Valparaiso meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Valparaiso City Council to finalize Riverton annexation, floodplain rules Monday

The Valparaiso City Council is scheduled to take final votes Monday on the annexation of the Riverton property, a related zoning map amendment, and an update to floodplain regulations. The votes follow an Aug. 10 meeting where the council held public hearings and first readings on the annexation and zoning changes, and also took final action on a temporary moratorium on new data center development and a lane mile fund appropriation.

City Council (Aug. 10)

The council's Aug. 10 agenda included:

• **Resolution No. 8, 2026** — adopting a fiscal plan for the Riverton Annexation.
• **Ordinance No. 17, 2026** — annexing Riverton property (first reading, public hearing).
• **Ordinance No. 18, 2026** — zoning map amendment for Riverton (first reading).
• **Ordinance No. 16, 2026** — temporary moratorium on new data center development (second reading, final vote).
• **Ordinance No. 15, 2026** — appropriating funds in the Lane Mile Direct Distribution Fund (second reading, final vote).

Minutes have not yet been published, so vote tallies are not available.

Board of Works (Aug. 14)

The Board of Public Works and Safety met Aug. 14 and considered awarding contracts for the Montdale Park Reconstruction and the 2026 Crack Seal Program. The board also discussed a loan through 1st Source Bank for two Sutphen fire engines, a facade and sign improvement matching grant program, and street closures for the Creative Council Mural Walk, Brew Fest, and block parties. Minutes are not yet published.

Redevelopment Commission (Aug. 13)

The Redevelopment Commission met Aug. 13 after an executive session on real property purchase or lease strategy. The agenda included a 1st Amended and Restated Supplemental Payment Agreement, updates on Park 30 East and Montdale Dr. reconstruction, a site feasibility report by Abonmarche, and a property offering and purchase agreement for 1 Valley Dr. related to Morthland Dr. Public comment was scheduled. Minutes are not yet published.

Board of Zoning Appeals (Aug. 18)

The Board of Zoning Appeals held public hearings Aug. 18 on four variance requests:

• VAR26-008 — variance for a 1,040 sq ft detached garage and closer front setback at 807 Campbell Street (NC60 zoning).
• UV26-002 — variance to allow a soccer training facility with indoor turf field in the BP Business Park at 3206 Cascade Dr.
• VAR26-010 — variance to exceed accessory structure size (768 sq ft vs 600 sq ft) at 301 Harrison Blvd.
• VAR26-011 — variance for shed placement and roof style at 3529 Brander Dr (SR zoning).

The board also considered minutes from its July 21 meeting and old business, including a previously tabled garage variance. Minutes are not yet published.

Historic Preservation Commission (Aug. 10)

The Historic Preservation Commission met Aug. 10 to review a demolition request for 508 Glendale Blvd. and a downtown facade request for 70 Lincolnway. The agenda also included a discussion of commission member roles. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **City Council** — Monday, Aug. 24: final votes on the floodplain text amendment (Ordinance No. 14, 2026), the Riverton annexation (Ordinance No. 17, 2026), and the Riverton zoning map amendment (Ordinance No. 18, 2026). The agenda also includes a storm recovery update from Mayor Costas, a budget committee appointment, and public comment.
• **Historic Preservation Commission** — Wednesday, Aug. 26: review of the demolition request at 508 Glendale Blvd. and the downtown facade project at 70 Lincolnway. Public comment is limited to agenda items.

Valparaiso boards weigh data center moratorium, annexation, contracts; minutes pending

Valparaiso city boards and commissions held six meetings in the past two weeks, addressing a proposed moratorium on new data centers, a large annexation, property contracts, and street closures. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings, so no official votes or decisions are available.

Plan Commission (Aug. 4)

The Plan Commission's agenda included public hearings on Ordinance No. 16, 2026, proposing a temporary moratorium on new data center development; a rezoning request (RZ26-002) for 6.51 acres at the southwest corner of Calumet Avenue and Bullseye Lake Road from UR/SR to CG Commercial General; and an annexation (A26-002) of 92.26 acres east of SR 49 and west of CR 325, with requested Heavy Industrial (INH) zoning. The commission also considered minutes from its July 14 meeting.

City Council (Aug. 10)

The council held public hearings and first readings on the Riverton annexation, including Resolution No. 8, 2026 (fiscal plan), Ordinance No. 17, 2026 (annexation), and Ordinance No. 18, 2026 (zoning map amendment). It also took final votes on Ordinance No. 16, 2026 (temporary moratorium on new data center development) and Ordinance No. 15, 2026 (appropriating funds in the Lane Mile Direct Distribution Fund). A contractor fraud ordinance was also on the agenda.

