Boards & Commissions.
Boards & Commissions.
Boards & Commissions. Welcome.
Serving on an appointed board or commission is a great way to participate in decisions that affect you and to learn more about how your local government works.
229 S. Second St, Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-5471
574-294-5471
Welcome.
Serving on an appointed board or commission is a great way to participate in decisions that affect you and to learn more about how your local government works.
229 S. Second St, Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-5471
574-294-5471
Common
Council.
.
.
Council Members
1st District Councilman
Aaron Mishler [D] | aaron.mishler@coei.org
2nd District Councilman
Chad Crabtree [D] | chad.crabtree@coei.org
3rd District Councilman
David E. Henke [R] | david.henke@coei.org
4th District Councilman
Dwight Fish [D] | dwight.fish@coei.org
5th District Councilman
H. Brent Curry [D] | brent.curry@coei.org
6th District Councilwoman
LaTonya King [D] | latonya.king@coei.org
At-Large Councilman
Arvis Dawson [D] | arvis.dawson@coei.org
At-Large Councilwoman
Tonda Hines [D] |tonda.hines@coei.org
At-Large Councilwoman
Alex Holtz [D] | alex.holtz@coei.org
For more information regarding the Common Council or questions for the Common Council Members please contact: Angie McKee, Council Clerk, at angie.mckee@coei.org or 574-322-4859. More information on how to contact Council Members can be found here.
The Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, except when such a Monday is a City holiday. More information on Common Council meetings can be found here.
To view the Elkhart City Council District Map, click here.
2024 Committee Assignments
- Finance: Arvis Dawson*, Alex Holtz, David Henke
- Public Health & Safety: Aaron Mishler*, Brent Curry, David Henke
- Planning & Development: Chad Crabtree*, Tonda Hines, David Henke
- Public Works & Improvements: Dwight Fish*, Tonda Hines, David Henke
- Art & Culture: LaTonya King*, Dwight Fish, David Henke
- Internal Controls: Brent Curry*, Alex Holtz, David Henke
* Denotes Committee Chairperson
Council liaisons to boards and commissions:
- Board of Aviation Commissioners: Dwight Fish
- Redevelopment Commission: Alex Holtz
- Board of Public Safety: Chad Crabtree
- Board of Public Works: Chad Crabtree
- Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission: David Henke
- MACOG: Dwight Fish
- Board of Parks and Recreation: LaTonya King
- Plan Commission: Aaron Mishler
- Board of Zoning Appeals: Tonda Hines
- Lerner Theatre Board: Aaron Mishler
- Human Relations Commission: Brent Curry
- Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association: Tonda Hines
- Police Merit Commission: Arvis Dawson
- Fire Merit Commission: Aaron Mishler
Board of
Aviation Commissioners.
.
.
Board Members
- Douglas Thorne
- Bruce Shreiner
- Tom Shoff
- Shari Mellin
Meetings:
Board of Aviation Commissioners meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month at 4pm in the Elkhart Municipal Airport Administration Building located at:
1211 County Road West, Elkhart, IN 46514
Board of
Public Safety.
.
.
The Board of Public Safety is comprised of five members appointed by the mayor. Their responsibilities are to oversee the general operations of the police, fire, communications center, and building and code enforcement department. The Board ratifies the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) contract, the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) contract, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) contract for the City of Elkhart.
Board Members
Dr. Kara Boyles, Chairman
229 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN 46516
574-292-4737 | KBoyleswork@gmail.com
LaLaesha Black, Vice-Chairman
236 Simpson Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516
269-816-1037 | LBlack@HeartCityHealth.org
Anthony Coleman, Member
2131 Frances Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
574-536-8406 | Tmonk2024@Icloud.com
Dacey Davis, Member
2510 Stark Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517
574-329-6607 | DaceyDavis@yahoo.com
Brian Thomas, Member
914 Strong Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514
574-596-7411 | Brian10K@AOL.com
Meetings:
Board of Public Safety meetings are held the 9am in the Council Chambers on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
City Council Liaison: Chad Crabtree
Board of
Public Works.
.
.
The Board of Public Works is comprised of five members appointed by the mayor. Their responsibilities are to oversee all bidding, contracts, agreements, approve policies for various departments, use of City property, as well as the sale of surplus property, and management oversight of the Water and Wastewater Utilities. The Board also negotiates and approves the contract for those employees covered by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Teamsters Unions.
