| Environmental: How do I get appliances and large trash items picked up? | TOP |
| How do I get appliances and large trash items picked up? |
| Two large items such as a couch, chair, or mattress may be disposed of each week with your regular trash pick-up. The item should be placed wherever you place your regular trash for pick-up. Items containing freon, such as a refrigerator or freezer must have the freon properly removed by a refrigeration service and the certificate of removal must be provided to Allied Waste, our contract trash hauler, before they will pick such items up. Questions can be addressed to Allied Waste at (800)-888-5783. There is a nominal charge for removal of freon. |
| Environmental: Isn't it safer to put one of my children up front so their fighting won't distract me? | TOP |
| Isn't it safer to put one of my children up front so their fighting won't distract me? |
Do not place children in the front seat. The safest place is in the rear seat properly buckled. It is important not to give in to a child's growing pains while driving. Bring soft toys to keep them occupied. Keeping them in the back seat may sound difficult to do, but it could save your child's life.
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| Environmental: Where can I dispose of household hazardous wastes? | TOP |
| Where can I dispose of household hazardous wastes? |
The City operates a recycling center located at 1105 East Fifth Street. The center is open from 8:30 to 3:30, Tuesday through Saturday. The center accepts household hazardous waste including acids, aerosols, batteries, cleaners, cleansers, herbicides, medications, mercury items, paints, pesticides, poisons, solvents, waste fuels and waste oils.
For additional information, click here, contact the Mishawaka Street Department at 574-258-1660 or by e-mail.
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| Legal: Does the City Attorney give free legal advice to city residents? | TOP |
| Does the City Attorney give free legal advice to city residents? |
The Law Department performs all legal services for the City, including legal advice to City officials, preparation and review of contracts and other legal documents, prosecution of persons accused of violating City ordinances, and representation of the City and City officials in lawsuits.
The Law Department does not provide legal advice to members of the public.
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| Parks: Can I use my metal detector in Mishawaka parks? | TOP |
| Can I use my metal detector in Mishawaka parks? |
| The Parks Department requires that if you wish to "hunt metal" in a Mishawaka park, you must annually obtain a permit sticker to adhere to your metal detector. These stickers may be obtained in person at the Parks office at City Hall, 600 East Third Street. When a permit is obtained, a card certifying that you are authorized to hunt metal will be completed and provided. Specifically, the card authorizes you to hunt metal "in the Mishawaka Parks - but never on the golf course or in the parks where it interferes with the public." The card includes the your name, age and permit number and should be kept with you while hunting metal in any Mishawaka park. There is no fee associated with this permit; however, we do require a valid driver's license for identification purposes and for copying along with the permit and card, which is then kept on file in our offices. |
| Parks: What do I need to bring in to purchase a family pool pass? | TOP |
| What do I need to bring in to purchase a family pool pass? |
To verify residency, we typically will ask to see a driver's license. In some situations where individuals have recently moved into the area, a utility bill in the individual's name or a lease/purchase agreement along with the driver's license will also work.
Season passes are available at both the Park Office and at the Merrifield Complex. All family members to be included in the family season pass are required to be present in order to have a photo taken and placed on his/her own pass. A 1" x 1.25" photo will also work (head & shoulders shot) for those not able to be present.
We often have students who wish to purchase an ID or a Season Pass who are too young to drive. In that case, we can verify residency through school ID's or report cards. |
| Police: Are airbags dangerous for children? | TOP |
| Are airbags dangerous for children? |
Yes. Airbags inflate at speeds up to 200 mph. The blast can severely injure or kill passengers sitting too close. Children are more likely than adults to sit too close to an air bag. As a rule of thumb, children under age 12 should ride properly restrained in the center of the back seat.
