Portage public meetings in 2024

Common Council

The Portage Common Council will hold a public hearing on two fiscal items: Ordinance #24-38 for additional end-of-year appropriations and Resolution #24-05 regarding the city's ARPA plan. After the hearing, the council may vote on these items. The meeting is a special session.

• Public hearing on Ordinance #24-38 Additional Appropriations for EOY
• Public hearing on Resolution #24-05 City of Portage – Form of ARPA Plan
• Special meeting of the Common Council

The Portage Common Council held a special meeting on December 19, 2024, and took action on two items. Ordinance #24-38, which authorizes additional appropriations for the end of 2024, was approved on a 5-1 vote. Resolution #24-05, the city's ARPA plan, was approved unanimously (6-0). Both items had public hearings with no speakers.

• Approved Ordinance #24-38 Additional Appropriations for end of year (5-1)
• Approved Resolution #24-05 City of Portage ARPA Plan (6-0)

Park & Recreation Board

The Park and Recreation Board will hold a regular monthly meeting covering approval of prior minutes, financial reports, and vouchers. New business includes discussion of softball, linen rental, and setting the 2025 meeting schedule. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of November 18, 2024 meeting minutes
• Review of rental contracts for November/December 2024
• Discussion of personal service contracts for December 2024
• New business items: softball, linen rental, and 2025 meeting dates
• Park bond update

The Portage Park and Recreation Board approved the 2025 meeting dates and a venue change to City Hall, and unanimously approved the November financial report, December vouchers, and contract registers. The board also noted the council's approval of a 2.5% salary raise and a park bond, and discussed potential changes to pickleball operations, linens, and kitchen use.

• Approved November 2024 financial report (unanimous)
• Approved December 2024 vouchers (unanimous)
• Approved rental and personal service contract registers (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 meeting dates and venue change to City Hall (unanimous)
• Approved November 2024 minutes (3-0, Warchus abstained)

Common Council

The Portage Common Council holds second readings on four ordinances: approving bonds for the Portage Park District, establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), adopting the 2025 salary ordinance, and issuing a 2025 tax anticipation warrant. The Council also introduces two ordinances for end-of-year appropriations and amending the 2024 salary ordinance, plus a resolution on the form of the ARPA plan. A communication from the Mayor regarding Nipsco's proposed electric rate increase will be presented.

• Second Reading: Ordinance #24-32 — Approving issuance of bonds for the City of Portage Park District
• Second Reading: Ordinance #24-34 — Establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)
• Second Reading: Ordinance #24-35 — 2025 Salary Ordinance
• Second Reading: Ordinance #24-36 — 2025 Tax Anticipation Warrant
• Introduction: Ordinance #24-38 — Additional appropriations for end of year; Ordinance #24-39 — Amending 2024 salary ordinance

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission will consider several residential and commercial development requests. Key items include zoning changes for the 80.13-acre Swanson Trails project and plat approvals for new subdivisions and gas stations.

• Zoning change request for 80.13 acres at County Road 700 North and Swanson Road for Swanson Trails Planned Development
• Primary plat approval for Sandy Trails Subdivision (153 lots) south of the 5400 block of U.S. Highway 6
• Primary plat approval for Luke Oil Gas Station at 6375 Central Avenue
• Site plan approval for a multi-tenant building and gas station at 6590 U.S. Highway 6
• Secondary plat for 31 lots in Rivertrace Subdivision Phase 1 at the 5400 block of Lute Road

Park & Recreation Board

The Board of Parks and Recreation will review rental and personal service contracts and discuss fee changes for 2025. The meeting includes a public hearing and resolutions regarding a park bond and a contract with Barnes & Thornburg.

• 2025 Market Vendor Fee increases and dates
• 2025 Salary Ordinance
• Land donation on McCool Rd
• Civic Plus Proposal
• Barnes & Thornburg contract and park bond public hearing

Common Council

The Portage Common Council will hold a special meeting to conduct second readings of three zoning map amendments rezoning 120.18 acres from R1 to R1, R2, and M1. The council will also introduce several new ordinances, including the 2025 salary ordinance, a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA), ambulance service fee changes, a fee schedule update, and bond issuance. Additionally, a new police officer will be sworn in.

