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Elkhart City is gearing up for major improvements with new bids for street resurfacing, pedestrian enhancements, and utility upgrades that promise to transform our community!

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Board opens and assigns street and utility-material bids; approves pedestrian and resurfacing projects
Elkhart’s Board of Public Works opened several street and utility-material bid packages Feb. 3, assigned bids to staff for review, approved advertising for a CSO separation and resurfacing/curb-ramp projects, and authorized quotes for 2nd Street pedestrian improvements including bus shelters and solar lighting.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 7:04 PM
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Elkhart City's Board of Public Works just approved a staggering $1.3 million payment for the Oakland Avenue CSO tank project, with major road closures set to impact traffic this year!

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Board ratifies $1.3M pay application, sets Oakland Avenue CSO schedule
Elkhart City’s Board of Public Works ratified SRF pay applications Feb. 3, including a $1,309,980 construction pay app for the Oakland CSO tank project, and heard project timing: roadway work north of the underpass in March, underpass closure in July and likely project completion in November.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 3:43 PM
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Elkhart's Board of Public Works has cracked down on industrial permit violations, hitting companies like Bunnell Aluminum and Bimbo Bakeries with fines after a series of compliance oversights.

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Elkhart board finds multiple permit violations, levies fines after company responses
The Elkhart City Board of Public Works and Utilities on Feb. 3 approved enforcement findings and penalties for several industrial permit holders, including Bunnell Aluminum, Bimbo Bakeries, Lippert Components and McDowell Enterprises, after staff presentations and company responses.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 7:46 AM
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Elkhart is shaking things up with a new ordinance that allows downtown businesses to serve drinks outdoors in designated areas, but legal questions linger on how it will all work!

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Elkhart council approves downtown DORA ordinance, setting hours and vendor rules amid legal questions
The Elkhart Common Council approved an ordinance to create a downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), allowing participating businesses to sell alcoholic beverages in approved unbreakable cups within a defined boundary and set hours. Council and staff noted unresolved state‑law questions about open‑container enforcement.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:30 AM
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Elkhart's new ordinance on public camping is shaking things up with a strict 72-hour notice for property removal and new protocols for safeguarding personal information!

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Board adopts SOP for removal and storage of personal property tied to public‑camping ordinance
The board approved a standard operating procedure implementing Elkhart's 2024 ordinance on public camping: 72‑hour notice, removal of personal identifiable information for safekeeping with Dynas Ministries, immediate disposal of hazardous/biohazard items, and 60‑day storage for recoverable property; an MOU with Guidance Ministries is pending.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 12:37 PM
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The Elkhart Redevelopment Commission has greenlit the demolition of the historic county courthouse, paving the way for a $1 million revitalization project set to transform downtown by 2026!

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Commission awards courthouse demolition contract, county to contribute $1 million
The commission approved awarding the county courthouse demolition to C and A Excavating at a total demolition cost of $1,175,000, with Elkhart County contributing $1,000,000 to the downtown TIF and the TIF covering the remaining $175,000; demolition expected to complete April 2026.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 9:38 AM
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Elkhart Environmental Processing faces tough new measures after shocking FOG exceedances, with penalties looming if they miss compliance deadlines!

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Elkhart approves consent order after Elkhart Environmental exceeded FOG limits
The Board approved a consent order for Elkhart Environmental Processing after the company recorded repeated FOG exceedances in 2025, including a high of 8,300 mg/L against a local limit of 200 mg/L; the order requires updated BMPs, expanded monitoring and includes implementation fees and daily penalties.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 8:25 AM
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The Elkhart City Board of Works has awarded a $1 million courthouse demolition contract to CNE Excavating, despite a heated protest from rival bidder Woodruff Contracting regarding prequalification issues.

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Board of Works awards courthouse demolition to CNE after low-bidder protest
The Elkhart City Board of Works voted to award the courthouse demolition contract (bid 2520) to CNE Excavating for $1,027,815 despite a formal protest from Woodruff Contracting over INDOT prequalification and bid‑list issues; city staff and legal supported the award.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 1:08 AM
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Elkhart City's Board of Public Safety just greenlit a $39,000 contract with Zen City to enhance police outreach through community surveys, but questions about AI usage and data ownership loom large.

