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Porter Town Council approves funds for 911 purchase

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By LILY REX

The Porter Town Council approved an additional appropriation from CEDIT funds for 911 equipment at its meeting Tuesday night.

The Council first held a public hearing for the additional appropriation, which is needed to fund the joint purchase of new 911 equipment with the Chesterton PD. Porter’s half of the cost amounts to $52,690.05 for hardware and software and a five-year maintenance agreement on radio equipment from Motorola Solutions.

Police Chief Jamie Spanier said at a previous meeting, when the public hearing was set, that Porter and Chesterton will need new equipment to match up with the County when the Porter County E911 Department upgrades its systems later this year.

No one spoke for or against the additional at the public hearing. The Council passed a resolution approving the funds.

Police Department

Police Chief Jamie Spanier reminded residents that fireworks at Porter Beach are Monday night, and they must sign a flier to confirm that they understand the rules and have a space to sit on the beach. He said there will be no buses this year, so residents should make alternative plans for transportation.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Jay Craig thanked the community for supporting him after the loss of K-9 Harley. Harley, dedicated retired search and rescue partner to the Porter FD, passed away at the Westchester Animal Clinic on June 20. First responders from Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Liberty Township, and even Lakes of the Four Seasons came out to salute Harley on his last ride. “It was an amazing tribute for a dog that meant a lot to a lot of people,” Craig said. “He was one of a kind.”

Meanwhile, Craig reported that the National Park Service reached out to him to assess Porter’s needs for wildland firefighting equipment, which is more lightweight than typical gear. “It gives us more mobility, and it’s not nearly as hot if you’re out in the summer working on a brush fire,” he said. Last time Porter got new wildland gear was years ago--the last time the NPS offered to help. Craig said he put in a request, and the NPS has approved a donation of $25,000 in equipment.

Craig also congratulated two members of the Porter FD who have completed training to be emergency response divers. Craig said Ryan Born and Dan Glickauf had to complete “grueling training that pushes you to your limits,” but, as he expected, “They rose to the occasion and did the Town of Porter proud.”

Craig said residents should drive by their houses at night and check to see if they can read their addresses. He has noticed on several recent calls that addresses on many houses are hard to read, or when they are posted on mailboxes, are not visible coming from both directions on the road. “If you can’t see it, make some adjustments,” he said.

Parks Department

Parks Director Brian Bugajski reported that the annual MS4 kids fishing derby at Indian Springs Park was better than ever, with more than 40 kids who fished and the largest fish being a 17.5-inch largemouth bass. He thanked Chesterton MS4 Operator, Jennifer Gadzala, the Department of Natural Resources, the Northwest Indiana Steelheaders, and the Porter FD for helping out at the event, as well as George’s Gyros for donating food.

Bugajski said the next Parks event is the Fourth of July celebration at Hawthorne Park. He emphasized that there will be a fireworks show, and no one is allowed to bring extra fireworks to set off themselves. Craig added that sparklers are also prohibited.

Council Comments

Council member Greg Stinson took a moment to thank the community again for an “outpouring of support” as Craig and the Town said goodbye to K9 Harley.

Stinson also urged residents who are planning to set off fireworks in their yards to share their plans with their neighbors. He said young children, pets, the elderly, and especially veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be disturbed by fireworks, and it helps if they know what to expect. “For all of us this time of year is a wonderful time. For individuals suffering from those types of trauma, it’s not,” he said.

Other Business

The Council approved changes to the new handbook for Town of Porter employees.

The Council also approved Public Works Supervisor Brenda Brueckheimer to purchase a new Ford F-350 utility truck with crane from Lakeshore Ford for $76,351. The new vehicle is replacing one that is at its end of life and doesn’t have a strong enough crane. The truck is being paid for out of the sewer fund.

 

 

Posted 6/28/2018

 
 
 
 

 

 

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