• Second reading of Ordinances #24-25, #24-26, #24-27 rezoning 120.18 acres from R1 to R1, R2, and M1
• Introduction of Ordinance #24-35 2025 Salary Ordinance
• Introduction of Ordinance #24-34 Establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)
• Introduction of Ordinance #24-33 Repealing and Replacing Ambulance Services ordinance
• Introduction of Ordinance #24-32 Approving Issuance of Bonds

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a primary plat approval for a new subdivision. The body will also address a member appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

• Public hearing for P-02-24: Sandy Trails Subdivision (153 lots on approx. 54 acres) south of the 5400 block of U.S. Highway 6
• Plan Commission member appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals

Common Council

The Portage Common Council is holding a special meeting to adopt the 2025 city budget and to vote on three second-reading zoning ordinances. Two ordinances would rezone about 120 acres near Section 30 from low-density residential to a mix of residential and multi-family, and then apply a Planned Development overlay. A third ordinance creates a Planned Development overlay for a separate property. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, mayor's announcements, and the clerk-treasurer's report.

• Adoption of the 2025 city budget
• 2nd reading of Ordinance 24-25: rezoning 120.18 acres from R1 to R1, R2, and M1
• 2nd reading of Ordinance 24-26: applying Planned Development overlay (PD-R1, PD-R2, PD-M1) to the same 120.18 acres
• 2nd reading of Ordinance 24-27: creating a Planned Development overlay for another property under Article IX
• Approval of October 8, 2024 meeting minutes

Park & Recreation Board

The Park and Recreation Board will vote on several fee increases for seasonal events, including a Haunted Hayride fee increase, a new Painting Pumpkins fee, and a new Sleigh Ride fee. They will also consider resolutions establishing a Non-Reverting Operating Fund and a preliminary determination for a bond issue. New business includes authorizing advertisement for bids on electrical repairs at Imagination Glen West. Unfinished business includes updates on Tandem Mobility and Pickle Ball.

• Fee increase for Haunted Hayride
• New Painting Pumpkins fee
• New Sleigh Ride fee
• Authorization to advertise bids for Imagination Glen West electrical repairs
• Resolution of preliminary determination of bond issue

Common Council

The Common Council will hold a public hearing regarding the 2025 Budget. The body will also consider a tax abatement for Portage Kedzie LLC and the Providence at Farmington development plan.

• Public hearing for 2025 Budget
• Resolution #24-04-Portage Kedzie LLC Tax Abatement
• Providence at Farmington Development Plan

Common Council

The Common Council will meet to consider an agreement regarding Portage Recovery Association opioid funds and a DVG vacate application. The meeting also includes the swearing-in of three Fire Department members.

• Portage Recovery Association Opioid Funds Agreement
• DVG Vacate Application
• Fire Department swearing-in of Duncan, Bleck, and Kristoff

Park & Recreation Board

The Park and Recreation Board will consider setting new fees for seasonal events including Yoga in the Park, Hayrides & Campfires, Canvas Party, Bounce House, Fall Craft Show, and Holiday Market. The board will also approve rental and personal service contracts for August and September 2024. Other agenda items include approval of August meeting minutes and the monthly financial report.

• Proposed fee for Yoga in the Park
• Proposed fee and contract for Hayrides & Campfires
• Proposed fee for Canvas Party in the Park
• Proposed fee for Bounce House event
• Approval of rental contracts and personal service contracts for August/September 2024

Common Council

The Portage Common Council will hold its regular meeting on September 3, 2024, at 6:30 PM. The council will consider a second reading of Ordinance #24-23, which repeals and replaces sections of the city’s unsafe buildings regulations. The meeting includes standard procedural items and public input opportunities.

