[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6200134,"mediaKeyId","3818761-668734957e4aff4434500c9e6936d0df","parentId",3818761,"title","North Park Drive water main test fails first bacteria sample; hookups delayed","audioSeconds",492,"startMs",1281000,"endMs",1773000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3818761-668734957e4aff4434500c9e6936d0df&start=1281&end=1773","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3818761-668734957e4aff4434500c9e6936d0df/thumbnail_1281000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6200134/Columbia-City/Whitley-County/Indiana/North-Park-Drive-water-main-test-fails-first-bacteria-sample-hookups-delayed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200134-0e12f84e095c97fe0720bcfcb9831cc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776393235&Signature=CPA~8TvZjmjQifeoRgwG2SpqjjCNrD8-rY7dTWCf9Ac5W2yCaQQX9RxGtiGejcot9Momqi30tvxtbeHqz8jwkKzKFvof2t8cNzi1VMH9hZ7VMoRti-QGulQtYjpbBLpb996ufNA1Z54lDax-jOLNRWn1KmqT35KPcVHneaFEV5y9OPDPA1A1vu3L1fM1eJ6mndXKjcEtvM81BuhO5NJrNrbKkJfP79AhW66CtFOOiyR6QkriZ-RtbX1GhirFLpgGzKHC~H0utCPSzdLxPiKCtMyJOJR0KYP-iMS~EDQRAXzKztjD2jVAjPksJuRVb0-4y1M5eUWG97IsI8aLG0JkLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Columbia IN","date","2025-06-12T14:37:16Z","article","City staff told the Common Council on June 10 that the newly installed 6-inch water main on North Park Drive failed an initial bacteriological sample and that hookups to the line are delayed until tests meet regulatory requirements.

Public works staff said the pipe section has been laid, pressurized and tested; the city submitted a bacteria sample that did not pass. Officials said regulations require two consecutive passing samples taken within a 24-hour period before the city can begin connecting residences to the new main.

Mike, Public Works representative, said the team will take a second sample and that if both pass the city can proceed with customer hookups. “The 6 inch part has been laid, pressurized, and tested. We've taken the bacteria sample, but the one did not pass. ... You have to have 2 of them in 24 hours pass before we can start hooking the people up to it,” Mike said.

Public works staff also reported related work remains: repairs to a water line on Jefferson, re-seeding at one property and other finishing tasks tied to the Fourth Main project. The council received the update as part of routine department reports; no action was taken at the meeting.

Background: City staff are implementing a multi-part water-main and treatment-plant work program. The city also reported it is working with Alliance Indiana Rural Water on ammonia-level issues at the treatment plant.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Columbia City Common Council Meeting 06102025","oneSentenceSummary","Public works reported that the newly laid 6-inch water main on North Park Drive failed an initial bacteriological test; two passing samples within 24 hours are required before residents can connect.","taxTitle","Columbia City, Whitley County, Indiana","taxId",63763,"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},6200139,"Council approves ordinance to standardize how downtown restaurants request street permissions",245,127000,372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3818761-668734957e4aff4434500c9e6936d0df&start=127&end=372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3818761-668734957e4aff4434500c9e6936d0df/thumbnail_127000.jpg","/articles/6200139/Columbia-City/Whitley-County/Indiana/Council-approves-ordinance-to-standardize-how-downtown-restaurants-request-street-permissions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200139-d6634c5a7b5533c49007498ec0276cdb/orig.mp4?Expires=1776393235&Signature=Lqijll4Z2QrCcU--EWrLBMPC2z61TLRka2YI3IDBDH8~H8DUpTUwiyFrfLacjcpeWKMOeXfwxEFA2faVqvzITsOpVnZy3FyhIDGBzMXKladwT~8z0emDmgb38UaGYxXypM0hOW3RFQZId~GD2tUeCA9lV71h9Y7JN3yD71Todg629CtbnjZJVYsVqaVolmN9PL4-0yLe43jmHrdT5cgDjpDpL4fI0DyjDXjxgbOoVV9J3s~vi36tygZMrQ9LpdK0MEHJ3kl3AH~eNwKXQm4oMNMqs7qXijk-Il88HfWSnzdVtkN4xZRQ6sFTClMsnp9YzCw1-LK3a0r7O8LzznVpRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia City Common Council on June 10 approved Ordinance 2025-6 on first reading, a measure to standardize the application and annual permit process for downtown restaurants that seek to place tables, chairs or other items in street or sidewalk areas.

