New Buffalo City Council turns down contract for risk management, consulting services

Local Government Meetings

New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANAGAN City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM

NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD CHUCK HEIT, PRESIDENT HEATHER BLACK, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HASKINS, TREASURER LISA WERNER, SECRETARY JOYCE LANTZ, TRUSTEE FRANK MARGRO, TRUSTEE PATRICIA NEWSTON, TRUSTEE CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MARY ROBERTSON, CLERK DEBORAH LINDLEY, BLAKE O’HALLORAN, JAMES BRACEWELL, PETER DOERR, PAUL LEONARD, JR. MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

New Buffalo City Council turns down contract for risk management, consulting services

The New Buffalo City Council has turned down a proposed three-month contract to provide risk management and consulting services.

During the council’s March meeting, city manager Darwin Watson presented a proposal from 360 Risk Management to provide one year of consulting services on human resource and risk management issues. At the time, the council voted to table the matter for further information. At the April 18 meeting, Watson presented a proposed three-month contract to experience the firm’s work.

Watson explained that 360’s contract involved evaluating the city’s insurance policies and providing a baseline on how to move forward. He said the HR consulting would be beneficial, as currently, duties go to city clerk Amy Fidler, who he pointed out is not specifically trained to handle HR issues and has no resource to seek guidance.

Councilmember Mark Robertson questioned if the service was necessary, as the city already has attorneys on retainer for different issues and 360’s proposal did not include court representation. Watson said city attorney Nick Curcio does not handle HR matters and any outside consultation the city would obtain could quickly outpace the $6270 that 360 would charge for a three-month service and 360 would work with the city’s attorney in the event of a legal case. Robertson made the motion to decline the contract. Councilmember Lou O’Donnell agreed, stating he felt the consultation could result in additional, unnecessary work for city employees.

As part of the evening’s consent agenda, the council approved special event applications for the Apple Cider Century bike ride, and St Mary of the Lake’s festival. Two applications – one for an event at Coldwell Banker and one for Le Tour de Shore bike ride- were removed from the consent agenda and added to new business on the agenda so the council could ask organizers for additional information.

Coldwell Banker has requested permission to host an open house for clients on May 26, using two parking spaces in front of the office at 10 N. Whittaker Street for a grill and food tables during the two-hour event.

The council approved the request, with Robertson dissenting. He expressed concerns over closing off two parking spaces close to Memorial Day weekend and noted the New Buffalo farmers market will also be taking place.

The council also approved a request to use Lions Park Pavilion as a rest stop and bus loading area for riders completing the 100-mile Tour de Shore bike ride. Ride organizer Steve Coughlin said Redamak’s food truck will be on site to provide participants with food before they board coach buses back to Chicago.

Councilmembers expressed concerns over the level of traffic the event has previously brought. Mayor John Humphrey asked Coughlin if he would consider using Oselka Park as the end point instead, but Coughlin explained the ride only uses designated bike routes and many riders choose to visit downtown businesses before returning home. He added he would be willing to pay for a few auxiliary police officers to direct traffic for the event.

Parks Supervisor Kristen D’Amico said the largest issue the ride brought last year was people parking in the boat launch area. She suggested blocking off a marked area for the pickup.

The council approved the request, with conditional restrictions to be set by D’Amico and Watson.

The city’s lease on the public parking lot at Whittaker and Buffalo streets is set to expire Memorial Day 2022. The council approved a new one-year lease with Seville Investments for $14,000. Under the terms of the lease, the city is responsible for any light maintenance and line painting required for the 100-space lot.

Further north, paid parking lots will receive an equipment upgrade. The council approved the purchase of three new parking terminals from Total Parking Solutions in the amount of $7,800. Watson said the new terminals will be consistent with the one used at the boat launch.

Following the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the council approved a site plan for a parking lot at 2 S. Franklin Street.

BY THERESE DONNELLY

I just want to paint that picture of Chicago that everybody’s missing, and I just want to rap about it. — Lil Durk

LETTERS TO THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES:

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New Buffalo Times

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

MANY THANKS...

Blessings in a Backpack in New Buffalo would like to thank Barbara and Conrad Rieckhoff and the Sunset Shores Homeowners for their kindness and generosity in supporting Blessings in a Backpack that provided over 900 individual food items to be distributed to the children in the Blessings in a Backpack program at New Buffalo Elementary.

