BEDFORD – The Bedford Board of Works approved a contract with Zurich Insurance to provide property, liability, automobile, and workman’s compensation insurance for the city.
The premium will increase by 7 percent from last year and will cost the city an additional, $24,712.
Three other insurance companies were sought for quotes they included HHC, Trident, and IPEP. Their quotes ranged from $21,700 to $71,015 more than Zurich. The City of Bedford switched to Zurich Insurance last year who provided $40,000 savings to the city as a first-time customer.
In other business:
- The board approved the closing of J Street between 15th and 16th streets for ” Festival For Heroes” on September 11, 2021. The festival will pay tribute to police officers, firefighters, paramedics and veterans. This event is being sponsored by the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office and Lawrence County Veterans Affairs Office. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Mayor Sam Craig wanted Lawrence County Veterans Affairs Officer Brad Bough to reach out to local businesses within that arear a week prior to the event and communicate their intentions and establish a contact to address questions and concerns. He also requested they Bough contact Street Commissioner David Flinn and Police Chief Terry Moore to make sure they are aware of the event.
- The board approved the closing of J Street between 15th and16th streets for the third annual spaghetti dinner for the Men’s Warming Shelter on September 25th. Ginny Fullen, an organizer of the event, states the event will be titled ” SPOTS, Spaghetti back on the Square,”. The event will encompass Harp Commons, and the western portion of the courthouse lawn. The event will take place from 5:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m., however Fullen requested the street be closed from noon until 10:00 p.m. the day of the event for set up and clean up. Mayor Craig asked her to inform both the street commissioner and police chief as well as the local businesses located in that area a week prior to the event so they can ask questions and address concerns.
- Bedford Fire Chief John Hughes received permission to promote and hire a firefighter following the retirement of Bedford Fire Department Battilion Chief DeWayne Turpen. Lieutenant Jeremy Holsapple was promoted to Captain, Senior Firefighter Ronnie G. Prince Jr. was promoted to Lieutenant, Firefighter David R. Zeeks was promoted to Senior Firefighter, and Brandon G. Scherschel was hired as a Third Class Firefighter. “We want to thank DeWayne Turpen for his years of service to the City of Bedford,” stated Charlene Hall Board of Works member.
- Bedford Police Chief Terry Moore received approval to hire Peyton Felix as a new police officer for the City of Bedford.
- The council approved a Wellness service agreement with IU Health Bloomington Hospital. The city has participated in the program for several years. The cost is $8,250. Employees who take part in the program receive testing for various medical conditions and other health checks. The information is provided to their physician and if they follow up with the program this could mean savings up to $150 a month on their paycheck. The agreement allows up to 150 employees to take part in the program.
