The Goshen City Redevelopment Commission voted 5–0 to authorize staff to apply to the regional planning authority for additional federal participation to cover a roughly $328,000 increase in the Blackport Drive rehabilitation estimate, keeping the local share near $500,000 if approved.

Police and fire leaders outlined staffing changes tied to contract negotiations, a new civilian analyst role, and NIH partnerships that free patrol resources; chiefs noted a $400,000 ambulance in the capital plan and potential school funding for additional SROs.

The commission approved Resolution 25-2025 to incorporate the county's bridge reconstruction on College Avenue into the city's phase 1 project and approved an amended registered claims list; commissioners said county funds had already been appropriated to the county highway department.

Board members discussed planning a single-day youth environmental leadership conference, tentatively Feb. 3, 2027, aimed at 10th-grade students from Goshen and neighboring communities, to be supported in part by USDA grant public-education funds.

City finance adviser Amber Nielsen told the council the 2027 levy growth quotient is 6% and a certified 6.19% drop in net assessed value, plus higher property tax credits, will likely push Goshen’s municipal tax rate up from 1.35 to roughly 1.52 unless offsets are found.

Goshen officials unveiled a proposed 2027 budget totaling $93.6 million — a $12.4 million (15.2%) increase — driven largely by redevelopment projects and a new South Side water facility; officials also proposed a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment and warned of state-driven pension cost increases for public safety.

The Goshen Redevelopment Commission approved a development agreement that transfers the Ford Parcel for $1 to Structure Development LLC to build a 38-unit, three‑story Millrace Flats apartment building, secured by a $1.5 million compliance mortgage and scheduled for closing in mid‑2027.

After engineers reported revised stage‑2 estimates that raised the project to about $1.28 million (city share rising from ~$19,600 to ~$256,274 if federal match is secured), commissioners debated whether to accept expanded scope and additional funding. An initial motion failed; the board voted to reconsider the matter, then voted to table it and scheduled a special meeting for Sept. 25 to review clearer side‑by‑side numbers.

Cemetery staff proposed piloting autonomous mowing robots to cut labor, repair and fuel costs; board members asked about tree canopy interference, navigation technology, charger counts, security, ongoing trimming needs and employment impacts. Estimates ranged from about $7,000 to vendor quotes around $25,000 for different units; vendor-provided savings estimates were rough.

Goshen approved multiple NIMSCO lane restrictions and short-term road closures for distribution-automation switch installations at several addresses in September and October, contingent on in-person outreach to neighboring businesses and confirming a funeral-home date.

The Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety acknowledged forgiveness of $200,000 in loan principal to La Casa after the nonprofit met construction milestones at the Vernon supportive-housing campus. La Casa said the campus now includes multiple buildings serving seniors, youth aging out of foster care, families and residents in recovery.

After years of complaints about overflowing dumpsters and exterior disrepair at 517–519 New York St., the board affirmed the building commissioner’s order, suspended a $2,500 civil penalty until Oct. 8, 2026, and amended the order to let the city arrange dumpster removal at the owner's expense if the owner does not comply.

Council discussed local wheel/real tax options and road funding. Staff reported total current roadway funding ~ $2,861,000 with both wheel taxes included and warned redevelopment (TIF) funds that support paving will diminish by 2029; council voted to table formal action and continue the conversation at a future meeting.

Stormwater staff asked the board to authorize the mayor to sign a letter supporting Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation Districts' grant application to continue conservation practices in the Lower Elkhart watershed; the board approved the request unanimously.

Chuck Hamilton reported on the three-day Air Supremacy event: national pilots, more than 100 full-scale aircraft, a pilot medical emergency handled by local responders, improved recycling measures and an estimated community economic impact exceeding $100,000.

The board approved variances for a residential garage, a commercial parking expansion, a deck coverage request, a comprehensive set of variances for Goshen High School (with two amended conditions), and a six-month extension on a previous variance; staff will complete technical reviews where required.

The Board approved variances allowing turf replacement, larger bleachers (raising capacity to about 1,600), new scoreboards, taller light poles, and perimeter fencing for Goshen High School. Staff recommended a set of commitments; the board amended language on street trees and parcel consolidation before approving the package.

Council debated Ordinance 52‑67, a phased environmental fee to cover trash, recycling, brush pickup and access to the environmental services center. After extensive public comment from fire, EMS and residents, council adopted an amendment establishing a $10/month fee beginning 1/1/2027 with annual review and a hardship relief approach to be developed.

At a July meeting, the Goshen Board of Aviation Commissioners ratified the runway project's certificate of substantial completion, authorized closeout signings, approved contract amendments and multiple reimbursement requests, and agreed to seek additional grant funds to cover change-order overages.

Goshen City Council heard a Baker Tilly presentation on a proposed monthly environmental services fee intended to cover residential trash, recycling and yard-waste costs after projected revenue losses from Senate Enrolled Act 1 and related changes to local income tax structure. Consultants proposed a three-phase $7 → $14.30 → $22.40 monthly model with hardship options.

City building inspectors told the board that a reinforced‑concrete vault beneath 21 S. Fifth Street is structurally compromised and falling concrete has exposed rebar. The board affirmed the building commissioner's finding and directed the owner to present contractor proposals and a closure timeline; staff will monitor progress.

At its June 25 meeting, the Goshen City Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved hiring and swearing-in of two probationary firefighters, authorized multiple summer event and construction closures, approved several contracts (including a $467,680 inspection contract) and accepted a subdivision and drainage plan for an 18‑lot development.

Visit Elkhart County/CVB staff updated the council on tourism initiatives — Quilt Gardens, First Fridays, 4-H Fair collaborations — and reported the visitor economy produces at least $823 million annually in economic impact and supports roughly 7,000 jobs and $170 million in wages in Elkhart County.

Mayor Liy administered the oath of office to Andy Stevenson during a public ceremony in Goshen City, praising Stevenson's record of officer development and community engagement; university colleagues sent video endorsements, and Stevenson pledged to emphasize training, transparency and trust.

Staff updated the commission on design refinements for Restaurant Row and the Row on the Millrace, including lane widths, parking and bike connections, and announced a tentative groundbreaking July 9; resident Darren Durstein urged the city to require dark‑sky lighting for redevelopment projects and raised neighborhood concerns about fixtures.