City Council

MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OCTOBER 23, 2017 The regular meeting of the Hammond Common Council of the City of Hammond, Lake County, Indiana was held on October 23, 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. Moment of Silence was observed. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Markovich, Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Rakos, Venecz ABSENT: Woerpel TOTAL: 8 READING OF THE MINUTES Councilman Spitale, supported by Councilman Emerson, moved to accept the minutes of October 10, 2017 and place on file. AYES: ALL APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Councilman Markovich, supported by Councilman Higgs, moved to approve the claims from October 4, 2017 through October 18, 2017. Claim #6044 through claim #6356, inclusive. ROLL CALL VOTE AYES: Markovich, Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: None ABSENT: Woerpel Motion carried 8/0/1 CLAIMS APPROVED PUBLIC HEARINGS None COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Higgs - I felt that it was very revelant that I bring up a couple of issues since I’ve been on the Council. Councilwoman Venecz, I don’t know what, personally, you have against me but I would appreciate it if you would discontinue the baggage that you keep bringing to me with unnecessary foolishness and harassment. For one, since I’ve been on the Council, first it was prayer, it was a issue. Then we went from prayer to travel expenses. Now, you’re calling me about something so simple as all me and my colleagues have the privilege as having two secretaries in the office, of making wishes to have letters sent in regards to getting a letter sent and present it to churches in regards to a referendum that’s coming up November 7. Which happens to be a high Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 1 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. OCTOBER 23, 2017 COMMUNICATIONS cont. Councilman Higgs cont. - school in my district. I know it’s an African American High School and you’re not interested in it. It’s quite obvious. Because if you was you wouldn’t be calling me with such simple arithmetic. I wish you would please discontinue harassing me. I know who you hang out with and what you’re doing. And please just stop it. It’s unnecessary and I don’t appreciate it and I’m tired of it. Thank you so much. Council President Venecz - Well, thank you Councilman Higgs for airing dirty laundry. The chair has no comment at this time. COMMITTEE REPORTS Community & Crime Watch Committee - Councilwoman Venecz - Upcoming meetings: Thur., Nov. 2; Edison Community Watch; Fri., Nov. 10; Edison C. W. on the Road; Golden Manor Senior Apartments; 1 p.m. Harrison Park C.W.; Tues., Nov. 7; VFW on Hohman; 6:30 p.m. Irving C.W.; Fri., Nov. 4th; 9:15 a.m.; Irving School Pulaski Park N.A.; tomorrow evening at the American Legion on Gostlin; 6:30 p.m. Whiting/Robertsdale C.W.; Thur., Nov. 9; Calumet College; 6:30 p.m. ORDINANCE 3RD READING - FINAL PASSAGE None INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 17-30 An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries for Elected City Officials for the City of Hammond, Indiana Councilman Rakos, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved the proposed ordinance to 1st and 2nd reading and referred it to the Finance Committee. City Clerk Golec read the salary amounts. ROLL CALL VOTE (1st & 2nd reading and committee) AYES: Markovich, Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: None ABSENT: Woerpel Motion carried 8/0/1 MOTION CARRIED Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 2 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. OCTOBER 23, 2017 INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE cont. 17-31 An Ordinance to Appropriate Funds within the Hammond Police Department Grant Fund for the Year 2018 Councilman Spitale, supported by Councilman Higgs, moved the proposed ordinance to 1st and 2nd reading and referred it to the Finance Committee with a Public Hearing on November 13, 2017. ROLL CALL VOTE (1st & 2nd reading, committee and public hearing) AYES: Markovich, Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: None ABSENT: Woerpel Motion carried 8/0/1 MOTION CARRIED RESOLUTIONS None NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilwoman Venecz - Mayor’s Night Out was originally scheduled for October 18th , it has been rescheduled to Monday, October 30th at 6:30 p.m. at the Galaxy Hall in Hessville. Also, coming up this Saturday, October 28th, Edison Community Watch and the East Side Community Council in partnership with Home Depot is hosting the 6th Annual Trunk or Treat at Home Depot. It begins at 6 p.m. and goes through 7:30 p.m. and last year was a phenomenal success. This year I think the weather is going to kind of hamper our efforts a little bit. But we will be there none the less. So, bring your children, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews to Trunk or Treat at Home Depot on Saturday, October 28. Councilman Emerson - I’d just like to announce, because we don’t meet again until after, the 4th Annual Veteran’s Appreciation Day Parade, Saturday, November 11th, that is actually on Veteran’s Day. It forms up at 10 a.m. but if you want to watch it, it’s gonna go down 173rd and a short program will immediately follow at Hessville Park, 173rd and Kennedy. For more information you may call the Hammond Park Department at 219- 853-9378. Come on out and support the Vet’s. Councilman Higgs - Just to reemphasize the reality of the referendum that is going to be on the ballot on November 7th, which happens to be in my district. Certainly I am in support of the new high school. Certainly there are individuals within my community that feel as though I need to do much more in regards to this referendum. All I can do is say that I am in support, totally support of it. Hopefully it will pass. The way it looks currently, I don’t know. But, hopefully, with the efforts of my colleagues here on the council, maybe they can get out and support me in this effort. Seeing that it is a high school that’s not only gonna benefit the 3rd District but the entire city of Hammond and with that being said, I would hope that my colleagues here on the council will get out and support this effort in getting this referendum passed because children are important. It’s not just about me, but it’s about the community. Thank you. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 3 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. OCTOBER 23, 2017 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Councilwoman Venecz - Our Trick or Treat hours will be on October 31, which is Tuesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. This is a rain or shine event, sleet or snow event, in the city of Hammond on October 31st. PUBLIC EXPRESSION David Hein - Here to speak about the referendum. The School City wants to invest in a new high school that will be a symbol of Hammond’s commitment to educating our students. Hopes that all of our elected leaders could pull together. Would like to see the meeting reopened and have each council member to publically say whether they support the referendum and if so would like them to come and volunteer. Councilman Rakos, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved to adjourn. ROLL CALL VOTE (adjourn) AYES: Markovich, Spitale, Kalwinski, Emerson, Rakos, Venecz NAYS: Torres, Higgs ABSENT: Woerpel Motion carried 6/2/1 MEETING ADJOURNED Janet Venecz, President Hammond Common Council ATTEST: Robert J. Golec, City Clerk Time: 6:30 pm cb Minutes approved at the Common Council meeting of November 13, 2017. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 4