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Votes at a glance: Schererville council approves DORA, property purchase, contracts, grants and other measures on April 9
Summary
The Schererville Town Council approved multiple agenda items April 9, including a downtown DORA ordinance, a property purchase for Kennedy Avenue, a $1.9 million street resurfacing award and several contracts and resolutions.
The Schererville Town Council took a series of formal actions Wednesday. The list below summarizes each item, the council's vote, and key details recorded in the meeting.
Votes at a glance
- Ordinance 2022 (DORA): Adopted 4-0. The ordinance establishes a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) in the downtown district for a Parks Department event "Pensy Pints and Performers" in August. Director of Operations Annie Hansen explained the DORA would allow licensed businesses in the outlined area to serve alcohol to patrons 21 and older and permit patrons to carry open containers within the designated perimeter, "as permitted by Indiana Code," and that signage and vendor approvals would be required. The ordinance limits participating vendors this year to two local establishments (Greg's Place and Schererville Lounge) but may be amended later to add vendors.
- Resolution 2025-3 (Oppose SB1): Adopted 3-1. The resolution opposes state proposals to reduce municipal property-tax revenues without a comprehensive replacement mechanism. Public comment included the Cherryville Firefighters Union urging opposition, citing impacts on emergency services.
- Resolution 2025-4 (Transfer of funds): Adopted 4-0. Council approved an intra-budget transfer to cover merit board expenses after consultation with department heads.
- Purchase of property (Kennedy Avenue Phase 3, Parcel 5): Approved 4-0. The council approved acquisition of right-of-way and temporary easement from the Robert Christopher Foster Revocable Living Trust for $32,100 (appraised value) for Phase 3 of the Kennedy Avenue improvement project.
- Contract: Burke, Constanza & Carberry (Merit Board legal services): Approved 4-0. The town authorized a contract for legal services to support the newly formed Fire Department Merit Board.
- CCMG/Community Crossing resurfacing bid (2025-1): Awarded 4-0 to Milestone Contractors LP for $1,912,198.90. Public Works Director Chan Nandorff said the award covers 27 street segments across multiple subdivisions and sections including portions of Joliet Street and Camden Woods; staff said a second phase will follow to use remaining grant funds.
- Amendment: Community service agreement with St. John Township: Approved 4-0. The amendment expands a program that allows officers to provide gift cards for fuel to also cover food and nonalcoholic drinks for people in need.
- Acceptance of donations: Approved 4-0. The council accepted monetary and in-kind donations totaling $4,329.69 for various departments and events, including Pensy Pints sponsorships.
How these actions will proceed
Several items (the DORA ordinance, property purchase and contracts) require follow-up implementation steps such as state approvals for DORA vendors, final closing documents for property acquisition, legal contract execution and vendor coordination for the street resurfacing projects. The council instructed staff to return with finalized contracts, vendor approvals and financing documents where needed.
Meeting context
Public comment on the agenda included residents and union representatives. The council heard annual and project reports (wastewater biosolids building construction about 40% complete; the town's Parks Department planning Pensy Pints and Performers) before taking the votes.
The summaries below list the formal actions recorded on the agenda and their immediate outcomes; staff will carry out the implementation steps noted in each item.