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Elkhart Board approves two‑year Zen City contract amid AI and data‑ownership questions
The Board of Public Safety approved a two‑year, $39,000 contract with Zen City to run a community survey intended to inform police community engagement work. Board members asked whether the company's use of AI and training on city data is covered by city policy; legal and IT said final IT approval remains pending.
citizenportal.ai
January 22, 2026 at 9:44 PM
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The Lerner Theatre is gearing up for an exciting three-year journey after a centennial celebration that welcomed over 53,000 visitors and showcased the power of community partnerships!

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Lerner Theatre celebrates centennial, board greenlights strategic planning process
Board members recapped the Lerner Theatre's centennial events and endorsed development of a three-year strategic plan to expand programming and regional reach, to be steered by board member Diana Lawson.
citizenportal.ai
January 22, 2026 at 8:28 PM
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Elkhart is set to transform housing development with a $10 million bond approval for two major projects, promising to revitalize the community and enhance living standards.

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Redevelopment panel approves $10 million IFA-backed TIF bond for two housing projects
The commission approved a resolution to issue tax increment revenue bonds to support infrastructure for the Garrison Fraser (≈210 units) and Woodland Crossing (≈140 units) housing projects, following staff testimony that the total infrastructure cost is about $12 million and an IFA loan will cover $10 million.
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January 22, 2026 at 4:22 PM
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The Elkhart Common Council just approved a major $10 million investment for Philip Matthews Company, promising 20 new jobs—but not without intense debate over taxes and wages!

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#ElkhartCityElkhartCounty #IN #JobCreation #EconomicRevitalization #ElkhartEconomicDevelopment
Elkhart council approves tax-phase benefits for Philip Matthews Company after debate over TIF, wages and documentation
The Elkhart Common Council adopted Resolution 26-R-1 to declare an economic revitalization area for Philip Matthews Company, approving a three-year real-property tax phase-in for a $10,116,700 investment and 20 new jobs; council discussion focused on TIF placement, assessed-value discrepancies and wage levels before a 6-2 vote.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 8:55 AM
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The Elkhart City Planning Commission has sparked controversy by advancing a 336-unit development plan, raising urgent safety and environmental concerns among local residents.

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Neighbors press safety and environmental concerns as commission advances 336-unit PUD amendment without Karen Drive access
The Planning Commission recommended sending the Emerson North Creek PUD amendment (25-PUDA02R) to the Common Council with a 'do pass' recommendation that eliminates vehicle access to Karen (Cairn) Drive. Neighbors urged fencing, noise buffers and raised stormwater/runoff concerns for the proposed 336-unit development and a self-storage facility.
citizenportal.ai
January 7, 2026 at 1:16 AM
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Elkhart City Council has just approved a $2.7 million investment in a state-of-the-art tiller ladder truck to enhance fire response in tight urban areas.

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Elkhart City Council approves $2.7 million for tiller ladder truck amid council questions
The Elkhart City Common Council adopted ordinance 25-O-42, authorizing a $2.7 million appropriation for a tiller ladder truck to be assigned to Central Fire Station; council members asked for supporting studies and cost comparisons before the purchase.
citizenportal.ai
January 7, 2026 at 12:43 AM
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Elkhart welcomes back former officer Megan Grecowski as she is sworn in to serve, amidst a significant push to fill 15 current police openings!

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Elkhart police commission approves hire and swears in returning officer; chief outlines staffing plan
The Elkhart Police Merit Commission unanimously approved the hiring of former officer Megan Grecowski and welcomed her at a swearing‑in by Mayor Robertson. Chief Tim Ellenace said the department has about 15 openings and expects nine officers to be road‑ready by Jan. 1.
citizenportal.ai
January 2, 2026 at 3:11 PM
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The airport board has given a tentative green light for a new above-ground fuel tank, but crucial details about liability and fuel sourcing still hang in the balance!

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Airport board gives tentative OK for tenant27s above-ground fuel tank, seeks more information
The airport board granted tentative approval for tenant Harjid Tarani (DNS Hotel Tango LLC) to install an above-ground fuel tank on leased hangar property, with final approval conditioned on legal agreements, regulatory compliance and answers on fuel sourcing and finance.
citizenportal.ai
January 2, 2026 at 11:13 AM
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The Elkhart Police Merit Commission has delayed a public hearing on crucial promotion rule revisions until January 2026, sparking discussions on leadership and community service.