• Second reading of Ordinance #24-23 repealing and replacing sections 14-136, 14-137, and 14-139 of Article V (Unsafe Buildings) in Chapter 14 (Building and Building Regulations)

The Portage Common Council approved Ordinance #24-23, which repeals and replaces sections of the unsafe buildings regulations. The council also approved the minutes from two prior meetings and swore in three new police officers. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted Ordinance #24-23 repealing and replacing unsafe buildings sections (4-0)
• Approved August 6, 2024 minutes (4-0)
• Approved August 13, 2024 minutes (4-0)
• Swore in new police officers Mark Ring, Logan Johnson, and Kyle Baugh

Board of Works and Public Safety

The Board of Public Works & Safety is meeting to approve minutes and handle unfinished business, including Marina Shores Yacht Club events. New business includes decisions on several public events, contracts for traffic signals and street striping, a $139,570 change order for street paving phase 2, a fire station HVAC contract, and the sale of a ladder truck. Bulk item appeals and claims will also be addressed.

• Change order for 2024 Street Paving Phase 2 with $139,570.00
• Award of Airport and Lute Rd Traffic Signal contract
• Open bids for 2024 Street Striping Project
• Award Fire Station HVAC Contract
• Open bids for sale of ladder truck

Park & Recreation Board

The Board of Parks and Recreation will meet to review financial reports, vouchers, and rental and personal service contracts. The agenda includes updates on the fitness shelter and discussions regarding a bike share program.

• Rental Contracts for July/August 2024
• Personal Service Contracts for August 2024
• Fitness Shelter update
• Tandem Mobility – Bike Share discussion
• Generator update

Common Council

This special meeting of the Portage Common Council will hold a second reading of Ordinance #24-19 to restate rates and charges for storm water and sanitation utilities, and consider Resolution #24-04 granting tax abatement to Portage Kedzie, LLC.

• Second reading of Ordinance #24-19 restating rates and charges for storm water and sanitation utilities
• Resolution #24-04 granting tax abatement for Portage Kedzie, LLC

Common Council

The Common Council holds a public hearing and second reading on Ordinance #24-19, which restates rates and charges for storm water and sanitation utilities. New business includes a tax abatement for Portage Kedzie, LLC, a zoning change for Squirrel Creek Subdivision, creation of a city promotional and advertising gift fund, repeal of sections of Ordinance #88-20, and amendments to the salary ordinance.

• Public hearing and 2nd reading of Ordinance #24-19 restating storm water and sanitation rates and charges
• Tax abatement consideration for Portage Kedzie, LLC
• Ordinance #24-21 zoning change for Squirrel Creek Subdivision
• Ordinance #24-22 creating a City Promotional & Advertising Gift Fund
• Ordinance #24-24 amending Salary Ordinance #23-16 v7

Park & Recreation Board

The Portage Park and Recreation Board is meeting to discuss several operational items, including personal service contracts, a market discussion, and two Ready to Live concerts scheduled for August 17 and 31 at Founders. They will also consider cash bar pricing for events and a fee waiver request from the League of Women Voters for a debate.

• Introduction of new Park Director
• Personal Service Contracts for July 2024
• Ready to Live Concerts @ Founders on August 17 & 31, 2024
• Cash Bar Pricing discussion
• League of Women Voters: Debate – Fee Waiver Request

Board of Works and Public Safety

The Board of Public Works & Safety will consider releasing the maintenance bond for The Woodlands Subdivision, a Bethel Church special event request, and bulk item appeals. The meeting also includes approval of minutes, claims, and other routine business. No dollar amounts or specific project details are provided in the agenda.

• Releasing maintenance bond for The Woodlands Subdivision
• Bethel Church special event request
• Bulk item appeals
• Claims approval

Park & Recreation Board

The Portage Park & Recreation Board will receive an update from Mayor Bonta on the search for a new park director. The board will also review financial reports and vouchers, set fees for youth baseball leagues, and consider multiple fee waiver and refund requests for upcoming events.

• Park Director Search Update from Mayor Bonta
• Fees set: Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth Fall League $75/player, All Stars $110/player
• Fee waiver request from Bethel Church for Founders Square event (June 8, 2025)
• Fee waiver request for Bombs for Benny Fundraiser at IG West (Aug 24, 2024)
• Full refund request for Sycamore (Sept 8, 2024)

Common Council

The council will review first readings for ordinances regarding stormwater, sanitation, and bulk trash pickup fees. The agenda also includes a salary ordinance amendment.

