Michigan City Common Council. Educator; environment & water. Business: Art + Science Works Michigan City, Indiana
Some thoughts on city salaries
The City Council needs a fair and objective way to assign 2022 salaries. In 2019 an extensive, data driven salary study was commissioned by the City of Michigan City using information from 15 municipalities and 5 regional counties. ( Link below) We would be negligent and wasteful not to use the insights and research revealed by the study which was done by a reputable firm, Waggoner Irwin & Scheele.
One of the glaring findings of this project was the fact that many salaries were based on very old information. In the past, when salaries were increased across the board by a certain percentage, the discrepancies between market value and MC salaries were worsened.
The chart below demonstrates how small inequities get magnified out of proportion if only straight percentage raises are given.
We need to pay employees what they are worth- they should not be expected to do the work for substantially less than market rate. The result will be the loss of valuable, experienced employees.
We have been having trouble hiring for open positions. If we wish to attract competent professionals, we need to pay them what they are worth. We have only to look at the lifeguard situation this past summer to see how appropriate compensation attracts qualified candidates.
An across-the-board percentage raise will not help to level the inequities in uneven compensation. Salaries must be based on market information; they cannot be legitimately determined by feelings or “it sounds like too much”. A lot of analysis was done to get the results of this study- if the council wishes to give less than the market determination, we should discuss salary increases for a percentage of the market based increase- not straight percentage across the board.
No serious argument can be made regarding " Employee XXX is not worth $YYY". Employee performance matters are managed by department heads, not compensation ordinances decided by the city council.
Our employees are the core of what makes this city work; they need to be compensated and respected for their efforts.
Dalia Zygas
Another Lake Michigan spill
News and Updates
GOV. HOLCOMB ANNOUNCES DONATION EFFORTS FOR AFGHAN EVACUEES
GOV. HOLCOMB ANNOUNCES DONATION EFFORTS FOR AFGHAN EVACUEES
GOV. HOLCOMB ANNOUNCES DONATION EFFORTS FOR AFGHAN EVACUEES
Indianapolis-Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced a regional collection system to sort and deliver items donated by Hoosiers to the thousands of Afghan evacuees temporarily housed at Camp Atterbury. Several state agencies will collaborate to receive, sort and deliver the needed items.
Michigan City Parks & Recreation need your input
GOV. HOLCOMB ANNOUNCES DONATION EFFORTS FOR AFGHAN EVACUEES
GOV. HOLCOMB ANNOUNCES DONATION EFFORTS FOR AFGHAN EVACUEES
Public Input for 5 year Master Plan
HealthLinc Michigan City
GOV. HOLCOMB ANNOUNCES DONATION EFFORTS FOR AFGHAN EVACUEES
LaPorte County Housing Study
In addition to offering COVID testing and administering the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccines, HealthLinc will travel to employers to vaccinate workers and their families.
Please call 1-888-580-1060 to schedule an appointment.
LaPorte County Housing Study
NWI BizHub; The Gateway for Entrepreneurs
LaPorte County Housing Study
LaPorte County Housing Study is complete. Take a look a what was uncovered...
Citizen Request Ticket
NWI BizHub; The Gateway for Entrepreneurs
NWI BizHub; The Gateway for Entrepreneurs
For questions about trash, garbage, litter or debris, please contact the Refuse Department.
For questions regarding grass, brush, and trees please Vector Control.
The Citizen Request Ticket allows residents to report on the following:
Animal Control: Animal at large, Barking dog, Suspected abused or neglected animal
Cemeteries: Damage to a gravesite
Central Services: Missing or damaged traffic sign or street sign, Overgrown Vegetation, Pothole, Unhealthy or unsafe tree, Unlit Street Lamp
Planning & Inspection: Abandon vehicle, Abandoned Property, Suspected building code violation
Sanitary District: Appliances or indoor furniture in a yard , Suspected illegal dumping, Uncollected trash, garbage, litter, or debris
NWI BizHub; The Gateway for Entrepreneurs
NWI BizHub; The Gateway for Entrepreneurs
NWI BizHub; The Gateway for Entrepreneurs
We are dedicated to helping connect and grow the entrepreneurial community of the northwest Indiana region. NWI BizHub’s mission is to help small businesses in northwest Indiana thrive. We provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with free, easy access to the vital assistance, resources, and information they need—when they need it.
SOUTH SHORE UPDATES
Low Income Legal Services
Low Income Legal Services
SOUTH SHORE TO CLOSE 11th STREET STATION
South Shore announced that they will be CLOSING the 11th Street Station and parking lots beginning May 1st and will not re-open until the construction is completed in 2024.
For more double-track construction updates, go to link below.
