Street Superintendent Discusses Semis Causing Yard Damage at Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety Meeting

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Plymouth Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt alerted Board of Public Works and Safety Members about some problems with out-of-town semis utilizing residential streets and causing damage to yards.

During Monday night’s BOW meeting, Marquardt said he’s received similar complaints in the past but they’ve been coming in more frequently lately.

“This spring has been crazy on semis coming down Beerenbrook, trying to turn onto Harrison to go toward Flora and they’re just tearing yards up,” Marquardt explained, “and before they’ve had some little problems, but in the past week, it’s happened three times.” Continue reading →

Commissioners Ratify Agreement with HERC

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

The Marshall County Commissioners approved a contract with Heavy Equipment Response Coalition (HERC) for flood emergency clean-up services.

The county and the City of Plymouth entered into an agreement with the not-for-profit agency where volunteer disaster response services, supplies and materials will be provided. Josh Walker helped solicit the organization out of Michigan to help with efforts during the flood event. The volunteers with the organization were coming back from relief efforts from hurricane activity in the south and stopped in at Plymouth to offer help.

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Plymouth City Council Discusses Grant to Reconstruct Footbridge

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

The City of Plymouth was recently awarded a grant for the LaPorte Street historic footbridge.

Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver told the council members last week that the federal government will reimburse the city $1.3 million of the $2 million project. That leaves the city with funding the rest of the project. Xaver said the city should plan now to find the $800,000 needed for the project. While the entire amount doesn’t need to be appropriated this year, a fund should be set up so the money can be moved as needed.

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Volunteer Clean-up Day Set for Saturday in Plymouth

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

A volunteer clean-up day in Plymouth is set for Saturday, March 3.

Residents and business owners affected by flood waters are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to report damage and needs.

Volunteers interested in participating in clean-up efforts are asked to arrive at the Plymouth Fire Department at 111 N. Center Street in Plymouth at 9 a.m. for a kick-off rally, task assignment and send-off. The effort will end at 2 p.m. Be sure to wear clothes you plan on throwing out after your volunteer effort is complete. Proper boots are essential.

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Debris Collection Underway in Plymouth

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

The Plymouth Street Department is working to help residents remove debris from the recent flood event. The collection effort will continue through the month of March.

It is encouraged to separate any unwanted debris on the curb in front of the residence or business. Separate electronics into its own pile as well as appliances and furnaces, tires, and sandbags. Drywall, carpet, wood and furniture needs to be in their own single pile.

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Plymouth City Council to Discuss User Fees

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

A committee is looking into the user fees for the City of Plymouth to determine any increases needed.

Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver reminded the Plymouth City Council that she asked them in July of last year how a shortfall of approximately $452,000 will be made up due to a loss in property tax revenue. She said the loss could be due to tax abatements, property tax appeals, unpaid property taxes and property tax caps. In August of last year, she asked the council members how they were going to offset the raises for firefighters and police officers. Volunteers offered to form a committee to research user fees and possibly present a restructured fee schedule with increases to help offset the revenue loss.

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Intergovernmental Agreement Pertaining to Planning Services to be Reviewed Monday

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

The intergovernmental agreement between Marshall County and the City of Plymouth for planning services with Planning Director Ralph Booker will be discussed by the Plymouth City Council members on Monday.

County Attorney Jim Clevenger told the Marshall County Commissioners on Tuesday morning that Plymouth City Attorney Sean Surrisi was off much of the last part of December and didn’t have a chance to review the paperwork prior to Tuesday’s commissioners meeting.

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Plymouth Police Chief Bacon Reveals Start Date of New Officers, Requests Permission to Apply for Department of Health Grant

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Plymouth Police Chief David Bacon came before the Board of Public Works and Safety last Wednesday where announced that two new officers, Nicholas Kindig and David Finn will be starting soon. He told members the new officers will be officially sworn in the morning of Monday, January 8th.

Additionally, the police chief was seeking approval to apply for a State Department of Health grant. Continue reading →

Plymouth Clerk-Treasurer Permitted to Carry out Year-End Financial Obligations

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Plymouth Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver sought permission to carry out year-end financial obligations during the city council meeting Wednesday night.

Clerk-Treasurer Xaver asked board members for the go ahead to make year-end transfers and encumbrances as necessary. She added that the figures will be added to the minutes from the meeting. Continue reading →

Plymouth City Council Members Approve all Appointments as Presented

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter and City Council members unanimously approved all appointments as presented during Wednesday night’s city council meeting. The council appointed Billy Ellinger and Mike Miley to the Redevelopment Commission. Each of them will serve a 1-year term, ending December 31st 2018.

The Mayor’s report included appointing Ken Houin and Joe Mersch to the Aviation Commissioners, Robert Listenberger to the Park and Recreation Board and Art Jacobs to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Each of those members will serve 4-year terms, ending December 31st 2021. Continue reading →

Marshall County Commissioners Makes Change to Intergovernmental Agreement

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

The Marshall County Commissioners considered the intergovernmental agreement between Planning Director Ralph Booker and the City of Plymouth when they met Monday morning.

For years, the county has had an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Plymouth. The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety recently agreed to a contract where the county would be paid a certain amount for six months in 2018 and Booker paid another amount for the same six months in 2018 for services rendered. Booker is anticipating retirement from his county position in June of 2018 and following that the entire amount would go to Booker as he tentatively plans to stay with the city as the plan director. The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members approved that agreement.

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Plymouth Gears up for the Christmas Season on Saturday

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

The City of Plymouth lighted holiday parade and Christmas tree lighting event is set for Saturday at 6 p.m.

Santa will lead the parade down Michigan Street in a Plymouth fire truck and get in place for the Christmas tree lighting and the unveiling of the park department’s light show at River Park Square.

Prior to this event, shop small business Saturday! Shop the downtown merchants where you will have a chance to win a $250 voucher to be used to purchase items at the downtown businesses. Win the voucher by checking off all of the items on your scavenger hunt list. Items pertaining to the Rees Theater can be found at participating stores. Find those items and check them off on your list. The scavenger hunt ends at 4 p.m. Continue reading →

Information Needed for Plymouth Parking Study

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

Officials are conducting a parking study in downtown Plymouth and need your help.

Plymouth city officials and members of Discover Plymouth along with the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) are working to understand the current parking capacity, identify areas of deficiencies, ease of parking, and the overall parking needs in downtown Plymouth. Information received in this study will help the city determine better parking options, signage or other parking improvements. Continue reading →

Join Mayor Mark Senter’s Effort to Help Save Local Lives

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Mayor of Plymouth Mark Senter will be hosting a blood drive today at the Plymouth Farmer’s Market from 8 a.m. until noon. All blood donated will remain within the community and could potentially save up to three local lives.

The drive can be found at the corner of Garro and River Street. To make an appointment, visit givebloodnow.com and enter Plymouth as the sponsor code or contact the Mayor’s Office at 574-936-6717. Walk-ins are also welcome. All donors will receive a complimentary mug from The Medical Foundation.

Latino Fest Returns after Seven Year Absence

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

The Latino Fest returns to the City of Plymouth tonight with a full night of activities.

The event begins at 5 p.m. in River Park Square  with bounce houses for the kids, games and entertainment. There will be many choices of food for sale by different vendors. A market place will be open to shop and there will also be an area to learn about local social service agencies.

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