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Commission hears rain-barrel procurement options and a Porter County waste-reduction grant opportunity
Summary
Members discussed options for discounted rain barrels (town-run programs and a Valparaiso program that has offered barrels at roughly half-price), and the chair flagged a Porter County Waste Reduction District grant offering awards up to $2,500 (application due July 1). Commissioners noted they could apply in future rounds but did not take immediate action.
Matt Carter described his rain barrel’s poor condition and said the barrels can be costly. He urged the commission to research local procurement options, including a Valparaiso program that previously made barrels available at roughly half price.
Chair Emily Bridal flagged a Porter County Waste Reduction District grant opportunity that provides awards up to $2,500 for projects that support waste reduction and related programs; she said the application for this round is due July 1 and noted the commission did not need to apply immediately but might do so in a future cycle. Members suggested contacting local groups — the Porter County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Porter County Master Recyclers — and reaching out to people who previously ran rain-barrel efforts in town for practical guidance.
Matt offered an estimate of typical prices and why local programs matter: “They’re like a $120…they’re super nice, but they’re expensive,” and he suggested exploring the Valpo mechanism or county programs that reduce costs. Commissioners agreed to investigate procurement paths and potential grant use but took no formal vote.
A procedural question was raised over whether municipalities can apply for the Porter County grant or whether awards are limited to nonprofits or community groups; members said they would double-check eligibility rules before pursuing an application.
