Michiana council hires regional planning commission to update master plan; police station needs added to survey

The Village of Michiana council approved the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to prepare an updated master plan, authorizing $16,591 for the work with a not‑to‑exceed cap of $20,000. Mike Botelho moved the contract approval and Brian Cassidy seconded; the motion passed on a 5–0 roll call.

Julie Bonello presented the proposed workplan and a 15‑month timeline divided into six phases: project organization; community inventory and analysis; community engagement; goals and future land use; implementation strategies; and draft, review and approval. Bonello said the consultant selection process reviewed five firms and evaluated proposals against project principles emphasizing simplicity for a small beach community, sustainability, and collaboration between council, departments and residents.

Mike Mumper and Police Chief Ryan Layman presented findings from an Exploratory Joint Villages Committee and recommended that police‑station modernization be incorporated into upcoming master plan outreach. They described functional deficiencies at the current station, including limited confidential interview space, no secure evidence room and a station that is difficult for the public to locate; they said a modern facility should improve workplace safety and serve future community needs. Julie Bonello said the Planning Commission will include questions about station modernization in the first resident survey, scheduled for January.

What happens next: the consultant will begin the phased workplan; the Planning Commission and consultant will lead community engagement and deliver draft recommendations for review and council action.