La Porte City Engineer Nick Minnick to step down from board role, will work as consultant

City Engineer Nick Minnick told the Board of Public Works and Safety on Jan. 21 that the meeting was his last day serving in his current capacity on the board. Minnick said he will continue to support La Porte "in a different capacity" by joining a consulting firm that will allow him to help La Porte and other Northern Indiana communities with infrastructure work.

"I will be, working for a consultant, where I'll be able to hopefully help not just city of La Porte, but other communities across Northern Indiana to have better infrastructure for their people," Minnick said. He thanked city staff and said he expected to support the city informally between staff during the transition.

Mayor Dermody and several department heads praised Minnick’s contributions to street and park projects, and board members acknowledged his role in trail and Fox Park renovations. The board also noted continuity plans, naming staff (Jamie Novak and others) who will carry forward active projects.

Minnick’s departure was framed as a role change rather than a relocation: he said he is not leaving the community but is moving out of the city engineering role. The board offered thanks and best wishes; the meeting proceeded with routine approvals and project updates.

Next steps: staff will continue processing the projects Minnick oversaw, and the city indicated project managers and department staff will assume day-to-day responsibilities.