Deborah Haak-Frost Local, News

City commission approves veteran housing purchase, funds for Three Rivers water testing

Casey Tobias updated commissioners on the latest activity of H.O.P.E. (Homeless Outreach Practiced Everyday) during the public comment section of Tuesday's meeting. (Deborah Haak-Frost|Watershed Voice)

The Three Rivers City Commission approved a resolution Tuesday to purchase 308 S. Main St. for $134,900, and enter into a five-year lease agreement with the St. Joseph County government to provide housing for veterans in transition.

“This is intended for a six- to nine-month [stay] when people come back [after serving in the military],” City Manager Joe Bippus said. “They can save some money, find a job, get their basic needs taken care of while they save up and they can find a place for themselves.”

Bippus said the house meets occupancy standards, and some improvements would be made to serve the needs of occupants, which could involve accessibility features. Mayor Tom Lowry added that the property, which includes the existing house and a few acres, could be developed in the future to add more housing.

“I’m just really proud to see our city work with the county to help the veterans,” Commissioner Carolyn McNary said. “Veterans have gotten such a bad deal for years, and a lot of them suffer from a lot of different things, which makes it hard to get and sustain housing, so I feel good that we’re a part of helping that community to get on their feet again.”

Water testing costs

The commission also approved additional spending for water testing costs and shipping. Shipping costs are estimated to be an additional $2,500 for the fiscal year, while testing is expected to cost an additional $10,000 for the fiscal year. The cost of water testing is $52 for the test itself and $12.60 for shipping. 

The request comes after the city recently announced it found five additional homes with lead levels that exceed the federal limit for lead contamination during its second round of testing between July and December 2023.

The city is also expanding its lead copper testing program for up to 150 locations with unknown service line material, and free in-home site visits to confirm the service line material where it enters the home. Amy Roth, Public Services Director, reported that 30 participants had signed up to have their water tested voluntarily so far.

In other business, the commission…

The proposed plans for the future outdoor amphitheater in downtown Three Rivers.
  • Approved a motion to hire Viridis Design Company to conduct environmental and engineering reviews of the location of the future outdoor amphitheater in downtown Three Rivers.
  • Approved the purchase of a riverfront parcel of land from a private landowner for $10,000. Bippus spoke about the beauty of the city’s rivers and his desire to utilize them effectively. He said he’d like to make the riverfront “more accessible, more enjoyable” for residents to use.
  • Approved appointments and re-appointments of numerous individuals to the city’s boards and commissions. Lowry said, “I would like to thank everyone for continuing their service.”

The City of Three Rivers announced on February 5 on their Facebook page that they will be returning to “in-person meetings only,” and have discontinued livestreaming commission meetings. A reason was not given as of press time.

Deborah Haak-Frost is the Caretaker for Community Engagement at GilChrist Retreat Center in Three Rivers, and volunteers with *culture is not optional, a Three Rivers-based community development organization.