[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6030565,"mediaKeyId","5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2","parentId",5516750,"title","Resident commends Portage police leadership for improving access to public meeting notices","audioSeconds",206,"startMs",2576000,"endMs",2782000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2&start=2576&end=2782","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2/thumbnail_2576000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6030565/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Resident-commends-Portage-police-leadership-for-improving-access-to-public-meeting-notices","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030565-a02a24eeb2b2a395b5993df980ea69a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142119&Signature=kzeFgtWSg9FF7ehWtXFPUVCYpgQfr-OhbKsivuvr84Tq2Dt4TrsRGiknA15~y6OzijDgVUgngfPZWFepjbEfww8db7m-PPO6iFpX~Cp-2M1PMcwivABHaW7LPspGrUlUmTlDOIoSkXLgt-sqacxAqIB5t6GQnaUSk9hd9ShdcwV83vSFphEQk-sR2a-bAo4aMS8jYOy-ycGpDOLrnn0j4RfaEKwjvqXOoisLq2Cu0b4YQLXZF3Ib35yoTcQLIwjvHMKN57lTVHPKwyjMFLb0lJi-b08OnP6Qe4op2~qbKRG-fq2fBe7RTAl2lZvO5nUPe-TG0v1jJhwzpsCK6106Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Portage, IN","date","2025-03-26T04:23:37Z","article","PORTAGE, Ind. — During other business at the Board of Works meeting a resident commended Portage police leadership for improving how the department posts notices about public meetings after the resident had experienced locked doors while attempting to attend police merit-board meetings.

The commenter (name not provided during remarks) said they had repeatedly arrived for posted merit-board meetings and found the police station locked. The commenter credited Lieutenant Damon Wasilewski with taking public feedback, making changes and arranging for visible cancellation notices to be posted on the police station door so the public would not be left waiting.

The commenter told the board: “Lieutenant Damon Wasilewski ... followed-up on very important feedback procured from the public and directly affecting positive change.” The commenter presented three printed certificates of appreciation and read text addressed to Mayor Austin Bonta, Lieutenant Wasilewski and Police Chief Mike Candiani, noting that the change increased public confidence in how the department communicates meeting changes.

Board reaction: Mayor Austin Bonta thanked the commenter for bringing the matter to the board’s attention. The board received the certificates and acknowledged the importance of clear public notices for meetings.

Next steps: No formal action was required; the board noted the improvement and accepted the certificates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","COP Board of Works Mtg 03-25-25","oneSentenceSummary","A resident praised Lieutenant Damon Wasilewski and the Portage Police Department for posting a cancellation notice after previous public attendees found the police department building locked during advertised meetings.","taxTitle","Portage City, Porter County, Indiana","taxId",53966,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6030571,"Board of Works resolves bulk-item appeals and approves $2.33 million in claims",1733,755000,2488000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2&start=755&end=2488","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2/thumbnail_755000.jpg","/articles/6030571/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Board-of-Works-resolves-bulk-item-appeals-and-approves-233-million-in-claims","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030571-d95ee0fe1679bdd969241fd51ad39efe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142119&Signature=nPolTSrexlOAKIDzT0FPpSF9oJ4EFRhmnQJ6UIrsebO0ZPkqtWHvDM9Zhciz-IzfamIbtIbkSgQ~MiVaHICKtFR5DJ19h5jdapr56nYZDNb-lZ0JKrJN3QZqy2hV1yUW5Yaq7RfiqxfEsZqyE6S7UMOapdsWtbPaijxhCMe7K5bShxP7X9qgMtDBBejI0JME-N-EJI0oKZkfRTAu~cIvKhWgMNCxJ9J1NjFY9~x6z0ZRjMYSIGBNoUagjzahyHoBj7LR1oZQHYhs7O33J-vv37T16zQtFIvEKe98INh2gFvu32su7wghPxDcyiGGa1Inu4FdzDVEmd2m22Hkqn7ISw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PORTAGE, Ind. — The Portage Board of Works considered a string of sanitation bulk-item appeals and took individual votes on each. The board reversed, reduced or upheld fees depending on the circumstances, and approved city claims totaling $2,328,818.74.

Votes at a glance: Staff presented a list of contested bulk-item service charges. The board ruled as follows:

- 5589 Robins Avenue — Appeal granted; the board reversed the charges for this address. Motion passed on voice vote.
- 5384 Central Avenue — Appeal denied; the board declined the request to waive fees for this pile and upheld the $100 charge for over-40-square-feet bulk pickup.
- 5891 Newport — Appeal granted on staff recommendation; $40 bulk fee waived for the new owner who did not place the items out.
- 5437 Boulder — Appeal denied; the board upheld charges (amnesty-day timing was cited by staff).
- 6670 Hawthorne Avenue — Appeal denied; board upheld two $40 charges that staff said were placed after the ownership change.
- 6832 (Mercedes) — Unique household situation: appeal granted; board approved a $560 credit to reverse accumulated bulk charges and reduce the account to the standard two city totes until paperwork to return a third tote is completed.