Redevelopment Commission (Aug. 13)

The commission's agenda included a supplemental payment agreement, updates on Park 30 East and Montdale Drive reconstruction, a site feasibility report by Abonmarche, and a property offering and purchase agreement for 1 Valley Drive and Morthland Drive. The meeting was preceded by an executive session on real property strategy.

Board of Works (Aug. 14)

The Board of Public Works and Safety considered contract awards for Montdale Park reconstruction and the 2026 Crack Seal Program, a loan through 1st Source Bank for two Sutphen fire engines, approval of a Façade & Sign Improvement Matching Grant Program, and street closures for the Creative Council Mural Walk, Brew Fest, and block parties.

Historic Preservation Commission (Aug. 10)

The commission reviewed a demolition request for 508 Glendale Blvd. and a downtown façade request for 70 Lincolnway.

Environmental Advisory Board (Aug. 3)

The board received status updates from five subcommittees: Community Outreach & Education, Business Engagement & Incentives, Policy, Operations & Review, Grants & Advancement, and Governance & Administration.

Coming up

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Aug. 18 to hear four variance requests, including a soccer training facility with an indoor turf field at 3206 Cascade Dr. in a business park (UV26-002), a detached garage variance at 807 Campbell Street (VAR26-008), an accessory structure size variance at 301 Harrison Blvd. (VAR26-010), and a shed placement and roof style variance at 3529 Brander Dr. (VAR26-011). The board will also consider minutes from its July 21 meeting and a previously tabled garage variance.

Valparaiso roundup: E-bike ordinance heads to final vote; recent meetings saw no published decisions

No decisions were published from Valparaiso government meetings held in the past two weeks, as minutes have not yet been released. The most consequential item on any agenda was a final City Council vote on an ordinance regulating electric bicycles, scheduled for July 27; the outcome is not yet known.

City Council (July 27)

The City Council met with a final vote on Ordinance No. 11, which regulates electric bicycles and motorized electric devices, on its agenda. The council also heard the first reading of Ordinance No. 15, which appropriates funds in the Lane Mile Direct Distribution Fund. A presentation from the Human Relations Council and approval of the July 13, 2026 meeting minutes were also listed. No results are available because minutes have not been published.

Park Board (July 28)

The Valparaiso/Center Township Board of Parks & Recreation held its regular monthly meeting with no action items scheduled. Discussion items included park expansion, the rePLAY Project, Valpo REC, and golf irrigation. The board also reviewed financials and claims. No decisions were reported.

Environmental Advisory Board (Aug. 3)

The Environmental Advisory Board conducted routine business, receiving status updates from five subcommittees: Community Outreach & Education, Business Engagement & Incentives, Policy, Operations & Review, Grants & Advancement, and Governance & Administration. The agenda also included time for public comment and approval of previous minutes. No outcomes have been published.

Coming up

The Historic Preservation Commission meets today, Aug. 10, and will review two property requests: a demolition request for 508 Glendale Blvd. and a downtown façade request for 70 Lincolnway. The commission will also discuss the roles of its members.

Valparaiso meeting roundup: E-bike ordinance vote, road bids, and zoning variances lead a busy week

Valparaiso's city boards and councils covered ground across traffic safety, zoning, public works, and parks during the week of July 20–28, 2026. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, the items below reflect what was scheduled on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes. Residents should watch for posted minutes to verify any votes or decisions.

City Council — e-bike ordinance and Lane Mile fund appropriation

The City Council's July 27 agenda called for a final vote on Ordinance No. 11, which would regulate electric bicycles and motorized electric devices. Also scheduled was the first reading of Ordinance No. 15, appropriating funds in the Lane Mile Direct Distribution Fund. The agenda included a presentation from the Human Relations Council and acceptance of the July 13, 2026 meeting minutes. Vote tallies are not available because minutes have not been published.

Board of Works — road project bids and 17 code-violation matters

The Board of Public Works and Safety met July 24 to open bids for the Montdale Park Rd. Reconstruction and the 2026 Crack Seal project. The board was also scheduled to review a policy on the dedication of private residential streets, a written offer opening for 1 Valley Drive, and a contract extension for Porter County Animal Control & Animal Shelter Services. The agenda listed code violation matters for 17 properties, including 604 Monroe St and 352 Locust St.

