Common Council - Regular Meeting

I'd like to call the February 2nd, 2026 City of Leaport Common Council meeting to order. We will begin with the pledge of allegiance. Councilwoman Huffman of America and to the stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Roll call. Clerk treasurer. Councilwoman Huffman present. Councilwoman Ficus present. Councilman Galloway here. Councilman Frankie here. Councilwoman Kesnney present. Councilman Buchanan here. Councilwoman West here. All present. Approval of the January 5th, 2026 meeting minutes. Do I have a motion? I'd like to. I'll make a motion to approve them as presented and a thank you because they were quite long and detailed. So, second. No [laughter] discussion. All in favor? I I opposed.

Motion passes. Um we've got some positive news that is always happening in the community. Uh wanted to share for the public. Our Leaport bowling teams, both men and women or girls and boys, uh have had some great success this year. And Keith Gel, head coach, like to bring him forward to share some of the great news uh from our teams. Welcome.

All right. Uh, first of all, thank you guys for having us. We really appreciate it. Um, we've had a pretty remarkable season. Uh, the boys team was conference champions. We won the Holiday Classic for the first time ever, which is the longest running Indiana high school bowling tournament. Um, it started year one, so this is year 26, I believe. We we finally won it. Um, we also won the sectional. We finished third at the regional. We finished fifth and the final advancing spot at Saturday's semi-state. And we will be competing at the state finals in Fort Wayne for only the second time in school history on Valentine's Day in Fort Wayne. Congratulations.

Thank you very much. [applause] And the ladies side also in the individual side, Dalton Hines, who is also on our team, qualified for semiual. Um, as well as Carrian Blind and Leah Rats qualified for semi-state as individuals this year as well. That is fantastic. [applause] Plus, we all love your jerseys. Uh, it's stylish, but we are so proud of you. Do you mind bringing up the teams both uh who we have here from the ladies and then the men and we'll take a picture after? Absolutely. I'll introduce them as they come up. Carrian Blind,

Leah Ratz, [applause] uh, voice team, Tristan Worththington, [applause] Chandler Fiser, Dalton Hines, Ryland Shores, Owen Barentine, Blake Barentine, and Who did I miss? Raymond Reinholds. I'm sorry. Congratulations. for space [applause] and assistant coach. Oh, my assistant coach is Chris Barentine. Sorry. Anybody like to speak on behalf of the team? [laughter]

What do you have to say here? Uh, it's just we've been planning to uh we've been planning this all year, all last year, too. Um, it's just dream. This is our moment. [applause] I will I I will say one more thing. Um, we didn't even realize this was an opportunity that was a potential until around this time last year. But, but because we qualified for the state finals, we're also qualified to bowl in the United States National High School Bowling Finals. in Columbus, Ohio in June. [applause]

Frankie put out a challenge to the team for our council a couple years ago and you haven't taken it up on us. You guys ready? All right.

We're so share those. [applause]

Thank you all. slicers. [applause] [applause] Google. [laughter] True story. Bowling was the only A I got in college. Well, since you went to IU, they had to wait till your senior year. So,

says the guy with no national championships. [laughter] Got to take my shots when they come. Chief Drangmeister of our police department has been making great strides in his leadership. Uh we love the team that's being developed and that's there. And uh Chief, if you want to come forward with some police awards. Okay.

Hello, council. Thanks for seeing me tonight. Um, when I first started, I tked my captains to point out, nominate uh some hardworking officers on their on their shifts that show positive attitudes and hard work. I want to showcase them tonight. Well, I also have a couple other couple other awards. I'm going to read what the captain uh said about them as I hand it to them. Let's see. I'm going to start with the on duty shift. So, just in case they get something uh big they want to call. Uh Dwicki, you here? Yep. All right, Mr. Dwiki, I'm going to read you what Captain Blake said about you. I would like to recognize Officer Ryan Dwiki as the recipient of the captain's award for afternoon shift. Brian comes to work every single day with a positive attitude and a pleasant disposition. He is a team player and is always willing to jump in and help another officer. Ryan sets an example e an excellent example for others to follow and does what he can can to create a team atmosphere on the shift. Although he has only been on the department for a couple years, Ryan has quickly become proficient at performing his job. As a shift's leader, I have come to count on Ryan to get the job done and get it done right. In addition to his daily work performance and temperament, he has displayed dedication to the police department by volunteering to serve on the SWAT team and recently volunteered to become a FTO officer, both of which are in addition to his daily work responsibilities. For that reason, he

nominates Officer Ryan Towiki. [applause]

Please stick around up front so we can get a photo after.

