Portage council accepts $30,000 offer for Willow Creek parcel; approves engineering contract and claims

Portage City council voted on several routine items including a small real-estate sale, an engineering contract to assist with stormwater/MS4 documentation, and approval of claims totaling $146,993.25.

On the Willow Creek Road parcel matter, a staff member reported that the board had previously authorized advertising and sale of a parcel at the northeast corner of Willow Creek and the Kingman extension. No bids were received by the February 27 deadline. On March 31, an adjoining property owner submitted a $30,000 cash offer to rejoin five-eighths of an acre to the original parcel; staff recommended accepting the offer, engaging Chicago Title to prepare a clean deed and authorizing the mayor to sign closing documents. The council moved, seconded, and approved the $30,000 sale by voice vote.

Earlier in the meeting staff requested approval of a continued contract with Christopher Burke Engineering to help the city maintain MS4 documentation and submit required materials to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Public works staff explained the firm oversees MS4 documentation and other related tasks; the council approved the contract by motion and voice vote.

The council also approved claims in the amount of $146,993.25 after a motion and second. During public comment a resident raised a separate surface-drainage concern in a residential area and asked who is responsible for correction; staff offered to follow up and directed the resident to speak with Mr. Camendo and other staff after the meeting to arrange guidance.

All recorded motions in the meeting were approved by voice vote; the council adjourned after a final motion.