The August 24th, 2026 Valparaiso City Council meeting went for just under an hour and twenty minutes. The meeting began with a storm recovery update by Mayor Jon Costas. There were three ordinances on the agenda, one point of business, and ended with a farewell to Councilman Anderson followed by public comment.
Mayor Costas recounted the storm that hit our area on August 11th with winds in some areas in excess of 120 miles per hour. “We will also remember what happened next. Adversity brought out the very best in Valparaiso and we were prepared. Years of investment in our infrastructure, our equipment and training, our facilities and our emergency preparedness positioned Valparaiso to withstand and respond to a storm of this magnitude.” Costas then described how Valpo employees from every department, most without power themselves, showed up to serve the community. How investment in backup generators kept the water on, the police and fire departments functional and the buses running. He said over 1,800 tons of debris was collected, a public dumpster made available for residents, and a Chicago Dash bus made available as a charging station with internet access.
Ordinance No. 14, 2026 was up for second reading and final vote. The ordinance deals with construction in floodplain areas and updates our city’s Unified Development Ordinance to meet stricter guidelines put out by the federal government. This ordinance passed with a 7 – 0 vote.
Ordinance No. 17 and 18, 2026 brought by Olthof Homes deals with annexation and rezoning of 72 acres located southeast of 250 W and 500 N. This presentation was the second reading and final vote. The development consists of 173 town homes starting at 280,000 dollars, 65 paired homes starting at 310,000 dollars, and 32 estate lots starting at 330,000 dollars. There will also be two retention ponds with open green space and a 1.6 acre park with a walking path around the development perimeter to connect other paths in the area. The land was proposed to be rezoned to UR urban residential. Both the annexation and rezoning passed 7 – 0.
Under other business allowed by the presiding officer, Councilman Peter Anderson’s position on the budget committee had to be replaced because of his resignation. It was required that another Republican be appointed to the committee so Councilman Jack Pupillo was nominated and voted in with a 7 – 0 vote.
Peter Anderson stepped down as councilman because he felt he could no longer give the people who elected him the time they deserve while also serving his family and running his business. Mayor Costas began the council’s parting words. “I’ve known Peter for a long time, I’m glad he is making a decision that is right for him, his family, and his employees.” Costas recalled a five day hike they did together in the Paria Canyon and an Ironman competition they did together in Florida. Costas ended by saying “Peter, you will be missed, and we are grateful for your service to this community. I know you will continue to serve in many other ways. We will miss you and we wish you well.”
Anderson began his remarks by saying “Tonight, more than anything I just want to say thank you.” He continued, “To my council colleagues, we’ve shared victories, disagreements, and long nights, some remarkably rocky roads. There’s something sacred about having gone through all of it together. I have a deep respect for each and every one of you, and I will always be fiercely loyal to the experience we shared and the work we attempted to do together. Most importantly I want to thank our department heads and city employees. Elected officials may sit behind these nameplates, but you are the people who make this city work. You answer the calls, fix what is broken, you solve the problems nobody hears about and show up when our community needs you most. It has been a privilege to witness your dedication up close, thank you.”
Most of the public comments for the evening were recognizing Peter Anderson’s service to his community and friends. One highlight came from Kenard Taylor who said that when Peter first ran for city council he had to have County Chairman’s approval to run as a Republican. The reason was he had a good friend in a previous primary running as a Democrat and he supported his friend. That would have kept him off the ballot. But because of the type of person he is, committed to friends and community he was allowed on the ballot for the first time he ran. No matter your political party Peter was there for you.
One individual commented on one of the new murals that has gone up around town reading from the Valparaiso Creative Council web page. “This project was meant to be hand painted by Felipa in person, but visa restrictions during that time would not allow for his presence sadly.” The individual said “So we don’t even have Americans painting all of these murals.”
The next City Council meeting is September 14th, 2026. The Monday after Valparaiso’s Popcorn Fest which will be Saturday September 12th.
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
