[{"_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",6157097,"mediaKeyId","5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0","parentId",5466498,"title","Public works and utilities report: water main work, completed force main repairs, paving and trail construction progress","audioSeconds",624,"startMs",1336000,"endMs",1960000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0&start=1336&end=1960","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0/thumbnail_1336000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6157097/Columbia-City/Whitley-County/Indiana/Public-works-and-utilities-report-water-main-work-completed-force-main-repairs-paving-and-trail-construction-progress","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157097-5e37b3b44764e198dd603b0923abc66f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194545&Signature=gxTtTscfKze-AKm9OA6ct9P-VHJNiPns-fVoJgb8zPXyHrL-6JvOrW5nF0Tub5xQTjIVbHjnIoB0HMZoeRkSnjy1e1MMntTZlvl9P6Tjn1A-vw0hMTYXzVnnkmcVm2UnV9QSUM5T~MRP9irT3DCvYlxlWIRLoVTUtzjToVwHO368kLgDDLKGtTnnSq21ywm9TmLxJTppIp9DybuVBVv2lAMmQWY~YFdTNJLCP7w8Jd7eZ4IVk6Tu9WSOSj6R4EDKlCRFbfQt5p1uOomxIJQdVXG7kTa5buvueiCYXx1iSX-O-1cqD8qohm~fS-OUqhVCmAtmKTbuaYLvCwFTdOrvHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Columbia IN","date","2025-07-24T21:45:54.26Z","article","City department heads gave updates Tuesday on public works, utilities, parks and electric operations, reporting completed and planned projects and outlining next steps for local infrastructure work.

Mike, speaking for utilities, said the force main project was completed the previous day and that minor repairs remain at Jefferson. He said the storage tank has been cleaned and that parts for further repairs are on order; a contractor will perform dye testing after an on‑site review. Public works staff will present the contractor payment at the next meeting.

Public works reported that two storm drains were repaired—one at Eagle Park parking lot and another on Columbia Parkway West—and that the Jeffrey Drive water main project is due to start the following week. Paving contractor Brooks Construction recently completed community crossings paving and restoration work is next; striping and parking stall painting remain on the schedule.

The parks/trails update said the Blue River trail project is roughly 60–70% complete, with remaining work on Main Street pedestrian islands and at the dairy barn. Staff noted the railroad crossing solution remains unresolved after a cost estimate of roughly $500,000 from the railroad; engineers are testing alternative ADA‑compliant options.

Fire and public safety reported equipment issues. The fire department’s breathing air compressor is aging and will likely be budgeted for replacement in 2026; repairs have been costly and parts are scarce. A new cadet passed medical requirements and the department is working on ESO reporting software implementation tied to federal requirements; the anticipated delivery date for a new fire engine may have moved up to March but remains unconfirmed.

Leslie and the electric department reported completion of underground distribution work in the rear easement of 50 East and Ohio Street; pole replacements along State Road 9 will proceed in coordination with Northeastern REMC; Eagle Park camera and public Wi‑Fi installation is underway and fiber installation to the old jail building is complete.

No formal council action was taken on these reports; staff indicated capital or repair work will be addressed through future budget processes or contractor payments at subsequent meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Columbia City Council Meeting 07222025","oneSentenceSummary","City department heads reported completed force main repairs, upcoming Jeffrey Drive water main work, ongoing paving and sidewalks, and that the Blue River trail is about 60–70% complete, with additional electric and parks infrastructure updates.","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},6157112,"Common Council approves three-year personal property abatement for DOT America",330,227000,557000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0&start=227&end=557","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0/thumbnail_227000.jpg","/articles/6157112/Columbia-City/Whitley-County/Indiana/Common-Council-approves-three-year-personal-property-abatement-for-DOT-America","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157112-cdd13bd46453ed6151ef4e1f2801d906/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194545&Signature=MwT7haR7wOcATFdA0xeyggRLJPwG7~IGGgRae~Epd1XBaR0Elhbopif6sMOuywTX71X8tGBSGhWl78mFr4VNBBzYUfXedJ9ndON6NDz-eMRgDeOd7zYb6moxMoticHS8zHchGhYxqPRoME0qwJpfd~OBv8nifJRawGV59iz2XxHKQfav9OP9nDDZtEnsK8Kbax76P0ZOK1PwaFl6JOA4ETJmOGed2LGdYYbNqJuOsVuMOBHJnLPysWKwUFZ-j8HnrxzA3poXztExDQFR6WmFqXiiQuCtj9zst3j3mpPi4a50MGc2gyzXlNDJj7cIvZrQDdLwyzSFiTmopLxhXO2L-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia City Common Council on Tuesday unanimously approved Resolution 2025-10, granting a three-year personal property tax abatement to DOT America to support equipment purchases tied to expected local job growth. The council voted to adopt the stair-stepped abatement that phases in taxability at 0% the first year, 5% the second and 10% the third year.