I will say Ryan's one of the ones you always count on to catch a smile. It doesn't matter. He's always in a positive attitude. It's great. And he's a big guy that you want to don't want to make mad. Uh, Kager. Okay. Cer was uh nominated by Captain Justin Dyer. All right. I'm going to read to you what he wrote. I am writing to recommend Specialist Cer for the captain's award. Specialist Ker consistently demonstrates an outstanding work ethic and maintains a positive professional attitude throughout each shift. Specialist Ker remains highly active while on duty. He's probably one of the leading uh traffic stop guys we have out there. Just throwing that in. Uh proactively making traffic stops and addressing ordinance violations. He takes the initiative and his responsibilities and approaches his work with efficiency and reliability, contributing positively to overall patrol operations. In addition to his regular duties, Specialist Cedar has taken on an added responsibility as serving as a field training officer. In this role, he has shown leadership, patience, and commitment to the development newer officers. His willingness to mentor others reflects both in his professionalism and dedication to the department. Specialist Cer consistent performance, positive attitude, and readiness to take on additional responsibilities make him a strong candidate for the captain's award. I he is an asset to the department and deserving of this recognition. [applause] I'll also say uh he's part of the SWAT team. So, so far we got two of these guys and I they have been utilized the SWAT has been utilized at a a record as of lately and they always come through and get positive uh outcome. And may I add, we had a little small incident here at city hall and Tristan

was waiting there and just waiting for the go sign and he, trust me, he was itching. He was ready. So, we appreciate that. Okay. Uh, Mr. Dylan Bon. Okay. Uh, Captain Chay Yman, Chief of Detectives, nominated Dylan Barton. I am honored to nominate Detective Dylan Barton for the captain's award. Detective Barton consistently reports to work with a positive attitude and professional mindset that reflects his dedication to the mission of the bureau. Dedicated de detective Barton is a dependable and highly committed member of the bureau who can always be relied upon to assist wherever needed. He's willing is willingly sets aside his own task to support bureau operations including drafting search warrants, assisting with warrant executions, processing crime scenes, and collecting evidence. His willingness to help ensures the investigations move forward efficiently and effectively. In addition, Barton dil diligently follows up on all potential leads and consistently demonstrates strong analytical and problem solving skills. His attention to detail and commitment throughout the investigation work make him a significant asset to the port city police department. Detective Dylan Barton. [applause] I'll also say he's he's one that you just call. He's here. He no questions asked helps. He lives in the city. So he usually responds within five minutes.

Yes.

All right. Uh the last one I have is Mr. Fluhoff. Dalton, you want to step up here? Captain Victor Splicks nominated Dalton Fluhoff. Uh both Dalton and Barton just received corporal status just as of a few week or days ago. So congratulations to them both on that. [applause] It is with great pride and sincere appreciation that I nominate Specialist Dalton Fluof for the captain's award. This recognition is awarded to an individual whose dedication, strong work ethics, and positive attitude exceeds expectations. Throughout the [snorts] last six months, you have demonstrated exceptional commitment to duty, integrity, your actions, and unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the community you serve. Your proactive approach, judgment, and willingness to go above and beyond have made a significant and lasting impact on both the department and the public. In addition to your outstanding performance, you have shown leadership, teamwork, and compassion that reflect the highest standards of Leaport City Police Department. Your conduct and work ethics serve as a model for your peers and reinforce the value and mission of our department. I am grateful for your service and proud to recognize you. Congratulations on being the cap the recipient of the captain's award. [applause] So, as you remember, we did this just uh six months ago for the first six months. Uh, and out of the first recipients and this one, it was assistant chief Jim Ferguson's and my decision to uh pick out of th those group the officer of the year. As soon as I get organized, I would like to present that to Mr. Daltton Fluhoff, officer of the year. [applause]

There's a cute little stand. Thank you. You're welcome.

