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Portage, Indiana

Portage public meetings in 2025

30 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 23, 2025

Board of Works and Public Safety

Board will consider 2026 McColly Bennett commercial agreement and related items

The Portage Board of Public Works & Safety will meet on Dec 23, 2025 to approve minutes and address unfinished business. New business includes a 2026 commercial agreement with McColly Bennett, a special event request for the MS Warrior Dash, a sidewalk waiver for Portage Township School, a 2026 fire‑territory agreement with Cender Dalton, and a street‑light agreement for Swanson Trails with Lennar Corporation. The agenda also lists BOW claims and payroll claims for review.

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Tue Dec 16, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

Portage Park & Recreation Board to review contracts and fee changes

The Board of Parks & Recreation will meet to discuss new business regarding Sportsman Solutions and a Total Disposal contract. The agenda includes reviews of rental and personal service contracts and updates on park bonds. Members will also consider pricing for concessions and softball.

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✓ Decided: Board approved fee schedule for park sports and concessions

The Portage Board of Parks & Recreation approved the November 18, 2025 minutes, the November financial report, and December vouchers totaling S100,482.80. It also approved the November/December register of rental contracts and the fee schedule for all park sports and concessions, while tabling the vote on a Sportsman Solutions sponsorship contract. The meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.

Tue Dec 9, 2025

Board of Works and Public Safety

Board approves payroll and claims; discusses Go Bond payments and live streaming.

The Board of Public Works and Safety will consider payroll claims, bulk item appeals, and a 2026 live streaming contract. The agenda also includes a request to pay Barnes & Thornburgh for Go Bond proceeds and applications for precious metals and gems.

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✓ Decided: Board approved Wrightman contract to update Portage’s comprehensive master plan

The board approved several contracts and payments, including the Wrightman contract to update the comprehensive master plan, a live‑streaming contract, and payment to Barnes & Thornburg from the 2025 GO bond. It also approved renewals of precious‑metal and‑gem applications, accepted a deed of dedication for 5854 Evergreen Avenue, overturned three $40 utility charges, and ratified multiple payroll claims. The meeting was then adjourned.

Tue Dec 9, 2025

Common Council

Council will vote on six RHDP bond ordinances and several funding resolutions.

The Portage Common Council will consider additional appropriations resolutions for debt services, an unsafe building fund, repayment of a temporary loan, and a transfer authorizing C‑T action. It will also consider six ordinances that enact 2025 RHDP bonds for projects named Bauer, Farmington, Rivertrace, Sandy Trail, Swanson Trails, and EDTA’s. Standard agenda items include approval of minutes, a public hearing, and any matters not already considered.

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Tue Dec 2, 2025

Common Council

Portage Council to approve additional appropriations for sanitation, police, and parks.

The Portage Common Council will consider approving additional appropriations for the Sanitation, Police, and Park departments, along with year-end adjustments. The meeting also includes the introduction and second reading of ordinances regarding tax anticipation warrants, salary adjustments, and ambulance services.

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Tue Nov 25, 2025

Board of Works and Public Safety

Board will vote on mayor's authority to sign property purchase closing documents

The Portage Board of Public Works & Safety will consider a range of contracts and agreements, including police equipment, streetlight services, and development bonds. A key item is authorizing the mayor to sign closing documents for a property purchase. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes, payroll claims, and bulk item appeals.

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✓ Decided: Board approves $998,700 fire engine purchase and multiple service agreements

The Board approved a $998,700 purchase of a new fire engine, contingent on the 2025 GO bond closing. It also approved the Ingram Manor trash service agreement, several fee waivers and reductions for bulk‑item and return‑service charges, and an exemption allowing up to 40 chickens on a resident’s property. Additional approvals included a streetlight agreement for the Providence at Farmington subdivision, the release of a $352,247.18 bond for Cardinal Crossing Phase 6, and the Kiwanis Christmas Parade route.

Tue Nov 18, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

Portage Park & Recreation Board to discuss ice rink and Game Plan Solutions

The Board of Parks & Recreation will meet to review financial reports and rental and personal service contracts. The agenda includes updates on the ice rink and Game Plan Solutions.