Blessings in a Backpack started with just two schools in 2005 and now serves 88,900 students in 1,092 schools spread throughout 46 states and the District of Columbia. We send food home with elementary students who might not have enough food for the weekend. This ministry is made possible by generous donations from the community and many volunteers.

Donors across the country contribute to the success of the Blessings in a Backpack program. There were over 3 million hunger free weekends provided for children across the nation during the last school year through Blessings in a Backpack.

If you would like to make a monetary donation or would like more information on Blessings in a Backpack, please contact Mary Robertson at mrobertson58@comcast.net.

— BLESSINGS, MARY ROBERTSON

WATER’S EDGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK

Cora Lamping Center receives Pokagon Fund Grant

The Cora Lamping Center for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CLC) has received a substantial grant from The Pokagon Fund to preserve and expand its services to residents of Harbor Country who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA).

The CLC is a division of The Avenue Family Network, Inc., which is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that has been working to empower strong families and safe homes in Southwest Michigan since 1891 under various names. The CLC is also commonly referred to as the “Safe Shelter for Domestic Violence.”

The funding will be used to support two of the CLC’s programs. The first is an ongoing support group for victims of DV/SA to held within Harbor Country. The funding will also support costs associated with CLC’s shelter and support services. This includes services like two 24-hour helplines, legal advocacy, counseling, transportation, case management to establish economic independence, and assistance with basic needs. Those interested in any of these services are encouraged to contact the Center directly.

“In 2021, at least 31 individuals from the Harbor Country area sought refuge from an immediate domestic crisis at the Cora Lamping Center,” said Nancy DuBois, chief executive officer at The Avenue. “Other victims are out there, and we know this because some choose not to disclosure where they live, never reach out for help, or present at other shelters meant more for the homeless population. Going forward, we want people in Harbor Country to know the CLC is here to support these victims and their children during and through one of the most traumatic experiences one could imagine.”

“The critical task now is ensuring that the victims of DV/SA that need services from the CLC know, first, that it is available to them and, second, how to access it,” added the Fund’s executive director Dan Petersen.

To learn how to receive services from the CLC, or how to support the organization, individuals are encouraged to access its website at www.theavenue.ngo/coralamping-center-1 or to call 269-925-1725. — STAFF

REPORTS

OPINIONS

GLOBAL OPINIONS The Human Condition

OPINION BY DINO N. FATOUROS

When man wishes power in government; approval, image, friends, connections, connections of the “widest” kinds are all important, in maintaining, controlling, utilizing, and of course increasing Power. Oddly, in political life, money is not inherently valuable, Power and it’s Increase is valuable.

Similarly, on the desire for wealth, wealth is held in eminent honor and is the main cause that dominates our interests, pursuits and time in life. Anything that does not bring Dollars is pressed aside and often opinioned as valueless.

Now what you ask? Zero, it’s the Human condition and it will Go on infinity or until, in the very unlikely event, we’re educated from childhood that the pursuit of Fame is Human Irrationality that does not bring contentment or happiness but her opposites.

Virtue, that aims for the mean in action, is the only true good. Everything thing else is tied to external control and by definition will not afford peace of mind, an ingredient necessary in human happiness. Best wishes.

New Buffalo Township board adopts resolution for parks and recreation millage ballot proposal

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Members of the New Buffalo Township Board adopted a resolution to for miscellaneous operations within the state highway right of way” was approved. Heit said that this states that she and Archie Barkman, water approve a parks and recreation millage ballot proposal for the upcoming Aug. 2 election at their Monday, April 18, meeting.

Per the resolution, the township “desires the authorization to increase the tax limitation within the township in an amount not to exceed .37 mill, of which .2311 mill is a renewal of a previously authorized millage that expired in 2021 and .1389 mill is an additional millage, for a period of 10 years beginning in 2022” for park and recreational uses.

New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said that the current park millage expired last year and has rolled back to .23 mil.

She added that the township has incorporated the future Marquette Greenway and liner park on Red Arrow Highway as part of the parks department and that parks director Pat Donnelly is now full time.

“We anticipate some additions to parks and more maintenance,” she added.

A resolution from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the “purpose of issuing municipalities and individual permits for use on state highway right of ways and/or permit of annual application superintendent, are on the approved list of who can apply for the right of ways. Board members approved fire chief Jamie Flick and assistant chief Mike Plis attending the Fire Chief 101 class in Flint, Michigan, for $1,200 for lodging and meals for the conference. The Berrien County Township Road Agreement was approved. Heit said that secondary roads in the township that are slated to be worked on are Yasco and Community Hall roads. Board members approved the purchase and installation of two sunshades for the splash pad/playground at Memorial Park in the amount of $21,224.22.

