The Michigan City Common Council on Sept. 16 introduced two policy items that drew public comment and were held for subsequent readings: a proposed 20-foot no-smoking buffer at government-building entrances, and an amendment to the city’s revolving loan fund to allow certain funds to be used as a match for parks and beautification projects and to support the EDC contract.

Smoking ordinance: Council President introduced an ordinance that would prohibit smoking within 20 feet of public entrances to Michigan City government buildings, expanding the current 8-foot restriction. The ordinance’s language covers tobacco, cigars, pipes as well as electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. Supporters said the change responds to staff requests to reduce smoke near doorways and open windows. Opponents questioned enforceability; one resident who spoke against the proposal asked who would enforce the rule and called the measure redundant with existing internal rules at some city facilities.

Revolving loan fund amendment: Councilmember Presvolinski (sponsor) introduced an amendment to Chapter 38 (section 33) of the municipal code to permit the revolving loan fund to be used, in part, as matching funds for parks and recreational capital projects and beautification — explicitly listing the proposed destination playground in Federer's Alley as an example. A member of the revolving-loan-board who spoke at the meeting said the board’s prior motion narrowly intended the funds to support the Federer's Alley playground and a limited set of matching uses; he expressed concern about the apparent expansion of eligible uses.

Why it matters: The smoking buffer affects how staff and visitors access municipal buildings and uses local enforcement resources; the revolving fund amendment would repurpose small-city lending funds for capital matches and economic-development corporation contracts, changing how the city supports neighborhood projects.

What’s next: Both ordinances were introduced on first reading and held for later consideration; the council recorded sponsors and invited public comment and may adjust language in subsequent readings.