Labor Day Holiday

In observance of Labor Day, City Hall and all City offices and services will be closed Monday, September 6, 2010.

The Refuse Department will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2010.  All trash and compost pick-ups will be one (1) day late.  Friday’s refuse and compost will be picked up on Saturday, September 11th.

The Michigan City Transit bus service will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2010.  Regular bus service will resume on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. 

All City offices and services will resume normal schedules on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

Mayor Chuck Oberlie wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday. 

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Cooling Centers Open Again

With extreme hot and humid weather conditions in our area, Mayor Chuck Oberlie announced that several cooling centers will be open again this summer.

“The Senior Center is open to people of all ages,” Mayor Oberlie said, “and anyone who needs immediate relief from the heat can go there or to City Hall.  The Police/Fire Training Center will also be available, located at 2510 East Michigan Blvd.  We are concerned about the safety of our citizens, and we’ve taken steps to make cool areas available to them during these extreme weather conditions.”

Mayor Oberlie urges residents to continue checking on the elderly to make sure they are healthy, hydrated and cooled. “Call or visit your elderly family and neighbors to make sure they are able to get cool. Drinking lots of water during high heat index days helps keep the body hydrated,” Mayor Oberlie said.

 “Public health officials recommend that people spend at least part of the day in an air-conditioned environment. If they don’t have air conditioning or can’t get to an air-conditioned location, they should take a cool shower or bath during the day,” John Jones, Emergency Management Director said. “Health officials say that even a brief spell in air conditioning allows the body to recover from the cumulative effects of high heat indexes such as we’ve been having.”

The Senior Center is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4p.m. daily; City Hall is open 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily; The Police/Fire Training Center is open from 7:00 until 4:00 p.m.

The lobby at the Michigan City Police Station will be available 24 hours a day.  Any citizen needing transportation may call the M.C. Police Dept. non-emergency number at 874-3221. 

For more safety tips on dealing with very hot weather, please log on to our website: emichigancity.com/cityhall/departments/ema/weather.htm. For specific hardships, Dial 211 for possible resource assistance.

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Don't Become a Victim of Extreme Heat

Know the Symptoms and How to Avoid Heat Related Illness

By: Emily Norcross
Public Information Officer
Indiana Department of Homeland Security

With temperatures expected to be high again this week, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) reminds Hoosiers how to avoid heat-related illness, recognize the symptoms and respond appropriately if someone does become ill.

Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. According to the National Weather Service, heat causes more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes.

"More than 150 Americans die every year from exposure to extremely high temperatures," says IDHS Chief of Staff Mike Garvey. "There are several simple steps individuals can take to stay safe on hot days. Most heat related illness occurs when individuals have been overexposed to heat or have overexerted themselves." Garvey is an EMS professional with 33 years of experience. IDHS provides training and credentialing to all EMS personnel throughout the state, and certifies training institutions and all emergency medical transports.

How hot is extremely hot?

When temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, overexposure to the heat can be hazardous. Humid conditions, frequently experienced in Indiana, can add to the discomfort and danger of high temperatures.

What causes heat related illness?

Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Heat-related illness occurs when high temperatures overwhelm the body's ability to regulate internal temperatures.

The elderly and very young are most susceptible to serious heat related illnesses. Check in regularly with elderly family members who may not have air conditioning.

You can reduce your risk for heat related illnesses by following these tips:

• Keep yourself hydrated and nourished. Drink fluids regularly, regardless of your activity level. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as they will dehydrate you faster. Eat smaller meals and more frequently. Although heat may lessen your appetite, your body needs proper nutrition to function.

• Take time to cool off. If possible, stay indoors in an air-conditioned building. If your home does not have air conditioning, spend time at a movie theatre, shopping mall, public library, or other air-conditioned public facility. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Check locally to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.

• Never leave animals, children or elderly individuals inside a vehicle!  Even if you are just leaving the vehicle for a minute and have all the windows rolled down, it is extremely dangerous to leave anyone, or an animal, inside a vehicle during summer temperatures.

