FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 22, 2025) – The Frankfort Board of Works (BOW) approved a range of measures, including setting annual trick-or-treat hours, greenlighting legal action against an unsafe property, and securing a $4,600 refund, during its recent meeting Monday evening.
Halloween trick-or-treat hours for October 31, 2025, will take place between 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..
Police Chief Scott Shoemaker asked for board approved for the customary transfer of ownership for retiring K9 Athena to her handler, Lieutenant Chris Salaba. K9 Athena, who was purchased from a police department in Virginia, has served for about eight years, with the last five years spent alongside Lt. Salaba. The ownership transfer agreement between the Frankfort Police Department and Lt. Salaba will be effective October 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., coinciding with a planned retirement party.
In city infrastructure and legal matters, the board took action on two key issues.
The city secured approval to proceed with filing documentation in circuit court concerning a long-standing issue with an unsafe property. The action authorizes the city to seek court approval to take the house down if the property owner does not comply. The documentation, prepared by the city attorney Alicia Albertson and supported by engineering inspections, proves the house is unsafe and needs to be torn down. If the city takes the property down, it will file a lien on the property.
Following an issue with splash pad winterization, the board approved a release of claim with the insurance company representing the winterization company, allowing the city to recover $4,600. The funds will be returned to the city’s general fund. Approval of the release constitutes a final and full settlement, precluding the city from requesting additional funds for that particular winterization issue.
The board also approved Resolution 25-08, which adopts an updated Title VI implementation plan for the city. This resolution is essential to maintain the city’s eligibility for continued federal funding.
The Parks Department received approval to proceed with the rehoming of several animals on its list; three donkeys, three large birds, several smaller birds along with foxes.
Additionally, the board approved a proposal to add nine new parallel parking stalls on Clinton Street. These stalls will be placed in front of the IvyTech building, the music store, and a couple on the bridge, adding capacity where previous areas were designated yellow (no parking). Officials confirmed the plan does not interfere with existing ADA-compliant parking spaces.
In minor administrative action, the board granted a $20 permit fee waiver for St. Mary’s Catholic Church for a fence permit.
The board received updates from various departments.
The Fire Department’s tanker vehicle is back in service. Engine 3 is expected to be delivered in January. Fire officials noted concern that the last two existing trucks are “literally on their last leg” and will require future discussion on replacement options.
City officials discussed the disposal of old electric vehicle (EV) chargers that were recently replaced. The chargers were valued by the company that sold the new units at $200 to $300. Since they fall under the $1,000 threshold, the city has several options, including private sale, auction, or deeming them valueless and disposing of them. Staff will reach out to previously interested parties to gauge serious intent to purchase the chargers before proceeding.
Officials noted that the current concession stands contract is expected to expire around the end of October. Staff plans to bring a proposal regarding the renewal or adjustment of the contract for events, potentially including the soup kitchen, at the next meeting.
Progress was noted on the County Annex Building regarding ADA compliance, with sidewalk cutting underway. Paving for Washington Street is tentatively scheduled to begin the following week, provided curb and gutter work is completed.
