Elkhart Planning Commission elects 2026 officers; names plat committee and BZA representative

The Elkhart City Planning Commission on a voice and roll-call vote reorganized its leadership for 2026 and handled several housekeeping appointments.

Members elected Jeffrey Schaefer president for 2026 after a motion from Mr. Osborne and a roll-call confirmation. Aaron Mishler was elected vice president, and Ms. Lawson was nominated and confirmed as secretary.

Commissioners also appointed a yearly plat committee after staff said Director of Public Works Irwin (noted as leaving city employment) would be replaced. The commission approved appointing Jeffrey Schaefer, Timothy Reeser (assistant director of public works), and Eric Trotter to the plat committee. The commission moved and approved the appointment by roll call.

Because two planning commissioners were ineligible to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals (one sits on city council, another is a city employee), Mr. Newbill volunteered and the commission voted to nominate him to fill the seat; Mr. Trotter said training and follow-up would be coordinated.

The actions were procedural; final policy review and enforcement duties for these appointees remain subject to Council rules and subsequent technical reviews.