[{"_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",6161027,"mediaKeyId","5445359-d2c572ac46a8424134c92d865d7d4adb","parentId",5445359,"title","Elkhart approves indemnification agreement allowing railroad to clear log jams on city property","audioSeconds",552,"startMs",2981000,"endMs",3533000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5445359-d2c572ac46a8424134c92d865d7d4adb&start=2981&end=3533","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5445359-d2c572ac46a8424134c92d865d7d4adb/thumbnail_2981000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6161027/Elkhart-City/Elkhart-County/Indiana/Elkhart-approves-indemnification-agreement-allowing-railroad-to-clear-log-jams-on-city-property","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161027-4a27c861f4b61e1b000ed6f81e8da1ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1775174420&Signature=QZwOwZ9UmlXz~UKQndsXgg9EdgeK04mTclXCftparp0iAtSyt2VZHQcS04wi58y5T5nWM0PzUpsTI8YohxMXcaM4OCrld1UKHB6QGASj~xVcpT7cvC7c9oTLl40gBKCbb-Hxide2MY4RjTJQVwCkQUhEOWMN6jUmo-S4aAqEwRKwR-ad89i15ShgCnZxft6ls0Uwlt809fjCAxAXfOgRrhWTOezrbnwtKyD7WuF78o6Xfom9vE0TlmcNHVhlYSlVqrZ46ZQeG48ocuQEOIVI6B4KpYvC05kS0Zzm7020LtmqBhMqXfbEjCuGOpB3vaAMCWN4qe~KgW3obNQtBk5s4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Elkhart City, IN","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Elkhart City Board of Works on May 20 approved a license, general release and indemnification agreement with Elkhart and Western Railroad Company LLC allowing the railroad access across city property to the Elkhart River to remove recurring log jams.

City staff said the railroad has historically removed debris from the river in this location and that the new agreement would give the railroad a two-year window to act so future clearings could proceed more quickly. City legal staff and the railroad’s legal team reviewed the document and both parties were comfortable with the terms, which require the railroad to provide two weeks’ notice before work and to obtain any permits and permissions required for the work at its own cost.

The agreement covers debris removal upstream of the railroad bridge near Yorkwood and was described by staff as a way to avoid lengthy, repeated negotiations for routine clearing. “We also request or require of them to give us 2 weeks notice, so that they're not just appearing on our property without us knowing what's going on, to remove said trees. And all of this is at their cost,” a city staff member said, explaining the revised indemnification structure.

Board members asked about public access during debris removal and whether walking paths or park areas would be blocked; city staff said the railroad typically leaves debris on the riverbank and does not block park paths and that staff would remind the railroad contractor not to obstruct public ways. The board approved the agreement by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Elkhart City Board of Works Meeting May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board approved a two-year indemnification agreement with Elkhart and Western Railroad Company LLC to permit the railroad to access city property and remove recurring log jams upstream of its bridge, with the railroad covering costs and required permits.","taxTitle","Elkhart City, Elkhart County, Indiana","taxId",5802,"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},6161032,"Board grants JBS Prepared Foods a 45-day extension to complete gate modifications tied to pretreatment access",183,2311000,2494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5445359-d2c572ac46a8424134c92d865d7d4adb&start=2311&end=2494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5445359-d2c572ac46a8424134c92d865d7d4adb/thumbnail_2311000.jpg","/articles/6161032/Elkhart-City/Elkhart-County/Indiana/Board-grants-JBS-Prepared-Foods-a-45-day-extension-to-complete-gate-modifications-tied-to-pretreatment-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161032-814b23d21b0db7df789bd172483586aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1775174420&Signature=HOYpv5wXnrXNWb~mRC~Y127WlXs8IHgIsEI~lWGbSQxgntnlXtNkRV44PloR3-yayitmWeb9COpty9uGb9IZ6lyCgqW7vsUnH5CEyoN-BVXjk1~o-r8k8CKisznnId6jt-V29UoQSzrMkGkMBIfqtZq2A2DMT0fi-Sap~dYjH1GUNFBsAwcqMTS0sU7wyZcO-2iZcZrVEIUaUak8kSnX9eQEF5PGJguIBsenqIiJm--TycbUYWWY5AIzTSCc3XkcREzPm9ohqcokFort3H9aRGAg8lU~Sd6ATDWkPiqV6tK762BLPwF400wD9RalZXr0zDuVD7kwXOvwsvN4DMfgiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elkhart City Board of Works on May 20 approved an extension moving the completion deadline for JBS Prepared Foods’ gate modification project from May 1 to June 15 to permit pretreatment staff to badge in and out without entering the plant’s security building.