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✓ Decided: Board approved minutes, financial report, vouchers, contracts, and fee schedule

The board approved the October 2L, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved the financial report for the month ending Oct 31, 2025, the November 2025 vouchers totaling $542,924.32, the October/November 2025 rental and personal service contracts, and the fee schedule for park rentals, sports, programs, concessions, and bars. The board also approved the 2026 meeting dates (third Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.) and adjourned the meeting at 5:47 p.m.

Tue Nov 4, 2025

Common Council

Council to vote on GEO bond appropriation and multiple fee, zoning, and budget items

The Portage Common Council meeting will consider several ordinances, including a GEO Bond Appropriation (Ordinance #25-43), a Solid Waste Fee Schedule (Ordinance #25-45), a Zoning Change (Ordinance #25-42), and a 2025 Salary Ordinance (Ordinance #25-47). The council will also consider resolutions for additional appropriations to the Police Department, budget reductions, and authorizing transfers of capital. These items are slated for first or second reading and potential adoption at this meeting.

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Tue Oct 28, 2025

Board of Works and Public Safety

Board reviews IT contract addendum and bulk item appeals on Oct 28

The Portage Board of Public Works & Safety will consider an IT contract addendum presented by Bill Moran, approve standard detail sheets, and hear a bulk item appeal concerning 6409 Monument Avenue. The board will also review claims filed on October 28, 2025, and payroll claims from October 3, 2025. No other business is listed.

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Tue Oct 21, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

Board will discuss park bond updates, including Game Plan Solutions and ice rink

The Portage Board of Parks & Recreation will review the month’s financial report and vouchers. It will examine the September/October rental contracts and October personal service contracts. The meeting includes updates on the park bond projects, specifically Game Plan Solutions and the ice rink, along with committee and staff reports.

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✓ Decided: Board approved financial report, vouchers and meeting minutes

The Park & Recreation Board approved the September financial report and the October voucher list totaling $292,538.68, both unanimously. It also approved the September 15 minutes, with one member abstaining. The board accepted the rental and personal service contract registers and adjourned the meeting.

Tue Oct 21, 2025

Common Council

Council will consider solid waste fee schedule, 2026 budget, and salary ordinance

The Portage Common Council will hold a second reading of Ordinance #25-45, which updates the solid waste fee schedule. The council will also discuss Ordinance #25-46, the proposed 2026 municipal budget, and Ordinance #25-44, a salary ordinance for 2026. No other items are listed beyond standard procedural matters.

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✓ Decided: Council unanimously adopts 2026 budget

The Common Council adopted Ordinance #25-46, the 2026 budget, with a unanimous 6‑0 vote. It also adopted Ordinance #25-44, the 2026 salary ordinance, after a 3‑3 tie was broken by Mayor Bonta voting yay. Ordinance #25-45, the solid‑waste fee schedule, was read but not voted on; a public hearing is required at the next meeting.

Tue Oct 14, 2025

Common Council

Council to consider 2026 salaries and five residential TIRF resolutions

The Portage Common Council will consider an ordinance setting 2026 salaries and five resolutions related to Residential Tax Increment Reinvestment Financing (TIRF) districts. The meeting is a special session scheduled for October 14, 2025.

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✓ Decided: Council adopted four residential TIRIF resolutions

The Portage Common Council voted 7‑0 to adopt Resolution #25-20 (River Trace), #25-21 (Bauer Farms), #25-22 (Sandy Trails), and #25-24 (Swanson Trails) for the Residential Housing Development Program. Each motion was made by Councilperson Czili and seconded as recorded. The council then adjourned the meeting by a 7‑0 vote.

Thu Oct 9, 2025

Plan Commission

Plan Commission to review five residential housing development programs

The Plan Commission will review the creation of five separate residential housing development programs. These items are listed under new business for the October 9 meeting.

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Tue Oct 7, 2025

Common Council

City Council authorizes $5.8 million general-obligation bond issuance

The Portage Common Council will hold a public hearing on the preliminary 2026 budget. Council members will consider Ordinance #25-42 to rezone a vacant parcel south of Breckenridge Apartments off Lute Road from Office Commercial (OC) to Multi-Family Residential (M2). They will also consider Ordinance #25-43, which authorizes the issuance of general-obligation bonds up to $5,800,000 to fund police, fire, and other capital projects. Additional items include three resolutions concerning sanitation transfers, a 2025 budget reduction, and a preliminary bond reimbursement.

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✓ Decided: Council adopts salary ordinance to hire city General Counsel (6‑0)

The Common Council approved the previous meeting's minutes (6‑0). It adopted Ordinance #25-39 to dispose of abandoned property (6‑0) and Ordinance #25-40 to amend the salary ordinance for hiring an in‑house General Counsel (6‑0). The council also approved a $36,300 sanitation budget transfer (6‑0) and discussed a $5.18 million bond for new city vehicles.

Mon Oct 6, 2025

Plan Commission

Plan Commission reviews subdivision plats for Old Porter Road and Airport Road

The Plan Commission is meeting to consider two land development requests. The body will review a plat renewal for North Wood Trail Subdivision and a new primary plat for Landings of Portage.

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Tue Sep 16, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

Board will discuss park bond proposal and review fees and contracts

The Portage Board of Parks & Recreation will receive a financial report and review voucher items. It will examine rental and personal service contract registers for August and September 2025. The board will consider fee structures for the Pickleball League, Pickleball Ladder, and the Ice Rink. A discussion of the Park Bond proposal from Game Plan Solutions is also on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Board approved minutes, finances, contracts and new park fees

The Board of Parks & Recreation unanimously approved the August 27, 2025 meeting minutes, the August/September financial report, and September vouchers totaling $569,891.40. It also approved the rental and personal service contract registers and set new fees for the pickleball league, ladder nights, and ice rink admissions. The meeting was adjourned at 5:48 p.m.

Tue Sep 2, 2025

Common Council

✓ Decided: Council adopts TNR program, park enforcement, hotel rules, and ambulance billing

The Common Council approved the minutes from the August meetings with a 5‑yes, 1‑abstain vote. It then unanimously adopted four ordinances: a Trap‑Neuter‑Return program for feral cats, police authority to enforce park rules, transient occupancy standards for hotels, and updated ambulance billing practices. Each ordinance passed with a 6‑yes, 0‑no vote.

Wed Aug 27, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

Portage Park Board to discuss pickleball expansion and park rules

The Board of Parks & Recreation will review updates on pickleball Phase II and associated fees. The meeting includes a discussion on park rules for police enforcement and a report on Haunted Hayride admissions.

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✓ Decided: Board approved permanent fence for Hannah's Hope Playground

The Portage Parks & Recreation Board approved a permanent fence around Hannah's Hope Playground and a walking trail at Miami Park. It also adopted new park rules, approved fee increases for the Haunted Hayride, and authorized several pickleball projects. Additionally, the board granted a 50% discount waiver for a fundraiser at the Open Air Pavilion.

Tue Aug 19, 2025

Common Council

✓ Decided: Council approved $136,200 police appropriation and other budget measures

The council unanimously approved Resolution #25-12 to fund the Fire Department and Resolution #25-13 to fund the Police Department, including $136,200 for officer salaries and supplies. Resolution #25-14 for the Park and Recreation Department passed with a 3‑2 vote. An ordinance updating ambulance billing practices was read but not voted on, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Tue Aug 12, 2025

Board of Works and Public Safety

Board to review sanitation tipping fee bids and consulting agreement

The Board of Public Works & Safety will meet to discuss several administrative requests and contracts. Key items include opening bids for sanitation tipping fees and a consulting agreement with McColly Bennett Commercial Advantage.

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✓ Decided: Board approved $2,289,821 .98 payroll claims for July 1 2025

The Board of Public Works & Safety approved several financial items, including payroll claims of $2,289,821 .98 for July 1 2025, pension payroll claims of $216,766.02 for August 12 2025, and other claims totaling $1,597,317.44. It also approved the EMS Billing and Collection MOU, the Marina Shores event request, and a police department donation of 19 desks and chairs. The Board voted to terminate sanitation services with Oak Tree Village Mobile Home Park and to table the opening of bids for sanitation tipping services. All motions passed unanimously (3 yea‑0 nays).

Tue Aug 5, 2025

Common Council

✓ Decided: Council approves rezoning of former Crisman School site to R-4

The Common Council approved the minutes from the July 11, 2025 meeting by a 6‑0 vote. In a 3‑3 split on the rezoning of the Portage Ave. and Old Crisman Rd. property, the mayor cast the tie‑breaking vote in favor, adopting the change to R‑4. The council took no action on the first readings of Ordinances 25‑35, 25‑36, or 25‑37. The rezoning approval does not transfer the land; further approvals are still required.