• Ordinance # 24-19: Restating rates and charges for municipal stormwater and sanitation utilities
• Ordinance # 24-20: Repealing and replacing bulk item trash pickup with a revised fee schedule
• Salary Ordinance # 24-18 amending ordinance # 23-15 v6

Park & Recreation Board

The Portage Parks and Recreation Board will discuss a Fitness Court Grant and an item regarding Kelly Dykstra. The provided agenda contains limited details regarding these specific topics.

• Fitness Court Grant discussion
• Item regarding Kelly Dykstra

Park & Recreation Board

The Board of Parks and Recreation will conduct its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes reviewing financial reports, vouchers, and contracts for May and June 2024. The board will also address twelve fee waiver requests for Oakwood Hall.

• Oakwood Hall fee waiver requests (12 total)
• Rental Contracts for May/June 2024
• Personal Service Contracts for June 2024

Common Council

The Portage Common Council will meet to discuss several items, including the introduction of an ordinance regarding travel and reimbursement. The meeting also includes reports from city officials and the Clerk-Treasurer.

• Introduction of Ordinance #24-17 amending Ordinance #24-12 (Travel & Reimbursement)

Common Council

The Portage Common Council is holding a special meeting to consider several financial and land-use items. They will vote on a tax abatement (CF-1), hold a public hearing on the Cumulative Capital Development Fund, and introduce a resolution for the Carlson Farms fiscal plan. They will also conduct second readings of ordinances to reestablish the cumulative capital rate and annex Carlson Farm.

• Tax Abatement CF-1 Approval
• Public Hearing Cumulative Capital Development Fund
• Resolution #24-03 Carlson Farms Fiscal Plan
• Ordinance #24-15 Reestablish the Cumulative Capital Rate
• Ordinance #24-14 Carlson Farm Annexation

Park & Recreation Board

The Portage Park and Recreation Board is holding its regular monthly meeting to review financial reports, approve contracts, and discuss several policy and fee items. Key items include setting drink pricing for Founders Square, changing the refund policy language, and considering fee waivers for Oakwood Hall events.

• BARS: Founders Square Drink Pricing
• Refund Policy Language Change
• Oakwood Hall fee waiver for Karaoke for the Cure event on October 26, 2024
• Oakwood Hall fee waiver for Wahl & Holland
• Rental Contracts and Personal Service Contracts for May 2024

Common Council

The Portage Common Council is meeting to handle routine business and several new items, including fire department swearing-in and tax abatement approvals. They will introduce ordinances to amend the salary and travel ordinances, adjust vegetation removal rules, and repeal certain municipal code sections. The council will also hold first readings on the Carlson Farm annexation and reestablishing the cumulative capital rate.

• Tax Abatement CF-1 Approvals
• Ordinance #24-11 Amend Salary Ordinance 23-15 v5
• Ordinance #24-14 Carlson Farm Annexation and Fiscal
• Ordinance #24-15 Reestablish the Cumulative Capital Rate
• Ordinance #24-13 Amend Sec 54-4 Removal of Vegetation

Park & Recreation Board

The Portage Park and Recreation Board is meeting to review financial reports, contracts, and several proposed fee and policy changes. Key items include 2025 rental rate increases, concession price changes, a new private cardio drumming party fee, and updates on the generator and funeral luncheon policies.

• 2025 Rental Rate Increases
• Countryside: Half-day Saturdays
• Concessions: Price Changes
• Founders Square: Flat Rate
• Private Cardio Drumming Party Fee

Common Council

The Portage Common Council is holding its regular meeting with several new business items, including a police department assets and inventory review, an amended salary ordinance, and Ordinance #24-09 regarding the pretreatment program. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval, reports, and public input.