The board also approved city claims by voice vote. Member motioned to approve claims in the amount of $2,328,818.74; the motion carried with all members saying “aye.”

Context and rationale: For 5589 Robins Avenue, staff told the board the resident had used a personal can in addition to City of Portage totes and requested leniency; the board agreed to reverse the charges. For 5384 Central Avenue, a resident (who identified themself as David Papich, “Freedom”) presented before the board claiming snowplow activity enlarged a pile that staff measured at over 40 square feet; board members declined the appeal after staff said there was insufficient post-plow photographic evidence and that pickup measurements are based on the ground footprint. For the Mercedes case (address listed as 6832 in meeting discussion), a resident told the board a non-City tote had been in her garage since a storm; staff said 13 separate bulk charges totaled about $560 and recommended crediting those fees; the board approved the credit and directed staff to restore the account to a two-tote billing until the resident completes required paperwork for a third tote.

Other business: A board member asked about temporary loans from the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) tied to the city’s CNG project. Randy Reeder explained the RDC fronted money under a NOFA grant; once grant requirements are satisfied the grant will credit back 80% within 30 days and the city will repay the RDC 20% per program terms.

Next steps: Staff will process credits through the clerk’s office for approved appeals and finalize account adjustments for the Mercedes case. Claims will be processed as approved.","The Board of Works heard a series of sanitation bulk-item appeals, reversing or denying charges case-by-case, granted a $560 credit in one household’s unique tally of charges, and approved claims totaling $2,328,818.74. The board also discussed temporary RDC loans tied to a CNG NOFA grant.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6030576,"Board of Works adopts fire department board-up procedure after council ordinance",145,594000,739000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2&start=594&end=739","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2/thumbnail_594000.jpg","/articles/6030576/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Board-of-Works-adopts-fire-department-board-up-procedure-after-council-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030576-6b0bea57b38314b76d34f5f640fec648/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142119&Signature=Oul9pCyTDwNBs~rhvW-Jil7cVLji1KcK8303rVbs96TjuQEoExKsdONTofhHMVps4sY~EtfoVFmW~jeEBPlp032UTisxx3J5DzN-3RKk9n6H7eWM0Atc90WzDchqdZxNNUy55GvRzgUslM-FISL30jVtaV7M0kKa3SMO9IskO2L5OgyRVLR1xdODcHUW5dIfgEWQTeqQnkAKYpPCPps2K3w6DR0-BtfmdfKxfBbVPxbF6U8XIV2zcqO038cXviAVCzt4OLBwAwOpXM8237biFcEOmXT1uX1mTfNfmvbs13jcw6D2YRNeUFhkoRy3jmlNyaqRXjWwhptSHOVap7gMow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PORTAGE, Ind. — The Portage Board of Works adopted a fire department board-up policy that establishes a procedure to create a list of approved contractors to secure homes after fires or other damage.

Fire Chief (name not specified in transcript) told the board the City Council previously adopted an ordinance establishing the board-up program and that the policy presented to the board sets the procedures for creating a rotating list of approved vendors. “This would give us the ability to assist [homeowners] in securing their home,” the chief said, explaining the list will function similarly to an approved tow list and will rotate vendors when the fire department is the entity arranging the work.

Why it matters: The policy creates an option for homeowners who cannot immediately secure their property after damage, and it standardizes how the city identifies and rotates certified contractors. The chief said a list of approved contractors will be provided to the board on April 8 (date cited in the presentation) and that the policy formalizes that selection process.

What was debated: Board members noted the police department and legal staff assisted in developing the framework. No member objected; the motion to move forward with the policy passed by voice vote.

Next steps: The chief will provide an approved-contractor list to the board for its review, and staff will implement the procedure once the list is finalized.","The Board of Works adopted a procedural policy to implement a board-up list of contractors for securing homes after fires or damage; the policy follows a city-council ordinance that established the board-up program.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6030581,"Board approves ADP HR module at lower-than-expected annual cost",100,477000,577000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2&start=477&end=577","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2/thumbnail_477000.jpg","/articles/6030581/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Board-approves-ADP-HR-module-at-lower-than-expected-annual-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030581-6956c71addb36cd029ceafaac4b8380f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142119&Signature=HyHMQktxZ9SxukeQQG2mkgHf5EeqOJKLMGpztkdLGXSdS4GnHBC7c19eJAQQEWi0EUDE8YSlp~9H71dIKxyoa0fuhmrYskNaOfjLsgYf3VQoZBHwacL~FRrxf1sVlA37xeGi6IZETuOctN00IX2sB0iUN1ABpH2E9r~cUVrTTq-jPeZIL0CtRlpxWgPaXWB9IMf9AwCnKikEuNYPbB~HdP-IStn-1flOkA8ykJNJDdda6vqsZ0wkB3ZZCpqIiSEV2OqqnIZWgoGsrqs3OoJpbQUEWDu~vxNxRnJysi6bNX7CrrEZSKL4NA1U~x4isa~V3KHcfzQQ9rpW8MvdJj45Ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PORTAGE, Ind. — The Portage Board of Works voted to purchase an ADP HR module to accompany the city’s payroll system, approving a month-to-month contract staff said will give the city needed reporting capabilities at a lower cost than expected.