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| Police: How do I know if my child safety seat is installed tightly enough? | TOP |
| How do I know if my child safety seat is installed tightly enough? |
| When the seat is properly installed, you should not be able to move it more than one inch from side to side or front to back. Put your knee in the safety seat and add your adult weight while tightening the seat belt to get a tight fit. |
| Police: How do police officers patrol the city? | TOP |
| How do police officers patrol the city? |
| Mishawaka is divided into six different "beats". Every beat has at least one officer covering it during each of the three shifts (days, afternoons and midnights), seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Backup officers are also positioned on the north and south sides of the river, which is the north-south dividing line. Depending on manpower, a motor patrol officer (motorcycle) may be utilized as well as traffic (crash) cars. Shift commanders cover the entire city. Neighborhood Enforcement Team officers supplement all of this, covering specific neighborhoods and target areas within the city. |
| Police: I can't see my baby! What should I do? | TOP |
| I can't see my baby! What should I do? |
For many parents this is a concern, but the bottom line is that the back seat is the safest place for a child of any age to ride. If you travel alone, allow plenty of time to pull off the road to periodically check your baby. Compare your child traveling to your child sleeping. You probably don't watch your baby sleep throughout the night. A healthy baby properly secured in a safety seat should not need constant watching. If your baby has a health condition, then two adults should be in the car when the baby is traveling, one to watch the baby and one to drive.
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| Police: I have trouble securing my child safety seat. Am I doing something wrong? | TOP |
| I have trouble securing my child safety seat. Am I doing something wrong? |
| Chances are you may not be doing anything wrong. Some child safety seats and vehicle seat belt systems are not compatible. Your best bet is to always try the child safety seat in your vehicle before you buy it. Also, always read the instructions that come with the child seat and all sections in the vehicle manual that discuss safety seat installation. Don't take make-shift measures. |
| Police: If my child is over age 12, are there height/weight requirements, in addition to age? | TOP |
| If my child is over age 12, are there height/weight requirements, in addition to age? |
While there are no height/weight requirements, children are much safer seated and properly restrained in the back seat regardless of age or the presence of an air bag. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, putting a child in the back seat instead of the front seat reduces the risk of death by 27 percent. Given this, if a child is very small, he is safer if restrained in the back seat.
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| Police: Is it better to buy a car seat with a 5-point harness or one with a shield? | TOP |
| Is it better to buy a car seat with a 5-point harness or one with a shield? |
| If you choose a convertible child safety seat, use a model equipped with a five-point harness system. Avoid models with a t-shield or tray shield, especially for newborns. In a crash, the baby's body may hit the hard plastic shield, causing head, abdominal, and chest injuries. |
| Police: My seven-year old rides in a lap-only belt in the middle of the back seat. Is this safe? | TOP |
| My seven-year old rides in a lap-only belt in the middle of the back seat. Is this safe? |
If you do not have shoulder belts in the back seat, use the lap belt since it at least keeps the passenger from being thrown from the car in a crash. Being thrown from the car increases the risk of death by four times compared to staying in the car. However, a lap belt alone should be your very last option. If shoulder belts are available, place the child in one of the side seats instead of in the center, so that your child has upper body protection. Children between 4 and 8 years of age (approximately 40 to 80 pounds) are safest when seated in booster seats with a shoulder/lap safety belt over them. Booster seats boost small children higher so they fit better and more comfortably in adult safety belts. If you have a car without shoulder belts, contact the car dealer to order a retrofit kit designed specifically for your vehicle by the manufacturer.
