Michigan City Parks & Recreation Relocation Agenda

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department will be moving to its new location in the lower level of City Hall.  During this transition, computer systems at the Park Dept, including email, will be down beginning Thursday, February 9th.  Telephones will be down beginning Friday, February 10th.  All systems are expected to be up and running by Monday, February 13th.    

The administrative offices will be located in the lower level of City Hall and Washington Park parking stickers will be located at the Clerk’s Office.  There will be signage posting locations at the entrances to City Hall.  For additional information, please contact the Park Office at 219-873-1506.

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Celebrating Our Community 2012 Disabilities Awareness Brunch & Outstanding Unsung Hero Award Recognition

There are many individuals in our great city who take care of and assist individuals with disabilities.  Do you know of someone who has a disability?  What about someone caring for a person with a disability?   We want to hear from you!  The Michigan City Human Rights Commission & the Disabilities Awareness Committee announces its’ 2nd Annual Disability Awareness Brunch where we recognize a dedicated person to honor as our community’s “Unsung Hero.”

The event will be at the Michigan City Senior Center on Monday, March 12, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  We are expecting our new Mayor, Ron Meer to be present. 

The brunch will honor individuals with disabilities and those who work with the disabled community.  The event also aims to bring together various service agencies throughout the area so that each organization can educate the community about their programs and services. 

“Celebrating Community” is the theme for this year’s campaign.  To help support our community, we must start by planting the seeds of understanding.   When we learn to appreciate the unique gifts inside people of all abilities, everyone grows. 

There are many individuals in our great city who take care of and assist individuals with disabilities.  Furthermore, we have many fine individuals with disabilities who routinely are ignored?  Do you know of someone who has a disability?  What about someone caring for a person with a disability?   We want to hear from you!   The Michigan City Human Rights Commission & the Disabilities Awareness Committee announces its’ 2nd Annual Disability Awareness Brunch where we recognize a dedicated person to honor as our community’s “Unsung Hero.”

Click here for application (PDF).

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Washington Park Zoo seeks Volunteers/Docents

Washington Park Zoo is seeking dedicated volunteers for the 2012 season.

ZOO DOCENTS NEEDED
Whether you are a high school student or a retiree, if you are a positive, energetic person who likes working with people, the Washington Park Zoo has the wild volunteer opportunity that is right for you. Volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year and are essential members of our staff.  Volunteering at the Zoo offers you a tremendous opportunity to become involved with the Zoo's educational programs and beautification efforts. Volunteering is a wonderfully rewarding experience that directly benefits the Zoo and helps us advance our mission and goals.  We're always looking for more volunteers. We can accommodate you whether you want to volunteer from time to time or on a regular basis. If you love animals, love people, and love the idea of working at the Zoo, we have a place for you.

Education Volunteers will attend an orientation session and once accepted will receive a volunteer handbook
and attend twice a month classes at the zoo on various zoological subjects in the zoo’s classroom.  After attending four sessions, the volunteer will receive a shirt and nametag and will obtain free annual TB testing required for volunteers working in animal care departments.  PLEASE NOTE: Docent volunteers must be at least 18 years old; all volunteers must be willing to work outdoors and at times be on their feet for their entire shift.

JOIN ZOO TEEN CLUB
Do you have a teenager who loves animals? Perhaps one who already has a menagerie, but wishes he or she could care for more animals? Or maybe your teen dreams of working with animals, being a veterinarian or a zookeeper some day. Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City is starting a Zoo Teen program that will give young adults exposure to career opportunities there, which could be a stepping stone to making their dreams a reality.  This program is designed for student’s ages 14 through 18 years of age.  Students must have a sincere interest in learning about animals and working for a zoological organization. 

INFORMATION
Interested individuals do not need to pre-register to attend the kick-off meeting that will be held at the zoo on February 21st at 6:00 pm.   Regardless of age all volunteers interested must bring the following items to the meeting:

• Application (located on zoo website)
• Cover letter and Resume (Why & Who information)

Volunteer under 18 years of age please bring a parent/guardian with you to the meeting or a signed permission slip. The application process currently opens February 19st, 2012.   The group will meet on selected Sunday evenings from May to August.