The two most serious heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion typically occurs when an individual exercises heavily or works in a hot, humid location and the body is unable to replace the fluids lost through heavy sweating. The victim may be sweating profusely, have cool, clammy or ashen colored skin, and be dizzy or nauseous.  Move the victim to a cooler location and give them water to sip slowly. If the victim is unable to drink fluids or their condition does not improve rapidly, take them to the emergency room or call 911 immediately as heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke if not addressed quickly.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the victim's internal temperature control system fails. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. The victim's skin will likely be hot, red and dry because they have stopped sweating. They may be dizzy, disoriented or unconscious.  If you believe someone is experiencing these symptoms, this is a severe medical emergency and you should call 911 immediately. The victim's body must be cooled immediately to prevent death.  Immerse the victim in a cool bath or use wet sheets, ice bags, fans or air conditioners to reduce body temperature.  Place bags of ice next to the victim's major arteries in the neck, armpits and groin. The ice will cool the blood and the bloodstream will carry the cooled blood through the body. Watch for signs of breathing problems and be prepared to start rescue breathing and CPR if their pulse or breathing stops.

For more information about surviving in extreme heat, visit www.in.gov/dhs/getprepared

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Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets

Alijah Hunter, Director of the Michigan City Animal Control Department, issued the following statement:  “During this extreme hot weather condition, pet owners are reminded to take precautionary steps to keep your pet safe by following these safety tips issued by World Wide Pet Industry Association (WWPIA):”

Use Proper Restraint: When traveling in your vehicle, your pet should always be properly restrained for both your and their safety. In the case of an accident, a dog can weigh up 30 times its weight upon impact while traveling at 35 mph. Today, many companies create seatbelt systems and crates to keep animals safely secured while on the road.

Never Leave Your Pet In the Car: In 70 degree weather and above, it takes only minutes for the temperatures in your car to escalate to triple digits. Leaving the window open an inch does not provide adequate ventilation. Many states are passing laws that prohibit leaving your pet alone in your automobile. So if your car is parked, please make sure to remove your pet from the car.

Bring Water: Car travel can make your pets feel anxious and result in nervous panting. Be sure to take frequent breaks during your trip to allow your pet the opportunity to re-hydrate.

Avoid Pavement in Hot Weather: Your dog has very sensitive paw pads, and the hot asphalt during the summer months can burn them. Instead, opt to walk your pet on grass or plan your walks during the early morning/late evening when the pavement is not as hot.

Know the Symptoms of Heat stroke: Dogs cannot cool down as easily as humans and are more likely to suffer heat stroke during the summer. The symptoms of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, sluggish and unresponsiveness. Dogs with thick coats, short muzzles and heart or breathing problems are at greater risk for heat stroke and should remain indoors with air conditioning during extremely hot days.

Refill Pet Medications/Combat Fleas and Ticks: Insect populations increase during the summer months, escalating the chances that your pet will come into contact with ticks and fleas. Make sure that your pet is up-to-date with their heartworm shots and refill their flea and tick medications.

Limit Access to Pools: Many dogs do not know how to swim. If you own a pet, make sure that your pool is securely fenced off from the rest of your backyard and that the gate is always closed when people enter and leave the pool area.

Invest in a Life Preserver: Most dogs are not great swimmers. If you plan to vacation on a boat or stay near a body of water with your pet, it would be a wise investment to purchase a life preserver. Companies have created vests outfitted specifically for pets.

Limit Time in Water: If your dog does enjoy swimming outdoors, be sure to limit the amount of time they spend in the water. A dog that is overexerted and can’t swim back to shore is especially susceptible to drowning.

“If you keep your pet outdoors, make sure there is plenty of fresh cool water and shade, if possible, bring your pets inside during the hottest times of day to keep them cool.  The best time to play is during the cool morning hours or late in the evening after the sun has set” stated Alijah.

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Michigan City Transit Delays

Due to construction on Michigan Boulevard and 10th St., routes 3 and 4 will experience delays and route changes.

During this construction, Bus Route 4 will no longer drop off or pick up riders on 10th Street but will re-route to 8th Street. Except for location, we anticipate our time schedule to remain the same, however we may still experience delays on this route. Riders are encouraged to prepare for delays. Riders of Route 3 heading to the Eastport or Lakeland neighborhood will also experience delays due to the construction on Michigan Boulevard.

Cranston Harris stated, “Michigan City Transit is aware of how important reliable bus service is to our passengers and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.”

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Lafayette-Barker Tunnel Project Intersection Closure

The Sanitary District has contracted with Woodruff & Sons and Super Excavators to build the next phase of the Lafayette-Barker Storm Sewer Project and this work has begun. Initially, Woodruff will be completing some local utility relocations in order to clear the way for Super Excavators to construct tunnel shafts at the intersections of 8th Street and Lafayette Street; and also at Lafayette Street and just north of 11th Street. Thus, the intersection of 8th/Lafayette will be closed from now until the end of the year and Lafayette Street will be closed between 10th and 11th Streets until the end of the year.

