Maria Becerra

The key discussions focused on the election of Board Officers, where the President and Vice President were confirmed, and the Secretary position was tabled. Budget decisions stipulated that fund transfers would only occur when necessary and required Council approval. Approvals were granted for a $1000.00 allocation for an event called "Big City" in August. The agenda was amended twice to include an additional "Big Crawl" event on September 29th. Event dates for the year were set, including a Sidewalk Sale, two Big Crawls, and a Haunted Highland and Trunk or Treat event, with Sandy McKnight assigned responsibility for securing bands for the Crawls. The agenda was further amended to include permission for the Fire Station to sell food during the Crawls. A potential car show for the September Crawl was mentioned for later decision.

The agenda for this session included several new business items. Key discussions planned were the Election of the 2026 Board Secretary, Marketing initiatives including sponsorship for Highland High School Athletics and WJOB, planning for the Big Crawl event concerning band approval and setting start/end times, and addressing the Sidewalk Sale. Additionally, the purchase of banners for the USA 250th Anniversary was slated for discussion. The document also references several legislative appointments.

The agenda for the regular meeting includes discussions on the Little Calumet River South Watershed Seedling Project, aiming to decide on the replanting steps and follow up on remaining 2025 grant funding. Other old business items involve reviewing town regulations for the Duluth & Parrish Street Sanitary District Tree Planting, updating the Approved/Unapproved Tree Species list, and a motion from the previous meeting regarding forming a committee to review the Tree Board's role and purpose. New business centers on planning the Arbor Day Celebration, including the requirement for a signed and dated proclamation, reviewing information from the 2025 CUF Symposium and the upcoming Arbor Day Poster Contest for fifth graders, and registration details for the IAA Conference and the 2026 Indiana Tree City Forum. Under discussion topics, the Board may adopt a 2026 Action Plan outlining numerous objectives, such as monthly idea sharing, IAA Conference participation, Town Council appointments, establishing board officer positions, updating the species list, organizing Arbor Day events, social media presence, securing expert speakers, maintaining community relations, recruiting new members, and renewing the Tree City USA application.

Key discussions during the meeting included a communication from the IT Director concerning the necessity of additional funds to upgrade on-site server software to a cloud-based version. The Water Works Attorney reported that confirmation regarding the Water Transport Fee approval from the Town of Dyer is still pending follow-up. The Fire Department reported that the ISA report was submitted, noting that the water system constitutes a large portion of the scoring, and anticipated score increases due to recent infrastructure upgrades. Unfinished business involved the approval of Pay Request No. 1 for the 4th Place East & West Alley Water Main Replacement Project, which was passed. Finally, the Board approved claims totaling $1,032,988.40 across various funds.

The Board meeting addressed several operational and administrative matters. The Water Works Superintendent reported the completion of the hydrant blasting and painting agreement with Go Painters. The Water Works Engineer provided an update on the 4th Pl East/West Alley Water Main Replacement project, noting progress on pipe installation. The Fire Department announced the schedule for the annual Open House. A key action item was the approval of Resolution No. 2025-14, which finalized a three-year Water Transport Fee Agreement with the Town of Dyer Utility Board concerning the wholesale purchase of potable water. The Board also reviewed communications regarding additional costs for transitioning software servers to a cloud-based version and noted that summer utility rates would conclude with the October meter reading. Finally, the Board approved claims totaling $400,639.88.