The abatement was presented to the council by Dale, a staff member, who described DOT America as “a phenomenal success” for Columbia City and said the company plans to buy a $2,000,000 vacuum chamber and expects to hire “at least 20 people over the next year” if the equipment is installed. Dale added, “If you pass this, it would go a long way for the local DOT back home in Germany.”

The resolution was read by title and then approved on a motion (mover: Brent; second: Dan). The council’s approval was unanimous. The resolution is titled “Resolution number 2025‑10” and was presented on the council agenda as a three‑year business personal property abatement.

Under the terms described at the meeting, the abatement is a three‑year, stair‑step personal property abatement (100% first year, 95% second year, 90% third year in the council member’s explanation). Dale and council members noted that state law changes enacted earlier in the year have altered business personal property taxation and that further state action could affect the local benefit of the abatement. As Dale said, the local abatement “may not actually mean anything” if the state reverses recent legislation, but it would signal local support to DOT America’s German parent company.

Council members who spoke in support cited DOT America’s prior commitments and local economic performance; no formal opposition was recorded. The council did not attach additional conditions or reporting requirements to the resolution during the meeting.

The action is procedural—local approval of an abatement award—and does not itself change state law. The council did not discuss a specific local fiscal impact estimate at the meeting, and projected tax revenue effects were not provided.

City staff stated the measure would be processed consistent with existing abatement procedures; no additional referrals or follow‑up votes were scheduled at the meeting.","The Columbia City Common Council on Tuesday unanimously approved Resolution 2025-10, granting a three-year personal property tax abatement to DOT America to support equipment purchases tied to expected local job growth.",{"_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},6157094,"Resident urges city to stop utility crews from digging historic sidewalks",84,2194000,2278000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0&start=2194&end=2278","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0/thumbnail_2194000.jpg","/articles/6157094/Columbia-City/Whitley-County/Indiana/Resident-urges-city-to-stop-utility-crews-from-digging-historic-sidewalks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157094-83e3cfe1c9dccd1e90048111591a42fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194545&Signature=gMrjb4aZ~LaMOnAX5KmE2SC6OwOU4YHmoBESV2zYkadqnWSg83FhWvDkulF2ygZkvVwq8wztD2u6-sqCaPcTD~KOBIbPo7zcZvAOVPhEZZ6L-QQ0yFv3C9T8dpBWH1N5c00t-IymLNhXgtFhR5B6vpz9oVcWXd2lpoFL4taNyhRm4kaMyJz0uoac-NbqNo1Ni7SZoecKVP0N5RCuvN9ZzHKktPTbs3Ycj4I1Xz2nwvj1Pq1j0oXJKKKKXG~4Ubzu8oszM9LZr9faM2T~0GcRwCLNvWUsR-A0iICMS9djK3tidZTplFRhyePZes-oehgwZvLSKeCLC5LQJZKopF78TQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the public‑comment portion of Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, Lisa O’Dell of 317 North Chauncey Street told the council she had repeatedly observed a contractor show up to dig near a historic sidewalk at her property despite instructions not to do so. O’Dell said the crew that arrived “never read the notes” provided to the contractor and that she and her husband have been able to intervene when at home.

The mayor (city staff) offered to contact the contractor’s representative to confirm the work plan and to remind crews that boring is required in that location rather than open excavation. O’Dell thanked the mayor for the attention and asked where to find current trail maps; staff responded that the park department website has existing trail maps and that the new Blue River trail will be added after it is completed.

No formal action was taken; staff said they would follow up with the contractor to ensure crews have the correct instructions and to prevent damage to the historic sidewalk.","A Columbia City resident told the council a contractor repeatedly appeared to dig up a historic sidewalk at her house; city staff said they would contact the utility contractor to confirm procedure and coordinate boring instead of excavation",{"_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},6157102,"Council adopts suite of employee policy updates covering harassment, firearms, holidays and bereavement",496,620000,1116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0&start=620&end=1116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0/thumbnail_620000.jpg","/articles/6157102/Columbia-City/Whitley-County/Indiana/Council-adopts-suite-of-employee-policy-updates-covering-harassment-firearms-holidays-and-bereavement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157102-be1849a6a5f3b71d776440ef62bba969/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194545&Signature=nY5AszIipKfztG7RAgYv5npFW~w6qozOTZqm6o2zImg9qjfg9CeqjwbZKjn0FMZEgFH0ou0eVmghTo-l6NborgBNEiKhwc~7QwJKOZUT~KG0yJLXbCho3FtMhf6yggR6gMAWvAjRVr0OzrnuveevYFaS6itxTlg0wI7HX6rkJ4B9jnehf7Ezi~9qeLplH06LzbWfTkKf7JJYKXlOd-3di6iHKYo1PN7O16dGCA2Q5FKxl5lltrZaXpovviRPFukMGDSU8~SowrSLelFTH8Gy-dCc4B1-KP2H0cy4RTNN0UxwKpjMmlWcsMEMfxQigQrWAztaJ076dt0XavnjNKJKCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia City Common Council on Tuesday approved a package of personnel policy updates covering harassment/molestation, retirement firearm retention for public safety officers, holiday schedules and bereavement leave. Each policy was adopted unanimously after brief presentations and committee review.

