[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6608267,"mediaKeyId","2939754-26df4306c1457e3ddf19b9678170e72a","parentId",2939754,"title","Votes at a glance: Schererville council approves DORA, property purchase, contracts, grants and other measures on April 9","audioSeconds",609,"startMs",2858000,"endMs",2249000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939754-26df4306c1457e3ddf19b9678170e72a&start=2858&end=2249","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939754-26df4306c1457e3ddf19b9678170e72a/thumbnail_2858000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6608267/Schererville-Town/Lake-County/Indiana/Votes-at-a-glance-Schererville-council-approves-DORA-property-purchase-contracts-grants-and-other-measures-on-April-9","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6608267-6195b0dd2300469544a4f35143e95d1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138365&Signature=AdjCJAxNM0CZYBwxqfXrpMaMa3M6IfuW7AntLsPpe-hYkuKAx0euQ-muF2ALg~y~p3Os9N1h8uNgOkWV9Ba6tUXq3ooSIvohHeyWRcXo0Q5n2u6n5LuFsAw4NvabPEOilLYtp-Sz3ihxO5-ZtKGg0jp5zPi42m7UFEzLwWGIHa5M5wCXEdlKWnnld4an5h5OpY-arTnCfar9prPMLFBIOZwG8ihJyhlYhqZsg3Wd0SukU4jq3gtZA1Da4NXIbrNoinHrM4H0dju3sN3Lcxb3p4jJhwzsVdo6Mha~utYciXgJNh6faYblMfxMbt4ncrWIta-8hP770~3obk6f~kJ08w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Schererville, CA","date","2025-04-10T01:22:07.04Z","article","The Schererville Town Council took a series of formal actions Wednesday. The list below summarizes each item, the council's vote, and key details recorded in the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 2022 (DORA): Adopted 4-0. The ordinance establishes a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) in the downtown district for a Parks Department event \"Pensy Pints and Performers\" in August. Director of Operations Annie Hansen explained the DORA would allow licensed businesses in the outlined area to serve alcohol to patrons 21 and older and permit patrons to carry open containers within the designated perimeter, \"as permitted by Indiana Code,\" and that signage and vendor approvals would be required. The ordinance limits participating vendors this year to two local establishments (Greg's Place and Schererville Lounge) but may be amended later to add vendors.

- Resolution 2025-3 (Oppose SB1): Adopted 3-1. The resolution opposes state proposals to reduce municipal property-tax revenues without a comprehensive replacement mechanism. Public comment included the Cherryville Firefighters Union urging opposition, citing impacts on emergency services.

- Resolution 2025-4 (Transfer of funds): Adopted 4-0. Council approved an intra-budget transfer to cover merit board expenses after consultation with department heads.

- Purchase of property (Kennedy Avenue Phase 3, Parcel 5): Approved 4-0. The council approved acquisition of right-of-way and temporary easement from the Robert Christopher Foster Revocable Living Trust for $32,100 (appraised value) for Phase 3 of the Kennedy Avenue improvement project.

- Contract: Burke, Constanza & Carberry (Merit Board legal services): Approved 4-0. The town authorized a contract for legal services to support the newly formed Fire Department Merit Board.

- CCMG/Community Crossing resurfacing bid (2025-1): Awarded 4-0 to Milestone Contractors LP for $1,912,198.90. Public Works Director Chan Nandorff said the award covers 27 street segments across multiple subdivisions and sections including portions of Joliet Street and Camden Woods; staff said a second phase will follow to use remaining grant funds.

- Amendment: Community service agreement with St. John Township: Approved 4-0. The amendment expands a program that allows officers to provide gift cards for fuel to also cover food and nonalcoholic drinks for people in need.

- Acceptance of donations: Approved 4-0. The council accepted monetary and in-kind donations totaling $4,329.69 for various departments and events, including Pensy Pints sponsorships.

