Carl H. Baxmeyer

The agenda for the Board of Commissioners meeting includes several key items across various departments. Under Commissioner reports, discussions will cover the approval of the Accounts Payable Docket, Bills Passed by the County Council (Ordinances 4-26 through 7-26 and 12-26), the Employee of the Month Award, and the approval of a Lease Agreement with the City of South Bend Redevelopment Commission for temporary parking. The IPG section focuses on approving consultant selection awards for construction engineering on the Pierce Road Reconstruction and the Douglas Road/Bittersweet Road roundabout improvement projects, as well as approving a Statement of Work with CivicPlus for a website accessibility solution and approving a Consent Agenda. The IT department agenda includes the approval of a quote with MarketPlace.city to utilize government-focused technology vendors. The PSAP/911 section addresses approval of Motorola Solutions quotes for replacement APX Radios and a proposal for AXS Dispatch Console Migration. The meeting also reserves time for the opening and reading of Bids/Letters of Interest and Public Comments.

Key discussion points included the confirmation that updated CFA4 forms are now confirmed by the State, requiring previous submissions to be redone, and an update regarding Poll Books. The board discussed the number and potential locations for satellite vote centers, deciding to add four locations, with requests made to distribute the list of locations to the involved parties. Resolutions for the remainder of 2026 were discussed, with requests to keep them open-ended and to include Sundays for early voting. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a hearing regarding a Delegate District map complaint. Complaints were raised concerning lack of public notice and improper redistricting channels. Responses addressed the issue of standing, procedural compliance with party rules, and First Amendment implications, ultimately leading to a unanimous motion to deny the complaint. Public comment addressed insufficient public notice for precincts.

The meeting agenda for the St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission covered the election of officers (Vice President and Secretary), the approval of the January 13, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes, and the opening of quotes for the demolition of 320 Lincolnway East, Osceola. Key discussion items included Economic Development Area Updates, specifically the Monthly Financial Report for January 2026 and the proposed 2026 Redevelopment Commission Budget requiring significant appropriations across various EDAs, including the GM Flex Fund and Solar Project EDA. Resolutions included approving Resolution 2026-03 concerning financial matters and Resolution 2026-04 committing to participation in the South Bend Realignment Project local share. Professional Service Agreements involved an addendum with enFocus and a third amendment with Community Redevelopment Partners, LLC. Business for the New Carlisle Economic Development Area featured a Purchase Agreement for 300 E Michigan (Carris Reels), engineering services, environmental investigation agreements, and an agreement concerning the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) action related to water service territory with the Town of New Carlisle. The AM General EDA agenda included a Project Management/Construction Management agreement with McCormick Engineering LLC and a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Mishawaka for utility upgrades. The Solar Project EDA involved an Agreement for Educational and Training Program with New Prairie United School Corporation. The meeting also planned for the award of the demolition quote and included Project Updates, such as a Memorandum of Understanding with MACOG for a Rail Crossing Elimination Grant study.

The New Carlisle 2040 Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap for the Town of New Carlisle, outlining its long-term direction, goals, and strategies for guiding future development. The plan establishes a clear vision for a thriving community rooted in rural values with a forward vision toward intentional growth. It is built upon four core values: fostering New Carlisle as a Great Place to Live (emphasizing safety, connectivity, recreation, and historic preservation), ensuring a Strong Community (through volunteerism, civic engagement, and collaborative partnerships), promoting Sustainable Growth (by encouraging thoughtful development, diverse housing, and economic initiatives), and prioritizing quality Education (modern facilities, innovative methods, and workforce training). The plan aims to balance tradition with progress, leveraging recent economic developments to foster a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive future for the town while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The 2045 Transportation Plan, 'Michiana on the Move,' serves as a blueprint for addressing the transportation needs of the Michiana region and guides the investment of federal, state, and local funds into multimodal infrastructure. The plan outlines a roadmap for implementing improvements in highways, public transit, freight, bikeways, and pedestrian walkways, with a focus on enhancing safety, reducing congestion, utilizing existing roads, and promoting alternative transportation modes. It reflects extensive coordination with local government units and stakeholders, and is designed to meet the requirements of the FAST Act.