Long Beach council adopts updated handbook, appoints water superintendent and approves multiple capital expenditures

The Long Beach Town Council on June 8, 2026, unanimously adopted an updated Town handbook, formalized the town’s water leadership and approved a slate of capital expenditures and event permits.

President Joy Schmitt opened the meeting at 7 p.m. and, after routine roll call by Clerk‑Treasurer Meg Collins, the council approved the consent agenda, which included May financial reports showing $2,559,538 in approved permits and $28,085.37 in related revenue. The consent agenda passed 5–0 on a motion by Kendra Bartlett and a second from Colleen Wall Lane.

Clerk‑Treasurer Meg Collins summarized edits to the Town handbook and said the handbook would become effective immediately if approved. The council voted to adopt the updated handbook, which includes an overtime call‑out provision for Public Works snow plowing that HR reviewed and recommended. President Schmitt made the motion to approve the handbook; Colleen Wall Lane seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The council handled two appropriation ordinances. Collins said Ordinance #2026‑03 (additional appropriations) had been approved on its first reading in May but the required public hearing was not opened; it was renoticed and opened at this meeting, with no public comment. President Schmitt moved to approve Ordinance #2026‑03 on second reading; the council approved it unanimously. The council also approved Ordinance #2026‑04 on first reading, which Collins described as adding capital‑plan amounts into the 2026 budget to allow payment for projects including paving and the salt barn.

Chief/Town Administrator Mark Swistek gave multiple operational updates and requests. He asked the council to authorize a letter of support and a vote to apply for a Duneland Health Council e‑bike grant to increase officer mobility; the council approved submitting the application. Swistek also sought approval for the Long Beach Civic Association’s July 4 activities — including a requested alcohol permit and a certified resolution for the Indiana Alcohol Beverage Commission — and the annual Higdon July 4th Family Fun Run; the council approved both and authorized President Schmitt to sign the required resolution.

On staffing and pay, the council formally appointed Austin Ashcraft as Water Superintendent, noting he had been assuming responsibilities after the May 22 retirement of Greg Parrish. President Schmitt moved to appoint Ashcraft and then moved to set his hourly rate at $33; both motions passed unanimously.

The council approved several capital and equipment actions brought by Swistek and department leads: installation of three water valves to allow isolation of supply lines in emergencies (estimated total $33,333); purchase of two Community Center gym heat pumps from vendor D.A. Dodd for $35,183 with funds confirmed available in the capital plan; and solicitation of sealed bids for sale of a 1995 Johnstone street sweeper that needs hydraulic repairs. The council also approved New Tech’s first pay application on the salt‑barn contract for $7,950, leaving a remaining contract balance of $122,350 from the original $130,300 contract.

Committee and board updates included a police report commending Corporal Farthing for use of the FLOC system during a May call, fire‑department training at a donated house, completed seal coating of town lots, and ongoing planning work by the Park Board and APC. The Tree Board work on identifying town trees needing trimming and possible grant applications was also noted.

With no public comments and no further council business, Colleen Wall Lane moved to adjourn; the meeting ended at 8:17 p.m.

What’s next: Ordinance #2026‑04 will proceed through the ordinance process following its first reading; the Police Commission and Fire Commission meetings were announced for June and June 18 respectively, and the town will continue permitting and payment steps for the salt‑barn project.