City Council

MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 13, 2017 The regular meeting of the Hammond Common Council of the City of Hammond, Lake County, Indiana was held on March 13, 2017 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 Councilman Emerson. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Markovich, Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Venecz ABSENT: None TOTAL: 9 READING OF THE MINUTES Councilman Spitale, supported by Councilman Emerson, moved to accept the minutes of February 27, 2017 and place on file. AYES: ALL APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Councilman Markovich, supported by Councilman Woerpel, moved to accept the claims from February 22, 2017 through March 8, 2017. Claim #1509 through claim #1793, inclusive. ROLL CALL VOTE AYES: Markovich, Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: None ABSENT: None Motion carried 9/0/0 CLAIMS APPROVED PUBLIC HEARINGS None COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Higgs read a letter from Dean Button, City Engineer, responding to a sewer issue discussed at the last council meeting. Councilman Torres read a letter from Steve Quist, owner of Steve & Nick’s Tavern at 1105 Gostlin Street, regarding a sidewalk cave in. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 1 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. MARCH 13, 2017 COMMUNICATIONS cont. Councilman Markovich read a letter from Kirsten Rourke, Morton High School student, asking for help in getting air conditioning in the gym at Morton School. Councilman Higgs read a letter from Greater Hammond Community Services thanking him for his donation. COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee - Councilman Rakos - Brought out 17-07. Community & Crime Watch Committee - Councilwoman Venecz - Announced upcoming meetings: Tues., March 21; East Hammond Pullman C.W.; Ophelia Steen Center; 6:30 p.m. Thur., March 16; Hessville C.W.; Jean Shepherd Center; 7 p.m. Wed., March 15; Lafayette Neighborhood Watch; Lafayette School; 6:30 p.m. Thur., March 16; South Hammond C.W.; Hammond Housing Authority; 7 p.m. Harrison Park Crime watch will resume their meetings on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the V.F.W. on Hohman Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. ORDINANCE 3RD READING - FINAL PASSAGE 17-07 An Ordinance Establishing a Certified Copy Fee for Certified Copies of Records Councilman Rakos, supported by Councilman Woerpel, moved for passage. ROLL CALL VOTE AYES: Markovich, Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: None ABSENT: None Motion carried 9/0/0 ORDINANCE NO. 9370 PASSED INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None RESOLUTIONS None NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilman Higgs - I just wanted to announced that my annual clean up week for my district will be the first week of April, from April 3rd to April 7th luckily I’ve had a company to donate dumpsters. One location will be on the 1000 block of Morris and we’re looking for two other locations. So, hopefully when I submit the letter to Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 2 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. MARCH 13, 2017 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Councilman Higgs cont. - the Board of Works we’ll get approval for the other two locations. I’ll try to distribute as many bags as I can throughout the district. Councilman Emerson - Well first of all let me, probably not the first, but let me wish you and yours a happy St. Patrick’s Day and to everyone else, happy St. Patrick’s Day and celebrate responsibly. Councilman Kalwinski - I’d like to congratulate Rich Sobilo, coach, and his coaching staff, and the Bishop Noll Warriors Hockey Club for winning the State Title Division A in their ice hockey tournament at South Bend’s Icebox this Saturday. Way to go! PUBLIC EXPRESSION Laurie Czulno - Thanked the City, Council Members, City Attorney and the Mayor for supporting their efforts to stop the issuance of a liquor license in her neighborhood. Alvin Cheeks - How can First Baptist Church block streets when they haven’t got approval from the Board of Works? These streets are blocked by cones and not wooden barricades. How are all these officers working on a Sunday when the sidewalk is public domain so the church can’t stop people from walking down the street and they can’t just block off streets without approval from the Board of Works. I would hope that the 2nd District Councilman would come on out and take a look. Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved to adjourn. AYES: ALL ________________________ Janet Venecz, President Hammond Common Council ATTEST: ________________________ Robert J. Golec, City Clerk Time: 6:20 pm cb Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 3