City Council

Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AUGUST 22, 2016 The regular meeting of the Hammond Common Council of the City of Hammond, Lake County, Indiana was held on August 22, 2016 in the Hammond City Council Chambers. Council President Janet Venecz presided. City Clerk Robert J. Golec facilitated. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all. Invocation by Anthony Higgs. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Venecz ABSENT: Markovich TOTAL: 8 Council President Venecz welcomed Councilman Woerpel. READING OF THE MINUTES Councilman Spitale, supported by Councilman Kalwinski, moved to accept the Hammond Common Council minutes from August 8, 2016 and place on file. AYES: ALL APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Councilman Kalwinski, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved to approve the claims from August 3, 2016 through August 17, 2016. Claim #4894 through claim #5260, inclusive. ROLL CALL VOTE (approval) AYES: Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich Motion carried 8/0/1 CLAIMS APPROVED PUBLIC HEARINGS None COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Torres, moved to send a letter to Code Enforcement regarding Fayette Street from Columbia to Sohl where the weeds are about six feet high and they need to be cut down and haven’t been cut all summer. AYES: ALL LETTER SENT: AUGUST 23, 2016 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. AUGUST 22, 2016 Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk COMMUNICATIONS cont. Councilman Higgs announced the Starbuck’s ribbon cutting on Wed., Aug. 24th at 10 a.m. at 7843 Indianapolis Blvd. Councilman Higgs addressed a letter received from City Engineer’s Office regarding the light on Calumet and Fayette. He will be at the Board of Works meeting on Thursday to confirm that he wants that light replaced. Councilman Torres responded to a letter from the City Engineer to the Hammond Common Council advising the Council to submit their requests for street reconstruction, overlays or lighting by September 6 for the year 2017. If we can do that they would greatly appreciate it. COMMITTEE REPORTS Community and Crime Watch Committee - Councilwoman Venecz : Edison Community Watch; Tues., Sept. 6, Edison School; 6:30 p.m. Edison Community Watch on the Road; Fri., Sept. 2; 1 p.m.; Golden Manor Senior Apt.’s Irving Community Watch; Fri., Sept. 2; 9:15 a.m.; Irving School Jefferson Crime Watch; Wed., Aug. 31; 6;30 p.m.; Jefferson School Whiting Robertsdale Crime Watch; Thur., Set. 8; 6:30 p.m.; Calumet College ORDINANCE 3RD READING - FINAL PASSAGE None INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None RESOLUTIONS 16R-24 A Resolution Confirming the Appointment of Anne T. Anderson as a Commissioner of the Hammond Historic Preservation Commission Councilman Emerson, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved for adoption. ROLL CALL VOTE (adoption) AYES: Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich Motion carried 8/0/1 RESOLUTION NO. R24 ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS cont. 16R-25 A Resolution Confirming the Appointment of Debbie Mcgough as a Commissioner of the Hammond Historic Preservation Commission Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved for adoption. ROLL CALL VOTE (adoption) AYES: Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich Motion carried 8/0/1 RESOLUTION NO. R25 ADOPTED 16R-26 A Resolution Confirming the Appointment of Patrick Swibes as a Commissioner of the Hammond Historic Preservation Commission Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved for adoption. ROLL CALL VOTE (adoption) AYES: Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: None ABSENT: Markovich Motion carried 8/0/1 RESOLUTION NO. R26 ADOPTED NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilman Higgs thanked those that contributed to the 15th Annual Back to School Giveaway which was held at MLK Park. It was a huge success. A number of kids that were in need of school supplies received them. I applaud everyone’s effort and thank you, especially Councilman Markovich and Councilman Spitale for stepping up to the plate and being a part of that great event. Councilman Higgs announced the grand opening of the Hampton Inn Suites. The groundbreaking ceremony at the Holiday Inn Express Suites on Wed., Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. at 2842 Carlson Drive. Councilman Higgs announced that tomorrow there will be a meeting here in the Council Chamber at 6 p.m. for fair housing. Anyone interested in finding out about fair and equality please attend this meeting so you can be informed of what’s available in the city and in the community. PUBLIC EXPRESSION Ola Smith - Brought to her attention by community members that there may be intentions to close Maywood Pool. The community feels it would be an injustice because the kids use the pool. They intend to start a petition to keep it open. Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved to adjourn. AYES: ALL ________________________ Janet Venecz, President Hammond Common Council ATTEST: ________________________ Robert J. Golec, City Clerk Time: 6:15 pm cb Minutes approved at the Common Council meeting on September 12, 2016.