Tue Jul 15, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

✓ Decided: Board approved new league fees, pickleball courts, and a $540K kayak grant

The Park & Recreation Board approved the minutes from the June 17 meeting, the June financial report, and July vouchers totaling $5,460,772.18, all unanimously. It also approved a set of fee increases for softball, soccer and volleyball leagues, the construction of five pickleball courts at Woodland Park (cost $125,200‑$358,900), and a $540,000 match‑cash or in‑kind grant for a kayak launch on the Chi‑Cal Rivers. Rental and professional service contract registers for June/July were approved, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:11 p.m.

Tue Jul 1, 2025

Common Council

✓ Decided: Council adopts building fee schedule and salary amendment ordinances

The council approved the July 1 meeting minutes. It unanimously tabled the Consumer Fireworks Use ordinance. It unanimously adopted the salary amendment ordinance and the building fee schedule ordinance. No action was taken on the zoning change ordinance, which will be reconsidered at the next meeting.

Tue Jun 17, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

✓ Decided: Board approved Game Plan Solutions contract for operational support and planning

The Board approved the minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting and the June 2025 vouchers totaling $5,131,649.10. It also approved the May/June rental contracts register, the June personal service contracts register, and the monthly financial report. A motion to table the proposed 2026 soccer‑field fee increase was adopted, and the Game Plan Solutions contract for operational support, asset management, and capital‑improvement planning was approved.

Tue Jun 3, 2025

Common Council

✓ Decided: Council approved tax abatements for Louis Dreyfus Company’s new grain elevator project

The council adopted two tax‑abatement resolutions for Louis Dreyfus Company, one for real property (Resolution 25‑09) and one for personal property (Resolution 25‑10). It also approved the annual CF‑1 compliance for three businesses unanimously. Ordinance 25‑22 was tabled, and several ordinances were suspended, amended, and then adopted.

Tue May 20, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

✓ Decided: Board approved $135,000 portable ice rink project

The Parks & Recreation Board approved the minutes from the April 15 meeting, the April 30 financial report, and May vouchers totaling $580,975.09. It also approved the March/April rental and personal service contracts register and a $135,000 proposal for a temporary portable ice rink. All motions passed unanimously except the minutes approval, which passed with three votes in favor and one abstention.

Mon May 12, 2025

Common Council

✓ Decided: City Council adopts two-year Utility collective bargaining agreement

The council approved the new two‑year Utility Collective Bargaining Agreement, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025. The contract provides a $t.gS per hour wage increase each year, with employees allocating $0.t O of the increase to a health savings fund, and shifts to a consolidated paid‑time‑off policy. Councilperson Vasquez moved to adopt the agreement, Councilperson Atvarez seconded, and the motion passed with five yea votes and one abstention.

Tue May 6, 2025

Common Council

✓ Decided: Council adopted new wastewater fee ordinance and rezoned Ladybug Laundry site

The Common Council approved the minutes from the April 1 meeting. It tabled the consumer fireworks ordinance and the police and utility collective bargaining agreements, postponing discussion to the May 12 special meeting. The council unanimously adopted Ordinance #25-23, rezoning a parcel for Ladybug Laundry, and adopted Ordinance #25-24, updating wastewater and storm‑water utility fees.

Tue Apr 15, 2025

Park & Recreation Board

✓ Decided: Board approved softball field restoration and tabled pickleball court proposal

The board unanimously approved the March 18 minutes, the March financial report, April vouchers totaling $534,092.54, and the March/April rental contract register. It also approved the Simmons Landscaping proposal to restore four softball fields and a sand volleyball court at Imagination Glen West. The proposal for a new pickleball court in the Blue Spruce parking area and the 2025 salary ordinance adjustment were each tabled. The meeting was adjourned at 6:01 pm.

Tue Apr 1, 2025

Common Council

✓ Decided: Council approved $1.9M RDC loan for sanitation CNG trucks

The council approved two annual tax abatements for Gelnex and Konrady Plastics. It approved a $700,000 loan for public‑safety equipment and a $1,897,928 loan for sanitation department CNG trucks. Ordinance #25‑22 on consumer fireworks was tabled, and the meeting minutes were approved.