Goshen Board of Public Works approves firefighters, contracts, drainage plan and summer closures

The Goshen City Board of Public Works and Safety on June 25 unanimously approved a package of personnel actions, contracts and land-use items, including the appointment and swearing-in of two probationary firefighters and a costly inspection contract for street reconstruction.

The board ratified a conditional offer and then approved appointments for Gail J. Bulley (retroactive to June 10, 2026) and Benjamin L. Snider (effective June 25, 2026) as probationary firefighters for the Goshen City Fire Department; both were sworn in during the meeting. Director of Public Works Mr. Baylor presented the hires to the board and the members voted to accept the appointments.

On contracts and city services, the board authorized Mayor Liy to execute a $3,684 agreement with Rainuard to install gutters on the Goshen Interpretive Center (deposit $1,474; balance $2,210) and unanimously approved ratification of Deputy Mayor Brenson’s two‑year agreement with Aquatic Weed Control to treat poison hemlock at the Goshen Environmental Center for $3,750 per year (2026–2027), citing the time‑sensitive nature of the treatment.

The meeting also included approval of a not‑to‑exceed $467,680 agreement with Jones Petri Rafinsky (JPR) to provide inspection services for the reconstruction of streets in Maple City Industrial Park and Century Drive. Mr. Baylor described that contract as necessary to oversee reconstruction work; the board authorized the mayor to execute the agreement.

Land‑use and infrastructure items included acceptance of post‑construction stormwater plans for Brickley RV Service (2482 Century Drive) and the Oakan Lacassa apartment housing project (Lake View Drive addresses), both found to comply with city ordinance No. 5228. The board accepted a drainage plan and a secondary subdivision plat for the Row on the Mill Race — an 18‑lot attached residential project — in accordance with subdivision control ordinance No. 3196; staff noted the city does not guarantee long‑term performance of the installed drainage work and that corrective responsibility rests with the developer or property owner if the system fails.

The board approved a $4,550 change order for the Clinton water‑tower painting contract after crews discovered and repaired a hole and a damaged structural support; the change order raised the project cost to approximately $148,350. The board also moved uncollected final water and sewer accounts to collections after staff reported the original balance and amounts collected to date.

Several public requests and temporary closures were approved: a fireworks display for Bicepro Golf Club on July 4 (rain date July 5) with related city public‑safety support; a partial Canal Street closure for Flow Fest on June 27; a temporary alley closure for Picassa’s exterior window work (June 26–July 2); parking‑space closures for Jane & Stone’s lift work (July 20–24); and a short, four‑day closure window for College Avenue utility work tied to the College Phase One reconstruction project (closure to begin between June 30 and July 6). A sidewalk and four parking spaces at 119 E. Lincoln Avenue were also approved for temporary closure during vault repairs (third week of July, approximate).

All recorded motions during the meeting carried by voice vote. The board concluded by approving civil city utility claims and adjourning.

The Board is expected to post formal signed agreements, plats and bond/inspection documents with the city clerk’s office and the redevelopment commission for public record.