Category Archives: News & Events

Updates, messages and other announcements are posted under this category with the intent to notify residents. Posts under this category are emailed in a newsletter at the end of the day.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Conduct Community Interviews 

The City of Goshen strives to take the best care for residents and to ensure our drinking water meets all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) safety requirements.  As part of this process, the EPA will conduct community interviews in Goshen from Tuesday, April 23, through Thursday, April 25, regarding the North 5th Street Superfund Site

During one of the City’s routine tests in 2015, a plume of chlorinated solvents was found in the four municipal wells at the site. The groundwater contaminants found in the municipal wells are at levels below the Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Level, or MCL, and the groundwater is processed at the City’s treatment plant in Goshen to ensure its safety before it is distributed to residents.

“The City’s Water and Sewer Department consistently tests water for contaminants, and our drinking water levels continue to test below the maximum level set by the EPA, and therefore is safe for residents,” said Water Superintendent Marv Shepherd. “We will continue to work closely with the EPA to identify and clean up this site and are appreciative for the potential for federal dollars that come with this designation.”

Additional Background

The City of Goshen has been proactively working with the IDEM and the EPA to track the source of the contaminant at the North 5th Street Groundwater Contamination site.  In 2021, the City announced that the Water and Sewer Department had been working closely with IDEM to determine the source by obtaining deep groundwater samples and requested the EPA place the site on the National Priorities List (NPL).

In 2022, the EPA placed this site on the  NPL, which serves as the basis for prioritizing EPA Superfund cleanup funding. The City of Goshen will now be able to utilize federal funds only available for sites included on the NPL for long-term, permanent cleanup.

“These community interviews are part of the EPA’s process to ensure the Goshen community gets the information it needs about this site,” said Adrian Palomeque, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator. “Testing of the city wells shows the municipal drinking water meets federal EPA standards.”

Community Interviews Process

Community interviews are a typical part of the EPA’s process when working with Superfund sites. The feedback will help agency officials better understand what information the community needs and how they receive information. This feedback will be used to write a Community Involvement Plan for the site.

The EPA will schedule 30-minute one-on-one community interviews at the Goshen Public Library, 601 S 5th Street, on Tuesday, April 23, between 5 and 7:30 p.m. and on Wednesday and Thursday, April 24 and April 25, between 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. To schedule an interview, call or email EPA contractor Gavin Reynolds at 312-201-7466 or gavin.reynolds@tetratech.com.

Additional Information:

For additional information on the North 5th Street site, visit epa.gov/superfund/north5thstreet

For further questions about the site, contact Adrian Palomeque, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, at 440-250-1715 or palomeque.adrian@epa.gov

2024 Spring brush pick-up begins April 22

The City of Goshen Street Department will begin the Spring brush pick-up on Monday, April 22, and will run until Friday, May 3, 2024. Please have any yard brush and leaves out before the start date to ensure pick-up. Leaf and brush piles placed in alleyways will not be picked up.

Because of the large amount of brush and leaves usually placed out for this first pick-up, crews can take longer to make it through the City. During the Spring pick-up, the street department will make two passes through the City. Residents should have leaves and brush placed at the curb, but not in the street, so as not to cause a road hazard or hinder water drainage. Piles should not be placed around fire hydrants, mailboxes, or telephone poles. Do not place brush or trash on or in leaf piles.

When placing brush, please keep the following in mind:

  • Brush and leaves may not be mixed, and must be free of obstacles.
  • Brush pile size can be no more than 5’ high, 5’ deep, and 10’ long. Branches must be 6” diameter or less.
  • Brush shall not be placed out for pickup during the months of October – March.
  • The city does not pickup brush generated by landscaping and tree tree trimming contractors.  Contractors will be required to remove all brush generated by their work.
  • The city has extended the brush trailer program to year-round (weather permitting) for residents without the ability to comply with the new ordinance.
  • Residents/property owners may be cited and fined for non-compliance of this ordinance.

The street department conducts “brush only” collection on the last Monday of the months of May through September. The dates summer brush pick-up begins are below:

  • May 28, 2024
  • June 24, 2024
  • July 29, 2024
  • August 26, 2024
  • September 30, 2024

For further questions, call the Goshen Street Department at 574-534-9711.

Beautify Goshen Week 2024

In conjunction with the Goshen Chamber of Commerce’s “Beautify Goshen” Week, the Goshen Street Department will offer additional disposal services from Saturday, April 27, to Saturday, May 4, to assist city residents in their “Beautify Goshen” tasks.

This free service is only available during this eight-day period, and there is no limit to the quantity of items that may be disposed of. Residents must make arrangements to transport items to the Goshen Street Department, 475 Steury Avenue. There will be no curbside pickup. Because this free service is paid for by the tax dollars of Goshen City residents, only City residents are allowed to dispose of items. IDs will be checked to verify residency.

Hours of operation:

  • Saturday, April 27: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 28: CLOSED
  • Monday, April 29 – Friday, May 3: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 4: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To keep prohibited items from entering the waste stream, the Street Department will have a crew member on hand at all times to monitor the items being accepted. Items that can be disposed of are:

  • Non-hazardous waste such as furniture, carpeting, lumber, drywall, metal and vinyl siding, windows, fiberglass insulation, mattresses, stoves, landscape, timber, bricks, etc.
  • White goods, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, dehumidifiers, etc. (The Freon does not have to be removed)
  • Electronic waste, such as computers, home phones, televisions, etc.
  • Tires up to 16 1/2″, either on or off their rims

The following items are not accepted:

  • Pesticides or herbicides (insect or weed killers)
  • Unlabeled drums containing any substance
  • Sealed pressurized containers (propane tanks, etc.)
  • Paint thinners, oil base or water base paint
  • Brush and yard waste
  • Asbestos insulation
  • Contaminated soil

During the other 51 weeks of the year, Goshen residents may place one or two large items per month with their regular weekly trash for removal. (This does not include electronics, old tube-type televisions, cooling appliances containing Freon, or any of the items not accepted in the Beautify Goshen disposal.) You will need to contact Borden Waste-Away two days before your normal pick-up day to arrange for the pick-up. Contact Borden Waste-Away at (574) 293-5001 for details of the year-long, large-item disposal.

