City Council

MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AUGUST 26, 2013 The regular meeting of the Hammond Common Council of the City of Hammond, Lake County, Indiana was held on August 26, 2013 in the Hammond City Council Chambers. Council President Michael Opinker presided. City Clerk Robert J. Golec facilitated. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Uylaki, Higgs, Emerson, Hinojosa, Opinker ABSENT: Markovich TOTAL: 8 PRESENTATION BY THE ARC OF NORTHWEST INDIANA Deborah Deaton - Some of you may know that the ARC, Northwest Indiana, started in 1952, has worked to improve the welfare of people, age eighteen (18) to, sometimes to death, who have intellectual and or developmental disabilities and we help their families also. We do more then that, at this point I was going to ask you to close your eyes and I was going to tell a short story, but you don’t need to do that, I think you’ll get the point. Imagine, if you will, you were sixteen (16) yrs old, you are very well thought of in your community, your well loved by your family, your scholastically doing very well in high school, your very popular, your very well thought of at your church, your very athletic, you love to swim, your family has a backyard pool. But one crazy day, you jump into that pool head first, in the wading area. At this point I would check in and ask you, with your eyes closed, are you floating, are you feeling it, can you feel anything, do you even know where your are? You wake up, your in the hospital. You are paralyzed from your upper torso down. You were told that you will have partial use of one arm, possibly the hand, and that’s all for life. And as you know it, your life is over, your lying there and that’s it. You will never walk, you will never drive a car. You may not even graduate with your high school class, at least that’s what their telling you. And going to college, well, who knows. At this point it’s hard to imagine that being your life. But that is actually one of our participants at the ARC, Northwest Indiana, that I had a privilege of working with when I was a Job Developer, before my now position as Development Director. He persevered, when they told him no he couldn’t do it, he was determined he was going to do it. He graduated with his high school class, because he spent hour on hour working to do that through the entire summer. He went on to an university here in Indiana, graduated with honors. He did get a few part-time jobs, but that’s where the story kinda goes sour. He kinda hit a wall, he wasn’t getting anymore interviews. Someone said the ARC can help you. So his family and his friends hooked him up with us and we worked with him. We were able to develop a position for him with one of the major utility companies in Northwest Indiana and he started out with a part-time position and now he is working a full-time position. We also conduct many other activities at the ARC that you may be aware of. We have day services, where participants learn valuable work and socialization skills. We have group habilitation, which provides individuals with classes in arts and crafts, cooking, fitness, health and computers. Social integration programs provide training in successful methods of communication and conduct. Work services program provides work and pay for some of those clients who might not find a position outside of the ARC, but they can work within PRESENTATION BY THE ARC OF NORTHWEST INDIANA cont. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 1 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. AUGUST 26, 2013 Ms. Deaton cont. - paycheck. And that happens within our four (4) workshops. In 2012, of the 199 clients, that went through our program in job development, 38 of them are Hammond residents and 15 are East Chicago residents. We found employment for all 53. Which means that they are working, they are making an average of $7.90 an hour, they are averaging 21 hours a week, which for most that’s all they can work, so they are considered full-time workers. I know that this may not seem that impressive for you when you look at those numbers, they seem small, but when I did the math, and times it by 52 weeks a year. They brought in, in 2012, $457,220.40. That’s earned money that they’re paying taxes on and spending in this community. I just wanted to share those numbers with you and let you know that we feel, at the ARC, that we are a partner in our community and we want to partner with the City of Hammond. That we work daily guiding, inspiring and empowering our participants to be the best that they can be and the led better lives within their communities. So again, I say thank you, and thank you for this opportunity. Council President Opinker - Thank you, Ms. Deaton. Councilwoman Venecz - I would like to make a comment. I have two (2) family members that you have helped, thank you, thank you. READING OF THE MINUTES Councilman Spitale, supported by Councilman Kalwinski, moved to approve the minutes of August 12, 2013. AYES: ALL APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Councilman Kalwinski, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved to approve the claims from August 14, 2013 through August 21, 2013. Claim #3933 through claim #4228, inclusive. Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Hinojosa, moved to amend in claim: #4229 Neighborhood Reunion Common Council $200.00 ROLL CALL (amendment) AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Uylaki, Higgs, Emerson, Hinojosa, Opinker NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich TOTAL: 8 Motion carried 8/0/1 CLAIMS AMENDED ROLL CALL (as amended) AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Uylaki, Higgs, Emerson, Hinojosa, Opinker NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich TOTAL: 8 Motion carried 8/0/1 CLAIMS APPROVED (as amended) Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 2 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. AUGUST 26, 2013 PUBLIC HEARINGS 13-30 Ordinance Authorizing the City of Hammond, Indiana, to issue its Economic Development Revenue Bonds, Series 2013 (Munster Steel Project) and Approving other actions in respect thereto 13-31 An Ordinance Vacating five (5) remaining Alley Sections bisecting a property situated on the corner of Columbia Avenue and 172nd Street, which property was previously known as the E.B. Hayward Branch of the Hammond Public Library No one spoke on public hearings. COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Higgs - First of all I would like to Councilman Hinojosa, as well as, Councilman Markovich for coming out for the back to school give away. It was a huge success on Saturday. A lot of kids was able to get school supplies to start off a great school year. So, I’m very proud of that and we were also able to give them refreshments and fruit. There were a number of people that helped, but particularly, my colleagues on the Council I wanted to personally say thank you. It was the twelfth (12) annual back to school give away and I think the kids really appreciated your efforts in helping them with the school supplies. You’re invited to the Parrish View subdivision model homes ribbon cutting ceremony, it’s gonna be held on Thursday August 29, 2013 at 1:30 pm. at 7018 Carolina Court Hammond, IN 46323. For more information contact Alexius Barber, Executive Director of the United Neighborhood Inc., 219-937-0200. COMMITTEE REPORTS Councilman Kalwinski - Council as a Whole will be bringing out 13-31. Councilwoman Venecz - Council as a Whole will be bringing out 13-32. ORDINANCE 3rd READING - FINAL PASSAGE 13-31 An Ordinance Vacating five (5) remaining Alley Sections bisecting a property situated on the corner of Columbia Avenue and 172nd Street, which property was previously known as the E.B. Hayward Branch of the Hammond Public Library Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved for final passage. ROLL CALL VOTE (passage) AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Uylaki, Higgs, Emerson, Hinojosa, Opinker NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich TOTAL: 8 Motion carried 8/0/1 ORDINANCE NO. 9216 PASSED Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 3 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. AUGUST 26, 2013 ORDINANCE 3RD READING - FINAL PASSAGE cont. 13-32 An Ordinance amending Ord. 8574 also known as section 72.016 of the Hammond Municipal Code as it pertains to Administrative Fees Councilwoman Venecz, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved for final passage. Councilwoman Venecz - This will increase the administrative fees for vehicles that have been towed. They have not had an increase since 2004. It will increase from $20 to $40. So anyone who’s vehicle is towed before it will be released by the Hammond Police Department will now pay $40. ROLL CALL VOTE (passage) AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Uylaki, Higgs, Emerson, Hinojosa, Opinker NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich TOTAL: 8 Motion carried 8/0/1 ORDINANCE NO. 9217 PASSED INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES 13-33 2014 Budget Proposal Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved that the proposed ordinance go to 1st and 2nd reading by title, referred it to the Council as a Whole Committee, with a Public Hearing on 9-23-13. AYES: ALL 13-34 Amending the Salary Ordinance for the Hammond City Court as it relates to Court Employees Councilwoman Venecz, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved that the proposed ordinance go to 1st and 2nd reading by title, referred it to the Council as a Whole Committee, with a Public hearing