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Council approves two appropriations, legal-services contract and appointment; paves way for more street work
Summary
After rejecting the resolution, Valparaiso City Council approved two budget appropriations (ordinances 4-20-26 and 5-20-26), approved a contract for council legal services, appointed a member to the shared ethics advisory commission, and heard a first reading on a paving appropriation (ordinance 6-20-26) which was carried to the next meeting.
After reconvening following the resolution vote, the Valparaiso City Council moved through municipal business including appropriations, contract approvals and an appointment.
Ordinance 4-20-26 (appropriating $68,000 in the general fund for professional services and to cover two invoices) was read for second reading and adopted by recorded vote (7-0). Clerk-Treasurer Holly Taylor read the ordinance and the council declared the public hearing closed before the roll call where all members voted yes.
The council next considered Ordinance 5-20-26, an appropriation of $150,000 from the cigarette tax fund for professional services. Members questioned whether appropriations should be accompanied by invoices or specific proposals; Councilmember Papillo moved to reduce the attorney-fee portion but the final roll call approved the ordinance 5-2. Several council members asked staff to ensure that future appropriations include clearer scopes of work before funds are expended.
Ordinance 6-20-26, a larger package of paving appropriations drawing on multiple funds (including wheel surtax and motor-vehicle highway restricted funds), was presented for first reading. Public works staff outlined recent revenue and spending across seven years, noted the city’s unsuccessful $1,000,000 community crossings grant application, and explained that approximately $850,000 of last year’s unspent funds remained under contract and would carry forward. Council discussed the accounting and timing; after questions the council moved to carry the item to a future meeting for further review.
In other business, the council approved a contract for city council legal services with the Mindell law firm by voice vote; members said last year’s spending for that service had been modest. Mayor Costas recommended Brian Nosbusch to the shared ethics advisory commission and the council approved the appointment by voice vote.
Valpo Rec director Christian Leonard provided a brief conceptual-design update on the Balboa recreation project: the city had received some 1,700 survey responses and had a first conceptual draft due for internal review. The surveys will remain open through March 1.
Council liaison reports closed out the meeting and the mayor adjourned the session.