Supporters said the ordinance aims to create consistent boundaries and requirements so restaurants operating downtown follow the same rules and comply with local, state and federal regulations.

A council member explained the change grew from previous approvals made by the Board of Works and the city administration’s experience permitting several restaurants. The ordinance creates an annual application process and requires solicitors to provide proof they will follow relevant laws and maintain a certificate of liability insurance. “We have that they need to provide a certificate of liability coverage,” a council member said during the discussion.

Council members clarified that the ordinance applies to regular operating days and not to special events that close streets for festivals. Staff said festival-related street closures are handled through a separate process and are not part of the annual restaurant permit. Officials also said the city would retain flexibility in enforcement and the ordinance is intentionally not overly rigid; the purpose is to put consistent boundary lines in place so businesses operate under the same expectations.

Council member Brent moved to approve Ordinance 2025-6 on first reading; Council member Tad seconded. The motion passed unanimously among those present and the ordinance will return for a second reading.

Background: Council and staff said the downtown restaurant sector has expanded and city leaders want a standardized permitting process to reduce inconsistent approvals and ensure insurance and safety requirements are documented.","Councilmembers unanimously moved Ordinance 2025-6 forward after staff described a new standardized annual permit process for restaurants to use sidewalks or curb space for seating and displays.",{"_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},6200144,"Columbia City amends door-to-door solicitation rules to require ID and permit on person",995,905000,1900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3818761-668734957e4aff4434500c9e6936d0df&start=905&end=1900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3818761-668734957e4aff4434500c9e6936d0df/thumbnail_905000.jpg","/articles/6200144/Columbia-City/Whitley-County/Indiana/Columbia-City-amends-door-to-door-solicitation-rules-to-require-ID-and-permit-on-person","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200144-4a251d301339bdbe83e39533372fa356/orig.mp4?Expires=1776393235&Signature=VNnjDrnqn6Z2meXqICB~JoEi1iFI0S4qqIRhRmTFvMA4~gK70lGN73~Dn1X4QsmkK94HycQjduxZrxhMhIt8nD4XuRMn~aNOKGUEbtiy5sAjfb9RVSoUSZLj7~fj8AafmSWyUIgTtVjlufiUorQMNTbbgk-qToXOQphQqv-Y5sxHfijdl-XFaqRKABA8ZX17ng24~S2cbZEVq4TGSXu2tAx06PqSEZdUZ6PIyCjhT8hMdNwOOxvgKoCn~kTanmmD20ogablkrSKJkTsfkzshU09tY7nA5lh9ITlU-VJXKbjacv6fKNP9Qj7ep7eLuPu-BJdgareAWQe27SZ2BJxVrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbia City’s Common Council on June 10 approved Ordinance 2025-8, an amendment to the city’s door-to-door solicitation rules that requires solicitors to carry a copy of the permit and display identification while soliciting.

City staff said the change is intended to make it easier for residents to confirm whether a solicitor is permitted without calling city hall. Officials said the amendment responds to resident complaints in the Eagle Glen neighborhood about solicitors who could not produce or would not carry a permit.

A staff member explained the ordinance clarifies information required on a solicitors’ ID badge, including the solicitor’s name, organization, address and phone number, and requires each solicitor to carry the permit while canvassing. “This change in the ordinance mandates they must have it on their person and frankly, it also gives them the opportunity to look at the permit and look at the name tag and make sure that the two match,” the staff member said.

The ordinance also requires applicants to list the names of individual solicitors who will be working under a permit so that a resident can compare the badge and the permit. Existing prohibitions remain in place: solicitors cannot ignore “no soliciting” signs, cannot claim city endorsement and cannot physically touch residents while soliciting, officials said.

Council member Jennifer moved approval of Ordinance 2025-8 on first reading; Council member Tad seconded. The motion passed unanimously among those present and the ordinance will return for a formal second reading.