And can I also add just the tech interest that Dalton has with drones and you know way to keep officers safe by using drones instead of chasing individual suspects through the woods and through areas. and I saw the uh as he shared with me kind of the opportunity that drones and other technology present. See Pitman in the background? Wait, Pitman, that's the only gentleman that's not up here that's part of the SWAT team. Every single one of these guys are part of the SWAT team and they're vital to our department. They're are they're our department's heroes if basically need to say that. Uh Sergeant Linhardt, I'm gonna invite you up here to go over this. Sergeant Lionheart made some nominations for an awards and I wanted to afford him with the opportunity.

Yeah, you got the written parts in here as well. Yes, sir.

It's my honor to uh present two awards tonight to members of my shift. Uh I would like to read the uh recommendation letters that I gave uh corresponding. So, first I'd like to invite is Hammond's here.

Oh, there he is. Come on up here. [snorts] To the chief of police and members of the award committee. I, Sergeant Joshua Hart of the City of Leaport Police Department, proudly write this letter of recommendation to you all in order to share in the meritorious actions of one of the members of my own shift. On November 21st of 2025, at approximately 11:13 hours, Officer Devin Hammonds Flanigan was off duty when he responded to an active 911 call [snorts] in which a male patient in his 60s was choking. Upon his arrival, Officer Hammonds encountered the patient and began to render aid. Officer Hammonds dislodged by hand, the food portion obstructing the patient's airway. Once it was determined the patients needs exceeded more respiratory assistance, Officer Hammonds and an offduty firefighter worked together in performing CPR while monitoring an AED. Medics were delayed in response. So, Officer Hammonds continued rendering aid for approximately 15 minutes while providing updates to dispatch via his portable radio. These efforts, especially when unexpected in offduty hours, are strenuous and require an immediate focus that demonstrates the need for an officer's strong mental acuity at a moment's notice. For these reasons, I commend officer Hammonds and his performance of duty that is clearly above that which is normally expected and brought credit to both the department and community in which he serves. I humbly request and now grant uh after the review of this letter and the attached supporting documents and consideration of bestowing officer Devon Devin Hammonds Flanigan with a commendation award. [applause] Next we'd have Officer Brandon Pitman. Again, [snorts]

if you'd allow me to read the letter of recommendation to the chief of police and members of the award committee, I, Sergeant Josh Linhardt of the city of Leaport Police Department, proudly write this letter of recommendation to you all in order to share in the meritorious actions of one of the members of my own shift. On November 2nd of 2025, at approximately 1825 hours, officer Brandon Pitman was on duty when he responded to an active 911 call in the area of Fail Road in State Road 2 in Leaport, Indiana, where a female juvenile had reported that she was going to commit suicide by jumping from the bridge onto the train tracks. Upon his arrival, Officer Pitman met with other first responders on the overpass of Fail Road with a juvenile sitting on the concrete edge overlooking the railroad. Officer Pitman tactically moved into a position to observe the juvenile while considering both the effects of adding tension by being too close and the inability to act by being too far removed. Officer Pitman also recognized the activity of a train approaching far off from the west and notified his supervisor to call for the railroad traffic to be halted. The train continued towards the overpass without slowing and officer Pitman observed the juvenile sliding herself more and more off the ledge. Knowing that verbal deescalation was not working with the juvenile and the train would soon be passing under her as she stated was her intended method of harming herself, Officer Pitman rushed forward and pulled the juvenile backwards onto the overpass. Officer Pitman continued maintaining control of the juvenile until she was secured in patrol car and taken for emergency detention at the hospital. It is without a doubt that the juvenile who had been unwilling to converse with police was moments from irreparable harm if it had not been for the intervention of Officer Pitman. For these reasons, I commend Officer Pitman in his performance of a physical act to aid in the preservation of human life where the victim was in immediate danger of succumbing to an injury unless some action was taken. I humbly request and now proudly grant after the review [snorts] of this letter and attached supporting documents the consideration of bestowing officer Brandon Pitman with a life-saving award. [applause]

Thank you, Josh. And I hope uh everybody I know everybody on the council recognizes these are not everyday duties and what you've done go above and beyond uh to put yourself at risk and uh we do thank you all and the ones sitting in the crowd as well and here thank you all for what you do on a daily basis. [applause] Chief, could you recognize the merit uh we got a couple merit uh board members here and then we're going to take a photo of everybody.

Absolutely. Uh present with us tonight is u President Mike Kellums of the Merit Commission along with Secretary Brian Shallik. Vice President Ben Anderson was wasn't able to make it. He reached out to me and wanted to be here. [applause] Come on, Chief. Anybody else? They want you guys. Come on. Stand behind everybody.