• Police Department Assets & Inventory
• Amended Salary Ordinance
• Ordinance #24-09 Pretreatment Program

Park & Recreation Board

The Portage Park and Recreation Board is holding its regular monthly meeting, covering routine items like minutes, financial reports, and contracts. A notable item is a fee waiver request from Bethel Church for an event on June 9, 2024. The board will also discuss appointments, fees, and other business.

• Bethel Church fee waiver request for Founders event on June 9, 2024
• Approval of minutes from February 26, 2024 meeting
• Financial report and voucher approvals
• Rental contracts for February/March and personal service contracts for March
• Board appointment to Plan Commission

Sanitary Board

The Portage Sanitary Board is meeting to consider a revised Sewer Use Ordinance and a proposed contract with Krohn & Associates. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval, staff reports, and claims.

• Approval of Revised Sewer Use Ordinance
• Krohn & Associates – Proposed Contract

Board of Works and Public Safety

The Portage Board of Public Works & Safety is meeting to handle routine municipal business, including approving minutes, addressing unfinished and new business, and reviewing claims. The agenda includes one bulk item appeal and consideration of major illness claims. No major policy decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Bulk Item Appeals (1)
• Claims review
• Major Illness Claims

Common Council

The Portage Common Council is holding its regular meeting with standard procedural items. The only substantive new business is a resolution for a tax abatement for MSI Express Inc, which will be introduced or adopted.

• Resolution #24-? Tax abatement for MSI Express Inc

Board of Works and Public Safety

The Portage Board of Public Works & Safety is meeting to handle routine municipal business, including approving minutes, a K9 officer's retirement, and several new items. Key decisions include a change order and pay application for the 2023 CCMG Street Paving & Repair Project, event permits, a deed dedication, and a professional services agreement.

• Approval of Recommended Change Order #2 for 2023 CCMG Street Paving & Repair Project – increase of $8,219.90
• Approval of Recommended Pay Application #4 for 2023 CCMG Street Paving & Repair Project – $31,871.52
• Nativity Fest Carnival/Exhibition Permit
• Dunes Lodge Special Event
• Robbins Road Deed of Dedication

Park & Recreation Board

The Portage Park and Recreation Board is holding its regular monthly meeting. The board will consider financial reports, rental and personal service contracts, and potential changes to fees, including a room setup fee for waived rentals and a trail run fee increase. It will also discuss several fee waiver requests for upcoming community events and hear a mayor's presentation on park maintenance facilities.

• Room Setup Fee for Waived Rentals
• Trail Run Fee Increase
• Fee waiver request: FOP K9 fundraiser at Oakwood, March 30, 2024
• Fee waiver request: Kiwanis fundraiser at Oakwood, March 23, 2024
• Fee waiver request: Gary Shakespeare Company at Founders, August 4, 2024

Common Council

The Portage Common Council is holding a special meeting to consider three ordinances: one amending the zoning map, one repealing and replacing bulk item pickup rules with a new fee schedule, and one replacing residential trash pickup regulations. These are listed under unfinished business, so they may be discussed or voted on.

• Ord 24-04: Amending Chapter 90, Article V 'Zoning Map'
• Ord 24-05: Repealing & replacing bulk item pickup, establishing fee schedule
• Ord 24-06: Replacing 70-70 Residential Trash Pickup

Board of Works and Public Safety

The Board of Public Works & Safety will meet to open bids for the 2023-2 CCMG Street Paving and Repair Project. The agenda also includes reviewing contracts for Great Lakes Engineering and MS Consultants, Inc, as well as processing bulk item appeals.

• Open Bids and Award 2023-2 CCMG Street Paving and Repair Project
• Great Lakes Engineering Contract
• MS Consultants, Inc Agreement
• Two Bulk Item Appeals
• Light the Way Worship Event and Bethel Church event requests

Sanitary Board

The Portage Sanitary Board will review unfinished business regarding Salt Creek Lift Station improvements and equipment agreements. The board will also consider acquiring property on Southport Rd. and view a presentation on solar project tax credits.