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Community Enrichment Grant Applications Available

Mayor Oberlie is pleased to announce that the 2010/2011 Community Enrichment Corporation Grant Application is now available.  The Enrichment Corporation was organized as a public benefit corporation to organizations that qualify as Section 501 © (3) under the Internal Revenue Service.

All completed Grant Applications may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation, c/o 100 East Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, Indiana  46360.  One (1) original Grant Application and nine (9) copies for a total of ten (10) Grant Applications are required.  Completed Grant Applications must be post-marked by September 30, 2010.  If your Grant Request is received or post-marked after the above-referenced deadline, it will not be eligible for consideration.  Please keep in mind that this will be the only grant cycle for 2010-2011; grant monies for that cycle will be distributed in February 2011.  

Mayor Oberlie stated, “Last year the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation awarded over $720,000 to organizations that directly impact Michigan City.”

If the Enrichment Corporation receives your grant application by September 15, 2010, you will be notified if your grant application is incomplete or if any requested material is missing.  Therefore, it is in your best interest to get you grant application in early!

Questions about the Michigan City Enrichment Corporation may be directed to the Board at 219-873-1400, X382.  Your telephone call will be returned by one of the Board Members.  We would like to thank you for your interest in the Michigan City Enrichment Corporation and are pleased to provide this grant application to you.

Click here to download a PDF of the grant application.

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Storm Damage Reports Accepted

The Michigan City and LaPorte County Emergency Management Agencies released the following information for residents of the Michigan City and greater LaPorte County area. LaPorte County residents experiencing storm damages as a result of the recent severe storms are encouraged to report the damages to local Emergency Management Officials.

The damage reporting period is for storms beginning June 13, 2010 and continuing. Indiana Department of Homeland Security Storm Damage Questionnaire forms are available for citizens to fill out at the following locations:

Forms are available to submit online at www.in.gov/dhs on the home page and click on "damage reporting: beginning June 13 and continuing" and then click on "June 13, 2010 severe weather and flooding." Fill out the Damage Assessment form and choose LaPorte County from the drop down box.

In Michigan City hard copy forms are available Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm at the Emergency Management Agency Office, or Mayor's Office in City Hall, located at 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, IN 46360; or by emailing or calling to jjones@emichigancity.com and 219-873-1499.

In LaPorte County forms are available Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 3:00pm at the LaPorte County Emergency Management office located in the LaPorte County Complex at 809 State St, Suite 101A, LaPorte, IN 46350 or by email at ftibbot@laportecounty.org or by calling 219-362-7210.

Forms are also available by clicking here and also on the LaPorte County web site at www.laportecounty.org.

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Experience The Oasis Splash Park!

Click for larger image.

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Indiana CLEAN Community Challenge

The Indiana Comprehensive Local Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) Community Challenge is a voluntary recognition program for local Indiana government. CLEAN helps communities take steps to plan, develop, and implement a quality of life plan. This plan includes gathering input and support from the community and local businesses.

Michigan City was awarded the status of a “CLEAN” community effective December 19, 2007.

To review Michigan City’s Quality of Life Plan and status of our existing projects go to:

http://www.in.gov/idem/4135.htm or For communities participating in the CLEAN Challenge: http://www.in.gov/idem/4418.htm. For questions on our local please contact: Charlie Cate, Stakeholder Committee Leader (219) 833-7591 ccate@emichigancity.com

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Mayor's State of the City Address Available Online

Mayor Oberlie's 2010 State of the City Address is now available online. Click here (PDF 5MB) to view.

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A Special Program from the Indiana National Guard

This video message from the Indiana National Guard provides brief insight into the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy. We can't express how much the soldiers appreciate the support from the people of Indiana, especially the support that comes from the cities that provide homes for our armories. We are very excited about this program to support the youth of Indiana. For additional information on the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy, click here.

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SouthShore Line Public Forum

On July 29, 2009, a public workshop was held to identify issues and questions regarding the proposed improvements. Stu Sirota will present the “Report on the Public Workshop Regarding the Proposed South Shore Line Improvements in Michigan City” that includes answers to the issues identified at that workshop”.

Mayor Oberlie stated, “This report presents a summary of the initial public workshop on the proposed South Shore Line Improvements.  The workshop was facilitated by Stuart Sirota, AICP, Principal of TND Planning Group, a national consulting firm specializing in transportation and land use planning.  Mr. Sirota has been working on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning issues related to the potential relocation of the South Shore Commuter Rail line and station in Michigan City since 2007.”