Background: City staff said the amendment grew from complaints from the Eagle Glen area and aims to empower residents to check a solicitor’s credentials in person rather than contact city hall.","The Common Council approved changes to the city's door-to-door solicitation ordinance requiring solicitors to carry a permit and an ID badge showing name and organization; the change was prompted by resident complaints in Eagle Glen.",{"_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},6200148,"Columbia City adopts mutual-aid pay ordinance so FEMA can reimburse utility responses",698,342000,1040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3818761-668734957e4aff4434500c9e6936d0df&start=342&end=1040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3818761-668734957e4aff4434500c9e6936d0df/thumbnail_342000.jpg","/articles/6200148/Columbia-City/Whitley-County/Indiana/Columbia-City-adopts-mutual-aid-pay-ordinance-so-FEMA-can-reimburse-utility-responses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200148-6073f399c1508a02823a9590a93cf412/orig.mp4?Expires=1776393235&Signature=ejcrInBEweLWFNoOJnLQ70nwxoC5KYJM-9jQ1klZRCQIbY8jWT2ItgpWxTYi4gGZf0dSrf83GHkkSpU-er7uC3QS2JmgjrzpdofvYo43B6~nWXq7ZUiwDTS1NJDjCEN9PE0UZWXfzrje6Zehrg8EFxZQy6zS-o-99umhnNKB9wjjvVyiv5rO3z2A5SrAi0fMzhjELF1VDzjYRPmkr1Yp44o50oS90gguZOF9qeEYkBNASyuBK2CM3IRyPs9asWZ~~n899i1HrjV9fZjOFJT~7dKwq5B~LJByGmzM5mCsaxEkXjA9xfTNiXexNtmYKqR1cRk4XAkEd-H81unasr18qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia City Common Council on June 10 unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-7, a mutual-aid pay and expense ordinance for the Columbia City Municipal Electric Utility intended to ensure FEMA will reimburse the city for mutual-aid responses.

City officials said the ordinance standardizes rates and expense reporting for crews that travel to assist other utilities after storms and other disasters. That standardization, proponents said, is required for FEMA to accept the city’s claims for costs after a declared event.

Sean, Electric department head, told the council the city coordinated the draft with the Indiana Municipal Electric Association and other municipal utilities in the state. “This document is actually required by FEMA. If we do have a FEMA event that they're going to pay for, if we do not have an ordinance, they will not pay for our expenses,” Sean said. He said the ordinance adopts a FEMA schedule for equipment rates and sets a uniform pay rate for personnel during mutual-aid deployments.

Sean said the ordinance calls for paying double time for 16 hours of work during deployments and does not pay for an eight-hour rest/sleep period that crews are required to take. “I don't feel comfortable billing other municipals for my guys to sleep,” he said, adding that the department’s linemen support the approach. He also said the city will not be compelled to send crews to every mutual-aid call; the utility manager and Sean will decide whether a deployment is appropriate given local workload and damage.

Council members asked about liability and insurance; Sean said the hiring utility covers vehicle damage and other claims while crews are on another workplace’s site, and that the city’s insurance was reviewed as part of drafting the ordinance. Sean said the ordinance derives in part from similar ordinances adopted by several other Indiana municipals and that adopting a common structure reduces confusion and disputes when utilities assist one another.

Council member Jennifer moved to approve Ordinance 2025-7 on first reading; Council member Brent seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously among those present. The ordinance will return for a formal second reading and adoption at a subsequent meeting.

Background: Council members and staff said the city has increasingly received requests to send linemen to assist other communities after severe-weather events. The new ordinance is intended to make it clear what the city will charge and what costs FEMA may reimburse if an incident is later declared a federal disaster.","The Common Council unanimously approved an ordinance establishing standardized pay and expense rates for Columbia City Municipal Electric Utility mutual-aid responses so the city can meet FEMA reimbursement rules.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

North Park Drive water main test fails first bacteria sample; hookups delayed

Council approves ordinance to standardize how downtown restaurants request street permissions

Columbia City amends door-to-door solicitation rules to require ID and permit on person

Columbia City adopts mutual-aid pay ordinance so FEMA can reimburse utility responses