[{"_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",6165217,"mediaKeyId","5425864-2861139aa1e86f35dc5b69f6837c3443","parentId",5425864,"title","Golf superintendent seeks $180,000 irrigation satellite upgrade as vendor ends support for 28‑year system","audioSeconds",151,"startMs",2937000,"endMs",3088000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425864-2861139aa1e86f35dc5b69f6837c3443&start=2937&end=3088","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425864-2861139aa1e86f35dc5b69f6837c3443/thumbnail_2937000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165217/Michigan-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Golf-superintendent-seeks-180000-irrigation-satellite-upgrade-as-vendor-ends-support-for-28year-system","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165217-0c91ae154f2019f70b81e3475b1f6085/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180739&Signature=kbXA6JbjT87JCnKRTSuXA3XHW5gR8s~IR74smsc78bKUvSwvfD7mASNeM-~3EG34eyivonKvYt~-tlKlcH23oaySZtpzfGjRSvj0VpRmEOlTDMeVC3uVhEz~F77Jxhc7fitkKamV-ZyCYgN5QsyTf1T0M~MxqiMjNOMsmqZorJhhtfqlui7j1-q~kp5UtEPJ7Z8meaC0Yg60T8toc-1HWF4R6~e~4WzE0PifFr0l2W6sC0FdMnCyBYHTLeQe9xauBVjPDNsuYbgBytVEdnrFIF1TY26TsHhq6E5Qo8MgZLljYUmitkJbiLm2pWdwBeeVqWaCZ94zddqXXYxJI0as8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Michigan City, IN","date","2025-07-18T19:02:58.137Z","article","Michael Moore, superintendent for Michigan City’s golf courses, told the Parks and Recreation Board on July 16 that the department will need to upgrade its irrigation satellites at an estimated cost of about $180,000 because the supplier will no longer support the existing SitePro control system.
Moore said the current irrigation program, installed roughly 28 years ago, communicates via radio satellites; the vendor will discontinue support and parts for the older system. The proposed upgrade replaces the satellites (17 on the south course, six on the north course) and updates the control software so staff can operate heads via cell phone instead of a two‑way radio and long codes.
Moore said the change will make daily operations more efficient: staff can open an app, view a layout and run individual heads. He also reported high water usage this season, noting that the courses have pumped about 8,700,000 gallons between both courses in the last month and a half because of warm weather.
Moore said the project had its first reading at a recent city council meeting and that parts of the work will proceed if council approves funding. He described the upgrade as the only practical option to keep the irrigation system serviceable and supported: “Poro is no longer going to support our SitePro program that we use for our irrigation. So we're gonna update to links. But to be able to do that, we have to upgrade our satellites out on the golf course.”
Board members asked operational questions about durability, expected lifespan, and why a full replacement is necessary; Moore said vendor support and parts availability make replacement the practical option and that he expects the upgrade to provide long‑term service. Moore also reported other course issues such as vandalism, theft of course signage, and two carts in ponds this year, and noted staffing increases and completed roof repairs related to prior hail damage.
Outcome: The item was presented to the board as informational; the superintendent reported a first reading at council but the parks board did not vote on or authorize funding at the July 16 meeting. Moore said staff will pursue council approval and then implement the upgrade if funded.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Michigan City Parks & Recreation Board July 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Michael Moore, golf course superintendent, told the Parks board July 16 that Toro will no longer support the SitePro system used on the courses and that converting to a new satellite system will cost roughly $180,000 and add smartphone control; the item had its first reading at the city council level.","taxTitle","Michigan City, LaPorte County, Indiana","taxId",12510,"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},6165222,"Board lowers non‑Washington Park food‑truck fee to $50, delays decision on Washington Park half‑day fee",573,1329000,1902000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425864-2861139aa1e86f35dc5b69f6837c3443&start=1329&end=1902","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425864-2861139aa1e86f35dc5b69f6837c3443/thumbnail_1329000.jpg","/articles/6165222/Michigan-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Board-lowers-nonWashington-Park-foodtruck-fee-to-50-delays-decision-on-Washington-Park-halfday-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165222-e702cb76852bcbb1eb7c8bae81b8605c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180739&Signature=MdBChr4cVFatVHApvZwBgDHGwy67aWidTqmoib4aSRngx55ySzDUKyPbI5lSSWHvV5KDv2Gt1clKLu65kbj9UDEtHOnEmvqQAeUueJ21Hu57Upcvd9vbHqD7EpkxKzUrfvW1XN6w49LbajgNDoa1rp530GYVJIqN2GU63saFLLPvdzTNHKs0vVtI5S0V5k~Lo22tH5PVZMWU6O5oCC4Nr8q168V9BNGvUzXAFsOi4MMRHMB87Wl~UtOjwbIwwjFqZlye6Y~ToJKVO~61i-7okzULqMhi7LEQBOy7IlM9LNzj2SWmnM~rEivRSEmBOdKM~7wWa34XYghume38pXIl8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board voted July 16 to reduce parking fees for food trucks at non‑Washington Park locations to $50 (down from $100) and postponed a final decision on Washington Park half‑day fees. The board approved the fee change specifically for non‑Washington Park locations; the proposed discounted rate for Washington Park and a less‑than‑four‑hour half‑day fee were discussed but not adopted.
