[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6301364,"mediaKeyId","2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4","parentId",2488598,"title","Council approves downtown Cruise Night route, organizers to coordinate with police","audioSeconds",139,"startMs",396000,"endMs",535000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4&start=396&end=535","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4/thumbnail_396000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6301364/La-Porte-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Council-approves-downtown-Cruise-Night-route-organizers-to-coordinate-with-police","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301364-e0516d8af29b2c5d0e2d9ad30e0ca0f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771219837&Signature=FA6zPJ~8p9L~DbhKBJ9vQpMyVcg8WwCQbKwSJNQJ0lc6nKBmXTxmYYeKC-n8hLhUueR8oZ1moA-HSigkpv6UJZ3ui-ASSxJFp8vYXQNjvzv4cK0W05GhTDEz3V4SgDOB~mEWo9maNYB6L6o9k5I-zxzM8JZZ9YAK2SzElL5AQWObRAeGjWpOuY3dbhoo2d033Yse0ZRY9lbX0IZ5Gt3UHaQsKXSx9tTm3s9ZE2vCMR3flc3qijp4Up5D84H77fu3BSMI3v3VtUejtaGZmv~DqyGesFbMR4skO-fMJZG49AxSOW~~0t9ZU7FAjYM7vCAAHK3TLESkIeZQaVsfQKD7xQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of La Porte IN","date","2025-03-04T15:00:22Z","article","Council members approved a request from event organizers to hold Cruise Night in downtown La Porte, including closures of side streets and use of a state route from Linden Street in downtown La Porte out to the fairgrounds.

The organizer provided paperwork, bonds and insurance to the city and the state route application was in process with the Indiana Department of Transportation. Council members noted strong public interest in the event, reported participation numbers in the hundreds, and said police and fire would be involved in traffic and safety management.

The motion to approve the street closures and event logistics passed by voice vote; staff noted the event date would be one week earlier than usual this year to avoid a conflict at the fairgrounds and that participants purchase spots and display a participant sticker on the vehicle.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Public Works & Safety - 03/04/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved the request to use downtown streets for Cruise Night with street closures and a state route from Linden Street to the fairgrounds; organizers supplied bonds and insurance.","taxTitle","La Porte City, LaPorte County, Indiana","taxId",70496,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6301367,"Council approves new K9 handler training; retiring police dog to appear at council",95,541000,636000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4&start=541&end=636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4/thumbnail_541000.jpg","/articles/6301367/La-Porte-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Council-approves-new-K9-handler-training-retiring-police-dog-to-appear-at-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301367-2f31c5d01264609a674f38efdbda810e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771219837&Signature=DYn0-58zAKAuJBP4RIhdOQw2nzU5rcGvgMlSDuZLWAdmEqq0bi-9g5xVfJJvBf5a30rNwuMYeM1QRd5v0EfsKsyKCrr9mZOV4FaJQWmbF6P4ClEcNAXdS9k55B8gqDPIelh7UKXsgeXykYtX7W8bunMVRHB0dkQJRhBp5Br39x0Bu0fApwFqo9dTlGTxW996FW8sH3tgPhSt2AWT9hmCjxTGIfBgH1XlxcEGI7RdK7VG60pmg~I1hpU9FidJRfvCnzylU8FKy~l6OeUcJK~lm-5aL8dMhuq0RFKlF2B5KhWXoZ3hColYOgRBDE7iN7lNTxcZrowQLxoXP6Eg9PiCmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The La Porte Police Department will replace an outgoing K9 and send the handler to a six-week training, using funds already raised in the department's canine fund.

Chief Buell reported that handler Rico Simpson will be retiring his current dog, Jimmy, and that the handler acquired Jimmy from another department, meaning no city purchase would be required for that retirement transfer. \"It is his dog. He brought it in from another department, so there would be no issues with having to purchase it for a dollar or anything because he owns the dog,\" Buell said.

Chief Buell asked the council to approve sending Rico Simpson to training at Von Lick Kennels for the new dog and the training was described as a six-week class. Buell thanked the public donors who contributed to the canine fund and confirmed there are sufficient funds to cover the training cost.

