Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police chief, council approve radio tower purchase and introduce new hire amid vandalism probe
Summary
Village of Michiana approved a $2,540 replacement radio base station, was told MDOT will not add a stoplight at the Grand Beach/Highway 12 entrance, introduced a new officer trainee and reported a vandalism investigation into 12 trees cut at Stop 40.
Police Chief Ryan Layman updated the Village of Michiana Council on several public‑safety items at the March 14 meeting, including equipment needs, personnel changes and an ongoing vandalism investigation.
Layman said the Michigan Department of Transportation decided not to install a traffic signal at the Grand Beach entrance off Highway 12 and "they will look at it again in 5 years." He introduced Brendan Stadler, a new hire who will attend the police academy in May to replace Officer Jamie Flick, who retired this winter to become a full‑time fire chief in New Buffalo Township. Layman also reported the department is investigating the vandalism of 12 trees cut down at Stop 40 and asked anyone with information to contact the police.
On equipment, Layman said the department's radio base station — a required state base used for all radios — had failed after 25 years and requested a replacement estimated at $2,540. Council member Tim McCarthy moved to approve the purchase; Mike Mumper seconded and the motion was approved by all. The chief's request and the hiring update were relayed as operational steps to maintain patrol and communications capacity.
The council and police noted beach and access safety measures remain under review, and residents were urged to report tips about the tree vandalism to assist the investigation.
