Michiana council approves water contract with Michigan City; Creek water project slated under $620,000 grant

The Village of Michiana council on Aug. 9 voted to approve a water contract with Michigan City and reviewed timelines for a Creek water-main replacement funded in part by a $620,000 grant.

Brian Cassidy moved to approve the contract; Trustee Mike Mumper seconded. The roll call vote was 3 ayes and 0 nays, and the motion passed. The motion formally authorizes the village to enter the contract with Michigan City as presented at the meeting.

Trustee Mike Mumper reported that Merritt Engineering is finalizing plans for the Creek project and said a new pump will be installed after Labor Day. He said the water-main replacement is expected to take two to three weeks once work begins and that asphalt restoration could be completed by mid-November. The project is part of the $620,000 grant package the village has received for water system work.

The contract vote and the engineering update together set the timetable for staff to proceed with procurement and scheduling. Village Attorney Sara Senica also updated the council on unrelated litigation with New Buffalo Township, saying the village lost at the Court of Appeals and that the village is awaiting guidance from the Michigan Municipal League attorney on next steps.

Next steps identified by trustees include completing engineering plans, scheduling construction (trustees expressed a preference to start in October), and installing the replacement pump after Labor Day. No additional public hearing or council action on the contract was recorded at the meeting.