frise named Django in front of his home. Mr. Muhammad confirmed that he was aware that Django sustained puncture wounds to the abdomen and hind limb paralysis. Mr. Muhammad stated that he could not follow up with the Munoz family because he did not have any contact information for them. Mr. Muhammad stated that he did not have any contact with the authorities until the next day. Mr. Muhammad confirmed that Chevy was not restrained or on a leash when she was in the front yard. Mr. Muhammad stated that he walks the dog all the time with no leash and is very obedient. Mr. Muhammad stated that he was not aware that there are leash and restraint requirements to control an animal while on property. Mr. Muhammad stated that they have had Chevy since she was a pup, had her trained, takes her to the dog park, plays with other animals, into stores, and plays in the yard. Mr. Muhammad stated that he has never had to leash her and is good with her commands. Mr. Muhammad stated that Chevy has never attacked another animal before this. Mr. Muhammad stated that when Chevy and Django came together that night, they Board of Public Works and Safety September 9, 2025 Page 5 were sniffing when Django snapped at Chevy. Mr. Muhammad believes that he made the situation worse but covering/grabbing Chevy to release her from Django. Mr. Muhammad stated that his heart goes out to Django’s family. Mr. Muhammad stated that Chevy loves the neighbors, loves treats from the neighbors, acts like a lap dog, and is part of their family. Mr. Muhammad stated that he would like to make it right and have another chance. He would adhere to the laws for his dog. Mr. Shriner stated that this is heart-wrenching, however this is a public safety issue. There are laws/ordinances in place for such incidents as is. Mr. Shriner stated that it is always tough, but the worst possible scenario came out of this with one dog killing another dog. Mr. Shriner stated that the Board cannot shy away from this situation. Mr. Shriner moved to deny the appeal. Mrs. Moulton seconded. Denied. Time: 9:33 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY Cindy Murray s/s President Pro-Tem ATTEST: Mindy Miller Riehle s/s Mindy Miller Riehle, 1st Deputy Clerk Minutes written by Mindy Miller Riehle, 1st Deputy Clerk *A digital audio recording of this meeting is available in the Lafayette City Clerk’s Office or online at http://www.lafayette.in.gov/agendacenter. **A list of all permits issued for the preceding week is available at http://www.lafayette.in.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/375