The council approved the training authorization by voice vote. Council members suggested the retiring dog, Jimmy, make an appearance at a future meeting; staff said they would coordinate bringing Jimmy in around April 1.","The council approved funding from the department's canine fund to send handler Rico Simpson to a six-week training with Von Lick Kennels for a new K9; the retiring dog, Jimmy, was noted and staff said Jimmy may be brought to council.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6301372,"Council authorizes steps on 50% grant for two electric trucks and a utility vehicle, staff warns of reimbursement risk",89,653000,742000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4&start=653&end=742","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4/thumbnail_653000.jpg","/articles/6301372/La-Porte-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Council-authorizes-steps-on-50-grant-for-two-electric-trucks-and-a-utility-vehicle-staff-warns-of-reimbursement-risk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301372-f9f50335e922777f8a8e04643d2afc70/orig.mp4?Expires=1771219837&Signature=YqfBQAvF7wL8XaLS0lJUG-YA0FvB66KrVO7T8yRG3QSQpGBx4E68JWpkDl3VjuhxJotjNLe-v1o6oK~WrAlpd6G5z2jdXVvyaV5P8fNTzxNjY~lSIuUjAVTGM0aYQ-VdxkizzyYeUhDwYHiCkeS-bQFCgEJFkxCniMW-R55DKxPJfgmV~vM5oXbDlkDyQEok2RX~USw7G-GPfMpMqM3jDvfgcmmzmAUJVqnE~k10pj-AOhaZ37ZuEOCHwpoJM5aqtda0XXEsQU4BDpFqcs4uB45Gwj0ipMwTnftLPusDkvpPoRUhsfrCyDdNShvXJRfrkKOmZW2XTaSyEbG4KECafw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City wastewater staff briefed the council on a 50% grant to purchase two electric trucks and one electric utility vehicle to be used at the treatment plant and authorized staff to seek quotes and confirm grant commitments before purchasing.

Jerry Jackson, wastewater department head, said the grant was written around Ford Lightning pickups and that the vehicles could be charged from the city's large solar field, reducing operating fuel costs. \"The grant was written around, Ford Lightnings, which have a large towing capacity, a large bed capacity. They also have a 220 volt connection that we can use to power our some of our smaller pump stations by just plugging it into the truck,\" Jackson said.

Jackson told the council the grant would cover 50% of the cost through NURPC, but cautioned that federal or grant funding can change and that purchases are reimbursed after the fact, creating short-term cash exposure. He asked permission to request quotes and to contact the grant administrator to confirm the award remains a going concern before making any purchases; the council approved that approach.

Council members asked clarifying questions about where the vehicles would be used (on site at the treatment plant for equipment transport and temporary power), whether the city would be required to pay upfront, and whether the funding would flow through NURPC. Jackson confirmed the vehicles would remain primarily on the treatment-plant site and that NURPC funds flow through the regional program.

The motion to authorize staff to request quotes and proceed pending confirmation of grant funding passed by voice vote.","City staff asked for permission to request quotes and proceed if the NURPC grant remains viable; the council approved the request but staff emphasized grants are paid after purchase, creating an upfront risk.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6301377,"Council approves tree-removal plan, spring planting RFQ after discussion of public safety and replacement species",363,1122000,1485000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4&start=1122&end=1485","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4/thumbnail_1122000.jpg","/articles/6301377/La-Porte-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Council-approves-tree-removal-plan-spring-planting-RFQ-after-discussion-of-public-safety-and-replacement-species","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301377-57d570bfdd36d9ce2bde7c066d838b30/orig.mp4?Expires=1771219837&Signature=NHLCEcLr8T42VQHt2E3QLirVzj8hUF3QqNiZ58cI3-mJ2Kyb1WdjHFT0AvSdeiCvPgEvKfgv3EnEEw2mwEsqIyP7SsMFo9zI3JmMiz-QptO6g6lg~CafOXVyabSg-~nDSmD5Y0KJ68qIn3TxkDQDVAfGGIjyWma3TcVUWU8K3npgtKkyIYyc5aqVGJJQ5TDiPaxZzqZuJEr26A4WcwmT5MwtojI7Z2kohx-LL3Cpd2RU9HWDa~OUJ1QDFyI7UHKDh6ee1My1noSJdsYwvPPBE2hb5MlVW27z24mkvyhvexw15b2vT10Fx0pm62GeYo5tDjy5NsjYzCyd0ELfNu3BQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of La Porte moved forward with a multi-part urban forestry effort intended to remove hazardous right-of-way trees and replant a diversity of species.

Tucker King said the first action authorizes advertisement for bids to remove 277 trees identified as critical hazards under a U.S. Forest Service tree grant. \"We have around 900 trees that need to be removed from our inventory. And this is 277 of those which are identified as the ones that will cause the most damage and are at that risk for failing currently,\" King said during the presentation.