A $40.00-training fee includes a volunteer instruction manual as well as a T-shirt for Zoo Teens and a vest uniform for Zoo Docents.  Training will be limited to class size of 12 docents and 12 zoo teen volunteers.  Volunteers will support the Zoo's mission by volunteering their time and talents by participating in educational programs, on-grounds programs, special events and having the opportunity to assist in an animal areas in exchange for classes in wildlife conservation, zoo management and animal behavior.  Combine these class experiences with volunteering and you get one amazing opportunity to work with animals and learn and teach others! 

Wild Opportunities and benefits of volunteering with the Washington Park Zoo are:

• Personal development and recognition of being an experienced exotic animal care taker
• Assist with community outreach animal presentation to people of all ages
• Receive extensive animal, plant and conservation training
• Invitations to special Zoo functions and opportunities to participate at special events
• Receiving Quarterly “At The Zoo” Newsletter
• Attend annual volunteer recognition party
• 10% discount at Zoo Gift Shops
• 30% discount at Food and Beverage Stands

For more information please email Zoo Director Johnny Martinez at   jmartinez@adsnet.com or by phone at 219-873-1510.

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11th Annual Coat Campaign at City Hall

Michigan City residents can once again donate coats to needy families through City Hall.

“Beginning October 17, we will accept new and gently used coats of all sizes at City Hall.  The collection site is downstairs,” the Mayor said.  “Coats may be placed on the coat racks from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.”

“Our office receives dozens of requests for children’s and infant’s coats and snowsuits.  If you have any coats, snowsuits, snow pants, snow boots, mittens and hats that you or your children have outgrown or don’t wear – things that you would give away or put into a garage sale – please consider donating them to this coat drive.  Each year, on average, 600 coats of all sizes and styles are donated to and received from this campaign.”

“I want to personally thank Concord Cleaners once again for their generous offer to clean…at no cost…any coats and snowsuits that you wish to donate to the City Hall Coat campaign” the Mayor said.  “Simply drop off your coats at Concord Cleaners and say they are for the coat campaign, and Concord Cleaners will clean them and deliver them to City Hall weekly.”

Sheila Bell, manager of Concord Cleaners, said, “There is such a need for this campaign in our community and we are pleased to be able to participate in it and address the needs of our local community.”

“There are many people in our community who need coats to replace those their children have outgrown and who cannot afford to purchase a coat themselves.  "I urge this generous community to check your closets for serviceable coats for those in need. We will accept new and gently used coats of all sizes at City Hall. The weather is turning chilly, and there are children and adults who are without coats to keep them warm,” the Mayor said.

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Report Streetlight Outages Online

Requests to repair broken or burned-out streetlights now can be submitted to NIPSCO online.

At www.NIPSCO.com/streetlightout, customers can view an interactive map identifying all streetlights owned or maintained by NIPSCO.

Search by address or location, if the exact pole number is not known. A report is then issued  to NIPSCO, so they can route a repair request to the proper department.

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Indiana CLEAN Community Challenge

The Indiana Comprehensive Local Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) Community Challenge is a voluntary recognition program for local Indiana government. CLEAN helps communities take steps to plan, develop, and implement a quality of life plan. This plan includes gathering input and support from the community and local businesses.

Michigan City was awarded the status of a “CLEAN” community effective December 19, 2007. To review Michigan City’s Quality of Life Plan and status of our existing projects go to: http://www.in.gov/idem/4135.htm or For communities participating in the CLEAN Challenge: http://www.in.gov/idem/4418.htm. For questions on our local please contact: Charlie Cate, Stakeholder Committee Leader (219) 833-7591 ccate@emichigancity.com Return to Top

A Special Program from the Indiana National Guard

This video message from the Indiana National Guard provides brief insight into the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy. We can't express how much the soldiers appreciate the support from the people of Indiana, especially the support that comes from the cities that provide homes for our armories. We are very excited about this program to support the youth of Indiana. For additional information on the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy, click here.

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SouthShore Line Public Forum

A public workshop was held to identify issues and questions regarding the proposed improvements. Stu Sirota will present the “Report on the Public Workshop Regarding the Proposed South Shore Line Improvements in Michigan City” that includes answers to the issues identified at that workshop”.