on 9-23-13. AYES: ALL 13-35 Appropriating Money from the Clerk’s Perpetuation Fund Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Hinojosa, moved that the proposed ordinance go to 1st and 2nd reading by title, referred it to the Council as a Whole Committee, with a Public hearing on 9-23-13. AYES: ALL 13-37 Amending the Hammond Municipal Code as it pertains to fees paid for the quarantine of biting dogs Councilwoman Venecz, supported by Councilman Hinojosa, moved that the proposed ordinance go to 1st and 2nd reading by title, referred it to the Council as a Whole Committee. AYES: ALL Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 4 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. AUGUST 26, 2013 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES cont. 13-38 Amending the Hammond Municipal Code as it pertains to fees paid for impounded and unclaimed animals Councilwoman Venecz, supported by Councilman Hinojosa, moved that the proposed ordinance go to 1st and 2nd reading by title, referred it to the Council as a Whole Committee. AYES: ALL RESOLUTIONS 13R-24 Authorizing the Hammond Fire Department to apply for a 2013 Federal SAFER Grant Councilman Spitale, supported by Councilman Higgs, move for final adoption. Councilman Higgs - I’d like to be added as a sponsor of that ordinance. Councilman Hinojosa - Just to give some information for the public on this grant money, which is $965,046.00, will help hire six (6) new firefighters for two (2) years. Councilman Spitale - And that’s at no cost to the taxpayers. ROLL CALL VOTE (adoption) AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Uylaki, Higgs, Emerson, Hinojosa, Opinker NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich TOTAL: 8 Motion carried 8/0/1 RESOLUTION NO. R24 ADOPTED 13R-25 Reappointment of Debbie McGough as a Commissioner of the Hammond Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Hammond, Indiana Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Spitale, move for final adoption. ROLL CALL VOTE (adoption) AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Uylaki, Higgs, Emerson, Hinojosa, Opinker NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich, Kalwinski TOTAL: 7 Motion carried 7/0/2 RESOLUTION NO. R25 ADOPTED 13R-26 Reappointment of Patrick Swibes as a Commissioner of the Hammond Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Hammond, Indiana Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 5 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. AUGUST 26, 2013 Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Spitale, move for final adoption. ROLL CALL VOTE (adoption) AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Uylaki, Higgs, Emerson, Hinojosa, Opinker NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich, Kalwinski TOTAL: 7 Motion carried 7/0/2 RESOLUTION NO. R26 ADOPTED 13R-27 Appointing Caryn Janiga to the Hammond Library Board Councilwoman Venecz, supported by Councilman Emerson, move for final adoption. Councilwoman Venecz - Caryn Janiga is, of course, a resident of Hammond, she has three (3) children. She and all of her children have library cards and have utilized the library. Caryn is an employee of the City of Hammond, in Redevelopment, she oversees the HUD dollars. This is a non paid position. Caryn, I believe will be an asset to the library board. Given some of the challenges that we’ve had in the past, I think Caryn can bring a breath of fresh air. So we thank Paul Taylor for his past service and Caryn will assume the position effective September 11, 2013, given the vote passes. Thank you. Councilman Emerson - While I was on the Planning Commission, Caryn was always appropriate, courteous and punctual and well as the housing task force that I served for a while. So I think she’d be a great addition. Thank you. Councilman Spitale - I worked with Caryn when I was on the Redevelopment Board for seven (7) years and she does a great job. ROLL CALL VOTE (adoption) AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Uylaki, Higgs, Emerson, Hinojosa, Opinker NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich TOTAL: 8 Motion carried 8/0/1 RESOLUTION NO. R27 ADOPTED NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilman Higgs - Human Relations Commission is having free event. Join us for a full day of information, workshops and training. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Held on September 5, 2013 8:30 am to 2:00 pm at the Dynasty Banquet Hall, 4125 Calumet Avenue Hammond, IN 46320. Councilman Hinojosa - Usually for the month of September, a lot of the Cities and Counties and State’s declare the month of September as Hispanic Heritage Month. I have a notification here from the Hammond Public Library, you are currently invited to a kick off to the Hispanic Heritage Month on Thursday September 12, 2013 from 6-8 pm at the Hammond Public Library, 564 State Street. Please join the Hammond Public Library and Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 6 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. AUGUST 26, 2013 honoring the Hammond Hispanic Community Committee and its founding board members on occasion HHCC NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Councilman Hinojosa cont. - 20th Anniversary Year. This event will feature entertainment and refreshments, as well as, unveiling of the new HHCC logo and information about HHCC’s annual Latino research fair, set for Saturday October 5, 2013 at the Jean Shepard Center in Hammond. Councilman Higgs - I would like a letter sent to Engineering and Board of Works in regards to lights at 219 Kenwood the pole number is a NIPSCO pole 10/441 and 5900 Rhode pole 89/609 and 6200 Tapper pole 96/754 and 6237 Monroe 42/886. And lights were out last night from Conkey Street all the way to May Street the ornamental lighting needs to be repaired. And also there are some stumps that still exist in the 900 block of Merrill as well as on 1100 block of Ames. And I did submit a letter to Board of Works in regards to utilizing the Casino dollars and doing whatever is necessary to get them stumps up, so I’m willing to contribute whatever is necessary to get that done and I don’t know for whatever reason its taken a long time. But they need to be taken out and leveled to the ground, from the storm and that’s been over a month and for whatever reason hasn’t taken place yet. So I so move that those letters be submitted. LETTERS SENT: AUGUST 27, 2013 Councilwoman Venecz - Over the weekend I had the distinct honor and pleasure of attending the 90th birthday party of an icon here in Hammond, Ms Willie Mae Durr. Her family threw her a party that was just wonderful and I just wanted to say, from the City of Hammond, Happy Birthday to Mrs. Durr. Thank you. Councilwoman Venecz - I would like to announce a couple of Crime Watch Meetings that are coming up. On Wednesday September 4th, Edison Community Watch will meet 6:30 pm at Edison School. On Thursday September 5th, Edison Community Watch goes on the road and they will have a meeting at the Golden Manor Senior Apartments on 175th and Columbia, that is at 6pm. Just a side note about Golden Manor, they started a pilot recycling program in their building, because they are a multi-family building they are not required to recycle, but they wanted to start recycling. They really took this on with furber (?), well we found out that Lake County Solid Waste was offering a bench, made of recycled material, if you collected four hundred (400) pounds of plastic bottle caps. Like from the bottle of water, they don’t weight very much, let me tell you I found out. The seniors and the neighborhood have collected six hundred and fifty (650) pounds of bottle caps, they are the first in Lake County to be awarded the bench of recycled material and they are well on their way to getting a second bench. So, congratulations to them, congratulations to the neighborhood for coming together as a community and supporting the seniors, I thought that was great. Irving Community Watch will meet Friday September 6th at 9:15 am at Irving School on 4727 Pine. And that is how change happens, one person, one gesture, one moment at a time. Thank you. Councilman Higgs - We got a young man that is gonna be giving us a presentation about his organization that exists in Hammond and that Kirk Williams who actually here in the audience. And he’s gonna give us a presentation under Public Expression, but I wanted to thank him for bringing it to my attention what his organization does. And certainly if we can be of assistance, I’m sure my colleagues would be more then happy to assist you in your efforts. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 7 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. AUGUST 26, 2013 PUBLIC EXPRESSION Kirk Williams - CEO of Aftermath Relief. We are a disaster relief organization in the City of Hammond. We are the first disaster refuge relief center, 836 Field Street. We give temporary shelter to disaster victims, food, clothes, and we give them financial assistance. We get donated furniture and as the victims get back on their feet, we donate furniture and we deliver it to victims. Kim Ingle - Was attacked by Pit Bull. They need proper fencing. Asked council to look into the ordinances regarding the issue. George Stoya - Fees in the city are getting out of hand. What is the message here? Councilman Hinojosa, supported by Councilman Higgs, moved to adjourn. AYES: ALL Michael Opinker, President Hammond Common Council ATTEST: Robert J. Golec, City Clerk Minutes approved at the council meeting of September 9, 2013. Time: 6:45 pm jt Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 8