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Michiana council approves park lawn project, security cameras and 9% personnel pay increase
Summary
The Village of Michiana council on Sept. 6 approved a capped $40,000 contract package for park irrigation and hydroseeding, authorized up to $8,000 for security cameras, amended a CD rate to 3.75%, and approved a 9% salary-budgets increase for two departments after a closed-session attorney review.
The Village of Michiana council on Sept. 6 approved several measures including contracts to renovate the park lawn, installation of security cameras and a 9% adjustment to departmental salary budgets after returning from a closed session.
Council member Mike Mumper outlined the park-lawn work, asking the council to approve two contracts: Down to Earth for $19,000 for irrigation and Serviscape for $20,260 for regrading, leveling and hydroseeding. Mumper amended his motion to cap total spending at $40,000; the council approved the amended motion by a 5–0 roll-call vote. Mumper said the project area will be fenced and closed to the public until the new grass establishes; the playground and pickleball court will remain open with alternate access along Cherokee.
Clerk Anne Heywood presented a check register of $162,192.46, which the council approved. Treasurer Tracey McCay reported the Pokagon Fund balance remains $43,329 and successfully moved to amend a CD rate from 4% to 3.75% to reflect lower market rates; that motion passed 5–0.
On public-safety investments, Tim McCarthy moved to contract with Omni Systems to install security cameras around the village and park for up to $8,000; Brian Cassidy seconded and the motion passed 5–0. McCarthy said it was “sad that we have to do this” but said the village has a significant investment in park and hall property and has experienced vandalism.
Following a closed-session review of an attorney-client letter under Section 8(H) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, the council returned to open session and approved a 9% increase to the total salary budgeted for the Department of Works and the Village Office. Tim McCarthy said the raises will take effect on the next payroll after each affected employee meets with a council member; the motion passed.
The council also reviewed a police contract and agreed to have Grand Beach review it, with both village councils expected to consider it at their October meetings.
The council scheduled its next meeting for Oct. 11 at 12:00 p.m. EST and adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