Low Income Legal Services
Low Income Legal Services
Low Income Legal Services
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents throughout the state of Indiana https://www.indianalegalservices.org
Indiana Tenant Rights
Low Income Legal Services
New Short-term Rental Permit
These tenants’ rights apply to all renters in the State of Indiana. However, some communities may have additional regulations for tenants and landlords.
New Short-term Rental Permit
New Short-term Rental Permit
New Short-term Rental Permit
Registering STR properties will help us contact owners and make sure STR properties are good neighbors
Excellent laPorte county Covid-19 Vaccine Information
OurShotLPC.com
Everything you need to know about the COVID_19 Vaccine
Local NAACP Branches Build Community Power with Solar Job Opportunities at Job Fair
The LaPorte County and Gary NAACP branches provide solar job training opportunities to local residents at the job fair event hosted by the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce tomorrow, Tuesday, Apr. 13th, at the Blue Chip Casino from 1 PM until 4 PM.
The opportunity comes after the Michigan City Sustainability Commission voted to support the NAACP’s Soul Power Project. This community project is a collaboration with Elevate Energy, Indiana Workforce Development, and Solar United Neighbors to advance solar installation training opportunities for affected workers and residents in Northwest Indiana, especially those in low-income communities and communities of color and returning citizens.
La’Tonya Troutman, NAACP LaPorte County Branch Environmental Climate Justice Chair, has led community campaigns for social and environmental issues in Michigan City for more than a decade and sees this green job development project as a natural extension of her work. “The Soul Power Project will help our community to advance energy efficiency and clean energy by strengthening community resilience and livability,” says Troutman.
Interested participants will attend and complete a six-week training course with Elevate Energy, weekly Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Elevate Energy, a nonprofit organization with a mission of smarter energy use for all, will provide online and classroom training to prepare future installers for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certification, the gold star standard in the solar industry, and OSHA 10 Certification. An in-person training component will be held at the Envision Center located at 1835 Broadway St., Gary. Successful completion in the training will include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 and NABCEP Certification, in addition to hiring opportunities in the solar industry as solar installers, project managers, and in sales and design.
“The Soul Power project will empower communities by bridging economic inequalities in our region while creating solar energy job possibilities connecting them to living-wage job opportunities in the renewable sector as Indiana begins its energy transition,” says Wesley Scully, NAACP LaPorte County Branch President.
Once applications and prerequisite testing are submitted with Indiana WorkOne, applicants will begin work with career advisors to improve applicants' career readiness. Among those strongly encouraged to apply are residents who do not have a college degree or who are returning citizens. The application deadline is Monday, April 26th, and classes are set to begin May 3rd. Applications can also be submitted and more information about the Soul Power Project or NAACP can be found at Soul Power Project | NAACP LAPORTE COUNTY (naacplaportecounty3061.com)
Help with rent
Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program ( IERA) Applications Open now
Resources to Help You from People Who Care
A list of LaPorte County resources developed by Home Team Members
HOW TO GET YOUR FEDERAL STIMULUS CHECK
- Make sure you filed your 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return.
- You may be able to file for free online at: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
Did you miss the deadline to register online for the Economic Impact Payment? You may still be eligible to receive a payment in 2021 if:
- You did not register online, by mail and did not get a payment in 2020 or,
- You received a payment, but it wasn’t the full amount of the Economic Impact Payment. The maximum credit is $1,200, or $2,400 if married filing jointly, plus $500 for each qualifying child.
Then:
- When you file a 2020 Form 1040 or 1040SR you may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Save your IRS letter - Notice 1444 Your Economic Impact Payment - with your 2020 tax records. You’ll need the amount of the payment in the letter when you file in 2021.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FEDERAL STIMULUS CHECK
- DO make sure your essentials (food, utilities, shelter, transportation – in that order) are covered.
- DO make use of food pantries/programs, mortgage/rent/utilities assistance and other helpful community resources.
- DO make the minimum payments on your debt (if you can).
- DO toss anything leftover into an emergency fund.
- DO NOT take out a payday loan.
Updated 1 6 2021
Resources to Help You from People Who Care
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR HEALTH INSURANCE, GET PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE
-- Go to www.healthycommunitieslpc.org or call Healthy Communities of LP County at: 219-210-3499
-- Go to www.healthlincchc.org or call 1-888-580-1060.
