A member of the Porter Police Department is recovering following surgery.

Nicky, Porter’s K9 German Shepherd, recently underwent surgery at the Purdue University veterinary hospital in West Lafayette for a bulging disc that caused hip issues.

Porter assistant chief Todd Allen told the Town Council last night, “Nicky went through surgery well. They’re very optimistic.” Allen later said the dog was walking after surgery and he’s expected to return to work.

Nicky joined the force approximately three years ago and has been called out many times with his handler officer Scott Cornelison, at whose home Nicky is recuperating.

In other business Tuesday, president Greg Stinson opened by apologizing for his oversight July 24 in not welcoming new councilman David Wodrich to his first meeting. Wodrich was selected by a Democratic caucus to fill the Ward 1 vacancy.

Also Tuesday:

• The council agreed to find the local $4,950 match for the Fire Department to accept a 50/50 Indiana Department of Natural Resources grant to purchase six sets of bunker gear.

• Public Works superintendent Brenda Brueckheimer said a recent MS4 audit by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management seemed to go very well when assessing Porter’s compliance with the federal stormwater protection program’s guidelines; there’s still time to address a few outstanding items, she added.

• Park superintendent Jim Miller said the second annual Porter’s Perfect Pint sponsored by Pat’s Liquors and Leroy’s Hot Stuff will take place Oct. 6 at Hawthorne Park. The beer tasting and silent auction is a fundraiser for the Park and Fire departments. Tickets can be purchased online only at www.eventbrite.com

More information is available through the Park Department.

• Council member Elka Nelson strongly urged the public to fill out a survey regarding the future of Porter’s downtown. An open house last night for the project was sparsely attended. “We need cooperation to pick up or we’ll have consultants do the plan unless residents and neighboring residents (participate).” The survey is available at the town hall and online at www.townofporter.com

• Town watchdog and video archivist Jennifer Klug was applauded on the occasion of her birthday last night.

• After the meeting Stinson said he’s been meeting individually with fellow council members as well as clerk-treasurer Carol Pomeroy, Porter’s financial advisor and soon department heads to draft a proposed 2013 budget. One has to be submitted to the Porter County Council by Sept. 1 for non-binding review. A public hearing will be scheduled.