Beth, a staff member, presented the policy titled “policy against harassment / molestation of minors and vulnerable adults,” saying the policy was requested by the city’s workers’ compensation carrier and was intended to apply primarily to parks staff but to include interns and part‑time employees as well. Beth said the park board reviewed the draft and the wellness committee added a definition of “volunteer.” The council approved the policy by motion without amendment.

Beth also presented policy 5.12 for the public safety manual addressing firearm retention at retirement or, if an officer dies, transfer to eligible family members who meet listed criteria. Beth said this practice was common among municipalities and that the update codified an existing practice. The council approved that policy unanimously.

Two holiday policies were approved—policy 5.7 for civil employees and policy 5.7 for public safety employees—with clarifications added in the drafts: Juneteenth was explicitly added to the civil holiday list, Indiana Election Day was specified by state, and the public safety version accounted for 24‑hour shift scheduling for fire personnel.

Bereavement leave changes were approved for both civil and public safety manuals (policy 5.8). The civil policy added the term “consecutive” to align with the other provisions and included great‑grandparents and great‑grandchildren in the list of eligible relationships. The public safety bereavement policy added language that equates “3 consecutive 24‑hour work shifts” for fire staff to match their work schedules and likewise added great‑grandparent and great‑grandchild relationships.

Beth told the council the wellness committee had reviewed the drafts and that other staff (Marsha) had helped edit language in the investigation and follow‑up sections of the harassment policy. No public testimony or opposition was recorded on the policies, and the council did not attach special reporting requirements beyond standard policy implementation.","The Common Council approved multiple personnel policy changes—including a new policy addressing harassment/molestation of minors and vulnerable adults, a retirement firearm policy for public safety, holiday calendar updates and bereavement leave clarifications—each on unanimous votes",{"_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},6157107,"Council adopts ordinance limiting truck parking near Line Street market to preserve sight lines",92,114000,206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0&start=114&end=206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5466498-0f28b39754351386ed81ff58370bb2b0/thumbnail_114000.jpg","/articles/6157107/Columbia-City/Whitley-County/Indiana/Council-adopts-ordinance-limiting-truck-parking-near-Line-Street-market-to-preserve-sight-lines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157107-5fa1c98a2f66ec1371f3fe719b9e7829/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194545&Signature=jnRMmJ6p5FWk~CQRSmtshveCz1ElYSjeaS3lX8T06fGF1DwtQ3lovbwtBU3ne7p85-uCkMaKJyj6MU8ICA~zHeZoa4nAneVio2xYzg0z3VBr5XSyng2t3lKQ2n~fRMre5egqhLv~32HiGmkOdLnm~mkbdZOkELGX2vY9iX6Opj3hrzJ5N7rv5pBVVHkICCR03ugqF5jxvkqbSXEN-94lJ94~VBoXwpJo2uP7sLMZXVBF-YL2rmp0TPs3Z5yATrcbX5t7grekx1GVmcQxYfFzPwuZN2aYanKuHf4SK5yO-6jQtoUyLtHspynrm3jsOIjtg~CJv-oJS3qV-WB1NZnADg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia City Common Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025‑9, restricting truck parking in the angled spaces on the east side of Line Street just south of Market Street, adjacent to the city parking lot. The ordinance was approved on second and final reading.

Council members said the change is intended to improve line of sight for drivers and emergency vehicles. The council discussed the precise location after some public confusion about the street named in a recent newspaper report; a council member clarified that the angled spaces in question are on Line Street next to the city lot.

The ordinance was read by title and approved on a motion; council members voted unanimously. No amendments or conditions were recorded during the meeting, and staff did not present a traffic study at the hearing.

Council members said the measure responds to local safety concerns stemming from trucks parked near the market. The ordinance modifies chapter 71, title 7 of the City of Columbia City municipal code as read aloud at the meeting.","On second and final reading the Common Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-9 to prohibit truck parking in angled spaces on Line Street just south of Market Street to address visibility and safety concerns","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public works and utilities report: water main work, completed force main repairs, paving and trail construction progress

Common Council approves three-year personal property abatement for DOT America

Resident urges city to stop utility crews from digging historic sidewalks

Council adopts suite of employee policy updates covering harassment, firearms, holidays and bereavement

Council adopts ordinance limiting truck parking near Line Street market to preserve sight lines