Board of Zoning Appeals — fence, garage, and density variances

On July 21, the Board of Zoning Appeals was set to hold public hearings on three variance petitions: privacy fence height, setback, and design variances at 154 Harrison Blvd; detached garage size and placement variances at 807 Campbell Street; and density, lot depth, and bufferyard variances at the southeast corner of Bullseye Lake Rd. and Cumberland Dr.

Traffic & Safety Committee — stop sign requests and speed concerns

The Traffic and Safety Committee's July 20 agenda included stop sign requests at Coolwood & St. Joseph and at Vale Park & Cumberland, a speed-concern discussion for Vale Park & Froberg, and consideration of an e-bike ordinance. The committee was also scheduled to review warning signage for a pedestrian median island at McCord/Calumet Ave. and receive an update on the SS4A Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.

Human Relations Council — Human Rights Ordinance anniversary

The Human Relations Council met July 23 to discuss the 10-year anniversary of the city's Human Rights Ordinance, including future implementation and enforcement roles. The agenda also covered Strategic Plan pillar updates, a speaker series format for August–October 2026 meetings, and a student application for appointment to the council. A Strategic Plan presentation to the City Council by Ezra, Amesha, and Diane was noted.

Park Board — expansion and project updates

The Valparaiso/Center Township Board of Parks & Recreation held its regular monthly meeting July 28. No board action items were scheduled. Discussion topics included park expansion, the rePLAY Project, Valpo REC, and golf irrigation, along with a financials and claims review.

Coming up

• **Environmental Advisory Board — Monday, Aug. 3, 2026:** Subcommittee updates across Community Outreach & Education, Business Engagement & Incentives, Policy/Operations & Review, Grants & Advancement, and Governance & Administration. Public comment and minutes approval are scheduled.
• **Historic Preservation Commission — Monday, Aug. 10, 2026:** A demolition request for 508 Glendale Blvd. and a downtown façade request for 70 Lincolnway are on the agenda.

All meeting details are drawn from posted agendas. Residents can verify outcomes by checking official minutes once published.

Valparaiso boards weigh data center moratorium, annexations, and park reconstruction

Valparaiso's city boards and commissions turned their attention this past week to data center regulation, two annexation proposals totaling more than 160 acres, and a slate of infrastructure projects — though no meeting minutes have been published yet, so outcomes are not confirmed.

City Council: e-bike rules and data center pause

The City Council's July 13 agenda included Ordinance No. 11, 2026, regulating the operation of electric bicycles and motorized electric devices, and Ordinance No. 16, 2026, establishing a temporary moratorium on new data center development. The council was also set to consider Resolution No. 7, 2026, transferring funds within the General Fund's Attorney Budget. Minutes have not been published, so it is not yet confirmed which items passed.

Plan Commission: annexations and floodplain updates

The Plan Commission met July 14 on two annexation requests. The first, A26-001/RZ26-002, covers roughly 72 acres south of CR 500 N for Urban Residential zoning plus rezoning of about 6.51 acres at Calumet Ave and Bullseye Lake Rd. to Commercial General. The second, A26-002, involves approximately 92.26 acres east of SR49 and west of CR 325, requested for Heavy Industrial zoning.

The commission also held public hearings on PP26-003, a primary plat for a roughly 4.79-acre residential subdivision at Cumberland Dr. and Bullseye Lake Rd., and ZO26-001, citywide amendments to floodplain management standards and stormwater definitions. Board appointments for City Council, Park Board, Board of Works, Engineering, and citizen seats were also listed.

A separate Plan Commission special meeting focused on hiring a subject matter expert to help develop regulatory standards for data center development, with a potential ordinance amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance. No public comment was scheduled at that session.

Board of Works: Montdale Park road and trail plan

The Board of Works agenda for July 10 listed approval of the Montdale Park Road Reconstruction plan and permission to bid, plus a Multi-Use Trail plan from TOD to Downtown. Other items included new cemetery signage, a Paramedic Education & Clinical Training Agreement, and street closures for the Woodlawn Drive Block Party and Popcorn Festival events.

Redevelopment Commission: Park 30 East and bidding policy

On July 9, the Redevelopment Commission opened with an executive session on real property strategy, then was set to discuss the Park 30 East Draft Report and review draft policy guidelines on bidding practices. Routine approvals included the June 11 meeting minutes, executive session minutes, and the claims register and financial report.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Traffic & Safety Committee:** Stop sign requests at Coolwood & St. Joseph and Vale Park & Cumberland; warning signage for a pedestrian median island at McCord/Calumet Ave.; a speed-concern discussion at Vale Park & Froberg; e-bike ordinance consideration; and an update on the SS4A Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
• **July 21 — Board of Zoning Appeals:** Public hearings on a privacy fence at 154 Harrison Blvd, detached garage variances at 807 Campbell Street, and density, lot depth, and bufferyard variances at the southeast corner of Bullseye Lake Rd. and Cumberland Dr.

