Donna Chant

The discussion, framed as a 'Coffee With The Council' session, provided an update on the new Monon Corridor rail project infrastructure, including details on the Monster Dire Station and Ridge Station in Hammond. Specifics covered included parking lot capacities (875 spaces at Monster Dire, 100 at Ridge), pedestrian bridge installation, and the construction of a new railroad bridge over the Little Cal River. Testing procedures, including initial diesel-powered tests and recent electric train testing powered by energized substations, were reviewed. The presentation also detailed operational schedules, noting rush hour service (every 30 minutes, running express trains bypassing Hammond Gateway) and non-rush hour shuttles requiring a transfer at Hammond Gateway. Safety measures discussed included public outreach (See Tracks, Think Train), disaster drills, and the submission of a joint application for a Quiet Zone with the City of Hammond to eliminate regular horn blowing. The timeline targets revenue service in March 2026, around St. Patrick's Day, following a two-day simulated service in February. Information regarding new CCTV cameras, PA systems, and emergency telephones at the stations was also provided.

The primary topic of this document set is related to the Town of Munster's transition to a new meeting agenda management system. The information provided directs users on how to access agendas, packets, and videos for Town Council and Redevelopment Commission meetings conducted after January 1, 2026, via a new website link.

The meeting agenda included a proclamation for the Munster Junior Woman's Club. The Consent Agenda involved the approval of minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting and confirmation/approval of multiple voucher registers totaling several million dollars, as well as the Treasurer's Report for September 2025 and water leak adjustments. Old Business concerned the first reading and discussion of Ordinance #1996 regarding amendments to Schedule A for fees and fines, and the adoption of Ordinance #1995 concerning the creation of the Maple Leaf Crossing TIF Allocation Fund. New Business involved the approval of Resolution #2157 authorizing signing authority for INDOT documents related to the FY2026 Community Crossing Matching Grant, the approval of Ordinance #1997 concerning the issuance of Park District Bonds of 2025 and appropriation of proceeds, hearing the first reading of Ordinance #1998 for additional appropriations in Water Bond & Interest and Cumulative Capital Development Funds, hearing the first reading of Ordinance #1999 for 2025 budget reductions, hearing the first reading of Ordinance #2000 regarding the 2026 Salary Ordinance, hearing the first reading of Ordinance #2001 for the Kenmara Development Rezoning, discussion of the Centennial Village Tax Abatement, discussion of the Opioid Fund Request, and discussion of the Barnes & Thornburg Lobbying Agreement. The Council also authorized a Real Estate Purchase Agreement for property at 437-439 Ridge Road and approved Change Order #6 for the 2024 Paving and Watermain Project.

The meeting included a public hearing for additional appropriations under Ordinance #1994, seeking funds for the Local Income Tax -- Economic Development Fund, Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund, Water Depreciation Fund, and Consumer Water Deposit Fund. Key old business involved the adoption of Ordinance #1991 for the 2026 Budget and Tax Levies. New business centered on the adoption of Ordinance #1992 authorizing the issuance and sale of 2025 General Obligation Bonds and Ordinance #1993 appropriating the proceeds. Ordinance #1996, proposing amendments to Schedule A for various fees and fines, was introduced. The Council also approved a Real Estate Purchase Agreement for property at 437 and 439 Ridge Road, Change Order #6 for the 2024 Paving and Watermain project, the purchase of a camera van and a new street sweeper for 2026, an Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft for 365 licensing, and an NIPSCO extension agreement for electrical service for a license plate reader. Approval was also given for the Hometown Heroes Street Banner Program for 2026, and the proposed 2026 health insurance rates were accepted.

The agenda for this meeting included a public hearing concerning the 2025 GO Bond Additional Appropriations, requiring the adoption of Ordinances #1992 and #1993. A proclamation was issued honoring the Munster Fire Department's 100th Anniversary Day, which is set for October 6, 2025. The consent agenda involved the approval of several voucher registers from late August through October 6, 2025, confirmation of a water leak adjustment, and review of the August 2025 Treasurer's Report. Old Business included the adoption of Ordinance #1991 for the FY 2026 Budget. New Business items primarily dealt with various ordinances related to the 2025 GO Bond issuance and appropriations, additional appropriations for other purposes, TIF funds, approval of health insurance premium rates, an EA Subscription Agreement, a use variance for Precision Control Systems, engineering design agreements for road improvements, a PD/NIPSCO extension agreement, and purchases for annual squad car replacement, a camera van, and a street sweeper.