On the agenda: Michiana Village Council Meeting 9.11.2026 (pdf) Download — license plate reader (Sep 11)

Village Council Meeting
September 11, 2026
Call to Order: Present were Tim McCarthy, Brian Cassidy and Nancy Thill were present. Also present was
Police Chief Ryan Layman, Superintendent Rick Reitz, Treasurer Tracey McCay, Clerk Anne Heywood and
Attorney Sara Senica. Tim McCarthy excused Mike Mumper and Mike Bothelo will be arriving late. A quorum
was established. There were 11 residents present and 7 residents participated on line.
Additions and Deletions to the Agenda – N/A
Public Comment – N/A
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes – Tim McCarthy made a motion to approval of the August 14, 2026
Village Council meeting minutes and the August 28, 2026 Tree Board meeting minutes; Brian Cassidy
seconded the motion; Motion carried unanimously.
Building Inspector's Report -The Building Inspector reported that approximately four projects from 2025 are
nearing completion. Since the beginning of 2026, the Village has issued 36 building permits. Bill said he was
reviewing 4 new sets of plans that will be pulling permits soon. With storm damage and tree branches that
came down Bill asked if they needed a permit to remove damaged trees from the storm. Village Attorney Sara
Senica clarified that emergency situations are exempt from the normal tree-removal permit requirement. A
damaged tree that ha fallen onto or is leaning against a home may be removed immediately for safety purposes.
Fire Departments Report – Michiana Shores Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bendix was not present.
Tim McCarthy said the report included several medical calls, wires down and a fire alarm response. The New
Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jamie Flick also reported they had 66 calls approximately 20 calls
involving the Michiana/Grand Beach area. Recent storms resulted in numerous calls involving fallen trees.
Chief Flick reported that he planned to request the firing of an additional firefighter. The State of Michigan did
not fund the smoke-detector grant program this year. Chief Flick is pursuing alternative grant funding to
continue the program. Approximately 200 smoke detectors have been installed during the year. Residents may
request smoke detectors through Community Connect. It’s a great program where the fire department comes
and installs the fire detectors for free.
Police Report - Police Chief Ryan Layman reported they responded to approximately 103 calls during the
reporting period. Activity included one warrant arrest, one carrying-concealed-weapon arrest and two civil
infractions involving marijuana use at ta beach stop. From January through the reporting date, the department
had handled approximately 527 complaints including five marijuana-related arrests. Chief Layman also
discussed the Village’s Flock license plate reader cameras. The Village has used the technology for
approximately three years to assist with investigations including hit-and-run accidents, property damage and
suspicious vehicles. The Village currently has one camera at Stop 37 an another in the process. Camera costs
are funded through short-term rental registrations fees. Chief said his department has policies in place to
regulate how and when we use this technology. This technology does not use facial recognition. The date is
stored in the cloud for 30 days. We cannot access the footage without a reason code, a complaint number and
basically a purpose on why we’re checking on this license plate. Search activity can be audited. Council
discussed data retention and privacy. Attorney Senica indicated she would review the current contract with
Chief Laymen to determine whether additional language concerning data retention could be considered.
Beach Report - Brian Cassidy reported he finally received the quote from Donkersloot for Stop 40 and will talk
about it later under new business. Work at Stop 43 continued and was nearing completion. Additional
boardwalk work and landscaping remained. Although the project was not completed in time for summer use,

Brian expressed that the completed area would provide an attractive location for residents and visitors. The fire
rings are expected to be removed and stairs at Stop 39, 40 and 43 on Thursday, October 15th, the same deadline
all the paddleboards and kayaks need to be removed from the racks. The following beach Stops 37, 38, 41.5
and 42 will have access through the winter.
Public Works Report - Rick Reitz reported that they were very busy cleaning up the Village from the storm
debris filling so far 9 – 30yd dumpsters. There are also several dead or hazardous trees near the park and
tennis/pickleball area that were discussed to be cleaned up. Three new drywell have been installed and a storm
drain near Lucas was reopened.
Water Department – Mike Mumper was absent. Ti McCarthy reported that the Village continues working
with its engineer on the major water project and is awaiting federal/EPA review. The Village is seeking to
move the project forward to EGLE permitting as quickly as possible. The recent Village wide water pressure
incident was discussed. Public Works manually operated the system through the night to maintain water
service. Repairs have since been completed and technology and alarm systems restored.
Parks Report -Mike Mumper ( absent ) No Report
Tree Board – Nancy Thill provided updates regarding landscaping and restoration projects. The Tree Board
continues to address the removal of dead trees near the playground and other park improvements. Work is also
underway for the Village's next Tree City USA application. The next Arbor Day observance was discussed
with the camp July 12 at 9:30 a.m. Central Time.
Planning Commission – Tim talked on behalf of Mike Bothelo who was running late for the meeting. Just
reminded everyone the 2026 Master Plan had been approved by both the Planning Commission and Village
Council.
Treasurer's Report – Tracey McCay reported that two certificates of deposit had recently been rolled over
while maintaining rates above the Village's established minimum. Water-related CDs will continue to be kept
relatively short-term because funds may be needed for the upcoming major water project.
Check Register – Anne Heywood requested approval of the check register in the amount of $138,682.52. Tim
McCarthy made a motion to approve the check register as submitted for $138,682.52; motion was seconded by
Nancy Thill; Motion passed unanimously. The final Music in the Park had a nice turnout. Anne announced the
next event in the Village will be Oktoberfest held on Saturday, October 10th, and tickets are on sale through
the Village office. She was also working on additional activities to make greater community use of Village Hall
during the winter, including a possible Singing Circle, introductory craft/card-making program, and holding
another Conversation Salon.
Old Business
New Village Entrance Signs – Tabled - The originally proposed sign was considered too large. Council will
continue working on an appropriate size. Installation will likely be delayed until spring rather than
exposing a new sign to winter lakefront conditions.
New Business
Contract Agreement between Michiana & Grand Beach for shared Police Station – Council reviewed the
proposed agreement between the Village of Michiana and Village of Grand Beach concerning the jointly
operated police station. The agreement establishes the working relationship between the two villages,
including their shared responsibilities. The financing terms remain to be finalized after construction

estimates and other necessary financial information are received. Council previously established that
Michiana's contribution would not exceed $1.25 million, representing half of an anticipated maximum
project cost of $2.5 million. Tim McCarthy made a motion to approve the agreement as drafted, subject
to future financing terms being inserted and subsequently approved by both Village Councils. Mike
Botehlo seconded the motion; a roll call vote was taken; 4 ayes 0 nays; Motion passed unanimously.
Proposal Lakefront Steel/Concrete Removal Stops 40 - Brian Cassidy made a motion to move forward with
the proposal from Donkersloot & Sons for Stop 40 in the amount of $29,770 to remove approximately 75’ of
steel sheet wall and relocate concrete debris and place along the tow of the bluff with existing revetment stone
protection; Nancy Thill seconded the motion; discussion; Motion passed unanimously.
Senior Pickleball Tournament Request – Sally McDonald asked council for permission to hold a one-day
senior pickleball tournament at the Village courts. The proposed event would last approximately four hours on
a Friday during the fall and would likely involve approximately 30–36 players. Proceeds would be donated to a
local charity benefiting seniors, veterans or a similar community cause. A motion was made by Mike Botehlo
to allow this one-time tournament for senior pickleball tournament for approximately four hours on a mutually
agreeable fall date, with the Village assisting with preparing/blowing off the courts as necessary; Tim McCarthy
seconded the motion; a roll call vote was taken 3ayes and 1 nay; Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Anne Heywood/Clerk