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Elkhart Police Merit Commission tables hearing on revised promotion rules until Jan. 12, 2026
The Commission heard from Chief Dan Melanes about proposed changes to the department's promotion rules and voted to table a motion to schedule a public hearing until Jan. 12, 2026, to allow time to reconcile two draft versions and meet legal notice requirements.
citizenportal.ai
January 2, 2026 at 9:13 AM
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The Elkhart Police Merit Commission has decided not to review Officer Justin Miracle's three-day unpaid suspension, raising questions about accountability in law enforcement.

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Elkhart commission declines to review three-day suspension for Officer Justin Miracle
The Elkhart Police Merit Commission voted 5-0 not to review the police chief's three-day unpaid suspension of Officer Justin Miracle after legal counsel advised the panel that review and hearings are discretionary under Indiana statute 36-8-3.519.
citizenportal.ai
January 2, 2026 at 7:34 AM
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The Elkhart City Board of Works just approved a staggering $5.8 million in claims, paving the way for exciting new projects and enhancements across the city!

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Elkhart Board of Works approves $5.8 million in claims, multiple contracts and new projects
At its Dec. 2 meeting the Elkhart City Board of Works approved $5,803,891.82 in claims, ratified several SRF loan payments and change orders, awarded construction and testing contracts, and authorized a DOE-funded solar procurement for Fire Station 3.
citizenportal.ai
January 2, 2026 at 7:33 AM
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Elkhart City Council has given the green light to a $1.42 million plan to relocate transmission lines for the Hively Avenue overpass, igniting a heated debate on local funding priorities and project impacts.

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Council approves $1.42M to relocate AEP lines for Hively Avenue overpass after debate, 7-1
The council approved ordinance 25-0-40, appropriating $1,420,271 to relocate American Electric Power transmission lines for the Hively Avenue overpass project; council debated funding source and timeline, with one member dissenting and public comment questioning project choices.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 9:55 PM
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Elkhart City Council has greenlit a $1.42 million plan to relocate utility lines for the Hively Avenue Overpass, but not without controversy as one councilman warns against using funds meant for future growth.

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Elkhart Council OKs $1.42 million to move AEP lines for Hively Avenue overpass; Henke votes no
The Elkhart City Council approved $1,420,271 to relocate American Electric Power transmission lines for the Hively Avenue Overpass project on third reading, 7–1, amid debate over using capital outlay funds. City staff said the cost is part of a previously planned $12.5 million local match.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 5:23 AM
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The Elkhart City Airport Board just approved a staggering $104 million in claims, paving the way for exciting upgrades and projects!

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Elkhart City airport board approves claims, lease ratifications, equipment purchases and grant reimbursements
At its meeting, the Elkhart City Airport Board approved $104,808,199.70 in claims, ratified hangar leases and lease‑rate changes, awarded maintenance and equipment contracts and accepted FAA grant reimbursements for hangar and runway work.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 7:45 PM
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Elkhart's new rental-inspection program has already saved lives by identifying hazardous conditions, and it's about to become mandatory—are you ready for the changes?

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Elkhart building department: new rental-inspection reports accepted; inspections to become mandatory within three years
The board accepted new rental-inspection program reports; building staff said early inspections identified life-safety hazards and that inspections will become mandatory within three years, with an initial incentive program to encourage landlord participation.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 7:44 PM
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Elkhart's Board of Public Safety has just approved a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement, promising significant salary increases for dispatchers and safety officers starting in 2025!

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#ElkhartCityElkhartCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #LaborRights #WageEquity #PublicService
Elkhart board approves collective-bargaining agreement with Indiana FOP covering dispatchers and safety officers
The board approved a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Elkhart and the Indiana FOP Labor Council, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2028; the agreement merges longevity into base salary and includes a wage reopener for 2027–28 if city finances allow.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 7:39 PM
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Elkhart's Redevelopment Commission just approved a bold $6.7 million spending plan aimed at revitalizing the River District and tackling environmental challenges head-on.

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Redevelopment commission adopts 2026 TIF spending plan, moves River District MOU and PFAS testing forward
The commission approved the 2026 spending plans across five TIF districts—covering airport work, forgivable loans for garage projects, demolition and remediation—and authorized a River District memorandum of understanding and $18,196 in PFAS testing tied to prior G & W agreements.
citizenportal.ai
November 20, 2025 at 5:40 AM