Board Members
Michael C. Machlan, President
Elkhart, IN 46514
574-612-1248 | mikemachlan@gmail.com
Jamie Arce, Vice-President
229 S Second St., Elkhart IN 46514
574-294-5471 ext. 1026 | jamie.arce@coei.org
Andy Jones, Member
1211 CR 6W, Elkhart, IN 46514
574-903-4815 | andy.jones@coei.org
Ronnie Davis, Member
3716 St Andrews Plc, Elkhart, IN 46517
574-370-7777 | Ron.Davis1insurance@gmail.com
Rose Rivera, Member
229 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN 46516
574-304-6911 | Rose.Rivera@coei.org
Board of Public Works meetings are held the 9am in the Council Chambers on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
City Council Liaison: Chad Crabtree
Board of
Zoning Appeals.
.
.
The Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a quasi-judicial body whose purpose is the review and consideration of all requests for relief from any standard in the Zoning Ordinance including variances, use variances, special exceptions, conditional use requests, and administrative appeals. Per State statute, members of the BZA may not be contacted regarding a case prior to the public hearing for a case. The BZA is comprised of five members, including two Plan Commission members and three citizen members. The BZA meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
For more information please visit the Board of Zoning Appeals tab on the Planning and Zoning page.
Building
Inspection Division.
.
.
The Building Department is primarily responsible for conducting building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections within the city limits. Inspections can be made through the individual inspectors located in the staff directory or the Permit Center can be contacted at 574-294-5471 ext 3005.
The Building Department approves construction permit applications for new construction, remodeling of existing structures, and the addition, alteration or replacement of electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire suppression systems. Prior to approval, plans must be submitted and reviewed for completeness and conformance to Indiana Building Codes. Application must be made through the Permit Center.
Plans for any Class 1 (commercial) structure may be required to be filed with the State of Indiana Department of Fire and Building Services prior to any permits being issued. You can click the link below to go to their website.
Indiana State Building Plan Review
The City of Elkhart currently issues licenses for Electrical and HVAC Contractors only. We do, however, register State Licensed Plumbers and bonded Demolition Contractors. Electrical licensing is done by the Electrical Exam Board and Mechanical (HVAC) licensing is done by the Mechanical Exam Board. All licensing and registrations are renewed yearly and processed by the Permit Center.
All Indiana State Building Codes can be accessed here.
Economic Development
Commission.
.
.
The Elkhart Economic Development Commission consists of a three-member board and meets on an as needed basis, typically to approve loan requests for economic development projects.
The current members include:
- Sandi Schreiber
- Brent Curry
Fire Merit
Commission.
.
.
Members:
- Mandy Leazenby, President
- Jim Rodino, Vice-President
- Doug Bowlby, Secretary
- Bunita Fields-Buggs
- Regina Fultes
Meetings:
Regular meetings are held at 3:30pm in the Common Chambers on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.
Historic and Cultural
Preservation Commission.
.
The Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission is responsible for overseeing development in the City’s Local Historic Districts and assist property owners in applying for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Properties located in the historic district must conform to Rehabilitation Guidelines contained in the Historic and Cultural Preservation ordinance. All exterior changes to properties in historic districts must be approved by the Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission prior to the start of construction. The HCPC meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
For more information, please visit the Historic and Cultural Preservation tab on the Planning and Zoning page.
Human Relations
Commission.
.
.
The City of Elkhart Human Relations Commission is an enforcement agency where complaints are investigated regarding discrimination in housing, based on race/color, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, sex, and familial status. The Commission has jurisdiction over housing providers located within the corporate limits of the City of Elkhart. The Commission also provides information to local housing providers, agencies, neighborhoods associations, churches, landlord and tenants and organizations about the Federal Fair Housing Act and Landlord & Tenant Relations Indiana Code 32-31. The Commission’s staff can provide fair housing trainings, outreach material, and can review lease agreements and policies to assure compliance with local and federal law.
