Michiana approves $5,800 for parking-lot and basketball-court repairs; staff outline beach and park plans

The Village of Michiana council approved a public-works contract of $5,800 on April 11 to clean the parking lot and basketball court, seal major cracks with hot rubberized crack sealant and restripe the surfaces.

Street Superintendent Rick Reitz presented the quote and said crews have begun park cleanup and will replace signage and prepare facilities for the season. Mike Botelho moved to approve the $5,800 repair work; Tim McCarthy seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Reitz also reported that staff will begin locking and unlocking pickleball and tennis court gates starting May 1 and that two port-a-potties will be delivered to the park on May 1. To reduce theft of court equipment, the department removed net cranks that frequently go missing. Reitz reminded residents that personal property left on the courts will be removed and disposed after 30 days if unclaimed.

Beach and park updates came from Council member Brian Cassidy: two garbage cans will remain at beach stops but recycling toters are being removed after the garbage hauler reported people depositing trash in recycling bins; residents were asked to take household recycling home. Cassidy showed sample stickers that will be affixed to toters with the beach-stop number to deter removal. Inmates assigned to community service will help with beach cleanup at the end of April and planters will be placed in the first week of May.

During public comment, resident Pam Schutt complained about pickleball players relieving themselves by the creek. Nancy Thill commented about quieter pickleball balls as a possible mitigation. Those comments were entered during the public-comment period and recorded for the council's consideration.

Staff will schedule the repair work and follow up on court-access procedures and beach maintenance plans.