Category Archives: Public Notice and Meeting Announcements

Under this category, public notices for various boards and committees are published.

Happy New Water Year

Read the newsletter by clicking the following link: bit.ly/SWNews_Oct2023.

The goal of the Goshen Stormwater Department is clean water for everyone and everything. One way this is achieved is through public education and the Stormwater Toolbox Newsletter is one of many ways this is accomplished. 

In this month’s newsletter, there are three articles:

  1. Happy New Water Year – Find out what the “water year” is and why it is important to understand how much water falls from the sky from place to place and during different seasons of the year. Additionally, find out how you can help monitor rainfall by becoming a volunteer with CoCoRaHS. 
  2. Find out the origins of the word “hydrology” in the next installment of the “Why are there so many words for waterways?” series. 
  3. The Value of Water has been calculated at $58 Trillion by the World Wildlife Foundation! Water has immense value but we continue to have “water blindness” to this important resource. Find out more.

If you have concerns about stormwater drainage or water quality issues or have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the Goshen Stormwater Department at stormwater@goshencity.com or 574-534-2201.

You can still plant this season!

Many people ask “how late in the year can we plant a tree?” Our answer: Ideally, before Thanksgiving, though you can still plant as long as you can dig – usually, this means before the first hard frost. There is no need to water the tree when it is planted in the fall due to its dormancy. Creating a circle of mulch around the tree when it is planted is also important to keep it safe from mower damage and keep the soil moist, though “volcano mulching” – mulching up the base of the tree trunk – is a big problem. Instead, create a “doughnut” of mulch around a tree to help it thrive.

Why plant trees? Trees provide enough shade to reduce cooling costs in your home, and deflect chilly winds in the winter. Trees absorb thousands of gallons of rainwater each year and can help to reduce the need for stormwater runoff systems that may be expensive to build, and require costly maintenance. Most notably, trees absorb vast amounts of toxins in the air, as well as carbon dioxide, cleaning and filtering our air, and releasing oxygen in the atmosphere. Not to mention they make our neighborhoods beautiful!

Questions about planting trees or about trees in general? Call Rieth Interpretive Center to reach the Environmental Resilience Department at 574-534-0076 or email at environmental@goshencity.com.

Learn More!

Goshen’s 38 Ongoing Road Projects

Are you curious about the latest updates on Goshen’s ongoing road projects? We have 38 projects aimed at improving our city’s infrastructure, making it more accessible and convenient for all residents. One of these projects, Wilden Ave, is making remarkable progress and is scheduled to reopen on November 11th.

Wilden Ave: Paving the Way for a Better Goshen

Wilden Ave is one of the key roads undergoing transformation in our ongoing road improvement projects. It’s been a significant effort, and we’re thrilled to announce that it’s on track to reopen on November 11th.

We understand that you might want to dive deeper into each of these 38 projects. For a more in-depth look at Wilden Ave and all the ongoing road projects in Goshen, we invite you to click here. This link will provide you with detailed information about each project, maps, and how they contribute to the betterment of our beautiful city.

Improving Infrastructure for a Brighter Future

These ongoing road projects in Goshen are a testament to our commitment to creating a more efficient and accessible city. They aim to enhance the quality of life for our residents, improve traffic flow, and ensure the safety of all who use our roads.

As we near the reopening of Wilden Ave and continue work on the other 37 projects, we encourage you to stay updated and engaged in the development of our city’s infrastructure. Feel free to explore the provided link for a comprehensive overview of the ongoing road projects and get ready to experience a better, more convenient Goshen.

We’ll keep you posted on further developments and milestones.

If you’d rather chat please call our engineering team with inquiries at 574-534-2201 or send an email to engineering@goshencity.com

FEMA and FCC to Conduct Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test

Washington, D.C. – Oct. 4, 2023

In collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall. This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the effectiveness of emergency communication systems and keep citizens informed during critical situations.

What to Expect

The national test will take place on Wednesday, October 4, at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET. It will consist of two components: the WEA and EAS capabilities.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA):

  • The WEA portion will be sent to all consumer cell phones, making it the second test to include all cellular devices.
  • The test message will appear in either English or Spanish, based on the language settings of your mobile device.
  • The message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” For Spanish language settings: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
  • The test will last approximately 30 minutes, and your cell phone should receive the message only once if it’s switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and your wireless provider participates in WEA.

Emergency Alert System (EAS):

  • The EAS portion will be broadcasted to radios and televisions.
  • This marks the seventh nationwide EAS test.
  • The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages, stating: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”

Why This Test Matters

The primary goal of the October 4 test is to ensure that these alert systems remain effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those of national significance. In the event of widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is set for October 11.

FEMA and the FCC are working closely with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers, and other stakeholders to minimize any confusion and maximize the public safety value of this test.

How It Works

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which allows authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communication networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.

This year, the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

Accessibility and Public Safety

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which then deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To ensure accessibility for all, including individuals with disabilities, these alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.

Stay Informed

We encourage all citizens to be aware of this nationwide test and to share this information with friends and family. Your participation in this test helps us improve our emergency communication systems and ensures that they are ready to serve you when it matters most.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to enhance the safety and well-being of our communities.

2023 Trick or Treat Hours

The City of Goshen’s 2023 suggested trick-or-treat hours are Saturday, October 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

For trick-or-treaters:

  • Kindly adhere to the designated trick-or-treat hours.
  • Visit homes with lit porch lights only, and never enter unfamiliar houses.

For treat providers and adults:

  • If you prefer not to participate, kindly switch off your porch lights.
  • Motorists, exercise caution by driving slowly and staying alert for pedestrians.
  • Ensure your driveway and porch are well-lit, and remove any potential tripping hazards from walkways when distributing treats.

INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF WHEEL LOADER

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety is soliciting sealed offers for a 2023 or newer wheel loader for use in the City of Goshen’s Street Department. The Board of Public Works and Safety is hereinafter referred to as “City”.


Offers are also being solicited for the following optional item. The City reserves the right to select the optional offer. Offers for the optional item are not conditional on offers offered for the wheel loader.


The Specification Documents may be obtained from the City of Goshen’s Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 202 South Fifth St., Goshen, IN 46528, or the City of Goshen’s current Bidding Opportunities portal at https://goshenindiana.org/bidding-opportunities. The City shall not be responsible for documents obtained from any other source.


Offers shall be submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and all contractual terms and conditions that are included in the Specification Documents. In addition to price, offers will be evaluated based on whether the Bidder is responsible, and if the Bidder’s offer is responsive.

Offers shall be filed with the City of Goshen Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 202 South Fifth Street, Goshen, IN 46528 until 1:45 p.m. August 14, 2023, at which time all offers received will be taken to the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting to be publicly opened and read aloud. The Board meeting will be held in City Court Room/Council Chambers at the Goshen Police & Court Building, 111 East Jefferson Street, Goshen.

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to reject any and all offers, delete any portions thereof, to waive any informalities or irregularities in any bid received, and to award a contract, consistent with Indiana law, to the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder. Award of contract is contingent on the availability of funds.

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 5157, COLLEGE AVENUE (COUNTY ROAD 36) ANNEXATION

Ordinance 5157, College Avenue (County Road 36), was passed by the Goshen Common Council on June 26, 2023, and approved and adopted by Mayor Gina M. Leichty.  The annexation area consists of approximately 34.2 acres of real estate generally located along both the north and south sides of College Avenue (County Road 36), west of County Road 31, and east of the railroad.  Ordinance 5157 in its entirety is available for inspection during regular business hours at the Goshen Clerk-Treasurer’s Office located at 202 South Fifth Street, Goshen, Indiana.

CITY KICKS-OFF PUBLIC OUTREACH EFFORTS FOR WATER SERVICE LINE INVENTORY

GOSHEN, Ind. (June 5, 2023)—With a booth at First Friday celebrations, the City of Goshen’s Water Utility kicked off public outreach efforts last Friday night for its lead-safe water service line inventory program.

By October 16th, 2024 the City of Goshen’s Water Utility is required to submit a completed inventory of water service line pipe materials to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). While administered by the State, this requirement is part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2021 revision of the Lead and Copper Rule. 

At the Monday, June 5th City Council meeting at 6 p.m., City staff will present their efforts so far to meet this regulatory deadline.

The presentation covers regulatory updates, inventory methods, the public outreach resource hub website, and summer door-knocking efforts to assist customers in identifying their service line material.

Water service-line materials can be field checked by digging small holes to uncover them (“potholing”) and by observing water pipes coming into a building attached to a water meter. To conserve funds, the City will focus on the latter method first.

Summer staff will be making their way through the City over the next several months making home visits to record service line materials. These efforts will be continued into 2024.

As an alternative, City residents and facility managers can self-report service line materials using a guided survey found at https://leadsafe-goshenindiana.hub.arcgis.com/pages/verify.

Dustin Sailor, Director of Public Works, comments on the process, “Goshen Water Utility is committed to transparency throughout the process of inventorying water service lines across the City and will use the information we gather to make smart decisions about our public infrastructure funds.”

The lead-safe hub website includes more information on the current status of the water-supply system and will be updated frequently to reflect the City’s latest efforts and findings https://leadsafe-goshenindiana.hub.arcgis.com.

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF CITY OF GOSHEN ORDINANCE 5159

Notice is given that Ordinance 5159, Amending Ordinance Violations Bureau, was passed by the Goshen Common Council on May 15, 2023, and approved and adopted by Mayor Stutsman.  Ordinance 5159 describes and continues the operation of previously established City of Goshen Ordinance Violations Bureau; establishes the City of Goshen ordinances, Goshen City Code sections, and Elkhart County Code sections (referred to individually as a “Bureau Ordinance”) that are subject to enforcement through an admission of violation before the violations clerk; assigns an appropriate civil penalty tier to the types of violations listed in the City of Goshen Bureau Ordinances Schedule and Elkhart County Bureau Ordinances Schedule; establishes the amount of civil penalties to be imposed for each civil penalty tier; and identifies the officials, employees or agents authorized to issue citations for the violation of a Bureau Ordinance.  Ordinance 5159 is available for inspection in its entirety during regular business hours at the Goshen Clerk-Treasurer’s Office located at 202 S. Fifth Street, Goshen, Indiana.

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF CITY OF GOSHEN ORDINANCE 5158

Notice is given that Ordinance 5158, Prohibiting Camping and Storage of Personal Property on Public Property, was passed by the Goshen Common Council on May 15, 2023, and approved and adopted by Mayor Stutsman.  Pursuant to Ordinance 5158, it is unlawful for any person to Camp, occupy Camp Facilities, or to place, store, or maintain Camp Facilities, Camp Equipment, or other related personal property on any property owned or controlled by the City of Goshen, except with the permission of the Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety.  The Ordinance also provides for the removal, storage, and/or disposal of Camp Facilities, Camp Equipment, and all other personal property from an unauthorized camp area by City of Goshen staff.  Ordinance 5158 is available for inspection in its entirety during regular business hours at the Goshen Clerk-Treasurer’s Office located at 202 S. Fifth Street, Goshen, Indiana.