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| Police: Should my child use a safety seat when flying on an airplane? | TOP |
| Should my child use a safety seat when flying on an airplane? |
| Yes. The Federal Aviation Administration strongly recommends the use of a child safety seat, but does not require it. If you buy a ticket for your child, you have the right to use a safety seat. But if you don't buy a ticket, you may want to check with the airline about the use of a nearby empty seat. Check the labels on your car seat to make sure if it is certified for use in an aircraft. Make sure the base of your safety seat is no wider than 17 inches so that it fits into a coach-class seat. Once your child reaches 40 pounds, use the airplane seat belt alone. |
| Police: What about tethers for car seats? | TOP |
| What about tethers for car seats? |
A tether can help anchor a forward-facing child restraint more securely and reduce head excursion. Manufacturer-supplied tethers should be used and are available on all new forward-facing car seat models. Retrofit kits are available for many older car seats. New child safety seats will have three standard attachments: one on top and two at the base. Many vehicles have predrilled holes for tethers, however all new vehicles will have standard anchors in the back seat designed to link to these safety seat attachments. This standardized system for installing child safety seats in cars and light trucks, announced by President Clinton in February 1999, could prevent as many as 50 child fatalities and 3,000 injuries annually. (NHTSA)
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| Police: What can we do about speeding on our street? | TOP |
| What can we do about speeding on our street? |
| First, set an example by being aware of the speed you drive. Second, call the police (258-1678) and make a traffic enforcement request. This lets us know there is a problem and puts an officer in the area to regulate traffic. |
| Police: What is community oriented policing? | TOP |
| What is community oriented policing? |
| Community oriented policing has a wide variety of definitions but is generally considered a philosophy and management style that promotes proactive community partnerships to address the root causes of crime and fear affecting quality of life issues. In Mishawaka, officers are assigned to a specific neighborhood where they gather intimate knowledge about the culture, people and workings of that particular area. The people get to know the officer too. Through this partnership, they are able to address and tackle problems, sometimes even before they evolve into a criminal matter. These officers are part of our NEIGHBORHOOD ENFORCEMENT TEAM (NET). |
| Police: What is the Citizen's Police Academy? | TOP |
| What is the Citizen's Police Academy? |
This is a free community program whereby the public is offered the opportunity to learn about the inner-workings of police operations and law enforcement philosophies. There is a series of classes conducted by police officers, a judge, a representative from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's office, as well as traffic and crime scene technicians. It is an interactive setting involving hands-on experience, including ride-along programs, evidence collection, mock trials, self-defense, handgun safety, etc. The academy is a 10 week course, usually meeting on Wednesday nights from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. There is NO FEE for admission and the academy is offered several times throughout the year.
Academy dates and times will be posted, so check this website often. For additional information, call our Training Coordinator, DON HAYWOOD at 258-1706.
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| Police: What is the very best car seat to buy? | TOP |
| What is the very best car seat to buy? |
| All of the child safety seats on the market meet the same federal safety standards. The "best" seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and is easy to use properly each time you travel. |
| Police: Where is the best location for the car seat? | TOP |
| Where is the best location for the car seat? |
The center of the back seat is the safest place for a car seat because it is farthest away from crash impact points. If the car seat does not fit in the center-rear, then one of the outboard seating positions should be used.
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| Police: Which car seat is escape-proof? | TOP |
| Which car seat is escape-proof? |
| The purpose of the car seat is to properly restrain the child in the event of a crash. While there is no "escape proof" child seat, the combination of quality car seats with a snug harness, parental oversight and parental firmness keeps children in their seat. A study, in which SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. participated, found that most children respond to parental firmness quickly. |
| Sewers: How do I sign up for sewer repairs under the Sewer Insurance Program? | TOP |
| How do I sign up for sewer repairs under the Sewer Insurance Program? |