Members:
- Mary Jo Weyrick, Chair
- Patty Gorostieta, Vice Chair
- Crystal Welsh
- Dana Irving
Staff:
- Dana Donald, CD Specialist & Fair Housing
Important News:
Check out the YouTube video series, “Fair Housing Tips in Less Than a Minute,” which covers topics ranging from understanding protected classes to banning pets at an apartment. You can view each short video individually by following the links below:
Tip #1: Protected Classes
Tip #2: Singling Out Children
Tip #3: Telling Prospects About Apartments
Tip #4: Banning Pets
Tip #5: Retaliating Against Tenants
Tip #6: Stay on Top of Fair Housing Compliance
Tip #7: Don’t Make Assumptions About Disabilities
Tip #8: Don’t Favor Certain Religions
Tip #9: Follow Senior Housing Exemptions
Tip #10: Fair Housing Fears
Elkhart Human Relations Commission Discrimination Intake Form (Fill out, print, and return to the HRC Office)
Fair Housing Trainings
The City of Elkhart Human Relations Commission in partnership with the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) hosted three fair housing events in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The Commission would like to invite you to learn about the Fair Housing Act by attending fair housing training sessions. Please check back for upcoming training dates for 2022.
50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act
April 11, 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968.
Employment Cases:
The Human Relations Commission no longer investigates employment discrimination cases. If you wish to file an employment discrimination case please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C., Federal Agency):
Phone: 1-800-669-4000, TDD: 1-800-669-6820, website: www.eeoc.gov
For Minimum Wage concerns please contact the Indiana Department of Labor:
Phone: 1-317-232-2655, website: www.in.gov/dol
2024 Human Relations Commission Meeting Schedule
Park
Board.
.
.
Members:
- Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, President
- Chris Baiker, Vice-President
- Sarah Santerre, Secretary
- Bil Murray, Treasurer
To reach the Elkhart Park Board Members, email elkhartcityboard@coei.org.
Meetings:
Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers and begin at 5:00 pm.
The meeting Packets and minutes can be found below.
| January 16, 2024 | July 16, 2024 |
| February 20, 2024 | August 20, 2024 |
| March 19, 2024 | September 17, 2024 |
| April 16, 2024 | October 15, 2024 |
| May 21, 2024 | November 19, 2024 |
| June 18, 2024 | December 17, 2024 |
2023 Meeting Packets and Minutes
| January 17, 2023 | July 18, 2023 |
| February 21, 2023 | August 15, 2023 |
| March 21, 2023 | September 19, 2023 |
| April 18, 2023 | October 17, 2023 |
| May 16, 2023 | November 21, 2023 |
| June 20, 2023 | December 19, 2023 |
2022 Meeting Packets and Minutes
| January 18, 2022 | July 19, 2022 |
| February 15, 2022 | August 16, 2022 |
| March 15, 2022 | September 20, 2022 |
| April 19, 2022 | October 18, 2022 |
| May 17, 2022 | November 18, 2022 |
| June 21, 2022 | December 20, 2022 |
Application for Use and Event Permits
Note: A combined permit for both the Parks Department and the Board of Works is required at least 60 days in advance of the event.
Fill out the application and submit it via email, mail, or in person to the Parks office, located at 229 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN 46516.
The 2025 USE and EVENT PERMIT can be found HERE, and please email city.parks@coei.org with any questions. Applicants must be present at the next board meeting to answer questions from the board.
Additional items you may need:
- 501(c)(3) Form – Not-for-profit organizations
- Certificate of Insurance Liability – a minimum of $3,000,000 in coverage
The Board of Parks and Recreation is composed of four members, with the President of the Board serving as the presiding Officer of the Board. Each member is appointed by the Mayor and serves a four-year term. The Board receives the budget, holds any hearings required by law, and approves the award of all contracts.
Plan
Commission.
.
.
The Elkhart City Plan Commission reviews and approves or recommends action to the Common Council or Board of Zoning Appeals on Rezonings, Subdivisions, Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and PUD Amendments, Annexations, Special Exceptions, Wireless Communication Facilities, and other development proposals. The Plan Commission also hears appeals from the decisions of the Plat Committee.
The commission is made up of nine members, including a representative from the Common Council, Parks Board and Board of Works, the City Engineer, and five citizen members. The Plan Commission holds its regular meetings on the first Monday of every month at 1:45 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
For more information please visit the Plan Commission tab on the Planning and Zoning page.
Plat
Committee.
.
.
The Plat Committee is appointed by the Plan Commission to act on its behalf. The Plat Committee has the authority to grant primary approval, conditional approval or disapproval of all Minor Subdivisions, grant primary approval, conditional approval or disapproval of all other subdivisions of 3 lots or less, and grant secondary approval for all subdivisions of three lots or less. The Plat Committee is made up of three members and meets on demand in the Planning Services Division office.