All recent meeting summaries are agenda-only; official minutes have not yet been published. Readers should consult the city's official records for confirmed votes and outcomes.

Valparaiso boards weigh park projects, data center rules, and annexations

Valparaiso's recent board agendas covered road reconstruction, trail planning, and redevelopment policy, though minutes have not yet been published for any of the three meetings held over the past two weeks. Upcoming sessions this week and next turn to electric bicycle rules, a possible data center moratorium, and two annexation requests totaling more than 160 acres.

Board of Works — July 10

The Board of Works was scheduled to consider approval of the Montdale Park Road Reconstruction plan and grant permission to bid the project. Also on the agenda: a Multi-Use Trail from TOD to Downtown plan approval, new cemetery signage, and a Paramedic Education & Clinical Training Agreement. The board was set to review street closure requests for the Woodlawn Drive Block Party and the Popcorn Festival. Minutes are not yet available, so outcomes are not confirmed.

Redevelopment Commission — July 9

The Redevelopment Commission opened with an executive session on real property strategy. The public agenda included discussion of the Park 30 East Draft Report and a review of draft policy guidelines on bidding practices. Routine items covered approval of executive session minutes from July 9, 2026, June 11, 2026 meeting minutes, and the claims register and financial report. Minutes are not yet published.

Park Board — June 30

The Valparaiso/Center Township Park Board agenda featured a review of rental pricing for the Kirchhoff West shelter and a presentation on the East Side Master Plan, with board action anticipated. Updates were scheduled on the rePLAY project, golf course irrigation system, and the Valpo Parks Foundation. The monthly financial report and vendor claims approval rounded out the agenda. No minutes have been posted yet.

Coming up

City Council — Monday, July 13 (today): The council will review Ordinance No. 11, 2026, regulating the operation of electric bicycles and motorized electric devices, and hold a first reading of Ordinance No. 16, 2026, which would establish a temporary moratorium on new data center development. Resolution No. 7, 2026 would transfer funds within the General Fund for the Attorney Budget.

Plan Commission — Tuesday, July 14: Public hearings include a primary plat for a roughly 4.79-acre residential subdivision at Cumberland Dr. and Bullseye Lake Rd. (PP26-003), citywide floodplain management and stormwater definition amendments (ZO26-001), and annexation of about 72 acres south of CR 500 N for Urban Residential zoning along with rezoning of about 6.51 acres at Calumet Ave and Bullseye Lake Rd. to Commercial General (A26-001/RZ26-002). New business includes a hearing on annexing roughly 92.26 acres east of SR49 and west of CR 325 for Heavy Industrial zoning (A26-002). Board appointments for City Council, Park Board, Board of Works, Engineering, and citizen seats are also on the agenda.

Plan Commission special meeting — Tuesday, July 14: A separate session will discuss hiring a subject matter expert to help develop regulatory standards for data center development, with a potential Unified Development Ordinance amendment. No public comment will be taken; a future public hearing is planned if an ordinance is proposed.

Board of Zoning Appeals — Tuesday, July 21: Public hearings cover a privacy fence variance at 154 Harrison Blvd, detached garage size and placement variances at 807 Campbell Street, and density, lot depth, and bufferyard variances at the southeast corner of Bullseye Lake Rd. and Cumberland Dr.

Valparaiso boards tackle street paving, zoning, and park planning in late June

Valparaiso's city boards and commissions held a packed schedule of meetings in the final week of June, covering street paving contracts, a zoning map amendment, park master planning, and code enforcement. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, what follows reflects the published agendas — not confirmed outcomes.

City Council — June 22

The Council scheduled a public hearing and final vote on Ordinance No. 13, 2026, a zoning map amendment filed by B. Thompson. The agenda also included an update on a downtown liquor license from Attorney Svetanoff and approval of the June 8, 2026 meeting minutes. No vote tallies or outcomes are available yet.

Human Relations Council — June 25

The Human Relations Council was set to give final approval to its strategic plan. Other agenda items included creating a student HRC member application, assigning liaisons to local organizations, and planning a presentation to the City Council marking the 10-year anniversary of the Human Relations Ordinance. The council also planned to discuss improving public transparency through its webpage.

