MINUTES OF
THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
BRAZIL, INDIANA
FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2026
A meeting with the Board of Public Works was held on February 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the Brazil City Hall. The meeting was held on this date due to inclement weather on January 28, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brian Wyndham. The Pledge was led by Mayor Brian Wyndham.
ROLL CALL: Linda Messmer, Ruthann Jeffries, Deputy Clerk – Treasurer Jill Bennett, City Attorney Lou Britton – absent, and Mayor Brian Wyndham
OTHERS PRESENT: Clint McQueen – Police Chief, Jake Bennett – Fire Chief,
Cathy Hunter – Planning and Zoning Assistant, Don Bonomo – Cox Law, Tony Akles – Strand Associates, Shawnette Szekely – Water Superintendent
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Linda Messmer made a motion to approve the minutes from January 14, 2026, seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 3-0.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS: None
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
- Linda Messmer made a motion to approve invoice for B&T Drainage, Inc in the amount of $286,144.20 for the Colony Acres Sewer project, seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. Motion Passed 3-0.
- Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve invoice for Cox, Zwerner, Gambill and Sullivan, LLP in the amount of $7,500.00 for the Colony Acres Sewer project, seconded by Linda Messmer. Motion Passed 3-0.
- Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve 120 Water contract in the amount of $12,220.00, seconded by Linda Messmer. 120 Water helps to monitor lead inventory in our water system. Shawnette Szekely was present to explain what the contract entailed. Motion Passed 3-0.
- Shawnette Szekely gave an update on the Main waterline project moving along. Currently they are at the well field doing work and marking along 40 for the line.
- Shawnette Szekely supplied information for the City to receive a Vac truck through grant money through SRF.
- Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve Pittsburgh Tank & Tower Group in the amount of $3975.00 to inspect our water storage tanks, seconded by Linda Messmer. Motion Passed 3-0.
- Veregy Contract close out was tabled until next meeting due to additional paperwork needed for closeout.
- Linda Messmer made a motion to approve a change order for B&T Drainage, Inc in the amount of $111,811.75 for the Colony Acres Sewer project, seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. This additional money will be covered by SRF. Motion Passed 3-0.
- Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve Amendment No. 1 for Strand for the Colony Acres Sewer project, seconded by Linda Messmer. The following changes under compensation are $34,000 to $54,000 and $39,000 to $54,000 and both instances of $190,000 to $225,000. This change in amount will be covered by SRF. Motion Passed 3-0.
- Fire Chief Jake Bennett gave an update on a garage fire at 410 E Kruzan St on February 1, 2026. He reported extensive damage and no injuries on a very cold night.
CLAIMS:
- Clerk’s Office – Linda Messmer made a motion to approve the claims from the Clerk’s Office, seconded by Ruthann Jeffries. The motion passed 3-0.
- Utilities’ Office – Ruthann Jeffries made a motion to approve the claims from the Utilities’ Office, seconded by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 3-0.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “As a result of a technological failure and despite its best efforts, the Brazil Board of Public Work and Safety was prevented from live streaming, recording, archiving, or maintaining a copy of a live transmission or recording of its meeting held on February 4, 2026, commencing at 10:00 AM as required by Indiana code §:5-14-1.5-2.9. “
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
- The next meeting will be held February 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ruthann Jeffries seconded
by Linda Messmer. The motion passed 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:24 a.m.