Lane closure on Main St. and College Ave.

As part of the Goshen College Westlawn Renovation project, the designated right-hand turn lane on Main Street at College Avenue will be closed starting this Tuesday, April 9th. Vehicles continuing north and those turning east onto College Avenue will both use the same lane. The lane restriction is expected to last approximately two months. Please be mindful of potential traffic delays in this area and plan your commute accordingly.

Poison Hemlock

We want to raise awareness regarding the presence of poison hemlock, a highly invasive and toxic plant species in our area. Poison hemlock not only poses a significant health risk to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested but also presents dangers to skin and respiratory health upon contact or inhalation.

It is crucial to exercise caution when encountering this plant. Despite its aggressive nature and resilience, it can be removed manually with gloves and patience. However, it is imperative to dispose of it properly by placing it in the trash. Do not burn poison hemlock as it releases harmful toxins into the air, posing further health risks.

Poison hemlock is classified a noxious weed. A noxious weed refers to any plant species that is invasive, harmful, or detrimental to ecosystems, agriculture, human health, or the economy. These weeds typically outcompete native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and causing ecological imbalances. They can also cause significant economic losses by reducing crop yields, clogging waterways, and interfering with infrastructure. Control and eradication efforts are often necessary to manage the spread and impact of noxious weeds.

A noxious weed refers to any plant species that is invasive, harmful, or detrimental to ecosystems, agriculture, human health, or the economy. These weeds typically outcompete native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and causing ecological imbalances. They can also cause significant economic losses by reducing crop yields, clogging waterways, and interfering with infrastructure. Control and eradication efforts are often necessary to manage the spread and impact of noxious weeds.

For those interested in learning more about identifying and effectively managing poison hemlock, we recommend referring to the comprehensive guide provided in the 2023 issue of the Purdue University Landscape Report: Purdue University Landscape Report on Poison Hemlock.

Invitation for bids

FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) CHASSIS/CAB UNITS 

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety is soliciting sealed offers for two (2) 2024 or newer chassis/cab units for use in the City of Goshen’s Water & Sewer Department. The Board of Public Works and Safety is hereinafter referred to as “City”. 

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 3:45 p.m. April 25, 2024 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. 

Bid-package-Chassis-Cab-units-final19Download

Discovery Day Camp registration now open

Goshen Parks and Recreation’s Discovery Day Camp registration is now open!

This summer day camp is a fun and exciting summertime camp for children ages 5-12. The camp runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and begins June 3 and will be staffed through August 9.

All Discovery Day Campers will enjoy the Shanklin Pool on a regular basis as well as other park department summer activities including art camp and the Kids’ and Teens’ Triathlon. All summer activities are designed to introduce campers to new activities or expand existing interests, all the while experiencing new life skills. Each of the 10 weeks of camp has its own theme, during which campers participate in games, activities, and off-campus field trips related to that week’s theme.

Registration details

  • Fee for Goshen residents: $100 per week + $15 one-time registration fee
  • Fee for non-residents: $120 per week and $15 one-time registration fee
  • Additional Required Camp Activities: Martial Arts $30, Art Camp $40, and Triathlon $20
  • The registration fee, first week’s tuition, and additional Kids’ & Teens’ Triathlon fee must be paid upon registration
  • Please bring the following items to register: Driver’s License Number for the parent/guardian and any individuals authorized to pick up your child from camp
  • Parents can either register in person at the Goshen Parks & Recreation Department Office (524 E Jackson St.) or online.

Camp enrollment is limited, so parents/guardians are encouraged to register children early to ensure their space is reserved.

For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation page or call 574-534-2901.  

Public Notice: Violett Cemetery Phase 2 – Notice of Intent

The City of Goshen (204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen, Indiana 46528) will be submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) of their intent to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge stormwater from construction and land disturbing activities associated with the construction of new access drives, stormwater conveyance system, and earth movement to prepare the area for burial plots.

The project is located at 2818 Violett Road in Goshen, IN 46526, in the NE 1/4 of Section 28, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will soak into the underlying soil with an eventual release to the Elkhart River to the west.

Questions or comments regarding the project should be directed to Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator, by calling 574-534-2201 or by emailing jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

Goshen Parks and Recreation now hiring for summer positions

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department is once again hiring for a variety of summer positions, including Lifeguards and Swim Lesson Instructors.

Lifeguards and Swim Lesson Instructors must be at least 16 years of age and possess the following certifications: American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. Swim Lesson Instructors must also have the following certifications: Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers. Lifeguards are paid $17.84/hr, and Swim Lesson Instructors are paid $19.55/hr.

If you are interested in being a Swim Lesson Instructor but are not certified, you can become certified by taking classes at the Goshen Aquatic Center. Visit the Goshen Aquatic Center website for more information and to register for classes.

Applications can be found at goshenindiana.org/hr-opportunities. Complete applications can be submitted online or emailed to kimberleestephens@goshencity.com.

Below is the full list of open positions and their job descriptions: