Michelle Sims

The agenda includes the approval of claims totaling $1,826,453.86 and various communications including the TIF Annual Report and a parade request from Griffith Youth Baseball. Business items feature a second reading of the amended salary ordinance, a request for the sale of surplus vehicles and equipment by the police department, the review of an E-Bike ordinance, an electric vehicle carbon reduction grant agreement, and a supplemental agreement regarding Broad Street and Avenue H.

The meeting scheduled for January 19, 2026, was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. Prior to the cancellation notice, an Old Business item was listed: a Public Hearing for a Use Variance requested by Tomeka Blackmon concerning the storage of a frozen food unit and a food truck trailer at her residence, which the petitioner requested to be continued to the February 16, 2026, meeting.

The meeting includes a public hearing for Champion Technology Services, LLC, findings of fact from the Plan Commission, and discussion around Ordinance 2025-15 regarding rezoning. It also covers the final approval for hiring a new Police Officer Candidate, permission to drop uncollectable Trash Accounts, the first reading of Salary Ordinance 2025-14 (2026), and Resolution 2025-12 concerning transfer appropriations. Reports from the Director of Public Works, Building Commissioner, Chief of Police, and Fire Chief are also on the agenda.

The Griffith Town Council meeting addressed several key issues. The council approved the minutes from the October 19th meeting and claims totaling over one million dollars. Announcements included the date of the next council meeting and the commencement of construction at Central Park. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Franklin Center, specifically the high cost of necessary HVAC repairs. The council ultimately decided to transfer the property to the Redevelopment Commission for disposition. Other topics included the water meter replacement project, sidewalk projects, and updates on the golf course and Hammond Water Works true-up.

The council meeting started with a moment of silence for fallen police officers. Key discussion points included the approval of meeting minutes and claims, announcements regarding upcoming meetings and trick-or-treat hours, and department reports. Significant actions included approving contracts for inspection services at Central Park Phase One and the Reader Road water main project, approving a part-time inspection services agreement, and approving a change to the salary ordinance. A presentation was given on energy-efficient lighting upgrades, with a recommendation to use a bidding process for the project. Finally, the council recognized a long-serving member and discussed a sidewalk replacement program.