AFive-Year Recreational Park Plan in the amount of $11,500 (which is the township’s share), with services provided by Abonmarche, was approved.

Heit said that the New Buffalo Area Recreation Authority, which is comprised of the township, the City of New Buffalo and New Buffalo Area Schools, is doing an overall park plan for the authority. This portion will be the township’s park plan, with the city doing their own plan.

Community Service - Neighbor by Neighbor and Red Bud Ministries

DAR REBECCA DEWEY CHAPTER PRESENTS GOOD CITIZENS, COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

The Rebecca Dewey Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, held its annual Good Citizen event Sunday, April 3, at the Three Oaks United Methodist Church.

Three of the six local high schools submitted a Good Citizen essay, and three of the winners were able to come to the Sunday event, while the other two were on Spring Break this week.

The students are: Lillian Moore - River Valley High Schools, who is anticipating going to the University of Northwestern Ohio for agribusiness and marketing; Karla AvinaRios - Brandywine High School, who has future plans to work in physical therapy; Marika Ruppart - Niles High School, who anticipates to graduate with an associates in general studies from Lake Michigan College Andrews University; Jane Kaspar - Bridgman High School, who is looking into study neuroscience before attending medical school; Georgia Arvanitis - New Buffalo High School, who is looking to pursue a career in kinesiology, in either athletic training or physical therapy.

Nancy Zilke Seldomridge is a past winner herself. Community Service Committee Chair Michelle Heit presented community service awards for two organizations: Neighbor by Neighbor - Linnea Berg, executive director from Buchanan and Red Bud Area Ministries - Jan Nowak Walters (their president, Darlene Clevenger, was not able to attend). The groups assist in food, relocation, job, and housing assistance, and anywhere else there is a need.

The “Woman in History” award was given to Sarah Lee, a past chapter regent and great-grandmother to Chaplain, Priscilla Lee Hellenga. Lee was Women in History - Sarah Lee passed down to Priscilla Lee Hellenga known as the Bonnet Lady but also made hoods or dresses for twins, triplets, quadruplets and special babies. The 2021 Outstanding Chapter Member is Teri Showalter, who has been a member of this chapter for two years and the DAR for seven years. She serves as the chapter treasurer, American250! and American history chairwoman. — STAFF REPORTS

The young New Buffalo High School girls’ softball team showed much improvement but lost a doubleheader Tuesday, April 19, at home to Howardsville Christian.

The Bison (0-3) took the lead in the first inning when Shannon DeWitt after drawing a walk and stealing second base came home on a bad throw from the catcher trying to throw her out at third base.

The Eagles scored three runs in the third inning, but DeWitt after reaching base on a walk crossed the plate again.

The Bison now trailing 5 to 2 tied the game in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Jordan Crawford, Amanda Jones and Ava Johnson loaded the bases on walks and interference from the catcher, whose glove made contact with the bat on a swing.

Olivia Pliss and DeWitt drove them in with clean singles.

The Bison were down by two runs going into the top of the sixth inning when the Eagles put 13 more runs on the scoreboard.

Amanda Jones, who started the game on the mound for the Bison, was often impressive with her pitching until fatigue began to set in and the fingers on her pitching hand started getting cold from the 40 degree temperatures.

Her struggles began when she gave up a single and two walks then a bases clearing triple rolling to the left field fence.

Jones then recorded a strike out but the next nine batters all reached base mostly on walks from her and Pliss, who faced just a handful of batters until replaced by Ella Dohner.

Dohner, who looked pretty sharp despite her lack of pitching experience, recorded the final two outs of the inning.

The Bison scored one more run when Kaitlyn Jones led off the final inning with a line drive single to right field.

Pliss then stroked a smashing line drive to center field to drive her home.

The Bison lost the second game 21-4.

Head Coach Morgan Motycka said her number one starting pitcher, Laura Wamser, couldn’t play due to ongoing issues with her shoulder but thinks she’ll be well enough to return soon.

She said the score in both games didn’t reflect the noticeable improvement of her team since losing badly to River Valley the previous week.

Motycka said the bats of her mostly inexperienced freshman and sophomores made contact more often with the ball.

Strides were also made in pitching and defense.

“We were getting bats on the ball. We were fielding really great. I think it just got to the point where we were just too cold and getting tired,” she said.

“We’re very, very excited and happy about how we are right now,” she said.

BY STAN MADDUX