For more information please visit the Plat Committee tab on the Planning and Zoning page.
Police Merit
Commission.
.
.
Members:
- James Rieckhoff, President
- Brad Billings, Vice President
- Clifton Hildreth, Secretary
- Rev. Jean Mayes
- Thomas Barber
Meetings:
Regular meetings are held at 9am in the Council Chambers on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.
Redevelopment
Commission.
.
Meetings:
All meetings are held at 4pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts and Plans:
- Aeroplex Economic Development Plan
- Cassopolis Street Economic Development Plan
- Consolidated South Elkhart Redevelopment Plan
- Downtown Redevelopment Plan
- Technology Park Redevelopment Plan
Confirming resolutions for TIF districts were passed on the following dates:
- Downtown – February 25, 1986
- Southwest Industrial – November 14, 2000
- Aeroplex – November 12, 2002
- Cassopolis – January 10, 2006
- Consolidated South Elkhart – November 12, 2013
For information regarding the City of Elkhart Redevelopment Commission, please visit the Redevelopment Commission tab on the Community Development page.
Lerner
Governing Board..
Board Members
Gary Boyn
861 Parkway Ave.
574-294-7491 | gboyn@warrickandboyn.com
Dina Harris
PO Box 7111, South Bend, IN 46634
574-520-4131 | diharris@iusb.edu
Dallas Bergl
358 S. Elkhart Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-6553 | dbergl@inovafcu.org
Diana Lawson
1077 Greedleaf Bvld., Elkhart, IN 46514
574-903-1151 | dianalynnlawson@gmail.com
Ashley Martin
1516 Middlebury St., Elkhart, IN 46516
574-352-0019 | martina3@nibco.com
Jamie Arce
229 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-5471 | jamie.arce@coei.org
Meetings:
The Lerner Governing Board meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10:00am in Common Council Chambers at City Hall.
Common
Council.
.
.
.
Council Members
1st District Councilman
Aaron Mishler [D] | aaron.mishler@coei.org
2nd District Councilman
Chad Crabtree [D] | chad.crabtree@coei.org
3rd District Councilman
David E. Henke [R] | david.henke@coei.org
4th District Councilman
Dwight Fish [D] | dwight.fish@coei.org
5th District Councilman
H. Brent Curry [D] | brent.curry@coei.org
6th District Councilwoman
LaTonya King [D] | latonya.king@coei.org
At-Large Councilman
Arvis Dawson [D] | arvis.dawson@coei.org
At-Large Councilwoman
Tonda Hines [D] |tonda.hines@coei.org
At-Large Councilwoman
Alex Holtz [D] | alex.holtz@coei.org
For more information regarding the Common Council or questions for the Common Council Members please contact: Angie McKee, Council Clerk, at angie.mckee@coei.org or 574-322-4859. More information on how to contact Council Members can be found here.
The Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, except when such a Monday is a City holiday. More information on Common Council meetings can be found here.
To view the Elkhart City Council District Map, click here.
2024 Committee Assignments
- Finance: Arvis Dawson*, Alex Holtz, David Henke
- Public Health & Safety: Aaron Mishler*, Brent Curry, David Henke
- Planning & Development: Chad Crabtree*, Tonda Hines, David Henke
- Public Works & Improvements: Dwight Fish*, Tonda Hines, David Henke
- Art & Culture: LaTonya King*, Dwight Fish, David Henke
- Internal Controls: Brent Curry*, Alex Holtz, David Henke
* Denotes Committee Chairperson
Council liaisons to boards and commissions:
- Board of Aviation Commissioners: Dwight Fish
- Redevelopment Commission: Alex Holtz
- Board of Public Safety: Chad Crabtree
- Board of Public Works: Chad Crabtree
- Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission: David Henke
- MACOG: Dwight Fish
- Board of Parks and Recreation: LaTonya King
- Plan Commission: Aaron Mishler
- Board of Zoning Appeals: Tonda Hines
- Lerner Theatre Board: Aaron Mishler
- Human Relations Commission: Brent Curry
- Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association: Tonda Hines
- Police Merit Commission: Arvis Dawson
- Fire Merit Commission: Aaron Mishler
Board of
Aviation Commissioners.
.
.
Board Members
- Douglas Thorne
- Bruce Shreiner
- Tom Shoff
- Shari Mellin
Meetings:
Board of Aviation Commissioners meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month at 4pm in the Elkhart Municipal Airport Administration Building located at:
1211 County Road West, Elkhart, IN 46514
Board of
Public Safety.