A public forum was held on October 26, 2009.

The reports referenced are available by clicking the following links:

• Report on the Public Workshop Regarding Proposed South Shore Line Improvements in Michigan City (PDF file 268KB)
• Preliminary Downtown Michigan City Reroute Concept (PDF file 6MB)
• Notice for November 18, 2009 Meeting (PDF)
• Economic Impacts of the SouthShore Lline Station on Downtown Michigan City (PDF file 18MB)

The next public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

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Free Prescription Drug Card Program

As a resident of Indiana, you and your family have access to a FREE Prescription Drug Card program. Simply download your Prescription Drug Card here to receive savings of up to 75% at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies. You may create as many cards as you need. Participating pharmacies include the following: Target, Kmart, CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens, Meijer, Kroger as well as thousands of independent pharmacies.

Discounts range in price from 10-70% but average about 30%. It is NOT insurance...it's a membership program, but like insurance you get a card that you show at the pharmacy and they can calculate your discount.

For people with insurance or Medicare, this can work with them as well. Because it is NOT insurance, members would be able to see if they get a better price with their existing insurance or with the card. Usually, the co-pay through insurance will be better, but not always. So having the card could be helpful even to people that already have insurance. (Not to mention many individuals and businesses are going to high deductible plans that don't cover prescriptions.)

This benefit is sponsored by United Networks of America a national healthcare company in conjunction with a consortium of the pharmaceutical companies. This exact program has launched successfully in 30 states over the last 2 years. UNA expects the program to discount over 20,000,000 prescriptions in 2009 for tens of millions of American families when they need help the most.

The membership program may not meet everyone’s need but offers an inexpensive alternative for many. Click here for frequently asked questions about the program.

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Do You Have Special Medical Needs? Let The Fire Dept. Know!

The Michigan City Fire Department is in the process of gathering information on adults and children in the community who have special medical needs. Mayor Chuck Oberlie and Fire Chief Dave Lamb urge families who use medical care aids such as cardiac monitors, ventilation devices, feeding tubes, wheel chairs, or any other such devices for sustaining the life and health of a family member, to complete this form. Please click here to view and print the form. It then needs to be forwarded to the Fire Department. This form should also be used for community members who are non-ambulatory and would require assistance in leaving their homes in an evacuation situation.

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Michigan City Named Tree City USA By The Arbor Day Foundation

Mayor Chuck Oberlie announced that Michigan City has once again been named as a Tree City USA.  It is the ninth year Michigan City has received this national recognition.

“I would like to thank the Tree Board, the City Team and the citizens of our community,” said Mayor Oberlie, “for their contributions that resulted in Michigan City being honored with the Tree City USA designation again this year.”

“Michigan City has met the standards for achieving Tree City status since 2001,” said Mayor Oberlie.  “These standards include having a tree board, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Michigan City’s Tree Board is comprised of concerned volunteer citizens charged by ordinance with developing and administering a comprehensive tree management program.  They have developed an urban forest management program which protects, maintains and replaces trees on city property.  The Tree Board has worked to regulate those who cut and prune trees in our community, and to compile a tree inventory, including size, species and condition of area trees, as well as a comprehensive tree maintenance plan,” Oberlie said.  “Members of the Tree Board are William Bolton, Dave Morlan, Michael Wulff, Kathy Ceperich, Jeffrey Meyer, Rebecca Pelath, and Patricia Boy.  I would like to commend them for their efforts in protecting our community’s trees and for their vision for the future of our urban forest.”

“A community, its elected officials and its citizens that provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks,” said John Rosenow, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.  “Cities that are recognized with a Tree City USA designation go to great lengths to plant and care for the community forest.”

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Are You In Compliance With New City Trash Regulations?

Setting out your weekly trash pickup may seem like a fairly simple mundane task. However, have you considered if you are actually doing so in accordance with recently updated city trash regulations? Are you using city trash containers --- or just placing bags along the curb? If you are using trash containers, great! But are they in compliance with city trash regulations? Are you remodeling a home or building a new one? If you are, what are you doing with the construction rubbish?