Parks staff said the change aims to make off‑beach locations more attractive to local food trucks that see far fewer customers than at Millennium Plaza or beach lots. Staff explained the schedule and booking process is staggered (no back‑to‑back weekly spots) and was distributed in January; many trucks that appear frequently signed up early. Staff also noted free spots are being offered for some events (for example, a Wednesday at Pullman Field and proposed Thursday nights at Gardena Park) and that trucks provide their own power and water.
Board members and staff discussed flexibility on daily hours. Staff suggested a four‑hour discounted slot could enable a truck to capture prime evening hours, and noted the schedule currently runs through Labor Day, with post‑Labor Day plans undecided. Staff said they will use discounted paid spots to entice trucks into lower‑traffic neighborhoods and to address food access in underserved areas, though placement requires cooperation from truck operators.
Public commenter Tommy Kolovic supported the board’s approach and suggested exploring a dedicated food‑truck park or a ‘food‑truck cafe’ model where trucks serve a fixed dining area; staff and board members noted the idea as a potential future concept for economic development.
Outcome: Motion to adjust fees for non‑Washington Park locations to $50 passed by voice vote; the Washington Park fee for shorter periods was left for later consideration. The board did not adopt a new formal long‑term food‑truck program, but staff said the schedule and fees will be managed administratively for the current season.
","To support local food trucks and spread vendors across the city, the Parks and Recreation Board on July 16 approved reducing the parking fee to $50 for non‑Washington Park locations and left fees for Washington Park undecided to consider schedule and impact on waterfront businesses.",{"_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},6165228,"Parks board adopts $35 late fee for resident park stickers after July 3; staff cites payroll savings",734,593000,1327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425864-2861139aa1e86f35dc5b69f6837c3443&start=593&end=1327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425864-2861139aa1e86f35dc5b69f6837c3443/thumbnail_593000.jpg","/articles/6165228/Michigan-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Parks-board-adopts-35-late-fee-for-resident-park-stickers-after-July-3-staff-cites-payroll-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165228-94497c291fd5b4462bfd26c4e5e35872/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180739&Signature=g4Mc9mc9APO11cygJxk58w0kl8iqeBmQBRlv0R-VCAkw2ZA0EEbB6F8TLocgU2MsCSqNeL5m7rGuz2HBcfcOaXTipZ4gNCMRZfpnQDcEF8CEjj3XPhyNTDqrmkOJEurSmFbpozbfvZ0Fx~enxcr4OtM7ScgwjvcGPbt4qP0iI2kjoLPilggTqE4ILViTZWTQnD9ar59plAjZFyJG-P8zRCnaoibEv645UBUPqRlbG3RS2JSZWVgIHbD~oFFYCRS-nQ9Xj67aH-wArQQucazA9kxlDWPeMrvvBoWZm3EPF9NbQZo5mFVE9zCyPEe4CpFUNjdGbwYKdXKc8OyUrqfrYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on July 16 approved a $35 late fee for resident park stickers purchased after a July 3 deadline, aligning the late fee with the county sticker rate. The board voted to adopt the fee after staff described payroll-savings measures that prompted the earlier deadline.
Parks staff said the office window at Northpointe Pavilion was closed after July 3 to reduce payroll; keeping it open through August would have added roughly $10,300 in payroll costs. Staff told the board the early-deadline policy allowed two clerks per shift during the busy season and reduced lines. The department reported that after July 3 last year, staff issued only 129 late stickers.
Staff said the deadline and the late fee were heavily advertised beginning in January across the parks’ website, Facebook, radio and park signage. The department recommended the $35 late fee so residents who miss the free window would purchase the resident sticker at City Hall rather than pay daily gate fees of $20 per vehicle.
The board approved exceptions for cases described by staff: new vehicle purchases after July 3, recent moves into Michigan City, or vehicle damage that prevented use of the warranty sticker (for example, a broken windshield). Staff said those are “special situations” that would still allow a free replacement. Sales and replacement stickers will be processed at City Hall through the end of the season.
During public comment, resident Cornell Branch described extended medical treatment that kept him from obtaining a free sticker and said he was told the office had already closed. Board members discussed the administrative difficulty of making ad hoc exceptions in mid-summer, citing staffing burdens. One board member volunteered privately to pay Branch’s fee for this year; that pledge was not recorded as a board policy change.