.
.
The Board of Public Safety is comprised of five members appointed by the mayor. Their responsibilities are to oversee the general operations of the police, fire, communications center, and building and code enforcement department. The Board ratifies the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) contract, the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) contract, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) contract for the City of Elkhart.
Board Members
Dr. Robert Woods, Chairman
3908 Doral Lane, Elkhart, IN 46517
574-320-5411 | Bobwoods3908@gmail.com
Carol Loshbough, Vice-Chairman
PO Box 846, Elkhart, IN 46515
574-293-1042 | grandmabrie@gmail.com
Anthony Coleman, Member
2131 Frances Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
574-536-8406 | anthonycoleman40@netzero.net
Rev. Charlie Cross, Member
122 Martin Luther King Dr, Elkhart, IN 46516
618-521-7031 | rvcbcross@att.net
Dr. Kara Boyles, Member
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-292-4737 | KBoyleswork@gmail.com
Meetings:
Board of Public Safety meetings are held the 9am in the Council Chambers on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
Board of
Public Works.
.
.
The Board of Public Works is comprised of five members appointed by the mayor. Their responsibilities are to oversee all bidding, contracts, agreements, approve policies for various departments, use of City property, as well as the sale of surplus property, and management oversight of the Water and Wastewater Utilities. The Board also negotiates and approves the contract for those employees covered by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Teamsters Unions.
Board Members
Michael Machlan, President
Elkhart, IN 46514
574-612-1248 | mikemachlan@gmail.com
Chad Crabtree, Vice-President
1420 Cedar St, Elkhart IN 46514
574-596-6750 | chad@alumni.iu.edu
Jamie Arce, Member
229 S Second St, Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-5471 ext. 1026 | jamie.arce@coei.org
Ronnie Davis, Member
3716 St Andrews Plc, Elkhart, IN 46517
574-370-7777 | Ron.Davis1insurance@gmail.com
Rose Rivera, Member
229 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN 46516
574-304-6911 | Rose.Rivera@coei.org
Board of Public Works meetings are held the 9am in the Council Chambers on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
City Council Liaison: Arvis Dawson
Board of
Zoning Appeals.
.
.
The Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a quasi-judicial body whose purpose is the review and consideration of all requests for relief from any standard in the Zoning Ordinance including variances, use variances, special exceptions, conditional use requests, and administrative appeals. Per State statute, members of the BZA may not be contacted regarding a case prior to the public hearing for a case. The BZA is comprised of five members, including two Plan Commission members and three citizen members. The BZA meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
For more information please visit the Board of Zoning Appeals tab on the Planning and Zoning page.
Building
Inspection Division.
.
.
The Building Department is primarily responsible for conducting building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections within the city limits. Inspections can be made through the individual inspectors located in the staff directory or the Permit Center can be contacted at 574-294-5471 ext 3005.
The Building Department approves construction permit applications for new construction, remodeling of existing structures, and the addition, alteration or replacement of electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire suppression systems. Prior to approval, plans must be submitted and reviewed for completeness and conformance to Indiana Building Codes. Application must be made through the Permit Center.
Plans for any Class 1 (commercial) structure may be required to be filed with the State of Indiana Department of Fire and Building Services prior to any permits being issued. You can click the link below to go to their website.
Indiana State Building Plan Review
The City of Elkhart currently issues licenses for Electrical and HVAC Contractors only. We do, however, register State Licensed Plumbers and bonded Demolition Contractors. Electrical licensing is done by the Electrical Exam Board and Mechanical (HVAC) licensing is done by the Mechanical Exam Board. All licensing and registrations are renewed yearly and processed by the Permit Center.
All Indiana State Building Codes can be accessed here.
Economic Development
Commission.
.
.
The Elkhart Economic Development Commission consists of a three-member board and meets on an as needed basis, typically to approve loan requests for economic development projects.
The current members include:
- Sandi Schreiber
- Brent Curry
Electrical
Exam Board.
.
.
The Electrical Exam Board is the authority approving the issuance of electrical licenses. The Board meets once every quarter to review exam scores and approve licensing. The meetings take place on the 4th Monday of January, April, July and October. This is the only time licenses can be approved to be issued.
