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State audit finds Mishawaka CLG 'minimally compliant'; commission told to document training
Summary
A state CLG review found the Mishawaka Historic Preservation Commission minimally compliant and asked for documentation that at least 50% of commissioners participate in continuing education; staff said it will compile training links and pursue scholarships for the fall conference.
The Mishawaka Historic Preservation Commission was told at its meeting that a recent Certified Local Government (CLG) review from the state's Division of Historic Preservation found the commission only "minimally compliant" with program requirements.
Staff read portions of the report, noting the commission has nine members with no vacancies and that resumes are on file for nine of nine current commissioners and advisory staff but that the commission is missing a resume for advisory member Heather Kelly. "I find the Mishawaka CLG to be minimally compliant with the Indiana CLG regulations," staff said, reading the DHPA finding, and added the commission must document that at least 50% of commissioners participate in continuing education in the next report cycle.
The commission discussed practical steps to meet requirements. Staff said it will compile a single-page resources list (Sanborn maps, census records, city directories, historic newspapers) and circulate links to webinar series and publications. Commissioners highlighted a state conference in Franklin (Sept. 29–Oct. 2) that offers scholarship slots to CLG communities; staff said information on scholarship and conference options will be sent to members.
Several commissioners suggested scheduling an educational presentation at a future meeting so more members can count training toward compliance. "Please keep in mind that many training opportunities exist both in person and online," staff said, adding that the CLG must annually report significant alterations, demolitions, or other changes to the survey data.
The DHPA review also noted certificate-of-approval statistics (two applications received and two approved) and reminded the commission that updates to the local survey should be submitted annually or when significant changes are discovered.
Next steps identified at the meeting included collecting the missing advisory resume, circulating the training resource list, and aiming to have a majority of members attend or document qualifying continuing-education events before the commission's next CLG report submission.
If the commission fails to submit required documentation, the DHPA could downgrade its CLG standing, commissioners warned; members plan to address the shortfall through a combination of scheduled presentations, shared online resources and available scholarships.
