Chesterton’s Town Council formalized its intention to terminate the joint police dispatch center with Porter by Oct. 1 by unanimously approving a resolution Monday.
The two communities will be joining the Porter County E-911 System.
The town of Porter passed a similar resolution on May 26.
Chesterton Town Attorney Connor Nolan said the resolution was needed to waive the contract language between the two towns, where a one-year notice was required before either community could withdraw from the dispatch operations.
Both towns decided weeks ago to close the police dispatch, prompted by the Porter County Commissioners on April 1 enacting a new standard operating procedure for its Porter County E-911 system. The 911 calls received by the county dispatch were no longer transferred to the Chesterton/Porter dispatch center.
“It’s been a long road, but I believe we’re up against the wall,” said Councilman James Ton, R 1st, following the vote.
Chesterton and Porter had operated the joint dispatch center for their police departments since 2014, but the change with the 911 call policy, along with financial pressures brought by Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1, were factors in the decision.
Porter County E-911 is already handling fire emergency dispatch for the two towns.
In other business, Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson made a detailed presentation about electric bikes — commonly known as e-bikes — which have recently become an issue in Chesterton and other communities. He also outlined the strategy for how the department is handling the situation.
Richardson said there have been at least four crashes involving e-bikes or similar vehicles within the past five weeks. The latest incident this past weekend involved a youngster breaking his arm after crashing into the back of a vehicle.
“What these accidents are telling us is that these e-bikes and, more importantly, the motorcycle-type bikes that are not even allowed to be on the streets are becoming problematic,” Richardson said.
Under Indiana law, e-bikes are regulated like bicycles. E-bikes, like bicycles, must follow the traffic laws and, under town law, are not supposed to be on sidewalks adjacent to businesses.
The Class 1 and 2 e-bikes have pedals and a top speed of 20 mph. A Class 3 e-bike can go up to 28 mph, and the rider must be at least 15 years old. The maximum power permitted for an e-bike is 750 watts.
Richardson said the problem is that there are a number of e-motos on the street. The critical difference is e-motos have power beyond 750 watts and are considered to be motor vehicles where the regular state laws apply. The e-motos can reach speeds of up to 50 mph.
Some people might think they have an e-bike, but it is actually an e-moto or motorcycle-type vehicle. Richardson said the police department is going to need help from parents to keep children safe.
“Know what class of e-bike your child is riding and assure that the e-bike actually qualifies as an e-bike,” Richardson said.
Chesterton police have been issuing warnings, but in the coming weeks, officers will be more active in enforcement. Richardson said for a repeat offense, an e-bike might be impounded.
Richardson said his department is not trying to be mean, but it’s a safety issue for all concerned.
At the close of the meeting, Council President Erin Collins, D-2nd, said that the council passed a continuing resolution last year that automatically designates June annually as Pride Month in Chesterton.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
