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Board ratifies emergency replacement of senior center 75‑gallon water heater
Summary
Parks staff reported and the board approved an emergency purchase to replace a leaking 75‑gallon water heater at the senior center after staff said local vendors could not respond within the required time frame and a wedding reception required hot water the following weekend.
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on Sept. 17 ratified an emergency purchase to replace a leaking 75‑gallon water heater at the senior center after staff said the unit began leaking on Sept. 8 and maintenance staff could not repair it.
Parks staff said the replacement was treated as an emergency for two reasons: seniors need hot water for hygiene and kitchen use, and a wedding reception was scheduled for the upcoming Saturday. Staff said a company that could replace the unit the following day was engaged so the center could remain open; the vendor used for the emergency was from Chicago after local firms could not respond within the required turnaround time.
A board member and public commenters urged staff to prioritize local contractors where feasible. Staff responded that they maintain a contractor list and attempt to contact local companies first but will use an out‑of‑town vendor if no local contractor is available on short notice. The transcript records that one local vendor (Poston) did not take new work by voicemail and staff reached a second local company that could not meet the immediate one‑day need.
Formal action: the board moved, seconded and recorded approval of the emergency special purchase for the senior center water heater.
Why it matters: The replacement ensured continuity of senior center services and an imminent private event; the item also prompted discussion about procurement practices and an internal contractor list to prioritize local vendors when feasible.