No, please. Thank you [applause] all. [applause] Thank you all.

Thank you. Yes. I would also like to acknowledge Daniel Streer that's in the room here. the Leaport County Council nominated him uh onto the ATC board. And when it comes to those high standards that we have through police uh combination with the licenses going on at our bars and you know when we have gun brandishing going on in our bars, it's unacceptable. And we're going to keep our community safe, especially when individuals are coming from South Chicago, uh Michigan City. They're not getting here by accident. And it's going [snorts] to take a joint effort between our police as well as the ATC to uh regulate that license, evaluate that license because we are law and order in Leaport and uh we don't tolerate the brandishing of weapons of any type uh at any bar here. So uh thank you for accepting that position, Mr. Streer. Danny, [applause]

we will now move. It is American Heart Month and that is something that's very close to the heart of our very own Julie West and Julie has a proclamation. Thank you, mayor. The city of

microphone. Thanks. Um, thank you, mayor. Um from the city of Leaport, Indiana, I have a proclamation. Whereas cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide and each year more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States with approximately 10% of people surviving. And whereas about 70% of the out of hospital cardiac arrests occur at home, meaning that people nearby often family members are the first and most critical link in the chain of survival. And whereas immediate resuscitation can double or even triple a person's chance of survival, yet only about 41% of people who experience cardiac arrest receive immediate CPR from someone nearby. And fewer than 12% receive aid from an automatic external defibrill advanced help arrives. And whereas for adults and teens, handsonly CPR, calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest can double or triple the chance of survival, while infants and children require CPR with rescue breaths to restore oxygen and circulation. And whereas each year more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital with almost 40% related to sports and early 20 and early 20% occurring among infants. Cardiac arrest accounts for 10 to 15% of sudden unexpected infant deaths. And whereas Indiana requires each K through 12 school to have an AED and a cardiac emergency response plan for all venues and extracurricular activities, increasing the chance of survival by 70%. And whereas studies show that women are less likely than men to receive CPR before advanced help arise due to fear of causing harm, perceived legal risk, or discomfort about physical contact, factors that must be addressed through education and awareness. Whereas the

American Heart Association has set a goal to doubles double the survival from out of hospital cardiac arrest by 2030 through its Nation of Lifesavers initiative, empowering people everywhere to confidently perform CPR and use AEDs. And whereas straightforward community-based solutions such as CPR and AED education, public access to defibrillators and cardiac emergency response plans in schools, workplaces, and public places can save lives and strengthen community readiness. Now therefore, I, Councilwoman Julie West, do hereby proclaim February of 2026 to be American Heart Month in Leaport and urge all residents to learn CPR, promote awareness of cardiac arrest and emergency response, and join the effort to build a nation of lifesavers, ensuring that every person everywhere is prepared to act in a cardiac emergency. In witness whereof I here unto set my hand and the great seal of the city of Leaport, state of Indiana, this second day of February, 2026.

Any additional comments?

Well, I I am just thrilled to be a part of a community where we have um so many caring individuals and organizations who see the importance of these AEDs, having them readily available. um our health foundation just took on a huge initiative to help make our community a hearts safe designated community. Um which um we are all in safer hands because that awareness and education is getting out there and how important it is to um not only learn CPR but also understand that AEDs can be used by anyone. An elementary student can grab an AED and use that. So, it's just the awareness and education piece that has been so important and I'm just I am so grateful for all the support we have received um from so many people and so many organizations here in Leaport County and outside of Leaport County. So, I'm grateful for that. More lives will be saved because of it.

Thank you. as well before we move on. Uh one other topic of discussion and I know our council has been very frustrated uh with the current uh utility bills, energy bills through NIPCO. Uh we want the public to be aware. Um personally, I've been in touch with the IURC. Uh a couple new members, Bob Dy, who I served with in the legislature as a new IURC member. Need to make him aware and working with them with the frustrations. uh of we have to protect our residents and I've been uh in con conversation with our representatives on both the Republican and the Democrat side and again this is a tough time right now and to see these type of increased bills uh is very frustrating and the IURC who's really the only group uh or or uh or board that can approve or deny uh these increases is uh we have to get their attention that uh we have to look out for residents. Uh and we can't uh bill people out of their homes and away so they can't afford groceries and so forth for their energy and something has to change and so we are working from every level. We've offered NIPS go to come here. Uh we will work with them so they understand the frustration we're all hearing from residents. Um, we know energy is important and it's necessary uh to have our lights on and so forth, but uh we have to protect our residents, especially those in the lowest income that and seniors uh but every day families that are struggling that can't afford the continual increases and I think Representative Kesny has been very frustrated u from the phone calls and everything you're hearing.