--For prescription assistance, Catholic Charities at 219-879-9312 or North Central Community Action Agencies at 219-872-0351
--For prescription assistance, contact your local township trustee’s office. (SEE BELOW)
HOW TO FIND FOOD ASSISTANCE
Go to https://hflaporte.org/covid-19-resources/ , click on “Food Pantries” or call 2-1-1
--Apply for SNAP/Health coverage at https://fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/#/
--For food assistance, contact your local township trustee’s office. (SEE BELOW)
HOW TO APPLY FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE
-- For rental assistance, go to www.indianahousingnow.org or call 1-844-463-7638
--For mortgage assistance, go to Indiana Hardest Hit Funds at http://www.877gethope.org/can-i-get-help#am-i-eligible or call 1-877-281-1488
--For issues regarding homelessness, contact the Home Team at 219-707-0873
--For housing assistance, contact your local township trustee’s office. (SEE BELOW)
HOW TO APPLY FOR UTILITY ASSISTANCE
--Go to www.nipsco.com/assistance, learn about payment arrangements and resources
--Call North Central Community Action Agencies at 219-872-0351
--Call Catholic Charities of La Porte County, IN at 219-879-9312
--For utility assistance, contact your local township trustee’s office. (SEE BELOW)
HOW TO GET CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE
-- Go to https://hflaporte.org/covid-19-resources/ and click on “Community Resources for Parents, Educators & Community Members” or call 2-1-1
-- For food assistance, contact your local township trustee’s office. (SEE BELOW)
HOW TO GET MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
--Call Indiana Be Well at 2-1-1 (Select 3) – Available 24/7 or Swanson Center at 219-879-4621.
HOW TO GET TESTED FOR COVID-19
-- Go to https://lhi.care/covidtesting, call 888-634-1116 or contact your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call HealthLinc at 1-888-580-1060
- TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE PHONE
Cass Dara Lee Guse 219-733-2816
Center Lisa M. Pierzakowski 219-362-2736
Clinton Courtni Meyers 219-851-5156
Coolspring Jackie Atwater 219-872-2181
Dewey Dick Bucher 219-754-2159
Galena Edward Hynek 219-778-4932
Hanna Glenn A. Wallace 219-797-3575
Hudson Thomas M. Euler 219-229-6183
Johnson Dan Knowlton 574-876-0876
Kankakee Steve Lestinsky, Jr. 219-362-2391
Lincoln Dennis Christensen 219-369-1163
Michigan Rodney Washington 219-874-5201
New Durham Phillip J. Hannon 219-785-4036
Noble David Doepping 219-767-2317
Pleasant Susan Cable 219-369-1167
Prairie Robert Younggreen 219-863-5798
Scipio Kaelynn D. Deckard 219-608-1853
Springfield Howard C. Conley 219-325-0809/219-324-9572
Union Sherry Morris 219-393-3315
Washington Loretta Rudolph 219-362-5321/219-363-4841
Wills Joan Cuson 574-340-5031
Legal Assistance
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents throughout the state of Indiana.
The Indiana COVID-19 Rental Assistance Portal
This is a free, state online resource for renters and property managers in Indiana. The dynamic search options allow you to find affordable, accessible and market-rate housing that will fit your needs.
Covid-19 Rental Assistance Program is expected to start phase II shortly. Check the website for more information. www.IndianaHousingNow.org
Additional resources, and answers to frequently asked questions, can be found in the Coronavirus Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Guide.
Homeowner assistANCE
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM FACING FORECLOSURE?
If you are an Indiana homeowner who’s fallen behind on your mortgage payment due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment, divorce, death of a spouse or medical hardship, we want to help you stay in your home. Our federally funded program provides one-time reinstatement only assistance of up to $30,000 for those that qualify. For more information please visit: http://www.877gethope.org/.
Covid 19 - Support
Where to get help
Emergency Soup Kitchen
Where to get help
A list of local resources; this will be updated periodically. Please send additional information to the email below.
How you can help
Emergency Soup Kitchen
Where to get help
A list of local organizations that need your help- please send additional needs to the email below.
Emergency Soup Kitchen
Emergency Soup Kitchen
Mental Health Wellness
"We started Tuesday 3/17 at 35 meals, today we fed 132, and tomorrow, we are bumping up production up to 140." - Erik Tannehill
Mental Health Wellness
Local Mental Health and Domestic Violence Help
Mental Health Wellness
800-706-2751
Coronavirus got you feeling stressed, anxious, worried? New Region 24 hour mental health wellness hotline can help NWI Times article.
Local Mental Health and Domestic Violence Help
Local Mental Health and Domestic Violence Help
Local Mental Health and Domestic Violence Help
LaPorte County Comprehensive Mental Health Services
Swanson Center’s offices can be reached at 219-879-4621 or 219-362-2145.
If you are in crisis, and need immediate
assistance, please call 855-325-6934.
Stepping Stone Providing victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, our free services include 24/7 crisis lines, intervention, temporary shelter, clothing & food, transitional housing, counseling, support groups, and advocacy. 219-879-4615
Enjoy Nature at Home
Local Mental Health and Domestic Violence Help
Local Mental Health and Domestic Violence Help
Do you know what kind of trees are growing near your house? Why trees are beneficial? How can you help a local tree- adopt it! Check out our Michigan City Forester’s website!