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Resident urges action on chronic problems at Novicello’s Pond as stormwater appropriation passes
Summary
A resident urged the Town of Schererville to address algae, geese and pump issues at Novicello’s Pond during a stormwater board public comment. Later the town council held a public hearing and adopted Ordinance 2030, providing additional appropriations to the Stormwater Improvement Fund, by a 5-0 vote.
A resident urged the Town of Schererville on Sept. 10 to develop a “big comprehensive package” to fix long-standing problems at Novicello’s Pond, citing persistent algae, nonworking pumps and a recent removal of shoreline shrubs that increased geese on nearby lawns.
The comment came during the stormwater board portion of the evening’s meetings. The resident, who did not give a name on the record and is described in the transcript as a resident speaking during public comment, said the pond has been “a problem…been there 40 years” and asked the council for clear legal answers and a plan. “Something’s gotta be done with that pond,” the resident said.
At the town council meeting that followed, the council opened a public hearing on Ordinance 2030, described in the meeting as an ordinance providing for additional appropriations to the Stormwater Improvement Fund. Town officials said the fund holds fee revenue collected after a stormwater fee passed last December and that governmental review would confirm that $100,000 of received funds could be appropriated. The council adopted Ordinance 2030, approving the additional appropriation, on a 5-0 vote.
Why it matters: The ordinance creates an appropriated spending authority in the stormwater fund that officials said will allow the town to pay stormwater-related expenses. The resident’s remarks underscore community concerns about pond maintenance, wildlife and water quality that local stormwater spending would address.
Council and staff reactions: There was no public opposition during the hearing. Clerk-Treasurer Michael Troxell read required notices and said publication had been made; Attorney David Austin confirmed the hearing could proceed. No council member requested amendments during the hearing.
What was decided: By adopting Ordinance 2030, the council authorized additional spending from the Stormwater Improvement Fund subject to the department-level review noted in the hearing. The transcript records the ordinance’s adoption as passing 5-0.
What remains open: The resident who spoke sought legal clarity and a comprehensive remediation plan for Novicello’s Pond. The transcript records the complaint and the appropriation vote but does not record a staff plan or timeline for pond dredging, vegetation management, or pump repair. Those specifics were not provided and are not adopted policy in the hearing.
Community context: The stormwater fee and the appropriation are intended to address stormwater infrastructure and maintenance needs across town; residents raised a localized quality-of-life concern about Novicello’s Pond during the stormwater board comments.