Uh yes. So energy is a basic need that we all have. Uh and it doesn't discriminate against race, gender, age, sexuality. Um it's a it's a need, not a want. Um very little relief has been uh provided uh to the to the consumer, everybody sitting here in this room. Um there's a just a few resources that I'd like to bring to everybody's attention. This is public knowledge, but um the more that we get that out there for those that truly can't afford to make these bills, and I think majority of us are in that, but like truly have to choose food on the table, you know, clothing for their children uh or gas in their car. Uh so for lowincome uh home energy assistance program, it's through the state. There's a long email address uh or website address. It's eap.ihcda.in.gov. or the more simplistic way to to go is call 211. Please keep in mind um there is a deadline for applications and that's April 14th of 20 uh 2016. It's 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, so 400 p.m. our time by April 14th, 2026. Um NIPCO also has a a discount program. I don't know too much about that, but the same deadline as well. Um they do work with those uh with uh hardships. Um it nobody wants to hear this but the way to call and check on available resources via NIPCO would be to call and that number is 1 8004 NIPCO but I'm going to break it down because that's annoying as well. So that's 1 800-4647726. They have uh people manning the phones Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 700 p.m. Central Standard Time. Um I I'm sure that it's not a a quick fix. It's not an easy fix. uh there's multiple layers to go through, but the sooner you could call um at least you'll be in the order in which the calls are received or the requests are uh received

and granted. Um so the the council as a whole, and I will speak for you folks, normally I won't uh but I believe there's a general consensus here that something's got to give. um and with the mayor and his past uh background uh in politics uh hoping that he can uh bug a few more ears than us common folk can. So um folks it's heard we're all feeling the squeeze trying to find some relief.

Thank you. And again, we haven't focused on social media. We focused on trying to solve the problem both short-term and long-term uh from President Trump who we've reached out to uh who has said you know 50 50% of energy bills will be reduced uh when he took office in 2025 and see how we can help move that along as well as the state as well as the IURC. Uh every possible uh area Republican or Democrat does not matter. uh all we want to do is fight for our residents and make sure uh people know these bills have finally reached that level that people can't afford. So, um we're going to continue to fight for it. Any other comment? Public comment. I do not have any public comment cards. Is there anything online?

Couple compliments uh to our officers and Clint. Congratulations to all Rhonda Bores. Thank you for your service. So anything you can share all we know we get a whole it's just other people liking it that's all. Okay let's move on to um standing committee reports. Council President Frankie

redevelopment commission met on January 28th last Wednesday here in council chambers. uh Aaron Oni who is the assistant superintendent of operations for the school corp was introduced as their liaison to the redevelopment commission for 2026. Uh contract with newbie Lewis Kaminsky and Jones was approved for their legal services for this year. Approval is given to request bids for the Boyd Boulevard storm water project pending EDA approval. Uh, lock Mueller was approved to oversee the construction project. Cost of their construction inspection services is not to exceed 200,000. Approval was given to do a final brownfield environmental inspections which includes six borings on the pin fusion site. Um the last step was approved with the cost not to exceed 10,000 and approval to hire ICE Miller to review the testing and submit the results to the state brown feedfield people um was given and that cost is also not to exceed 10,000. That's all I have.

And the winner of the most recent inappropriate trivia and councilwoman Lauren Huffman. Thank you. There's a lot of sports questions and I have my brother on my team. So, that's really how we want. Um, the only thing I have is the sustainability commission will be meeting Tuesday, February 10th at 4 pm in council chambers. Councilwoman Ficus. Um, traffic commission meets tomorrow, February 3rd, 5:00 p.m. at the police station and then park board will have their next meeting on Wednesday, February 18th, 4 p.m. at the park office. Councilman Galloway. And I know you wanted to acknowledge uh a real hero, Jeff Dunk.