• According to the City Code, it shall be the duty of every person owning or leasing a residence or place of business in the City wherein garbage accumulates to maintain in a clean and odor free condition a cart provided by the City.
• The only container that may be used must be a cart that the City will supply.
• All garbage, trash or rubbish which accumulates shall be deposited in either a cart or dumpster.  The lid to every cart and dumpster shall be kept on and closed at all times, other than when placing items in them.
• Plastic garbage bags with tight-fitting tie closures may be used, but shall be placed inside either a cart or dumpster.
• All carts must be put out for collection by 7:00 a.m. on the day scheduled for their collection with the arrows located on the carts pointing out toward the street or alley from which collection is made.  All carts must have open access for the trash collectors to retrieve them.
• For street-side pickup, carts shall be set out no more than 24 hours prior to the usual time of collection and shall be removed within 24 hours after collection.
• At no time shall the cart be moved from its assigned address.
• The Refuse Department must be contacted at 873-1530 for special pick-up at the normal collection location of all large items that cannot fit within the cart.
• The two-wheeled cart Toters are to be used for trash only and they are not to be used for construction materials or compost.

If you're unfamiliar with city regulations on trash containers and construction waste, are curious about what it looks like to be in compliance and not in compliance with the recently revised city trash regulations, or have any questions about city trash regulations, compliancy, or trash pick-ups, click here to learn more.

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Rental Property Smoke Detector Enforcement

The City of Michigan City and the Michigan City Fire Department have begun the implementation of recently enacted Michigan City Ordinance #4020, which regulates smoke detectors for rental properties.

The Fire Department Administration would like to remind all owners of rental property in Michigan City that a two-step process has been enacted to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Michigan City.  First of all, all residential rental units shall be equipped with smoke detectors.  And secondly, a registration requirement has been enacted stating that owners of property which is used as residential rental dwelling units or contains a rental dwelling unit are required to register all such properties with the Michigan City Fire Department.

The passage of Ordinance #4020 included an initial 45-day registration period and owners who have not yet registered their properties should do so immediately.  After this initial registration period following the passage of the Smoke Detectors for Rental Properties Ordinance earlier this year, owners shall be required  to register all such properties on an annual basis, by January 31st of each year.  Additionally, for new owners of rental property at any point throughout the year, registration is required within 30 days of becoming an owner of the real property to be used as residential rental property or rental dwelling units.

Rental property smoke detector registration forms can be obtained electronically over the internet at http://emichigancity.com/cityhall/departments/fire/, or they can be obtained in person from the Fire Department Administrative Office at 2510 East Michigan Boulevard.

Anyone with questions regarding smoke detectors for rental properties can contact Kyle A. Kazmierczak, Division Chief of Inspections, at (219) 873-1453 or Jeff Santana, Assistant Inspector, at (219) 873-1440.         

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Mayor Oberlie Seeks Volunteers For Boards & Commissions

Mayor Chuck Oberlie stated regarding Board and Commission appointments:

"I would like to remind the citizens of Michigan City that a "Board and Commission Form" has been created with a listing of local Boards and Commissions and a space for volunteers to summarize their interests. The form is available in City Hall at the Mayor's office. The form is also available on-line at www.emichigancity.com." Click here to access this form online.

Mayor Oberlie continued, "Serving on a City Board or Commission is a valuable manner in which to be involved in the community and utilizing one's skills to improve our hometown can bring one a sense of personal satisfaction as well. I wholeheartedly encourage citizens to volunteer for Board service."

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Michigan City Noted as Top City for Affordability

Michigan City has been identified by CityTownInfo.com as one of the state’s top cities for affordable property taxes.

Compared to other communities which are similar in size and diversity to Michigan City, our community is in the top 12% of communities regarding affordable property taxes, top 17% of affordable rent. Compared to all communities in the state, Michigan City rates in the top 14% of short commute times.

The website page dedicated to Michigan City, http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/indiana/michigan-city, lists many other demographic statistics, including politics, wealth, ancestry, commute and sprawl, housing, crime and climate.

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Learn more about the history of Michigan City and see some great vintage photos from years gone by. We regularly feature a new set of photos celebrating the heritage of our City. This time we're featuring historical photos of Franklin 5th to 11th.

Click here for the History of Michigan City Photo Scrapbook.

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Look for monthly updates each and every month to the Senior Center section of the site. With updated events, Senior Center Board minutes, electronic copies of Senior Center newsletters, and updates to the Calendar of Events, you'll be prepared for all the fun and exciting opportunities the Senior Center has to offer. Click here for more information.

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Tuesday, August 31 at 9:30am at the Michigan City Senior Center.

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Some of the links on this page may require Adobe Reader to view them. The Adobe Reader is available for download free of charge, by clicking on the logo.