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Michiana hires regional planner for 15‑month master plan update; consultant budget set at up to $20,000
Summary
The Village Council approved Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to update its Master Plan in a 15‑month process, authorizing $16,591 with up to $20,000 available for additional work; the update will include community engagement and questions about modernizing the police station.
The Village of Michiana Council voted Nov. 8 to hire the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to lead a 15‑month update of the village Master Plan, authorizing $16,591 for the contract with a not‑to‑exceed cap of $20,000 for additional work.
Planning Commission Chair Mike Botelho introduced the recommendation and consultant interviews. Julie Bonello summarized the recommended scope: a six‑phase process that includes project organization, community inventory and analysis, public engagement, goals and future land use, implementation strategies, and draft review and approval. Bonello said the project is intended to guide long‑term growth, capital investment and public‑service priorities for the village.
The council also agreed that the Master Plan outreach will incorporate questions about modernizing the police station after a presentation from the Exploratory Joint Villages Committee describing functional deficiencies in current facilities and desired features for a new station. The council reappointed Karen Szyp to the Planning Commission for a three‑year term. The consultant contract and appointment passed by roll call vote, 5–0.
The Planning Commission and consultant plan to run community engagement, including surveys starting in January, and to present draft recommendations for council review according to the six‑phase schedule presented at the meeting.
