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Elkhart Board of Works elects officers, approves minutes and short‑term leases
Summary
At its first meeting of 2026 (date not specified in transcript), the Elkhart City Board of Works approved its agenda and minutes, elected board officers, approved two one‑year leases for depot tenants and granted a parade/street‑closure permit for an MLK march on March 19.
The Elkhart City Board of Works opened what the chair called the first meeting of 2026, approved the meeting agenda and minutes from the Dec. 30 regular meeting and elected officers by voice votes.
A motion to retain "Mike Mecklen" as president passed by voice vote; the transcript lists that name for the nomination. Andy Jones was nominated and approved as vice president. The clerk reported four members present in chambers: Andy Jones, Rose Rivera, Mike Macklin and Andrew Kreider, with one board vacancy noted.
The board approved a one‑year, nonrenewable lease with the Council on Aging to occupy space at the depot. The lease allows the city to terminate with 30 days' notice; the transcript indicates the tenant does not pay utilities under the current draft. The board also approved a one‑year lease with the Oak Card Art League (name spelled that way in the transcript). That second lease includes utility reimbursement to the city and allows termination with three days' notice.
Members also approved a temporary street closure, parade and public‑assembly permit and a special exception to the noise ordinance for a Martin Luther King Jr. march planned for March 19. The board took no public comment during the designated public‑comment period and adjourned at the close of the agenda.
Votes at a glance (voice votes; counts not recorded in the transcript): - Agenda approval: approved by voice vote. - Election of president (nomination recorded as "Mike Mecklen"): approved by voice vote. - Election of vice president (Andy Jones): approved by voice vote. - Minutes (Dec. 30): approved by voice vote. - Leases (Council on Aging; Oak Card Art League): both approved by voice votes. - Parade/street closure (MLK march): approved by voice vote.
Next steps: The board will continue routine oversight and will bring any follow‑up items — including leases and any additional public comment — to future meetings.
