Michiana council reviews park lawn and irrigation, water upgrades, tree‑plantings and master‑plan work group

Council members used the Oct. 11 meeting to review several ongoing municipal projects and community updates.

Park and irrigation: Councilmember Mike Mumper reported the new park lawn installation is complete and that crews will fertilize and mow once, with another fertilizing round in November and again in spring; he thanked Street Superintendent Rick Reitz and staff member Josh for help getting irrigation running. Mumper said the village is working with contractor Down to Earth on the irrigation system.

Water system and approvals: Mumper said monthly reports have been submitted to EGLE and that daily water testing is being performed by staff; Merritt is preparing a Project Plan that will go to the EPA for approval and the village will assemble bids thereafter. A new pump is ready to be installed and Rick Reitz said he prefers doing the installation in November when resident water use is lower, temporarily running the system on a single pump while swapping equipment. Hydrant flushing is scheduled over the next couple of weeks. The transcript does not provide contract dollar amounts or a timeline beyond the planned November work.

Tree Board and parks: Nancy Thill said Garden Club volunteers (about 33% of membership) agreed to help with spring plantings. She reported a MDNR grant supported the planting of five trees in the park on Sept. 25 (Black Gum, two Ironwood, Dogwood and Sugar Maple) performed by Sawyer Garden; protective metal fencing has been installed around the new trees. Thill described discussions with Pizzo Gardens on a butterfly garden and proposed Monarch Watch registration involving the Day Camp; she suggested a pergola at the park entrance as funding becomes available. Arbor Day events on Oct. 5 included an honor guard from Boy Scout Troop 802 and Girl Scout Troop 8022; Anne Blasko officiated and Rima Binder, president of the Board of the Botanical Gardens, joined as a dignitary.

Planning and budgeting: Mike Botelho read a Planning Commission update from Julie Bonello outlining formation of a Master Planning Work Group with a goal to complete the master plan in 12 months, outreach to neighboring communities and utilities, identification and review of four consultants, and an Oct. 21 work‑group meeting to recommend a consultant and plan next steps, including a public survey. Treasurer Tracey McCay reported the Pokagon Fund balance at $43,329 and noted two certificates of deposit will expire in December (amounts not specified in the transcript); she is monitoring rates. A Treasurer’s letter will explain the renewed five‑year operating millage that voters approved in August and how it will appear on winter tax bills.

Beach and public works: Brian Cassidy said beach stairs at Stops 38, 39 and 42 will be removed at month‑end, with Stops 37 and 41.5 to remain open; all kayaks and paddle boards must be removed by Oct. 15 and garbage cans will be removed from beach stops at month‑end. Street Superintendent Rick Reitz reported two additional drywells installed on Long Lake Shore Drive (total of four budgeted for the year) and work to extend cable wiring for Wi‑Fi from the street garage to the police side to support vendors and residents near the courts and pavilion. Leaf pick‑up will begin at the end of the month.

Administrative items: Clerk Anne Heywood presented a check register totaling $157,983.26; the council approved it by motion. Heywood also reported Octfest sold out (100 tickets) and that wagon‑wheel light fixtures for Village Hall remain for sale ($150 each).

Public comment: Resident Kathleen Hogan Morrison asked whether maintenance of the new park lawn would increase village costs; council members said no, that mowing, leaf cleanup and tree watering will continue under existing operations. Resident Pam Schutt asked when the Village Hall will be open to the public; council said a few details remain to be worked out and work on the hall is ongoing.

Next meeting: The council set its next meeting for Friday, Nov. 8 at 1:00 p.m. EST. The meeting adjourned at 1:18 p.m.