| Contact the Sewer Maintenance Department by phone (258-1715) to describe the sewer problem. The information requested will be your name, address, and the name of the company that could not correct your sewer problem. The homeowner is required to pay a $250.00 deductible (cash or check) at the Engineering Department, City Hall, 600 East Third Street. The invoice from the contractor paid to correct the problem is also to be brought to the Engineering Dpeartment. |
| Sewers: How much will it cost to repair my sewer under the Sewer Insurance Program? | TOP |
| How much will it cost to repair my sewer under the Sewer Insurance Program? |
| The homeowner experiencing sewer problems is responsible for retaining a professional sewer cleaning firm to open the blockage in the line. If the line cannot be cleared, the homeowner is required to pay a $250.00 deductible and sign an authorization. Costs above the $250.00 deductible are paid from the Sewer Insurance Fund. In the event the repair cost is less than $250.00, the Sewer Maintenance Department will issue a refund of the balance to the homeowner. |
| Sewers: What is covered by the Sewer Insurance Program? | TOP |
| What is covered by the Sewer Insurance Program? |
| Repairs to the homeowner’s private sewer lateral connection (between the foundation wall of the home and the City's trunk sewer main), costs associated with the removal and replacement of public streets, and curbs and sidewalks due to the repair. |
| Sewers: When will my Sewer Insurance work be completed? | TOP |
| When will my Sewer Insurance work be completed? |
| The Sewer Maintenance Department will arrange for a contractor to make the repairs under the Sewer Insurance Program as soon as possible, normally within 24 hours. The homeowner is required to be present in the event that the contractor needs access to the residence. |
| Sewers: Who can participate in the Sewer Insurance Program? | TOP |
| Who can participate in the Sewer Insurance Program? |
| All single-family property owners in the City of Mishawaka who pay sewer insurance, which appears on the monthly utility bill, are eligible to participate in this program. |
| Sidewalks & Curbs: How can I get the sidewalk fixed in front of my house? | TOP |
| How can I get the sidewalk fixed in front of my house? |
Property owners are responsible for the repair and maintenance of the sidewalks adjacent to their homes. The City of Mishawaka offers a Curb and Sidewalk Program, which was instituted in 1986 to encourage single-family homeowners to repair or replace the deteriorated public curb and sidewalks adjacent to their property. This program provides for a 50/50 split of the repair cost of curbs, sidewalks and drive approaches between the homeowner and the city. An estimate of cost will be given to the resident by the Engineering Department prior to any commitment for work to be completed. For more information or to enroll in this program contact the Engineering Department at 574-258-1619 or e-mail.
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| Sidewalks & Curbs: How do I sign up for the Curb & Sidewalk Replacement Program? | TOP |
| How do I sign up for the Curb & Sidewalk Replacement Program? |
| Contact the Engineering Department by phone (258-1619) or e-mail. The information requested will be your name, address, and phone number where you can be reached for questions. Also, specify what work you would like completed, i.e., sidewalk (all or number of sections), drive approach, etc. |
| Sidewalks & Curbs: How much will it cost to replace my curb or sidewalk? | TOP |
| How much will it cost to replace my curb or sidewalk? |
| Costs are shared. 50 percent is paid by the homeowner and 50 percent by the City. In the spring of each year, the City accepts bids to determine construction prices for that season. The homeowner’s share of the cost will be based on that year's bid prices multiplied by the amount of work to be completed. The homeowner will receive an estimate from the Engineering Department that identifies the work to be completed and the cost due. |
| Sidewalks & Curbs: What is covered by the Curb & Sidewalk Replacement Program? | TOP |
| What is covered by the Curb & Sidewalk Replacement Program? |
| The program includes the sidewalk in front of the residence, the drive approach (driveway in the right-of-way or tree lawn area), the curb and any sidewalk constructed in the right-of-way. After the work is completed, the contractor will seed the affected areas or for an additional cost, sod can be installed. |
| Sidewalks & Curbs: When can I turn my baby around to face forward in the car? | TOP |
| When can I turn my baby around to face forward in the car? |
You can position your baby's seat facing forward when he/she is at least one year old and weighs at least 20 pounds. Babies have heavy heads and fragile necks, with soft bones and stretchy ligaments, and even a slight forward "whipping" of the head can lead to paralysis or even death. At approximately one year of age, the bones in the neck will calcify, therefore it is recommended that you leave the baby rear-facing well beyond one year of age when possible. When a baby rides facing backwards, the whole body, head, neck, and torso are cradled by the back of the safety seat. It is the safest way for a child to ride.
