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Porter County Council approves beach-permit changes, fireworks contract and routine items
Summary
The Porter County Council passed ordinance 2026-05 revising beach-permit display and limited transfer rules, approved a $12,500 fireworks agreement with BRJ (and a $6,250 deposit), approved State Park Little League facility use, accepted an $8,500 Rotary donation for Fourth Fest, and approved routine contractors and claims.
The Porter County Council approved a package of routine and event-related measures at its March meeting, including an ordinance revising beach-permit rules and a contract for the town’s Fourth of July fireworks display.
The council passed ordinance 2026-05 on second reading, amending chapter 66, article 3, division 2 to change where beach-permit stickers are displayed (front or back, permanently affixed rather than temporarily) and to allow a one-time transfer of a pass in limited circumstances. The ordinance was adopted by roll-call vote with members voting in favor.
Council members also approved an agreement with BRJ Fireworks for a licensed, insured pyro-technical display priced at $12,500. The contract, presented by parks staff, was reviewed by the town attorney with no additional comments. Council approved a 50% prepayment of $6,250 to secure the booking.
Parks staff said the $12,500 contract will be funded in part by park donations and by a recently announced $8,500 check from the Porter Rotary Club. Parks staff described the split as $4,000 from park donations and $8,500 from the Rotary donation.
Other approved items included a State Park Little League facilities-use agreement allowing the league to continue upgrades to Hawthorne Park and to repurpose a relatively new scoreboard for town use; approval of seven new contractors as requested by staff; the Dunland Exchange Club’s request to place a banner at Hawthorne Park and ribbons downtown for a child-abuse-prevention campaign; and routine claims and sewer adjustments, including a late $13.86 credit for 915 Quail Ridge Drive that was added to the packet by amendment.
Votes and outcomes - Ordinance 2026-05 (beach permits): approved on second reading. - BRJ Fireworks agreement (pyro-technical display), $12,500: approved. - Prepayment to BRJ Fireworks, $6,250 deposit: approved. - State Park Little League facilities-use agreement: approved. - Dunland Exchange Club banner and downtown ribbons: approved. - Seven new contractors: approved. - Claims and sewer adjustments (including $13.86 credit): approved.
No further conditions or amendments to the fireworks contract were recorded in the meeting minutes; the council indicated the prepayment would be processed separately from contract approval. The meeting adjourned after a brief round of council comments.