How these actions will proceed

Several items (the DORA ordinance, property purchase and contracts) require follow-up implementation steps such as state approvals for DORA vendors, final closing documents for property acquisition, legal contract execution and vendor coordination for the street resurfacing projects. The council instructed staff to return with finalized contracts, vendor approvals and financing documents where needed.

Meeting context

Public comment on the agenda included residents and union representatives. The council heard annual and project reports (wastewater biosolids building construction about 40% complete; the town's Parks Department planning Pensy Pints and Performers) before taking the votes.

The summaries below list the formal actions recorded on the agenda and their immediate outcomes; staff will carry out the implementation steps noted in each item.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 9, 2025 Schererville Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Schererville Town Council approved multiple agenda items April 9, including a downtown DORA ordinance, a property purchase for Kennedy Avenue, a $1.9 million street resurfacing award and several contracts and resolutions.","taxTitle","Schererville Town, Lake County, Indiana","taxId",51877,"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},6608272,"Schererville council adopts resolution opposing proposed state property-tax cuts after firefighter appeal; vote 3-1",547,1155000,1702000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939754-26df4306c1457e3ddf19b9678170e72a&start=1155&end=1702","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939754-26df4306c1457e3ddf19b9678170e72a/thumbnail_1155000.jpg","/articles/6608272/Schererville-Town/Lake-County/Indiana/Schererville-council-adopts-resolution-opposing-proposed-state-property-tax-cuts-after-firefighter-appeal-vote-3-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6608272-33b274b77c64415b7468bc7e6363b5b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138365&Signature=e4y8Ulntvrolu7lG4VW0a5hN6da6uGSJWX4NTtgVBep448riT476PTPVBcyP9f-81DBrbqssxo2O1ksDCrBf5Qurpt9jtlR1O5O8d5BDFwoV-6xSLdiOevoPOmpD~Ie4aGmChXAOyhue-amVAo4muF2DQiNQL-GVF~8IXOmbbazEsLwgQB4sw1Yp~svkwFP2h29Jah0CkkMv9D94gtYdsZql8G3Itbn9aHUKRN8rQog0B~7CnYl2Co3LfbynMvQV-aUy2ID7OpbM1FaKf2OGHVi6-bx~9KGaxQrlCI0QVstENNIyAvc9nbQRFIK-OHYa15X0Ub-dyLON4cBYcTmVuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Schererville Town Council adopted Resolution 2025-3 on Wednesday, a measure to oppose proposed state reductions in municipal property-tax revenue and to request a comprehensive replacement mechanism if cuts occur. The resolution passed by a 3-1 vote.

Colin Zagvik, secretary of the Cherryville Firefighters Union Local 4279, urged the council to oppose the pending state measure and warned of operational impacts if local revenues fall. \"A cut in funding of any kind would significantly impact our ability to continue providing quality services to the residents of this town,\" Zagvik said during public comment, and he asked the council \"to vote to oppose this bill and send a resolution down to state.\" Kevin Dean, a resident, also questioned the town's budget and urged officials to review costs.

Town Manager Jim Gorman summarized the resolution as a response to the state proposal to reduce property taxes and the potential for reduced municipal revenue that could force cuts across town operations. After discussion on the council floor, Councilman Tom Schmidt moved to approve Resolution 2025-3 and the motion was seconded. One council member spoke in favor of the state's approach, saying the legislative proposal would shift responsibility to local governments and allow residents to decide on local funding through public hearings; that member voted against the resolution.

The record shows the resolution passed with three votes in favor and one opposed. The resolution will be forwarded to state legislators, as requested by the council. The measure does not itself alter local tax rates; it is a statement of the council's position at the state level.