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| Sidewalks & Curbs: When will the curb or sidewalk work be completed? | TOP |
| When will the curb or sidewalk work be completed? |
| The city is divided into four sections; the contractor moves from street to street within each section. Your schedule will be according to the section where you reside. No work will be scheduled until payment has been received by the Engineering Department. |
| Sidewalks & Curbs: Who can participate in the Curb & Sidewalk Replacement Program? | TOP |
| Who can participate in the Curb & Sidewalk Replacement Program? |
| All residential property owners in the City of Mishawaka are eligible for this program. |
| Streets & Alleys: How do I sign up for the Alley Paving Program? | TOP |
| How do I sign up for the Alley Paving Program? |
| Contact the Engineering Department by phone (258-1619) or e-mail. The information requested will be your name, address, and phone number where you can be reached for questions. |
| Streets & Alleys: How much will it cost to participate in the Alley Paving Program? | TOP |
| How much will it cost to participate in the Alley Paving Program? |
| Costs are shared 50 percent with the homeowners living along the alley and 50 percent paid by the City. The fee is based on the linear footage of the length of the alley. Asphalt prices reflect the bid prices for that construction year. Each homeowner adjacent to the alley is requested to pay a fee based on the width of their lot that is adjacent to the alley. The homeowner requesting to participate in the program will become the neighborhood "captain", responsible for collecting fees from all residents living along the alley; the estimate with the costs for each resident will be mailed to this homeowner "captain". |
| Streets & Alleys: What is covered by the Alley Paving Program? | TOP |
| What is covered by the Alley Paving Program? |
| The program consists of paving the entire length of the alley. No partial alleys will be paved. If the alley has a T, that section is also paved. Additional paving can be completed outside the public right-of-way, on private property, by obtaining a quote from the contractor. |
| Streets & Alleys: When will the Alley Paving work be completed? | TOP |
| When will the Alley Paving work be completed? |
| Alley paving is completed in the fall after the city street paving program. No work will be scheduled until payment for the entire alley has been received by the Engineering Department. |
| Streets & Alleys: Where do I report potholes? | TOP |
| Where do I report potholes? |
Any time of the day you can report potholes to the Street Department. You can reach the Street Department at 574-258-1660 or by e-mail. Weather permitting, street crews are patching daily with the goal of responding to any specific problems within 24 hours.
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| Streets & Alleys: Who can participate in the Alley Paving Program? | TOP |
| Who can participate in the Alley Paving Program? |
| All residential property owners in the City of Mishawaka are eligible for this program. |
| Traffic Signs: How can I get a "Children at Play" sign in my neighborhood? | TOP |
| How can I get a "Children at Play" sign in my neighborhood? |
| Federal sign standards discourage the use of "Children At Play" signs. Although these signs have been posted in many communities, there is no evidence that they prevent injury or decrease vehicle speeds. "Children At Play" signs may also give parents and children a false sense of security thinking that it is acceptable to play on City streets. Since nearly every residential block has children, signs would need posted on each one. The City does identify and post signage as described in the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 1988 at all Schools, Crosswalks and Playgrounds. The Engineering Department annually conducts a school sign inventory to ensure that safe and effective traffic control signage exists at each school within the City. |
| Traffic Signs: How can I get a get a Stop sign installed to slow speeding cars in my neighborhood? | TOP |
| How can I get a get a Stop sign installed to slow speeding cars in my neighborhood? |
| The City of Mishawaka follows the guidelines for traffic control devices as set forth in the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (1988). The Indiana MUTCD states that Stop Signs should not be used for speed control and should only be used when warranted by high traffic volumes or an accident problem. Enforcement of established speed limits is the responsibility of the Police Department. |
| Zoning: How is my property zoned? | TOP |
| How is my property zoned? |
| Most single family residential properties are zoned R-1 Single Family Residential. If there is a duplex or two-unit apartment, the appropriate zoning is R-2 Two Family Residential District. There are 18 different zoning districts within the City. Contact the Planning Department at 574-258-1625 or e-mail with specific zoning questions. |
| Zoning: Where do I register complaints regarding zoning and land uses? | TOP |
| Where do I register complaints regarding zoning and land uses? |
| To file a complaint about issues you feel may be illegal or that may violate the zoning ordinance residents may call the Planning Department at 574-258-1625 or e-mail. As an example, repairing of automobiles in residential areas and some commercial and industrial areas is not permitted. |
| Zoning: Where on my property can I install a fence, swimming pool or build a garage/shed? | TOP |
| Where on my property can I install a fence, swimming pool or build a garage/shed? |
| Sheds, swimming pools and garages are considered accessory structures and must be constructed in the rear half of the lot, never the front. Privacy fences cannot exceed 7 feet in height, cannot be in the front yard, and if you are on are corner lot, the fence must be 12.5 feet in from the exterior side (street side) property line. No fence over 4 feet in height may be erected in the front yard and shall have a minimum of 75% of its surface open. |
