Superintendent: Life rings to be installed after grant pursuit; parking system and smoking policy addressed

Superintendent Shannon told the Parks and Recreation Board on Feb. 18 that Michigan City is not in compliance with Senate Enrolled Act 253 and that the department will install 14 life-ring stations with 100-foot throw ropes at designated beach access points.

"City of Michigan City is not in compliance with Senate Enrolled Act 253...we will be installing 14 life rings...they'll each have a 100 foot throw rope," Shannon said, adding that Administrative Director Melissa Moore submitted a grant to the Health Foundation of La Porte and staff expect a strong chance of full funding. Maintenance staff have posts on hand and will work with the fire department on a custom bracket better suited for lakeshore conditions; once installed, the fire department will include the new stations in its regular inspections.

On smoking policy, Shannon said the common council adopted a new no-smoking policy but that it exempts park property; she noted parks staff had discussed the policy in a workshop and highlighted the potential revenue impacts for golf outings that generated roughly $80,000 last year. Scott Melon, a resident speaking during public comment, suggested a family-friendly nonsmoking area at Washington Beach near the lifeguards and asked staff to quantify cigarette-butt litter; in response, staff cited prior beach-litter data showing cigarette butts as the most common litter item.

The superintendent also previewed automated parking zones and fees and said the board would see a formal proposal at the next meeting. Staff emphasized cross-training for construction management (Will and Melissa) and said the Millennium Fountain project will proceed through approval and bid steps with anticipated board action and subsequent bidding.