On second reading the Town of Merrillville council adopted Ordinance 25-33 on Nov. 11, authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund infrastructure improvements, certain equipment purchases, police building retrofits and related incidental expenses.

Town Manager Michael Griffin told the council the items planned for the bond proceeds include retrofitting a police building, purchasing several vehicles, installing fencing and acquiring gateway signs. He said a special meeting will be held at 4:45 p.m. on Nov. 19 to appropriate bond proceeds should the ordinance be adopted. The ordinance passed on a 7-0 roll-call vote.

Council members asked whether the second reading allowed public comment; the town manager said there is no statutory requirement for public comment at second reading but the council may choose to hear it. The council proceeded to the roll-call vote and recorded "7 in favor." Town staff will circulate jurats and signed copies to council members following the meeting.

Council members said the timing of the Nov. 11 meeting was to address time-sensitive items while many staff were off for Veterans Day; officials thanked staff for working on their day off.