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Votes at a glance: Michiana council approves stewardship contract, officers, finances and events
Summary
At its Dec. 13 meeting the Village of Michiana Council approved officer nominations, a one-year stewardship contract for the butterfly garden not to exceed $5,000, financial reports and several community events and administrative motions; most votes were unanimous (5–0).
The Village of Michiana Council on Dec. 13 completed a series of routine motions and approvals, including officer nominations, a stewardship contract for the butterfly garden and several financial and community items.
Key outcomes
- Officers: Mike Botelho nominated Tim McCarthy as Council President and Brian Cassidy as President Pro Tem; both nominations were seconded and approved 5–0.
- Stewardship contract: The council approved a one-year contract with Pizzo Stewardship for maintenance of the village butterfly garden, not to exceed $5,000. The contract covers April through November services including invasive and non-native vegetation control by hand pulling and brush-cutting, mowing or treatment as needed, plus seed collection and dispersal, time, travel and supplies. Beth Denton, Pizzo’s territory manager, reported completion of erosion-blanketing work and presented photos; the motion to approve was made by Mike Botelho, seconded by Nancy Thill and passed 5–0.
- Minutes and finance: The council approved the Nov. 8, 2024 minutes. Treasurer Tracey McCay presented the treasurer’s report and a Pokagon Fund balance of $45,536; the council approved the report. Clerk Anne Heywood presented a check register totaling $112,935.49, which the council approved.
- Planning survey and house walk: The Planning Task Force will distribute a community survey via SurveyMonkey with water bills in January and seek responses by early February; the council approved moving forward. The council also approved a Michiana House Walk for July 25, 2025 to raise funds for hall renovation.
- Human resources and schedule: The council amended the HR manual to add the words "employee and spouse" to the Medicare language. Members also approved giving employees Monday, Dec. 22 off for the holiday week and noted January and February meetings are canceled; the next meeting is March 13, 2025.
Votes at a glance (selected motions)
- Nomination: Tim McCarthy as Council President — outcome: approved 5–0 (mover: Mike Botelho; seconder: Brian Cassidy). - Nomination: Brian Cassidy as President Pro Tem — outcome: approved 5–0 (mover: Tim McCarthy; seconder: Mike Mumper). - Contract award: Pizzo Stewardship, one-year butterfly garden stewardship, not to exceed $5,000 — outcome: approved 5–0 (mover: Mike Botelho; seconder: Nancy Thill). - Minutes approval: Nov. 8, 2024 minutes — outcome: approved (unanimous). - Treasurer’s report (Pokagon Fund balance reported at $45,536) — outcome: approved. - Check register: $112,935.49 — outcome: approved. - Planning survey distribution — outcome: approved. - Michiana House Walk (July 25, 2025) — outcome: approved. - Employee time off: Monday, Dec. 22 — outcome: approved.
Several reports were also presented, including a Fire Department fundraising update for a Lucas CPR machine ($16,000 raised toward a $20,000 cost) and a water project update: Merritt Engineering is preparing a project plan and the village is awaiting AEP to place fiberglass over lines outside the pump house so a new pump can be installed.
The council adjourned at 3:26 p.m. EST.
