Minutes

Welcome to the Village of Constantine web page. Use this site to learn about the village, read past village council meeting minutes and explore our links. Don’t just stop at our web page; come and visit our community!

Constantine boasts being the Seed Corn Capital of the World. The greater Constantine area produces over 10% of the seed corn in the United States. Another 10% of the nation’s seed corn is produced in the surrounding counties. Additionally, the village has many assets we are proud to share with you. The St. Joseph River passes through our village. The river is a hotspot for recreational fishing, boating, swimming and canoeing, and is host to several boat races, along with being the center of other festivals throughout the county. Other recreational opportunities exist in our numerous parks that are located throughout the village. Our National Historic Downtown District is home to businesses that specialize in a unique variety of products and services.

Our industrial base helps provide over 500 jobs in the greater Constantine area. The industrial park and other businesses are serviced by the Grand Elk Railroad along with a modern highway system. We are located less than one hour from Interstate 94 and minutes from Interstate 80/90 and US-12. US-131 is just west of the village limits with a Business Loop US-131 that runs through downtown Constantine.

Recent News

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Posted 10/09/2024

VILLAGE OF CONSTANTINE, ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MICHIGAN

CONCERNING AN UPDATE TO THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

DEVELOPMENT AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Village Council of the Village of Constantine will hold a public hearing on 4th day of November 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall, 115 White Pigeon Street, Constantine MI 49042, Phone 269-435-2085 to receive public comment concerning the approval of a DDA Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan according to the provisions of Act 57 of 2018.

If the plan is approved the Downtown Development Authority will use tax increment revenue, in combination with other funds, to implement certain infrastructure improvements, provide assistance to businesses and complete other actions for the benefit of businesses and properties located in the district illustrated on the attached map titled DDA District. No residential property is to be affected nor acquired under the terms of the Development Plan.

At the public hearing, all citizens, taxpayers, and officials from any taxing jurisdiction whose millage may be become subject to capture will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. Written comments may be submitted by mail or in person until 4:00 p.m. of the date of the public hearing at the Village Hall. All written comments will be read at the public hearing and entered in the official hearing minutes.

Further information may be obtained from and a copy of the proposed plan may be inspected at the Village Hall during normal business hours.

Mark Honeysett, Village Manager

SHORT-TERM ROAD CLOSURES –

NOTICE OF SHORT-TERM ROAD CLOSURES –EAST WATER STREET – VILLAGE OF CONSTANTINE

During a Village Council meeting on Monday, September 16, 2024, the council approved closure of East Water Street, west of the intersection of Station Street, to allow contractors to cut into the road on East Water to install a water pipe under the road.

The road will be closed from Monday, September 23rd through Monday September 30th. Station and Mill Streets will remain open during the project, so either one will be available as an alternate route for motorists.

Constantine Police Department Engages New Body-Worn

Partnership with Utility, Inc. Furthers Transparency and Safety through Technology Ecosystem

CONSTANTINE, MI (August 16, 2024) – Following a successful training and deployment process, the Constantine Police Department announced that its officers are now equipped with Utility, Inc.’s patented EOS by Utility™ body-worn camera technology. The technology enables policy-based, high-speed data collection to deliver instant, clear and secure intelligence to support an increase in transparency and accountability between the Constantine Police Department and the community.

A statement from Constantine Police Chief Dan Thayer, “We have already experienced multiple automatic activations our previous cameras were not capable of, allowing us to focus on the task(s) at hand and not worry about making sure the camera is on. They are very user-friendly!”

The EOS cameras are embedded in the officers’ uniforms to ensure they remain securely attached. These cameras utilize artificial intelligence to create situational awareness and offer features like a two-minute buffer, capturing two minutes of video prior to activation. The cameras also have automatic, policy-based recording functionalities alleviating the need for officers to manually activate them. These functions will turn the camera on any time the officer:

• Draws their handgun from its holster;

• Begins to run;

• Jostles or shakes, such as during a fight;

• Activates lights and/or sirens in the car;

• Unlocks the shotgun/rifle rack; or

• Lies flat for 10 seconds – this feature, known as Officer Down, notifies all cars in the district that an officer needs immediate assistance.

“We’re proud to serve as a strategic partner to the Constantine Police Department as it furthers its commitment to the community,” said Michael Nark, President and Chief Executive Officer of Utility. “Our goal is to ‘never ask officers to do something that technology can do for them,’ and the implementation of Eos technology provides the Constantine Police Department officers a smart, automated solution so they can maintain focus on those they serve.”

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About Utility

Utility, the innovative technology-enabled service provider recognized for creating groundbreaking digital systems for frontline professions, provides a universe of intuitive products for effectively capturing, managing and releasing video evidence. Technologies include a variety of cameras, sensors and devices as well as situational awareness software solutions for law enforcement, first responders, transportation agencies and utility providers. To learn more about Utility and its technology solutions, please visit utility.com.