Is it Jeff? Is it Jeff Dunk day tomorrow? Are we closing down city hall? For what he did, we should.

Okay. Police may commission met on the 13th of January. They have five conditional appointment appointees and they were waiting on Perf last time I heard there's and that gives them up to 40 is that 47 or 48 48 officers and Pat Hel retired after 33 years and if you remember when we first took office in 2020 48 was a number that was high in hope. I think we were down to 30 some at one time.

Correct. And you all made a commitment to increase uh law and order in the community and you all should be recognized for that. Julie West, Councilwoman, Fire Merit Commission update. Um Elijah Pulos was promoted to the rank of captain and the new promotional list was certified which will be in effect from February 1st, 2026 through January 31st, 2028. and their next meeting will be this Wednesday, February 4th, at 6:30 at fire station number one on 18th Street. And then here soon I will report on um committee appointments. Councilman Buchanan,

uh the historic preservation commission met uh January 27th. The uh commission officers were reappointed for another year and welcomed some new members. Uh goals to promote education outreach were discussed. Uh the plan commission has a scheduled meeting Tuesday, February 10th at 6 PM here in council chambers. Councilwoman Kesnney.

Uh tonight I'm here to report on the airport authority. Um so the last meeting in January was a recap uh of the year of 2025. Uh it was another great year at the airport uh from aviation camp to the lunch on the flies that are uh every uh the fourth Friday of every month uh in seasonable weather. um the the airfare, scareport, you name it. Um the marketing and outreach has been phenomenal. Uh and then the day-to-day operations have been fine-tuned as well. Uh the airport uh continues to work on the runway reorientation and master plan. Uh that that's many years in the making um with uh [clears throat] their consultants Walpert uh in conjunction with FAA review and approval. Um they're getting closer, but again, it's one day at a time. uh fuel sales for 2025 uh surpassed that of 2024 um with um by a thousand gallons more of jet fuel. Uh so that that's a great source of revenue for the uh for the airport. Uh they have a great uh plan for the year to continue to grow, develop um and then uh make that outreach with the community. Their next meeting will be next Wednesday at 5:15 at the airport and all public is welcome to come. End of report. Thank you. Public hearing and introduction of an ordinance. Council President Frankie.

Your honor, I move to introduce an ordinance read in its entirety minus the legal description of the land for the first time. Second motion and a second discussion. All in favor? I.

Opposed? Council President Frankie. an ordinance to vacate a culde-sac located on Walton Avenue in or orchard home subdivision in the city of Leaport, Indiana. Whereas the petitioner Eric Krueger having filed a petition with the common council of the city of Leaport, Indiana for the vacation of a curved culde-sac located on Walton Avenue in Orchard Home subdivision in the city of Leaport, Indiana. And whereas petitioner is the owner of the land which abuts to ors the public way. And whereas property owners of land adjoining and abuing lots have been served with notice of a public hearing pursuant to Indiana statute. And whereas notice of the public hearing on the ordinance was published in the Port Herald Argus at least 10 days prior to the public hearing. And whereas a public hearing was held on are we doing that today?

Today.

Today. Today. February 2nd, 2026 in the chambers at Leaport City Hall located at 801 Michigan a Leaport, Indiana. At which hearing, all interested parties were given the opportunity to present their view for and against the granting of the vacation and pursuant to ordinance number ordinance number which will be determined and whereas the council has determined that the vacation of the street should be granted. Being duly advised in the premises, the city council of the city of Leaport, Leaport County, Indiana, makes and approves the following findings. Number one, that there are no property owners whose property will be adversely affected by the public ways to be vacated. Number two, the vacation will not hinder the growth or development of the city of Leaport. Number three, the vacation will not make ex access to the land of any party by means of public way difficult or inconvenient. Number four, the vacation will not hinder the public access to church, school, public building, or place. Number five, the vacation will not hinder the use of any public way. Number six, the vacation requested by the pet petitioner is in the best interest of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of a port. Now therefore, be it ordained by the city council of the city of Leaport, Leaport County, Indiana, as follows. Section one, that the following described real property is hereby subject to retention of existing utility easements and any new easements for utility easements for NIPCO and the city of Leaport vacated. Legal description, I am skipping section two. The clerk treasur of the city of Leaport is requested and directed to record this ordinance in the office of the recorder of Leaport County, Indiana and also to present this ordinance to the Leaport County Auditor. Section three. This ordinance shall be in full force in effect from and after its passage,

adoption and publication as required by law. End of ordinance. So, this is an ordinance and can um will not pass this evening, but we'll move to the fee February 17th. Uh we do have a public hearing today to anybody uh and Mr. Krueger is here this evening. And uh yes, and uh we will open up for public hearing for anybody here in the public that would like to speak for or against this. Is there anybody from the public that would like to speak on this?