The Mayor stated, “This report presents a summary of the initial public workshop on the proposed South Shore Line Improvements.  The workshop was facilitated by Stuart Sirota, AICP, Principal of TND Planning Group, a national consulting firm specializing in transportation and land use planning.  Mr. Sirota has been working on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning issues related to the potential relocation of the South Shore Commuter Rail line and station in Michigan City since 2007.”

The reports referenced in the public forum are available by clicking the following links:

• Ordinance 4129 - Approving Additional Appropriation In The Budget Of The River Boat Fund For The City's Allocation Of Funds Towards The Tiger II Planning Grant By NICTD And Conditioning Payment Of Those Funds
• Request For Proposal (RFP) - Consulting Team - Michigan City Realignment Study (PDF file 5mb) (Consultants inquiring about the packet should phone Jodi Hellenga at 219-874-4221 x253)
• Report on the Public Workshop Regarding Proposed South Shore Line Improvements in Michigan City (PDF file 268KB)
• Preliminary Downtown Michigan City Reroute Concept (PDF file 6MB)
• Notice for November 18, 2009 Meeting (PDF)
• Economic Impacts of the SouthShore Lline Station on Downtown Michigan City (PDF file 18MB)

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Free Prescription Drug Card Program

As a resident of Indiana, you and your family have access to a FREE Prescription Drug Card program. Simply download your Prescription Drug Card here to receive savings of up to 75% at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies. You may create as many cards as you need. Participating pharmacies include the following: Target, Kmart, CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens, Meijer, Kroger as well as thousands of independent pharmacies.

Discounts range in price from 10-70% but average about 30%. It is NOT insurance...it's a membership program, but like insurance you get a card that you show at the pharmacy and they can calculate your discount.

For people with insurance or Medicare, this can work with them as well. Because it is NOT insurance, members would be able to see if they get a better price with their existing insurance or with the card. Usually, the co-pay through insurance will be better, but not always. So having the card could be helpful even to people that already have insurance. (Not to mention many individuals and businesses are going to high deductible plans that don't cover prescriptions.)

This benefit is sponsored by United Networks of America a national healthcare company in conjunction with a consortium of the pharmaceutical companies. This exact program has launched successfully in 30 states over the last 2 years. UNA expects the program to discount over 20,000,000 prescriptions in 2009 for tens of millions of American families when they need help the most.

The membership program may not meet everyone’s need but offers an inexpensive alternative for many. Click here for frequently asked questions about the program.

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Do You Have Special Medical Needs? Let The Fire Dept. Know!

The Michigan City Fire Department is in the process of gathering information on adults and children in the community who have special medical needs. Fire Chief Dave Lamb urge families who use medical care aids such as cardiac monitors, ventilation devices, feeding tubes, wheel chairs, or any other such devices for sustaining the life and health of a family member, to complete this form. Please click here to view and print the form. It then needs to be forwarded to the Fire Department. This form should also be used for community members who are non-ambulatory and would require assistance in leaving their homes in an evacuation situation.

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Michigan City Named Tree City USA By The Arbor Day Foundation

Michigan City has once again been named as a Tree City USA.  It is the ninth year Michigan City has received this national recognition.

“I would like to thank the Tree Board, the City Team and the citizens of our community,” said the Mayor, “for their contributions that resulted in Michigan City being honored with the Tree City USA designation again this year.”

“Michigan City has met the standards for achieving Tree City status since 2001,” said the Mayor.  “These standards include having a tree board, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Michigan City’s Tree Board is comprised of concerned volunteer citizens charged by ordinance with developing and administering a comprehensive tree management program.  They have developed an urban forest management program which protects, maintains and replaces trees on city property.  The Tree Board has worked to regulate those who cut and prune trees in our community, and to compile a tree inventory, including size, species and condition of area trees, as well as a comprehensive tree maintenance plan. Members of the Tree Board are William Bolton, Dave Morlan, Michael Wulff, Kathy Ceperich, Jeffrey Meyer, Rebecca Pelath, and Patricia Boy.  I would like to commend them for their efforts in protecting our community’s trees and for their vision for the future of our urban forest.”

