City Council

Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL MAY 23, 2016 The regular meeting of the Hammond Common Council of the City of Hammond, Lake County, Indiana was held on May 23, 2016 in the Hammond City Council Chambers. Vice President Janet Venecz presided. Council Coordinator Carmen I. Balboa facilitated. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all. Invocation by Councilman Emerson. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Markovich, Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Torres, Emerson, Rakos ABSENT: Higgs, Opinker TOTAL: 7 READING OF THE MINUTES Councilman Spitale, supported by Councilman Emerson, moved to accept the minutes of May 8, 2016 and place on file. AYES: ALL APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Councilman Markovich, supported by Councilman Kalwinski, moved to accept the claims from May 4, 2016 through May 18, 2016. Claim #2888 through claim #3226, inclusive. ROLL CALL VOTE (claims) AYES: Markovich, Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Torres, Emerson, Rakos NAYS: None ABSENT: Higgs, Opinker Motion carried 7/0/2 CLAIMS APPROVED PUBLIC HEARINGS None COMMUNICATIONS None COMMITTEE REPORTS Community & Crime Watch Committee - Councilwoman Venecz - Announced upcoming meetings: Jefferson C.W.; Wed., May 25; Jefferson School; 6:30 p.m. Pulaski Park N.A.; Tues., May 24; American Legion; 6:30 p.m. Whiting/Robertsdale C.W.; Thur., June 9; Calumet College; 6:30 p.m. Announced the 2016 Security Light Program. MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. MAY 23, 2016 Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk ORDINANCE 3RD READING - FINAL PASSAGE None INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES 16-16 An Ordinance to Amend and Replace Flood Hazard Area Ord. 9334, by Establishing Provisions for Flood Hazards in Accordance with the State of Indiana Model Ordinance for Flood Hazard Areas Councilman Spitale, supported by Councilman Rakos, moved the proposed ordinance to 1st and 2nd reading by title and referred it to the Council as a Whole Committee. AYES: ALL RESOLUTIONS 16R-17 A Resolution Adopting the City of Hammond Title VI Plan and Non-Discrimination Agreement for the City of Hammond Councilman Emerson, supported by Councilman Rakos, moved for adoption. Councilman Emerson - Title VI is a derivative of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, I believe, and basically Hammond receives Federal funds and it is in our interest to pass it but I think it’s also in our interest because it speaks to the character of many of the members that are on the council and I’m sure that are new members also. We’ve dealt with these fairness issues before and we feel, I know as a body, we don’t want to discriminate against anyone. And it’s very detailed about language and everything else but that’s basically, in my view, the crux of it. Councilman Rakos asked to be added as a sponsor. Councilman Spitale asked to be added as a sponsor. Councilman Markovich, supported by Councilman Kalwinski, moved to have the entire Hammond Common Council added as sponsors. AYES: ALL ROLL CALL VOTE (adoption) AYES: Markovich, Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Torres, Emerson, Rakos NAYS: None ABSENT: Higgs, Opinker Motion carried 7/0/2 RESOLUTION R17 ADOPTED NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilman Spitale - Last month the council approved a grant for $40 thousand to the Hammond Police Department to participate in DUI’s and also during that time there’s two days granted to the County Police, City NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Councilman Spitale cont. - Police and State Police to patrol 80/94 for two days which was Friday night and Saturday. I had the opportunity to ride in with Lt. Vicari Friday evening and it’s quite a thing to be on the expressway with him picking up speeders. He did a great job. It is well worth the grant money that’s given to the city. They do follow up on it and let you know where your tax money goes. He picked up quite a few speeders in the radius from Gary to the Illinois Line. So I just wanted to tell him thanks so much for giving me the opportunity. He mentioned that if there’s any other council members who would like to ride along with him sometime he would be more than glad to take them on. Vice President Venecz - That sounds like fun. Councilman Spitale - It was very successful. PUBLIC EXPRESSION Mike Misiukiewicz - Discussed his concern about the shooting at the Hookah Bar Lounge on Indpls. Blvd. on May 22 at 3 a.m. near his home. The bullets were very close to a residential area. Is concerned with the effect of this on the nearby businesses and Purdue University. Maybe you can look to check if they are following the city ordinances. Councilman Markovich - It is being investigated. George Stoya - When you look at the cities that have gone bad, the first thing that goes is safety and crime. If it’s not addresses properly people will vote with their feet. Councilman Markovich, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved to adjourn. AYES: ALL ________________________ Janet Venecz, Vice President Hammond Common Council ATTEST: ________________________ Robert J. Golec, City Clerk Time: 6:20 pm cb Minutes approved at the Common Council meeting on June 13, 2016.