Council approves police safety-building grant resolution, survey; chief gets radio tower purchase OK

The council approved a resolution enabling the Village of Michiana and Grand Beach to co-sponsor and co-sign a federal grant proposal for a police safety building. Tim McCarthy moved to approve the resolution required for the grant; the motion passed. The council also approved a draft police survey that may be distributed to residents at a later date.

Police Chief Ryan Layman updated the council on multiple operational items: MDOT declined a stoplight at the Grand Beach entrance (to be reviewed in five years), the department is investigating vandalism where 12 trees at Stop 40 were cut down and asked the public for any information, and he introduced Brendan Stadler who has been hired by Grand Beach and will attend the Police Academy in May. On equipment, Layman requested approval to replace a 25‑year‑old radio tower used as the base station; “Ryan would like to purchase a new one for $2,540,” the minutes record, and the council approved that purchase by motion.

The grant resolution approved by the council directs staff to move forward with a joint funding proposal and included confirmation both villages are in agreement to co-sponsor the initiative. Public commenters asked about the likely location of any new safety building; council members said about four acres on the frontage road donated by a Grand Beach resident is the expected site.