Nappanee council renews NIFTY downtown grant, advances rezoning and permitting changes and approves $539,249.44 in vouchers

The Nappanee Common Council on Jan. 20 unanimously approved an interlocal agreement renewing the NIFTY downtown grant program, advanced two ordinances on first reading and cleared $539,249.44 in accounts payable vouchers.

Mark Collins, the city’s director of economic development, presented the RDC/BID interlocal agreement that will provide $75,000 in TIF funds to the BID as part of the NIFTY downtown improvement grants, structured as an 80/20 match. Amy Rosa moved to approve the agreement and Kelbi Veenstra seconded; the council approved the motion by voice vote.

Todd Nunemaker, planning superintendent, introduced Ordinance No. 1650 to rezone 2148 E. Market Street from R‑1 (low‑density residential) to B2 (general business). The Planning Commission recommended the rezoning by a 6‑0 vote. Council Member Dustin Geyer asked what steps would be required to add the property to an existing TIF district or to create a new TIF district; Mayor Phil Jenkins suggested the council discuss that question with consultant Baker Tilly. Ben Leavitt moved and Mr. Geyer seconded approval of Ordinance No. 1650 on first reading; it passed by unanimous voice vote.

Nunemaker also introduced Ordinance No. 1651 to formalize permitting response times under HEA‑1005. The text establishes three days to determine application completeness, seven days for plan reviews and three days to complete requested inspections. The Plan Commission recommended the ordinance by a 7‑0 vote. Leavitt asked about current response times; Nunemaker said they are not written but that having a single inspector has not caused delays to date. Austin Yoder moved approval on first reading and Leavitt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Clerk‑Treasurer Jeff Knight presented 2026 city accounts payable vouchers totaling $539,249.44 for payment. Dustin Geyer moved to approve payment and Kelbi Veenstra seconded; the council approved the vouchers by unanimous voice vote.

The meeting also recorded the submission of the 2025 Fire and Police annual reports; no action was taken on those reports. Mayor Phil Jenkins delivered a State of the City address (the minutes note the speech but do not include text). With no further business, the council adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

The council did not record any dissenting votes during the meeting; all motions reported in the minutes passed by voice vote. The city posted board and appointment details at nappanee.in.gov.