Board of Works — June 26

The Board of Works agenda centered on the 2026 Local Streets Paving Improvements award and contract, along with a Next Level Trails Grant Application approval. Members were also scheduled to consider parking restrictions on Iron Gate Dr, Brander Dr, and Porter St.

Code violation hearings were listed for 18 properties, including 825 Lincolnway and 303 Indiana Ave. The board also had street closure requests on the agenda for the Valpo Parks Classic Cars & BBQ event and the Elm Street Block Party.

Park Board — June 30

The Valparaiso/Center Township Park Board was scheduled to review rental pricing for the Kirchhoff West shelter and receive a presentation on the East Side Master Plan, with board action anticipated. Routine updates covered the rePLAY project, golf course irrigation system, and the Valpo Parks Foundation. The agenda also included the monthly financial report and vendor claims approval.

Coming up

• **Redevelopment Commission — July 9:** Discussion of the Park 30 East Draft Report and review of draft policy guidelines on bidding practices. The meeting opens with an executive session on real property strategy.

• **Plan Commission — July 14 (regular):** Public hearings on a residential subdivision plat at Cumberland Dr. and Bullseye Lake Rd. (PP26-003), citywide floodplain ordinance amendments (ZO26-001), two annexation and rezoning cases (A26-001/RZ26-002 and A26-002), and municipal board appointments. The largest item is A26-002, a proposed annexation of roughly 92.26 acres east of SR49 requested for Heavy Industrial zoning.

• **Plan Commission — July 14 (special):** Discussion of hiring a subject matter expert to help develop regulatory standards for data center development. No public comment will be taken; a future public hearing would be held if an ordinance is proposed.

All recent meeting outcomes remain unconfirmed until minutes are published. Readers can consult the city's official agendas and minutes for authoritative records.

Valparaiso Board of Works Scheduled to Award 2026 Street Paving Contracts; Zoning, Plans on Other Agendas

The Valparaiso Board of Works was set to award contracts for the 2026 Local Streets Paving Improvements program at its June 26 meeting, according to published agendas. This was among several municipal actions listed on recent local government agendas covering zoning changes, strategic planning, and park facility pricing.

Board of Works

The board was scheduled to award the 2026 Local Streets Paving Improvements contract and consider a Next Level Trails Grant application. Parking restrictions were proposed for Iron Gate Drive, Brander Drive, and Porter Street. The agenda also listed code violation hearings for 18 properties, including 825 Lincolnway and 303 Indiana Avenue, as well as street closure requests for the Valpo Parks Classic Cars & BBQ and Elm Street Block Party events. No minutes were available at press time.

City Council

During its June 22 meeting, the City Council held a public hearing and was expected to take a final vote on Ordinance No. 13, 2026, a zoning map amendment requested by B. Thompson. The agenda also included a downtown liquor license update from Attorney Svetanoff and routine approval of the June 8 meeting minutes. No vote tallies were published.

Human Relations Council

The Human Relations Council met June 25 to approve its final strategic plan and discuss improvements to public transparency through its webpage. Other items included creating a student member application process, assigning liaisons to local organizations, and coordinating a 10-year anniversary presentation for the Human Relations Ordinance to the City Council.

Park Board

At its June 30 regular meeting, the Valparaiso/Center Township Park Board was to review rental pricing for the Kirchhoff West shelter and receive a presentation on the East Side Master Plan. Routine updates on the rePLAY project, the golf course irrigation system, monthly finances, and vendor claims were also on the agenda.

Coming up

The Redevelopment Commission meets July 9 to discuss the Park 30 East Draft Report and draft policy guidelines on bidding practices. A financial report and claims register approval also appear on the agenda. The meeting will begin with an executive session on real property strategy.

Two Plan Commission meetings are scheduled for July 14. The regular meeting includes public hearings on a 4.79-acre residential subdivision plat at Cumberland Drive and Bullseye Lake Road, citywide floodplain ordinance amendments, and annexation requests: about 72 acres south of County Road 500 North for Urban Residential zoning, with a 6.51-acre parcel at Calumet Avenue and Bullseye Lake Road rezoning to Commercial General; and about 92 acres east of SR 49 and west of County Road 325 for Heavy Industrial zoning. Board appointments to city panels also are on the agenda. A special meeting the same day will consider hiring a subject matter expert to help develop regulatory standards for data center development, which could lead to a Unified Development Ordinance amendment. No public comment will be taken at that special meeting.