Would you like to This was advertised. It was advertised in the Herald Herald dispatch on January 20th, 2026. And I think we've all would like Mr. Krueger to come forward and say a couple words. Uh I will now close the public hearing. Come on forward, Eric. Thank you. And the land looks great. Thank you. What they plan to do with property? One with a layout and one is without.

Sure. Thanks, Eric. Thank you, Courtney. I can share.

Thank you. So that's uh this is just a preliminary layout of the land on this 20 27 residential lots that uh meet all the requirements for the R1B zoning which is 70 foot of frontage and 10,000 square feet. Um my plan is to do it in phases. uh start on Walton Avenue and then because those lots are ready to build on as we speak. There's nothing stopping that um as soon as it's legally divided. Um and then move my way around and then eventually put in a road with a culde-sac to uh make or use all the property that's available. So,

and how many total? 27. 27. Yeah. Yeah. Because there's two there's four across the street too on Indiana in Marian. Are you the builder? Yes. Okay. Yes. Just to be clear, the only thing obviously being reviewed right now is this vacation of this what would have been a culde-sac that never got built on on wall. Yeah. That was put in in the 30s or 40s and the city never installed it. Yeah. Comments from the council. Questions? He did come to traffic commission in November. So, it did go through us. Um, and basically what it is is it's the old Bernaki property, right? Correct. Correct. Brian's property.

And there's just this little I put this on everybody's desk. It's just this little blurp in here that that we're talking about tonight. Basically, that it'll just straighten out his property. And that blurp is green space right now. It's It's been grass since I've Yeah. There's nothing visually to see as far as the coldest. Nothing's changing. Nothing. But it is a yellow line on Beacon. Yeah. [laughter] Yeah, that's it. Thanks. It's been grass since I was born. So, yeah. Yeah. And it cleans up the property lines. If this is approved, your goal to build number one is number one is start in April. Mhm. Excellent. Yeah. Is is the goal if everything gets done by then? Yes. Absolutely. You'll have to come to the plan commission. There's

absolutely there's some things that have to be done, but everything's in the in motion to do that. further comment. Everybody that lived in that area had to drive down Fox Street and see all the work you were doing. It looks It looks really Looks great. Thank you. Well, even if you didn't live in the area, you see it now with the Indiana reconstruction. So, the rest of us townies saw it, too. Yes. Thank you. It's a huge transformation. So, thank you. You're welcome. This will now move on to the 17th of fe February, which is a Tuesday because Monday is day,

President's Day. Introduction of a resolution to transfer funds within the 2026 budget. Councilman Galloway. Your honor, I'd like to introduce a resolution and read it for the first and only time. Second. Motion and a second. Discussion. All in favor? I opposed. Councilman Galloway.

Resolution to transfer funds within the 2026 budgets where whereas there are additional monies needed in certain line items in the 2026 budgets in order to pay for essential services and obligations. Uh therefore be it and it is hereby resolved by the common council of the city of Leaport, Indiana, that the following transfers be made within the following budgets for the year 2026. seated community development and planning

2209-103 from 315 professional services to 111 salaries $1,000 MVH restricted 2203-524 from 451 015 street paving CCMG local match to 2431-920 20 local road and bridge matching grant fund local match 476,429 restricted donations 23 2300-074 from 910 18th Street Greenway to 811 Slicer Pathway 22,100 $22,17 $17.79.

Thank you, sir. This is a resolution can pass this evening. Um, clerk, treasurer parthon, I think the MVH restricted is the biggest question. That's the that's a requirement by the state to move the MVH funds to um to the restricted to only spend on roads. So, that is our local match for our C our annual CCMG application. [snorts] And I'd also like to point out Slicer Pathway is making progress. If you haven't seen [applause] that is excellent uh for kids to stay out of a street walking in the middle of the street and we're looking forward to the completion of that as well. So with that, do I have a motion to approve? Motion to approve.

