The Michigan City Common Council on June 17 voted unanimously to amend Section 78-6 of the Michigan City Municipal Code to create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) exemption to the city's open-container prohibition.

The ordinance, introduced by Councilman Chris Coulter and taken on third reading, passed 9-0 after a brief public comment period and one motion to approve. Councilman Chris Belinski seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance.

The change makes the city's existing open-container prohibition subject to a DORA exception, allowing licensed businesses in a designated area to permit open alcoholic beverages consistent with any conditions set by the city. "We've got the open container ordinance that says we can't have any open containers in Michigan City. The DORA is an exemption to that," Coulter said when the ordinance was read on third reading.

Two residents spoke during the public comment period. Tommy Kolovic suggested fees and fees-for-cups as revenue ideas but did not oppose or support the ordinance specifically. Paul Presbylinski asked for clarity because he had missed earlier readings and said he opposed the ordinance if the council could not explain its substance during public comment.

The council called the roll after a motion and second; every member present voted "Aye." The clerk recorded nine votes in favor and none opposed. No amendments were proposed on third reading.

Council members did not add further conditions at adoption; the measure passed as read and will take effect according to the city's ordinance-adoption rules.

Less formal discussion and public commentary that evening also ranged across several topics on the agenda, but the DORA exemption was the only change to the municipal drinking-in-public code that the council adopted that night.

The council meeting packet and prior readings of the ordinance are filed with the city clerk and available on the city's meeting portal.