LaPorte County zoning board postpones petitions after attorney says panel was improperly constituted

LaPorte County—60—1s Board of Zoning Appeals postponed all petitions on April 21 after the board's appointed attorney told members the panel was not constituted in accordance with the LaPorte County Joint Zoning Ordinance and state law.

Andrew Vold, who identified himself as the appointed attorney for the Board of Zoning Appeals, read sections of the LaPorte County Joint Zoning Ordinance and cited provisions of the Indiana Code on advisory board composition. "It is my position as the attorney that the board is insufficient and improperly constructed," Vold said, and he requested that a member appointed by the LaPorte County Board of Commissioners step down from the meeting while that appointment is addressed.

Board members moved to act on the attorney's position; the motion was made and seconded and the membership voted unanimously in favor. The board president then moved to carry the night's petitions to the board's next meeting, which Vold said could be heard on May 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Vold also said he understood the County Commissioners planned to address the appointment at a May 6 meeting.

A roll call earlier in the meeting recorded Melissa Mishky, Brad Rozinski, Eric Pointon, Jeff Balties and Ernie Schmidt as present, establishing a quorum. The board adjourned after taking the procedural votes; the president apologized to attendees for the inconvenience and said members would reconvene on May 12.

The attorney's reading referenced LaPorte County Joint Zoning Ordinance Section 2801 and provisions of the Indiana Code regarding five-member advisory boards and appointment requirements. The board did not take up or vote on any of the evening's petitions; all such matters were carried to the May 12 meeting.