Town of New Chicago

The meeting commenced with roll call and the election of new leadership, resulting in Member Gibson being elected as Town Council President and Member Anderson as Vice President. Key discussions focused on administrative matters, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and the payment of outstanding bills for December. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation regarding the proposed East Lake Fire Territory, a consolidation of fire and EMS services between the Town of New Chicago and the City of Lake Station, aimed at managing increasing public safety costs, improving coverage, and standardizing operations. The financial aspects, including an estimated first-year budget of $2.66 million and the implementation of a rate-based cumulative equipment replacement fund, were reviewed. Additionally, the council voted to award a contract for meter replacement services to DB Utility in the amount of $156,600. Updates were also provided on the securing of Community Crossings funds for road projects and financing for a new building.

The meeting included the approval of the January 2026 meeting minutes. Key old business involved a discussion regarding a liaison for the Kids Stuff project, Greg Beltman, who has transitioned roles but will continue to serve in that capacity. Updates were provided concerning upcoming events, specifically rescheduling the Park Arts and Crafts Fair, which was initially set for March 7th, to potentially the 14th or 21st of March, with preference leaning towards the 21st to avoid conflict with another convention and religious holidays. Discussions also covered ordering eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt scheduled the Saturday before Easter, and confirming the date for the townwide garage and rummage sale for May 2nd, with May 3rd as the rain date. Further planning included opening registration for the garage sale event with a registration cutoff set for April 17th to allow time for map creation. A suggestion was made to host a basketball tournament, requiring the purchase of a bench for the location. Administrative matters included follow-up on a banner sign renewal payment from Straa Vantel, which was initially misdirected to the water company but is being reissued to the park department. The board also reviewed a draft letter concerning banner advertisements and discussed updating the park's webpage and potentially creating a specific anchor code for the banner advertisement section.

The agenda for this meeting is focused on reorganization matters, including the nomination of the Town Council President and appointments to various roles such as Town Council Vice-President, Town Attorney, Water & Sewer Attorney, and Town Manager, along with various liaisons. The agenda also lists reports and discussions pertaining to the Police Chief, Fire Chief, E-911 Coordinator, and Police Commission. Further items include consideration of the Park Board, Planning Commission, and various administrative coordinators and superintendents. Business items include the payment of bills for December 2025, Fund & Appropriation Reports for December 2025, discussions with Abonmarche and Daniel Dalton, and the introduction of several ordinances: Ordinance 2026-01 (Reaffirmation of Hydrant Fees), Ordinance 2026-02 (Reaffirmation of Water Works Fees), Ordinance 2026-03 (Reaffirmation of Police Department Fees), and Ordinance 2026-04 (Amendment To Employee Handbook Article V regarding mobile device use). Departmental reports are also scheduled.

This plan outlines the establishment of the East Lake Fire Protection Territory, integrating the Town of New Chicago and the City of Lake Station. It details the legal process, rationale for formation including improved Fire & EMS coverage, financial stability, and staffing enhancements. The plan includes projected budgets, levies, tax rates, and an analysis of taxpayer impacts (circuit breaker, homestead, farm/rental, and commercial properties) for the years 2027 through 2029.

The meeting addressed several key areas including approval of amended rates for the Gary and Balo plants, police department updates with citations and arrests, and fleet maintenance issues. Discussions also covered the success of the Independence Day celebration and plans for a back-to-school initiative. The council recognized officers for outstanding service and heroic actions during the Independence Day parade. Additionally, there were talks on building department incentives, the police commission, and potential changes to the policy regarding take-home cars for command staff. The town manager provided updates on contract negotiations, property purchases, water rate increases, and water tower inspections. The park board reported on the lunch and learn program, walking paths, internet service at Point Oaks, and an incident involving a mortar thrown at the park. They also discussed moving the plot camera and potential CDBG grants for sensory equipment and a drinking fountain.