The Michigan City Sustainability Commission voted unanimously Oct. 9 to pursue membership in the Indiana Clean Communities program following an overview from a Department of Environmental Management staffer.

Nicole Messickar, representing the Indiana Department of Environmental Management(IDEM) Office of Program Support, described the Clean Communities program as a voluntary, project-based recognition program that awards bronze, silver and gold tiers based on the number and type of projects a community completes. Messickar said the program includes a confidential technical assistance check (CTAP) to confirm regulatory compliance before a community may enter and that communities create a local "clean team" to choose and document projects.

Messickar told commissioners the program offers a suite of approximately 33 predefined project types across categories such as waste management, energy, stormwater/resiliency, green grounds and local economic initiatives. She said small communities (under 35,000 residents) are typically expected to complete about four projects to begin. She also described member benefits that include optional branded signage for completed projects, a members-only online area for sharing documentation and, she said, advance notice of some inspections.

Commissioners discussed the extent to which Michigan City already meets several program criteria, noting existing items such as a greenhouse-gas inventory, tree board activity, stormwater management actions and local rain gardens. Commissioners raised questions about ongoing obligations and cost; Messickar repeatedly characterized the program as free to communities and noted that projects may be done at a community's own pace with no formal reapplication requirement so long as forward momentum is shown.

After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to proceed with the application. Commissioners directed staff to gather municipal information requested for the application, including EPA grant numbers and other city data Messickar noted would be used in the submission. The meeting record does not identify a named mover and seconder for the application motion; the commission indicated unanimous consent.

The commission plans to assign members and staff to prepare the application and to work with IDEM's Clean Communities coordinator, Melissa ("Missy") Shaver, for follow-up details and any technical questions Messickar deferred.