“A community, its elected officials and its citizens that provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks,” said John Rosenow, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.  “Cities that are recognized with a Tree City USA designation go to great lengths to plant and care for the community forest.”

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Are You In Compliance With New City Trash Regulations?

Setting out your weekly trash pickup may seem like a fairly simple mundane task. However, have you considered if you are actually doing so in accordance with recently updated city trash regulations? Are you using city trash containers --- or just placing bags along the curb? If you are using trash containers, great! But are they in compliance with city trash regulations? Are you remodeling a home or building a new one? If you are, what are you doing with the construction rubbish?

• According to the City Code, it shall be the duty of every person owning or leasing a residence or place of business in the City wherein garbage accumulates to maintain in a clean and odor free condition a cart provided by the City.
• The only container that may be used must be a cart that the City will supply.
• All garbage, trash or rubbish which accumulates shall be deposited in either a cart or dumpster.  The lid to every cart and dumpster shall be kept on and closed at all times, other than when placing items in them.
• Plastic garbage bags with tight-fitting tie closures may be used, but shall be placed inside either a cart or dumpster.
• All carts must be put out for collection by 7:00 a.m. on the day scheduled for their collection with the arrows located on the carts pointing out toward the street or alley from which collection is made.  All carts must have open access for the trash collectors to retrieve them.
• For street-side pickup, carts shall be set out no more than 24 hours prior to the usual time of collection and shall be removed within 24 hours after collection.
• At no time shall the cart be moved from its assigned address.
• The Refuse Department must be contacted at 873-1530 for special pick-up at the normal collection location of all large items that cannot fit within the cart.
• The two-wheeled cart Toters are to be used for trash only and they are not to be used for construction materials or compost.

If you're unfamiliar with city regulations on trash containers and construction waste, are curious about what it looks like to be in compliance and not in compliance with the recently revised city trash regulations, or have any questions about city trash regulations, compliancy, or trash pick-ups, click here to learn more.

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Rental Property Smoke Detector Enforcement

The City of Michigan City and the Michigan City Fire Department have begun the implementation of recently enacted Michigan City Ordinance #4020, which regulates smoke detectors for rental properties.

The Fire Department Administration would like to remind all owners of rental property in Michigan City that a two-step process has been enacted to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Michigan City.  First of all, all residential rental units shall be equipped with smoke detectors.  And secondly, a registration requirement has been enacted stating that owners of property which is used as residential rental dwelling units or contains a rental dwelling unit are required to register all such properties with the Michigan City Fire Department.

The passage of Ordinance #4020 included an initial 45-day registration period and owners who have not yet registered their properties should do so immediately.  After this initial registration period following the passage of the Smoke Detectors for Rental Properties Ordinance earlier this year, owners shall be required  to register all such properties on an annual basis, by January 31st of each year.  Additionally, for new owners of rental property at any point throughout the year, registration is required within 30 days of becoming an owner of the real property to be used as residential rental property or rental dwelling units.

Rental property smoke detector registration forms can be obtained electronically over the internet at http://emichigancity.com/cityhall/departments/fire/, or they can be obtained in person from the Fire Department Administrative Office at 2510 East Michigan Boulevard.

Anyone with questions regarding smoke detectors for rental properties can contact Kyle A. Kazmierczak, Division Chief of Inspections, at (219) 873-1453 or Jeff Santana, Assistant Inspector, at (219) 873-1440.         

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Michigan City Noted as Top City for Affordability

Michigan City has been identified by CityTownInfo.com as one of the state's top cities for affordable property taxes.

Compared to other communities which are similar in size and diversity to Michigan City, our community is in the top 12% of communities regarding affordable property taxes, top 17% of affordable rent. Compared to all communities in the state, Michigan City rates in the top 14% of short commute times.

The website page dedicated to Michigan City, http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/indiana/michigan-city, lists many other demographic statistics, including politics, wealth, ancestry, commute and sprawl, housing, crime and climate.

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History of Michigan City Featured Photos

Learn more about the history of Michigan City and see some great vintage photos from years gone by. We regularly feature a new set of photos celebrating the heritage of our City. This time we're featuring historical photos of Factories Pre-1950.

Click here for the History of Michigan City Photo Scrapbook.

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