Kevin Gnivecki

The Board conducted bid openings for the DEA/Police Suite Reconfiguration project and the Mishawaka Salt Barn Phase I project, forwarding them for review and evaluation. Several department head requests were approved, including the declaration of various vehicles and equipment as surplus for trade-in, auction, or disposal, and the approval of a change order and final acceptance for a street overlay project. The Board also approved a professional services agreement for construction services related to a community matching grant. Additionally, the Board approved requests for a noise ordinance waiver for a community event and for the use of city streets to host an annual holiday bike parade, and authorized the payment of the claim docket.

The board meeting included an announcement regarding the upcoming Memorial Day Parade and a scheduled staff meeting. Department heads presented a Professional Services Agreement with Donohue for 2026 Sludge System Improvements, which was approved. Additionally, a claim docket was presented and approved, and a public hearing was held regarding a Preliminary Engineering Report for assistance from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

The commission reviewed a buy-sell agreement for property on South Union Street, which was approved for acquisition. Additionally, a forgivable loan application for Scoobies restaurant to fund an outdoor seating area was discussed and approved. Finally, the commission passed a resolution regarding the disposition of the former fire station number two, with the decision made to read any received bids at a future meeting due to an advertising error.

The board conducted a public hearing on several developmental variance appeals. Appeal 26-16, concerning a property on 12th Street, was approved with stipulations regarding landscape screening to replace a fence requirement. Appeal 26-17, concerning a property on Lawrence Street, was approved to allow for a reduced exterior sideyard setback for a fence. The board also initiated discussions on a subsequent appeal regarding a developmental variance.

The meeting focused on various agenda items, including a request to table a petition until a future date. The Commission reviewed a request for a minor two-lot subdivision on 18th Street. A local resident expressed concerns regarding the impact of the subdivision on the neighborhood's character, lot size consistency, and property values. The Commission's executive director clarified that the proposal met all existing legal requirements and zoning standards for single-family residences, noting that the planning process is not a discretionary action when code requirements are satisfied.