Steve Brown, public works utilities, explained the request was a 45-day extension tied to delays by the contractor. Brent Stevens, plant manager for JBS Elkhart, told the board that JBS contracted a local firm, which then experienced supply delays sourcing electronics and gate arms from Bulgaria, and projected a three-week delay; JBS is asking for a 45-day buffer and expects to finish the week of May 26.

“We were actually ahead of our project deadline to finish the gate by May 1,” Brent Stevens said. “4 t let us know on April 22 they were sourcing materials from Bulgaria that end up getting delayed due to tariffs and other things going on with the world's economy. They projected a 3 week delay. So we're asking for 45 days, just as a buffer so we wouldn't have to reextend. We're actually looking to finish the week of May 26.”

Board members confirmed the rest of JBS’s consent-order requirements had been met and that downstream grease issues were under control. The extension was described as administrative and limited to the gate-access milestone. The board approved the extension by voice vote.

The extension will allow pretreatment staff to enter the JBS site by badge without additional security procedures, improving operational coordination between the company and city pretreatment staff. City staff said communication between JBS and pretreatment has been smooth and that no new compliance problems were reported.","The Board of Works approved an extension moving JBS Prepared Foods’ deadline from May 1 to June 15 to finish gate modifications that allow pretreatment staff badge access without entering the plant security building; the company cited international supply delays for equipment.",{"_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},6161036,"Elkhart approves $37,800 survey contract to advance Prairie Street Cemetery expansion plan",341,2529000,2870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5445359-d2c572ac46a8424134c92d865d7d4adb&start=2529&end=2870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5445359-d2c572ac46a8424134c92d865d7d4adb/thumbnail_2529000.jpg","/articles/6161036/Elkhart-City/Elkhart-County/Indiana/Elkhart-approves-37800-survey-contract-to-advance-Prairie-Street-Cemetery-expansion-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161036-0c0b9b091a93ee45bc60946b579f9932/orig.mp4?Expires=1775174420&Signature=kx-VxQncH5Vhn1aBxPqBZG9Axohr6baBefW6e~QtKHh-gaawHAmENGRzrLbwhBcacgk656IFtoMIh2gTqr4sKsgoi8Vx0s6nIvABhdlpJUaubKqlcNc8OFx-sW~YTR4nZRLQgXSX9yoPOpScPM7ibkpP6zApUznvKbQhR4c~vEn7CFq~BUXq~d1VEb9-HdfB2FG3DHFUTwD4UPIKaH-M3q79FpKF8xQv9fOZsmQz84fB6tMTcr5e0weAE5N9jKTZmvXw7XvHQ07cupMzOH3hPUF5AzwOh3OvmWxM4KE9X442vrPk8iNq59LeV0yTA3OhqCnbvsgvjmNEFJMHSYTjYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elkhart City Board of Works on May 20 authorized the board president to execute a professional services agreement with Survey and Mapping LLC for the Prairie Street Cemetery expansion project, with fees not to exceed $37,800.

Jeff Schafer, assistant city engineer, introduced the project and said the city previously approved a master plan for the cemeteries. Charlie Schoate, cemetery manager, told the board the city owns 10 contiguous acres adjacent to Prairie Street Cemetery—five acres east and five acres south—and that developing that ground would create roughly 14,000 additional interment spaces for cremation and full burials, extending capacity for approximately 35 years.

“We came to you last year, regarding this project for approval of [the] master plan,” Schoate said. He explained that Rice Cemetery is 100% presold, Graceland Cemetery is nearly full, and Prairie Street Cemetery is about 95% sold in plots. Developing the city-owned land is the immediate plan; acquiring adjacent farmland that reaches Mishawaka Road has been discussed for two decades but has not been feasible at a reasonable price.