Councilmembers framed the vote as a choice between preserving municipal services and evaluating local budget priorities. The council did not adopt any specific local tax changes at the meeting; members who favored the state proposal encouraged internal budget review and use of local public hearings should local revenue be raised to replace any lost state funding.","The Town Council approved Resolution 2025-3, opposing proposed reductions to municipal property-tax revenue tied to Senate Bill 1, after public comment by the Cherryville firefighters union urging the council to oppose the measure; the vote carried 3-1.",{"_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},6608277,"Schererville council approves financing to replace police, public-works and wastewater equipment; authorizes body and in-car cameras",246,792000,1038000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939754-26df4306c1457e3ddf19b9678170e72a&start=792&end=1038","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939754-26df4306c1457e3ddf19b9678170e72a/thumbnail_792000.jpg","/articles/6608277/Schererville-Town/Lake-County/Indiana/Schererville-council-approves-financing-to-replace-police-public-works-and-wastewater-equipment-authorizes-body-and-in-car-cameras","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6608277-09bb6b2a9a8f12923bb613c797678fb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138365&Signature=RH2lS0fzB093YPQV6WsTQYhbz1AgN89vIYjnvfP2PFjwUvr2kVaoVOrQwaLEMVASG1IKrUzGsTVpOUVmUzEZzm5628ldFbv5O4XMv2Ujhf5QImPZSHQSYxEdNxtSI7g8CSzvFb~SoMIoBHE8R1NOQ293DrCYGvgdvFBDG6r40RPFv4QRPH2wJCzrVEQJJ0OuZhVCooHy-WCATF~BsCltcJucN5mOhHPCy5f-zxOga04iKT91-edgbekzK~RkdOAdOMX~wDgrnB4RIFRDf976weuILqqgfUC7yQMC2gr49gkhZsKIQd6JAZ292N2NDl3~9p24RQpX-3PLeP15flSBOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Schererville Town Council voted 4-0 Wednesday to pursue financing for an equipment and vehicle replacement plan covering the police department, animal control, fire, public works and wastewater treatment plant projects.

Town Director of Operations Annie Hansen told the council the proposal packages police and animal-control vehicle replacements, in-car camera replacements for roughly 40 patrol vehicles, a new five-year taser agreement covering training and cartridges, and the addition of body cameras for officers. \"So this would include body cameras and in car cameras,\" Hansen said during the presentation. Hansen also presented an estimated $1,300,000 figure for the police and animal-control portion of the plan and said figures were rounded and subject to confirmation.

Hansen said the fire department would replace roughly 20 full sets of turnout gear that have reached end-of-life, public works would replace a backhoe, a 26-year-old sewer camera, a roller from 1976 and three pickup trucks, and the wastewater plan consists of three projects with the town's share estimated at $700,000. Hansen noted Saint John is contractually obligated to pay 30 percent of the wastewater portion.

Town Manager Jim Gorman said the typical approach is to purchase and finance over four years. \"Usually, it's a 4 year lease. Again, it's not a lease. It's a purchase, but doing the financing over 4 years,\" he said. The council asked for a motion to authorize pursuit of financing and verification of pricing and needs; Councilmember Tom Schmidt moved the measure and the council approved it 4-0.

Council members who spoke in favor cited officer safety and modernization benefits. One councilmember said replacing outdated in-car cameras and adding body cameras was \"a plus\" for officer safety and accountability. There was no recorded dissent.

The vote authorizes town staff to pursue financing, verify final pricing and return with finalized documents; it did not commit the town to a particular financing contract in the public record. The council instructed staff to confirm exact costs and bring financing terms back for final approval.

Background and near-term steps: staff will refine vendor pricing, finalize specifications for cameras and tasers, confirm wastewater cost allocations with Saint John, and return to the council with firm financing terms. The council indicated it expects a four-year financing structure for the purchases discussed.","The Schererville Town Council voted 4-0 to pursue financing for vehicle and equipment purchases across police, animal control, fire, public works and wastewater programs, including a $1.3 million package for police and animal-control vehicles and a planned $700,000 share for wastewater projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Schererville council approves DORA, property purchase, contracts, grants and other measures on April 9

Schererville council adopts resolution opposing proposed state property-tax cuts after firefighter appeal; vote 3-1

Schererville council approves financing to replace police, public-works and wastewater equipment; authorizes body and in-car cameras