• Request to advertise for bidding for Salt Creek Lift Station Improvements
• Assignment and Consent Agreement from Evoqua to Thieneman Construction for Clarifier Equipment
• Wastewater Preliminary Engineering Report by Commonwealth Engineering
• Acquisition of two estimates for property on Southport Rd.
• Baker Tilly presentation on IRA Credits for the Solar Project

Stormwater Management Board

The Stormwater Board will review unfinished business regarding street improvements on Vivian Street, Carmen Street, and Shawnee Street. The board will also consider a new business item involving mobile device leasing from Abonmarche Consulting, Inc.

• Award bids for Vivian Street, Carmen Street, and Shawnee Street improvements
• Abonmarche Consulting, Inc. – Mobile Device Leasing

Common Council

The Portage Common Council is meeting to consider several ordinances, including amendments to the zoning map, trash pickup and bulk item pickup fees, and the 2024 salary ordinance. They will also discuss the James W Carlson annexation and issue a proclamation for Tri Kappa Day.

• Ord 24-03 Amending 2024 Salary Ordinance 23-15 V3
• Ord 24-04 Amending Chapter 90, Article V 'Zoning Map'
• Ord 24-05 Repealing & replacing bulk item pickup and establishing fee schedule
• Ord 24-06 Repealing & replacing residential trash pickup
• James W Carlson Annexation (unfinished business)

Board of Works and Public Safety

The Board will review several service agreements and permit requests. The agenda includes discussions regarding legal service agreements and a solicitor's permit.

• Solicitor’s permit for NW Indiana Lawn Care Inc.
• Tag Day for Portage Township Food Pantry
• City Attorney Ed Graham Service Agreement
• City Attorney Hodges & Davis Service Agreement
• Independent Contract Agreement-Support & Training Services

Park & Recreation Board

The Portage Park and Recreation Board is holding its regular monthly meeting to discuss and decide on routine matters such as minutes, financial reports, and contracts, as well as several new business items including a 2024 salary ordinance correction, a Sam's Club membership, the Lenburg property acquisition by Porter County, and a generator replacement at Woodland Park. The board will also hear staff remarks on park projects and consider a fee waiver for a breast cancer awareness walk.

• 2024 Salary Ordinance corrections
• Sam's Club Membership
• Lenburg Property Acquisition by Porter County: Project #1902812
• Generator Replacement – Woodland Park
• Fee Waiver – Oakwood 10/5/24: Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Fundraiser

Common Council

The Portage Common Council is meeting for its regular session. The main item of new business is an amendment to the 2024 budget ordinance (Ordinance #23-16). The rest of the agenda consists of standard procedural items such as approval of minutes, reports, and public input.

• Ordinance #23-16, 2024 Budget - Amendment

Board of Works and Public Safety

The Portage Board of Public Works & Safety is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes, addressing a bulk item appeal, and reviewing claims. New business includes a change order for the 2023 Street Paving & Repair Project, a proposed agreement with Krohn & Associates for accounting and consulting services, and a permit for a breast cancer 3K/5K walk.

• 2023 Street Paving & Repair Project Change Order No. 2
• Krohn & Associates Accounting & Consulting Agreement
• Dr. Peggy Pritchett breast cancer 3K/5K Walk
• Bulk Item Appeals (1)
• Claims and Major Illness Claims

Sanitary Board

The Sanitary Board will meet on January 4, 2024, to conduct regular business. The primary new business item on the agenda is a contract with Great Lakes Engineering.

• Great Lakes Engineering Contract

Stormwater Management Board

The Portage Stormwater Management Board is meeting to handle routine business including approval of minutes, staff reports, and claims. The main item of new business is a contract with Great Lakes Engineering, though no details are provided in the agenda.

• Great Lakes Engineering Contract (new business)
• Approval of minutes
• Staff reports
• Claims and major illness claims

Common Council

The Portage Common Council is meeting to handle routine business including approving minutes and receiving reports. They will also elect a Council President and Vice President, make appointments, and consider a 2024 Salary Ordinance Amendment. Unfinished business includes the James W. Carlson Annexation fiscal plan.

• Election of Council President/Vice President
• Mayoral/Common Council appointments
• 2024 Salary Ordinance Amendment v2
• Fiscal Plan for James W. Carlson Annexation