Outcome: Motion to approve the $35 late fee after July 3 passed on voice vote. The board did not create a written exemption process at the meeting beyond the exceptions staff outlined.
The board also discussed possibly adjusting replacement sticker pricing and asked staff to consider fee structure changes for future seasons; no formal change to replacement pricing was adopted July 16.","The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board approved a $35 late fee for resident park stickers purchased after a July 3 deadline, citing reduced payroll costs and heavy prior advertising; staff listed narrow exceptions and said replacements/sales will be handled at City Hall.",{"_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},6165233,"Parks board approves Little Wolves Early Learning Center signs at several parks after debate over city code",217,210000,427000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425864-2861139aa1e86f35dc5b69f6837c3443&start=210&end=427","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425864-2861139aa1e86f35dc5b69f6837c3443/thumbnail_210000.jpg","/articles/6165233/Michigan-City/LaPorte-County/Indiana/Parks-board-approves-Little-Wolves-Early-Learning-Center-signs-at-several-parks-after-debate-over-city-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165233-ec8edfe29ae08f3e690574a9741aba8a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180739&Signature=IhhgO986CtwLy4DPwDjvXrgJnTnUMafLCaNOXHkRkXSRgSKBDCXNWPjBv8v2qiGMHEpPnvaNFn8vSFpDMB82LTKmksZUhvwDmIZwxaLx672DFBXi5FZhWVdf1ckRIVj1u8fwHN3MGvZd-17BAwtimpD9GcgIXMCdjaVz1ZujTYzXXIH40Gxi7vV6q7930O0RyEXx-YLdsumSHWccEXl7gPL8Q5blIG2B9F9RnTM7Fdfk6isPL83yv1CgVH~ZISDXOQwkEtR-mfTyiVdOvckb-vQsSgwzsfPxK4utD7LHGT9a3EZ9aSzTyc-hkcy3rQ46xMnl8AjKiN9jqmB51-hYQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board approved placement of promotional signs for the Little Wolves Early Learning Center at multiple parks during its July 16 meeting. The board voted to take the item off the table and then approved the advertising request by voice vote.
Board members and staff detailed exactly where signs will go: three at Patriot Park, two at Pullman Field, two at Water Tower Park, two at Gardena Park, and one each at Walker Park, Cleveland Park and Tall Timbers; none at Washington Park. Board members discussed keeping several signs at the busiest entrances to reach local park users.
The vote followed public comment from resident Tommy Kolovic, who cited municipal code and urged denial. Kolovic said, “This is actually prohibited under section 19.05 of our municipal code under subsection I prohibits all premises signs anywhere in the city,” and warned approving the request would open the parks to other businesses.
Parks department staff responded that they reviewed the cited section and that the municipal code reference Kolovic raised applies to city rights-of-way, while the parks’ own rules and the board’s prior practice allow partner signage with board approval. A staff member told the board: “Please. This afternoon, I did take a look at section 19.05 that you referenced. And it looks like that covers the city. I then went to the parks department rules and regulations, and I saw nothing for that. In fact, it seems that if it comes in accordance with the board's decision to move forward, that it would be acceptable.” The staff member also noted that Little Wolves is a school partner and distinguished partner signage from commercial advertising.
Board discussion acknowledged the concern about precedent but emphasized the partnership and early‑education goals. A board member said, “...being that, like, Laura said, this is a, you know, a city partner and it just the the importance of education at that age... I think it's important to get that word out with our one of our city partners.”
Outcome: Motion to approve the Little Wolves Early Learning Center advertising in the proposed locations passed on a voice vote after a second; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript. The board did not adopt any new written amendment or ordinance during the vote; the approval was an item-level action by the board.
The board noted earlier concerns about placing signs near the zoo and playground areas because signs there had previously been damaged by children playing with them. Staff said locations across the street from the zoo were suggested as alternatives but could face the same vandalism risk.
The board’s approval does not change the municipal code. Staff clarified the distinction between city rights-of-way and park properties and said they will proceed under existing parks rules and the board’s decision.
Less urgent: the item originated as tabled business; the board removed it from the table before discussion and moved on to subsequent agenda items.
","Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on July 16 approved a request from the Little Wolves Early Learning Center to place promotional signs at multiple park locations after staff said parks rules allow partner signage despite a public comment citing municipal code 19.05.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Golf superintendent seeks $180,000 irrigation satellite upgrade as vendor ends support for 28‑year system

Board lowers non‑Washington Park food‑truck fee to $50, delays decision on Washington Park half‑day fee

Parks board adopts $35 late fee for resident park stickers after July 3; staff cites payroll savings

Parks board approves Little Wolves Early Learning Center signs at several parks after debate over city code