Second. Motion in a second. Discussion. All in favor? I I opposed. Motion passes. Do I have anything that would like to be removed from being tabled? Yes, your honor. I move to make a motion. I move to make a motion regarding committee appointments from the table. Second. Motion and a second. Discussion. All in favor? Opposed? Councilwoman West. Your honor, I move to make a motion to appoint members to the bid board fire merit commission in the urban enterprise zone. Second. Motion and a second. Discussion. All in favor? I opposed. Councilwoman West.

Thank you. I'm appointing to the bid board, which is a two-year appointment term, the following members effective immediately. Rachel do is it Dodie? Dodie. Thank you very much. Charity, and this is one I can never res. Thank you, Lassa. Come on.

I know you've asked her many times. I should have caught on, right? Thank you, Charity. um Jamie Williams and Jenny Riddle. And then for Fire Merit Commission, which is a four-year appointment as well, we are reappointing Josh Hwlet. And then for Urban Enterprise Zone, which is also a four-year appointment, we are reappointing um Councilwoman Julie West, Ryan LS, Colton Failen, Cassie Q Basic, and Courtney Dickman. So you are reappointing yourself? Yes. Questions on these. Congrats on your appointment. [laughter] Thank you. Motion to approve? So move. Second. Comment.

All in favor? I opposed. Motion passes. Any further public comment? Nope. Yeah, I am. You're sure? I was going to email. Kevin Wat says, "Congratulations."

Excellent. And uh Kevin wanted to make sure that Griffin at large was recognized for his thousand points scoring as a junior uh for Leaport basketball. So congratulations to Griff. And um the other things we're working on, uh Ian Eldridge is jumping right into the street department. Uh we've got work to do as many of you have recognized uh regarding the downtown snow removal. Uh we need to get better. We are getting better. And hopefully you saw this morning they were out at 4:00 a.m. starting to take some different approaches. We needed to be friendly to business, ease for business so people can get in, get out. Uh I know we have the front of the courthouse which Miss West is working on which is not our responsibility, the sidewalk there, but it is like uh

it's an obstacle course I think or I don't know. I wish it was only an obstacle course. It's more than that. Um, but hopefully the county is getting that we need to clean that up. Any other comments? Can I can I give a shout out to the water department, Miss Ficus?

Um, like another example of why we need new infrastructure. We had a water leak or water mane break, whatever, on our street and it was supposed to be taken care of last week, but they had, thanks to you, I found out they had trouble with the locates. So the water was coming out. There was probably 18 inches of ice. There was slush. There were ruts. We live on a dead end, so it's hard for everybody to get in and out of there. We were having a little bit of difficulty. They were out there at like 8:00 this morning. Um Mike McCelmet and his crew. Like I said, it's it's a narrow in and out. And it with it being busy, they would stop what they were doing so that like make it convenient for us so that none of us, you know, were late for work or late for appointments or whatever and then get back to what they were doing. And then they went so far as to get all of the ice off the road because people's cars were bottoming out and like having terrible issues. So, I think that they went above and beyond. So, I just want to say thanks to the water department

and thank you for taking all the complaints for us. uh because you know we also had a leak on Indiana A to your point that old infrastructure especially in the cold uh it's difficult and u the teams out there and on Friday they were hoping to complete that but due to the equipment during the cold and to the lack of a locate by a firm uh was not able to be done so uh they're working hard and it's been a tough winter on everybody further comment Anything on the winning question you want to share, Miss Hoffman? There was a winning question. I I will share on that. I'm I'm on the board for Big Comedy and uh

I'm fearful that you're going to say a question that we don't want to hear. No, but I hope nobody ever checks my Google search history. Um but in one night, we raised a little over $23,000. Uh that was the gross netted around 19,500. We have never kept a dime of that money. In fact, a lot of us put our own money into these events. Uh all of it stays local to local charities. So, I'm proud of our our board. That's excellent. Thanks [applause] to the community. Thank you. And the board members.

Oh, putting me on the spot. Uh Ben Conowitz, Jimmy Preell, Brad Omen, Charlie Young, Aaron Gel, and I'm sure there are others that are just just as good of human beings. So, thank you. Motion to approve or I'm sorry, motion to adjurnn. Motion to adjurnn. Yes. Second. Second. All in favor? Opposed? We're adjourned. Everyone have a safe evening.