The Electrical Exam Board is comprised of the following members:
- Daniel Riddle – Chairman/Electrical Inspector
- Kathy Kalman – Local Homeowner
- Gary Shaum – Electrical Contractor
- Craig Johnson – Industry Electrician
- Philip Niemzyk – Journeyman Electrician
- Don Santerre – Electrical Utility Representative
The exam currently used by the City of Elkhart is the Prometric Master Electrician’s Exam based on the 2008 National Electrical Code. We offer the exam here locally the 2nd Monday of January, April, July and October.
Fire Merit
Commission.
.
.
Members:
- Mandy Leazenby, President
- Jim Rodino, Vice-President
- Cary Miller, Secretary
- Rev. McNeal Stewart
- Doug Bowlby
Meetings:
Regular meetings are held at 3:30pm in the Common Chambers on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.
Historic and Cultural
Preservation Commission.
.
.The Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission is responsible for overseeing development in the City’s Local Historic Districts and assist property owners in applying for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Properties located in the historic district must conform to Rehabilitation Guidelines contained in the Historic and Cultural Preservation ordinance. All exterior changes to properties in historic districts must be approved by the Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission prior to the start of construction. The HCPC meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
For more information, please visit the Historic and Cultural Preservation tab on the Planning and Zoning page.
Human Relations
Commission.
.
.
The City of Elkhart Human Relations Commission is an enforcement agency where complaints are investigated regarding discrimination in housing, based on race/color, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, sex, and familial status. The Commission has jurisdiction over housing providers located within the corporate limits of the City of Elkhart. The Commission also provides information to local housing providers, agencies, neighborhoods associations, churches, landlord and tenants and organizations about the Federal Fair Housing Act and Landlord & Tenant Relations Indiana Code 32-31. The Commission’s staff can provide fair housing trainings, outreach material, and can review lease agreements and policies to assure compliance with local and federal law.
Members:
- Crystal Welsh, Chair
- Amy DeBeck
- Dana Irving
- Mary Jo Weyrick
- Patty Gorostieta
Staff:
Director of Community & Redevelopment
- Dana Donald, CD Specialist & Fair Housing
Important News:
Human Relations Commission- 2022 Human Relations Commission Meeting Schedule
Fair Housing Trainings
The City of Elkhart Human Relations Commission in partnership with the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) hosted three fair housing events in 2019. The Commission would like to invite you to learn about the Fair Housing Act by attending fair housing training sessions. Please check back for upcoming training dates for 2022.
50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act
April 11, 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968.
Employment Cases:
The Human Relations Commission no longer investigates employment discrimination cases. If you wish to file an employment discrimination case please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C., Federal Agency):
Phone: 1-800-669-4000, TDD: 1-800-669-6820, website: www.eeoc.gov
Indiana Civil Rights Commission (I.C.R.C., State Agency):
Phone: 1-800-628-2909, TDD: 1-800-743-3333, website: www.in.gov/icrc
For Minimum Wage concerns please contact the Indiana Department of Labor:
Phone: 1-317-232-2655, website: www.in.gov/dol
Mechanical Exam
Board.
.
.
Members:
-
Ron Glick, Chairman/Inspector
-
Steve Clodfelter, Natural Gas Utility
-
Charles Parker, Class A Contractor
-
Bart Lefever, Class AA Contractor
-
Mike Church, Class AAA Contractor
-
Dale McDowell, Local Homeowner
The Mechanical Exam Board meets on the 4th Wednesday of January, April, July and October of each year.
Park
Board.
.
.
Members:
- Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, President
- Chris Baiker, Vice-President
- Sarah Santerre, Secretary
- Bil Murray, Treasurer
To reach the Elkhart Park Board Members, email elkhartcityboard@coei.org.
Meetings:
Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers and begin at 5:00 pm.
The meeting Packets and minutes can be found below.
| January 16, 2024 | July 16, 2024 |
| February 20, 2024 | August 20, 2024 |
| March 19, 2024 | September 17, 2024 |
| April 16, 2024 | October 15, 2024 |
| May 21, 2024 | November 19, 2024 |
| June 18, 2024 | December 17, 2024 |
2023 Meeting Packets and Minutes
| January 17, 2023 | July 18, 2023 |
| February 21, 2023 | August 15, 2023 |
| March 21, 2023 | September 19, 2023 |
| April 18, 2023 | October 17, 2023 |
| May 16, 2023 | November 21, 2023 |
| June 20, 2023 | December 19, 2023 |
2022 Meeting Packets and Minutes
| January 18, 2022 | July 19, 2022 |
| February 15, 2022 | August 16, 2022 |
| March 15, 2022 | September 20, 2022 |
| April 19, 2022 | October 18, 2022 |
| May 17, 2022 | November 18, 2022 |
| June 21, 2022 | December 20, 2022 |
Application for Use and Event Permits
Note: A combined permit for both the Parks Department and the Board of Works is required at least 60 days in advance of the event.