Board members asked whether the city had budgeted funds for design work; Schoate said the design funding is in the cemetery budget. Andy Jones asked whether the farmland contiguous to the expansion had been or could be acquired and whether the city could allow the farmer to continue farming if purchased; Schoate said acquisition had been discussed and could be an option in the future, but that the current proposal focuses on the land already owned.

The board approved the professional services agreement, with the motion carrying by voice vote. The contract covers surveying and mapping services to support design decisions and budgeting for cemetery construction and was presented as the next step following the master plan approval.","The Board of Works authorized a professional services agreement not to exceed $37,800 for surveying and mapping related to the Prairie Street Cemetery expansion, intended to add roughly 14,000 interment spaces and extend cemetery capacity by about 35 years.",{"_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},6161039,"Elkhart board denies Auto Fest Main Street cruising permit over safety, scheduling conflicts",256,2788000,3044000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5445359-d2c572ac46a8424134c92d865d7d4adb&start=2788&end=3044","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5445359-d2c572ac46a8424134c92d865d7d4adb/thumbnail_2788000.jpg","/articles/6161039/Elkhart-City/Elkhart-County/Indiana/Elkhart-board-denies-Auto-Fest-Main-Street-cruising-permit-over-safety-scheduling-conflicts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161039-4615666c52a3443099c50f198195a0de/orig.mp4?Expires=1775174420&Signature=jp2aNAFJvUYo2UbFxsbdI4mPGrzVnb0NWcpsKMG7e47f3UHCBZy7QNSUW6QOZpLPlnS3rpezjdFBg8wRsdLVmZT19uV-5oR-zHPHnffoCJLQY89kHUvd844GeazwIMIP4bcQwhRKbMLFa5Y8amkd913kyLzvth0UZ0rMXexflKJblvWEgBZmUVN~8MwnCQQ4njRDlh9QVDRbRz-kVP9p2lyfwwBpMwZELXfwGwfhRJg-YW4lKkbxWnhPu4mjLTGy41IuxGVsxpmILVX1KWXVVTGPdwoNW~6~8MofVQz45aNiIPOafbQe4TfxaE5ThLNDZNetpUX2G6kC~qTShd4lOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elkhart City Board of Works on May 20 denied a permit for the Auto Fest Main Street cruising event scheduled for June 13, after the city’s event committee and Fire Department recommended against approval citing public-safety and scheduling conflicts.

City officials say the denial is intended to reduce safety risks downtown during a crowded weekend of events. Assistant Chief Christy Summer of the Elkhart Fire Department told the board the event committee recommended a “do not pass” after problems with the downtown cruising event last year, including loud, unsafe driving and competing events running at the same time.

The denial follows a presentation from Summer to the board. “This permit came in front of the event committee last week, and we did recommend a do not pass last year. They did not get a permit for this event, and it was a mess downtown,” Summer said, citing photos of last year’s activities and the committee’s concerns about public safety when other events overlap. Summer also noted that the city had requested the event organizer consider alternate dates and that a certificate of liability insurance would be required for any permitted event.

Board members discussed whether the city could safely manage multiple large events on the same day. One board member said the city lacks sufficient personnel to staff simultaneous events that require additional enforcement, and cited past miscommunication between event organizers and the traffic department that had led to unsafe conditions. That member added the city had worked to correct the traffic-control communication breakdown since last year.

When the Board president called for a vote, the motion to approve the Auto Fest permit failed and the permit was denied. The board did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript; the record shows the outcome as a denial following the committee’s recommendation.

Event committee staff urged organizers to secure permits and dates in advance to avoid conflicts with existing city events, and to coordinate with city departments during planning. The board encouraged future applicants to confirm date availability with the city before making broader event plans.

The denial applies only to the June 13 Auto Fest Main Street cruising application; other event permit requests on the May 20 agenda were approved.","The Elkhart City Board of Works voted to deny a permit for the Auto Fest Main Street cruising event scheduled for June 13, citing safety concerns and conflicts with other downtown events, following a recommendation from the event committee and the fire department.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Elkhart approves indemnification agreement allowing railroad to clear log jams on city property

Board grants JBS Prepared Foods a 45-day extension to complete gate modifications tied to pretreatment access

Elkhart approves $37,800 survey contract to advance Prairie Street Cemetery expansion plan

Elkhart board denies Auto Fest Main Street cruising permit over safety, scheduling conflicts