King said the budget was being balanced so in-house crews could continue other street and tree duties; the city estimates roughly $250,000 for this phase and noted last year the city removed 120 trees. He added the city looks to replace removed trees with species selected to limit damage to sidewalks, utilities and other right-of-way infrastructure.

On a related item, the council approved an Urban Forestry spring planting RFQ to replace 80 trees. King said the planting program is part of a multi-year plan — \"part 2 of 6 of our plantings\" — intended to replant hundreds of trees over subsequent spring and fall cycles. He told the council that the arborist worked with project planning to identify removal and replanting locations and select roughly 33 species matched to site conditions.

Council discussion touched on cost differences between in-house crews and contractors, stump grinding timing (typically done in late fall or early spring), and homeowner outreach: King acknowledged early plantings drew some homeowner complaints because staff did not contact homeowners before planting in the public right-of-way.

The motion to advertise for tree removal bids and the RFQ for spring planting both passed by voice vote.","The council approved a U.S. Forest Service grant advertisement for removal of 277 hazardous right-of-way trees and authorized a request for quotes to replace 80 trees as part of a multi-year effort to address roughly 900 aging trees.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6301382,"Council approves payroll, claims and multiple contracts; items include pay app, HSIP and pedestrian contracts",108,884000,992000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4&start=884&end=992","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2488598-b2de97d169d7fb7110fcbdf3f996c8d4/thumbnail_884000.jpg","/articles/6301382/La-Porte-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Council-approves-payroll-claims-and-multiple-contracts-items-include-pay-app-HSIP-and-pedestrian-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301382-0c899c4bdb6022533fb60e477d26a3ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771219837&Signature=C~Wc~B9qI793Xmhby-yk615k28ehppNmVuxKhOKEt7zhj7LbUrYN1hQXImyjCUHwlIOhxQ~6AMWLmq0NHHl-fWcU~FaDsTVW8ie4tiGLqBV6aTwv3rSutQrBA1MB-9RKkUBeUrQZeWY2Bs4gWgjBe-A0r7HO1PdSLrTqxgl2vFd1e~4fB3d2sV5k7B2jfRT5JwDuLdd-3cgXWmNrMIGtK-b4UZXveApFhnGL7dLcgmfDSRd5qjSi11yh-I3lmLAFM~vxpT3rR1gWIrk1Wha8MrBLwMK~-n6gNmqoeI3koyVw0KJg-4lgp6ZjQdrZ2YwDYB~IOfmwuo8u4oUeg54-Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The La Porte City Council approved routine payroll and claims, awarded several consultant contracts and authorized project payments during its meeting.

The approvals included the civil city payroll of $557,859.51, water claims of $25,757.37, sewage claims of $50,159.39 and civil city claims of $717,941.52. The council also approved pay application No. 7 for the TrueCell project in the amount of $479,537.69.

In transportation items, the council approved a contract with USI Consultants for HSIP sign replacement (contract negotiated at $168,700) and a contract with United Consulting for pedestrian improvements (contract amount $116,000). Both contracts were presented as matching or leveraging Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds with approximately an 80/20 or 90/10 grant split discussed.

Other routine items approved included authorization for two vacant parcels purchase closing documents to be executed by Chief Andy Snyder for the fire department and several departmental claims and payroll motions that passed by voice vote.

Votes at a glance:
- Civil city payroll: $557,859.51 — approved (voice vote)
- Water claims: $25,757.37 — approved (voice vote)
- Sewage claims: $50,159.39 — approved (voice vote)
- Civil city claims: $717,941.52 — approved (voice vote)
- TrueCell pay application No. 7: $479,537.69 — approved (motion passed)
- HSIP sign replacement contract (USI Consultants): $168,700 — approved
- Pedestrian improvements contract (United Consulting): $116,000 — approved
- Authorization for Chief Andy Snyder to execute closing documents for two parcels for the fire department — approved

The meeting record shows the council handled these items with limited discussion and passed them by formal motions and voice votes. No individual roll-call tallies were provided in the transcript for these motions.","La Porte City Council unanimously approved routine payroll and claims, accepted a $479,537.69 pay application for a construction project, and authorized contracts for HSIP sign replacement and pedestrian improvements, among other routine actions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves downtown Cruise Night route, organizers to coordinate with police

Council approves new K9 handler training; retiring police dog to appear at council

Council authorizes steps on 50% grant for two electric trucks and a utility vehicle, staff warns of reimbursement risk

Council approves tree-removal plan, spring planting RFQ after discussion of public safety and replacement species

Council approves payroll, claims and multiple contracts; items include pay app, HSIP and pedestrian contracts