Lynn, the staff member who presented the purchase, told the board: “The final quote was $67.68 annually, and it's a month by month contract.” She said the city can terminate the contract at any time and that the module will help with mandatory reporting. Board members said the month-to-month term makes it easier to switch if the clerk-treasurer’s office later moves to different software.

Why it matters: Staff said the module was vetted against other vendors and was chosen because it integrates with the city’s existing ADP payroll system. The board approved the motion by voice vote with all members in favor.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the month-to-month ADP HR module purchase and monitor compatibility with the clerk-treasurer’s systems.","The Board of Works approved a month-to-month ADP human-resources module to accompany the city’s payroll system; staff said the final quote came in under budget at $67.68 annually and can be terminated monthly if needed.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6030585,"Portage Board of Works approves equipment and fuel supply agreements, including DEF tank",147,279000,426000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2&start=279&end=426","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516750-fecad3eabce3071937d093db161cb5e2/thumbnail_279000.jpg","/articles/6030585/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Portage-Board-of-Works-approves-equipment-and-fuel-supply-agreements-including-DEF-tank","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030585-4114cee2fc5e35c0e5fe149b72342246/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142119&Signature=eXhaGoI26MAa3G6Q2vXulEDRbL82L25XefTjRlc1n-Ur43IHmrTDxe7K7BD7iAhMoQ05VEUTWRhT2B6EeUTn7DtK0XfjjNTXQOxddEChWL8d99H~Bxfu99N1yZWEeEELPPVwxPb2G02Us~FzTZq9kpmWWHK1tx0eZVu510n~uj6DpcfI-zDqGuveSwp8eUdCnjebsu7VBy6wvInXDgP88Z~5TTk417O4ANwnrFe4XQ7fa6FmfDIEs-mnmWbzfj6RFnvGC8FpEgUatwInF8ZUz5bsjMM9n4t-0ZDi02aY11-vgl47UPRAG6bxG4ymeWOrw6bGO-~tZhPGSUewbuvJcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PORTAGE, Ind. — The Portage Board of Works voted unanimously to approve two equipment-and-supply contracts intended to lower fuel costs for city vehicles and to add a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank for diesel truck systems.

The board approved an equipment loan and supply agreement “subject to legal review,” and a separate fuel equipment loan and supply agreement that will deliver discounted fuel pricing when the city places bulk orders, Mayor Austin Bonta and other board members said during the meeting. The motions passed on voice votes with all members saying “aye.”

Why it matters: City staff said the contracts will let Portage order fuel in bulk at a discounted rate, and that the vendor will install and monitor above-ground tanks at no upfront cost to the city. Randy Reeder, representing city operations, said the above-ground tanks are 2,500-gallon units with electronic monitoring that triggers replenishment when levels fall. For DEF — the diesel exhaust fluid used in regen systems — staff said a smaller, 500-gallon tank will be installed.

Staff estimates and contract terms: Reeder told the board the city could see “probably anywhere from, I would say, about 15 to $20,000 savings in our fuel account” over a year. He also said the vendor rolls equipment costs into a three-year contract, so “there is no upfront cost at all with this equipment.” Board members approved both motions on the condition that legal review is completed before final execution.

What was debated: Board members asked whether staff and legal had reviewed the agreements and confirmed they would not finalize the contracts until legal had completed its review. No board member objected to moving forward subject to that review.

Next steps: Staff will complete legal review and return any final contract documents to the clerk/treasurer for execution once legal questions are resolved.","The Portage Board of Works approved two equipment and supply contracts — an above-ground storage tank agreement and a fuel equipment loan and supply agreement — both subject to legal review. Officials said the city expects fuel-cost savings and no upfront equipment costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident commends Portage police leadership for improving access to public meeting notices

Board of Works resolves bulk-item appeals and approves $2.33 million in claims

Board of Works adopts fire department board-up procedure after council ordinance

Board approves ADP HR module at lower-than-expected annual cost

Portage Board of Works approves equipment and fuel supply agreements, including DEF tank