Fill out the application and submit it via email, mail, or in person to the Parks office, located at 229 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN 46516.
The application can be found here, and please email city.parks@coei.org with any questions. Applicants must be present at the next board meeting to answer questions from the board.
Additional items you may need:
- 501(c)(3) Form – Not-for-profit organizations
- Certificate of Insurance Liability – a minimum of $3,000,000 in coverage
The Board of Parks and Recreation is composed of four members, with the President of the Board serving as the presiding Officer of the Board. Each member is appointed by the Mayor and serves a four-year term. The Board receives the budget, holds any hearings required by law, and approves the award of all contracts.
Plan
Commission.
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The Elkhart City Plan Commission reviews and approves or recommends action to the Common Council or Board of Zoning Appeals on Rezonings, Subdivisions, Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and PUD Amendments, Annexations, Special Exceptions, Wireless Communication Facilities, and other development proposals. The Plan Commission also hears appeals from the decisions of the Plat Committee.
The commission is made up of nine members, including a representative from the Common Council, Parks Board and Board of Works, the City Engineer, and five citizen members. The Plan Commission holds its regular meetings on the first Monday of every month at 1:45 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
For more information please visit the Plan Commission tab on the Planning and Zoning page.
Plat
Committee.
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The Plat Committee is appointed by the Plan Commission to act on its behalf. The Plat Committee has the authority to grant primary approval, conditional approval or disapproval of all Minor Subdivisions, grant primary approval, conditional approval or disapproval of all other subdivisions of 3 lots or less, and grant secondary approval for all subdivisions of three lots or less. The Plat Committee is made up of three members and meets on demand in the Planning Services Division office.
For more information please visit the Plat Committee tab on the Planning and Zoning page.
Police Merit
Commission.
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.
Members:
- James Rieckhoff, President
- Brad Billings, Vice President
- Clifton Hildreth, Secretary
- Rev. Jean Mayes
- Thomas Barber
Meetings:
Regular meetings are held at 9am in the Council Chambers on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.
Redevelopment
Commission.
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Members:
- Sandi Schreiber, President
- Wes Steffen, Vice President
- Alex Holtz, Secretary
- Gerry Roberts
- Dina Harris
- Dorisanne Nielsen
Meetings:
All meetings are held at 4pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts and Plans:
- Aeroplex Economic Development Plan
- Cassopolis Street Economic Development Plan
- Consolidated South Elkhart Redevelopment Plan
- Downtown Redevelopment Plan
- Technology Park Redevelopment Plan
Confirming resolutions for TIF districts were passed on the following dates:
- Downtown – February 25, 1986
- Southwest Industrial – November 14, 2000
- Aeroplex – November 12, 2002
- Cassopolis – January 10, 2006
- Consolidated South Elkhart – November 12, 2013
For information regarding the City of Elkhart Redevelopment Commission, contact:
Adam Fann, Assistant Director for Redevelopment
574-322-4834 ext. 1019 | Adam.Fann@coei.org
Mike Huber, Director of Development Services
574-322-4490 ext. 1078 | Mike.Huber@coei.org
2023 AGENDAS:
January Meeting
February Meeting
Lerner
Governing Board..
Board Members
Gary Boyn
861 Parkway Ave.
574-294-7491 | gboyn@warrickandboyn.com
Dina Harris
PO Box 7111, South Bend, IN 46634
574-520-4131 | diharris@iusb.edu
Dallas Bergl
358 S. Elkhart Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-6553 | dbergl@inovafcu.org
Diana Lawson
1077 Greedleaf Bvld., Elkhart, IN 46514
574-903-1151 | dianalynnlawson@gmail.com
Ashley Martin
1516 Middlebury St., Elkhart, IN 46516
574-352-0019 | martina3@nibco.com
Jamie Arce
229 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-5471 | jamie.arce@coei.org
Meetings:
The Lerner Governing Board meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10:00am in Common Council Chambers at City Hall.
