Council moves forward on Prairie Street Cemetery annexation and adopts fiscal plan resolution

The Elkhart Common Council read Proposed Ordinance 25‑O‑38 for first reading to annex the Prairie Street Cemetery and two parcels immediately south along the cemetery’s eastern boundary into the City of Elkhart. The council also considered and adopted Resolution 25‑R‑38, which the resolution text describes as a written fiscal plan outlining provision of services to the proposed annexation area.

Melody, the clerk, read the ordinance and resolution titles. Councilman Fish asked a procedural and operational question about fencing around the cemetery — whether the fence would be solid, rail, or chain link. Eric Trotter, planner, said “I'm not sure that that has been determined.” Council staff indicated they would follow up with details after the meeting.

The council opened the matter to public comment; no members of the public spoke on the annexation. Councilman Fish moved to adopt the resolution and Councilwoman Hines seconded. The clerk recorded a unanimous roll call for the resolution; the clerk announced the result as "8 to 0." The ordinance for annexation was placed on second reading for a future meeting.