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Michigan City parks board approves vendor permits, concession lease and golf budget transfer; tables fountain demolition bid
Summary
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board approved vendor memoranda with two beach sports operators, granted a concession lease to Zorn Brew Works, approved a summer comedy event, and adopted Resolution No. 1088 to transfer $36,552.40 for golf wages; the board opened a single bid for the Millennium Plaza Fountain demolition and tabled it for further review.
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on April 1 approved several vendor agreements and event contracts and moved a small budget transfer intended to restore golf staffing money.
Board members voted to remove and then approve a 2026 memorandum of understanding with beach vendor Ryan Wellman to operate E‑foil lessons under a flat fee arrangement for the season. The board discussed whether to pay vendors a percentage of receipts or a flat fee; staff said Wellman reported about six lessons last year and recommended a flat fee to avoid ongoing auditing burdens.
The board also approved a 2026 memorandum with Windy City Kite Sports, which staff reported operates when wind conditions permit and performed roughly 10–15 lessons in some seasons. The packet listed a proposed flat fee for that vendor; the board approved the agreement at the meeting.
Melissa, who opened and read the single bid for the Millennium Plaza Fountain demolition, said the bid arrived from Leaport County Project Management with a base bid of $189,929 and an alternate of $52,982. Because it was the only bid received, staff recommended tabling the procurement for review and the board voted to table it.
The board approved a concession lease with Zorn Brew Works for North Point Pavilion, including a modest adjustment to vehicle specifications for beach deliveries and immediate handover of keys once locks are changed. The board also approved the third annual Summer Comedy Jam, a ticketed event planned for July 11; staff said prior years drew about 140 attendees and the department receives a share of food-and‑beverage proceeds.
On finances, the board approved Resolution No. 1088 to transfer $36,552.40 from the golf non‑reverting fund to cover seasonal and full‑time golf wages and directed that the measure be presented to the Michigan City Common Council for the required ordinance. The board also approved the claims docket, payroll, donations, minor transfers in the zoo fund, and credit card charges as presented.
Votes at a glance • Approve minutes (March 18, 2026): approved. • Ryan Wellman MOU (E‑foil vendor): approved. • Windy City Kite Sports MOU: approved. • Take Millennium Plaza Fountain bid off table and review (single bid received): bid opened; board tabled the bid for further review. • Zorn Brew Works concession lease (North Point Pavilion): approved. • Summer Comedy Jam partnership agreement: approved. • Resolution No. 1088 (additional appropriation for golf salaries, $36,552.40): approved; to be presented to Common Council. • Claims docket, payroll and donations: approved. • Employee golf policy amendment (see separate article): approved.
The board did not adopt any final spending decision on the fountain demolition at the meeting; staff will review the single bid and return with recommendations. The board adjourned after routine reports and public comment.
