ProPEL Presentation Presents Plans, Settlement Supplies Support to Substance Abuse Programs

COLUMBIA CITY-Tuesday night’s Common Council meeting had presentations from ProPEL US 30 and Mission 25, as well as the swearing in of a new police officer, Casey Hershberger.

Officer Casey Hershberger sworn inPhoto byMelany Love

Rusty Holt shared updates on the project so far, explaining that while the project began with the “Universe of Alternatives” with 55 improvement concepts, we are now in the “Concepts and Specific Locations” phase, which will last until the “More Detailed Evaluation” phase, which begins this summer. Holt’s powerpoint illustrated the screening methodology used to examine each element for purpose and need and then to grade “yes, no, or neutral” on their practicality. Mayor Ryan Daniel reminded those present that the bypass option, which many opposed, would not be considered moving forward. At this point, the study will look to reduce “conflict intersections,” a broad term for any point where vehicles must cross traffic. Holt says there are “lots of different solutions,” including the famed “Michigan Left” or “J-Turn.” Daniel commended INDOT for their efforts in involving the public in these decisions, where in the past they have not, something that frustrated the public. Daniel also encouraged people to continue to participate in discussion on the subject, either by attending the public forums or via the project’s website, https://propelus30.com/us-30-east/.

Shawn Ellis of Mission 25 discussed the four different branches of their programs and the growth of their Recovery Engagement Center on Douglas Avenue in Columbia City. Thanks to a $3.2 million grant (the largest such award in Indiana) in 2022 related to the opioid crisis, Mission 25 was able to remodel their building and plans to break ground on their new shelter facility very soon. In addition to being larger, the new shelter will have a setup for fathers with children, a situation the current setup does not allow for. The Douglas Avenue facility however, exists to help those with substance abuse issues. Mission 25 sought funding from the common council towards that, through providing additional training and making sure all are “equipped, certified, and credentialed.” Council and the mayor discussed the funds involved for clarity; at least $287,153 in an abatement fund and $121,663 in an unrestricted fund are projected to be given to Columbia City by pharmaceutical companies deemed responsible for the opioid crisis as part of a settlement. This money would come in an amount each year, diminishing in amount, until 2038. As more lawsuits are still ongoing, there could be more funds in the future as well, but the money must be used for specific purposes. Mayor Daniel said he believes Mission 25 to be the only option that qualifies for this funding in Whitley County. Councilpeople Jennifer Romano and Tad Varga requested a yearly update on how the funds were being used and wording that ensured that the amount received from the settlement would be the amount allotted to Mission 25 for the next three years.

Photo byMelany Love

The Humane Society of Whitley County experienced a reported $13,000 shortfall, but as Council discussed, there were too many questions over amounts of money being requested and why, so Council voted to table the discussion until a representative from the Humane Society could be present and explain.

In department news, the skatepark and pickleball court projects are moving forward, and of the 800 tickets available for the Father/Daughter Dance at the beginning, only 110 remain. The police department plans to hire three new officers, as one of the new officers only stayed for two months before realizing it was not for him, Officer Heath Fearnow also left, retiring Biz, the canine officer, and the department still hadn’t filled their remaining vacancy yet.

The police and fire chaplain position was discussed, and Councilman Daniel Weigold pointed out that it is currently an unpaid position and that someone is essentially working for free. He suggested that research should be done into how other cities handle this and what appropriate compensation should be, and that it was, “Something to think about down the road.”

Mayor Daniel shared that the Bowen Center had their grand opening on Monday, the City Awards Banquet will be on Friday, and Renew Aesthetics celebrates their grand opening on Saturday. Weigold said that the recent trip to Indianapolis for newly elected officials helped him realize, in hearing horror stories from other cities, how lucky we are here. He said that even in his fifth term, “Everything evolves; we continue to learn.”

In public comment, Melany Love again spoke about the need for backyard chickens in city limits, with reasonable limitations. She briefly reiterated the importance of sustainable living, food security, and reducing negative environmental impacts, all of which are causes that the common council has agreed are important in preserving and growing our city. She also mentioned the calculated nutritional differences in the mass-produced eggs purchased in grocery stores vs. those fresh-collected. As she has been repeatedly presenting this information for a year and a half now with no positive results towards that end, it is clear that some things unfortunately do not seem to evolve in Columbia City.