Raven S. Boston

The meeting addressed several key items, starting with the reading of petitions for annexation and zoning establishment for two properties. A proposed ordinance regarding Sewage Works Revenue Bonds was assigned to the Budget & Finance Committee. Three resolutions were considered: Resolution R2026-01, approving a use variance for outside storage for a landscaping contractor at the SE corner of State Road 23 & Toll Road, passed unanimously. Resolution R2026-02, concerning a use variance for a second-floor residential unit at 340 W. Cleveland, was postponed until the next meeting. Resolution R2026-03 focused on declaring an Auto Mall Economic Development Area to fund infrastructure improvements, including the extension of Veterans Parkway and widening of Cleveland Road, in partnership with Gurley Leep; this resolution passed unanimously after detailed financial presentations. Resolution R2026-04 involved a declaratory resolution for a real and personal property tax abatement for United Pet Food Producers for a $30 million expansion, which passed unanimously. Additionally, Proposed Ordinance No. 2025-49, establishing 120 North Race Street as a Local Historic Landmark, was adopted. Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-01, amending the police salary ordinance to update night shift differential and add drone operator pay, was also adopted. Finally, Fire Chief Bryon Woodward addressed the Council under Privilege of the Floor during his upcoming retirement, expressing gratitude for his service and highlighting the department's improved culture.

Key discussions during the meeting included the opening and tabulation of bids for CIPP Sewer Rehabilitation Various Locations 2026 projects (Main Line and Lateral Line), which were forwarded to the Engineering Department for evaluation. The board also approved a claim docket totaling $1,542,667.92. New business involved the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, and the City of Mishawaka Utility Board concerning upgrades to water and sanitary sewer systems for the St. Joe Farms area, funded by the County or a third party.

The meeting included comments from the Mayor regarding the upcoming retirement of the Fire Chief and the naming of the replacement. Key agenda items involved the approval of multiple Professional Services Agreements with Baker Tilly for various services, including a Master Services Agreement, debt issuance and continuing disclosure services for 2026 Wastewater Revenue Bonds, a Financial Management Report for the Sewer Utility, and a Parity Report for 2026 Revenue Bonds. Additionally, the board approved Change Order 2 with HRP Construction for Miscellaneous Improvements at the Water Resource Recovery Facility, involving a time extension and cost increase. A Supplemental Agreement with Baker Tilly for the Water Division Rate Study was also approved. Finally, claims totaling $1,075,005.95 were approved.

The meeting included comments from the Mayor regarding the upcoming retirement of the Fire Chief and the subsequent promotion of the Assistant Fire Chief. Department heads presented several items for approval, including authorizing the receipt of bids for the Veterans Parkway Utility Extension. The Board approved Supplemental Agreement #1 with Context for Linear Park at The Mill Phase 2, increasing the contract amount. Additionally, the Board approved eight claim dockets totaling $2,153,579.57. A public hearing was held regarding a Secondhand Store License application for Whats Nots for the sale of antiques, which was subsequently approved.

The Board addressed several personnel and contractual matters. Approvals were granted for the voluntary retirements of three members of the Fire Department, effective on various dates in February 2026. The Board approved a Professional Services Agreement with Rooney and Co. for preparing the Indiana Medicaid Freestanding Governmental Ambulance Provider Cost Report, not to exceed $5,000.00. Additionally, two Change Orders (Change Order 15 and Change Order 16) with Weigand Construction for Ironworks Plaza Phase III were approved, increasing the total contract amount. The City Controller presented and gained approval for a claims docket in the amount of $213,638.28. The Police Chief noted that several officers would be recognized later that day for their involvement in the Conner Street situation.