City Council

. MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 The regular meeting of the Hammond Common Council of the City of Hammond, Lake County, Indiana was held on September 9, 2019 in the Hammond City Council Chambers. Council President Robert A. Markovich presided. City Clerk Robert J. Golec facilitated. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all. A Moment of Silence was observed. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Markovich ABSENT: None TOTAL: 9 READING OF THE MINUTES Councilman Spitale, supported by Councilman Emerson, moved to accept the minutes of August 12, 2019 and place on file. A YES: ALL APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Councilman Woerpel, supported by Councilwoman Veriecz, moved to accept the claims from August 29, 2019 through September 4, 2019. Claim 4817# through Claim #5071, inclusive. ROLL CALL VOTE AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Torres, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Markovich NAYS:None ABSENT: Higgs Motion carried 8/0/1 CLAIMS APPROVED PUBLIC HEARINGS None COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Rakos- I would like to announce that HUGS, 3rd annual Mexican Independence Day Parade will be held Saturday, September 21st at Noon. The route starts at Morton High School, and goes down to Grand to 165th West of Kennedy, and South back to Hessville Park, Mariachi Festival will follow till 6p.m. Councilman Torres- Just a question for Councilman Rakos, is that starting time 11 or 12? Councilman Rakos- It's 12. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 1 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 COMMUNICATIONS cont Councilman Higgs- I would like to take the time to read the letter that came from the Mayor of the City of Hammond, Thomas M. McDermott Jr. " Councilman Markovich, the Hammond City Council has scheduled the Introduction and Public Hearing of the Mayor's 2020 Budget Proposal for Monday, October 7th. Indiana law requires the Controller to publish the Notice to Taxpayers of the proposed 2020 Budget, Net Tax Levies and Public Hearing date to the Indiana Gateway 10 days prior to the Public Hearing, which makes our deadline to publish September 27 th. This is identified as the proposed budget on all Gateway forms. The Council will vote to adopt the Mayor's budget as proposed or may make reductions to the budget during the adoption meeting on Monday, October 21 st. The Controller must submit the adopted budget within 2 days of the adoption. The Controller is currently meeting with all departments to prepare Form 1's and reduce budgets wherever possible. We continue to meet regularly to discuss ways to reduce spending and generate additional revenue to cover the additional $5 million in tax cap losses we are projecting for 2020.We are working towards creative solutions to allow us to manage this shortfall without depending on gaming dollars alone. Given the difficulty of this task and the untimely State Board of Accounts audit, the Mayor's 2020 Budget proposal to the Council will not be complete until the publication date of September 27th. In order to present you with the most accurate budget for your consideration, we request you do not hold the voluntary Saturday department budget meeting until after this date". Councilman Rakos- Also on September 21st, from 12 to 4 HC3, will be holding a Hansen Building open house fundraiser . The group will offer an in progress look at the transformation underway at the former library. Soon to become a Community Education Center and Veterans Museum. Again that's Saturday, September 2l5t from 12 to 4'at the Hansen Building on Alabama and Martha. Councilman Higgs- We can be Census takers apply online 2020censusgov// jobs. 2020 Census jobs provide great pay, flexible hours, weekly pay, for more information please call 1-855-jobs-2020. Council President Markovich- I would submit that a letter dated September 5th. To all Council persons and Heather Garay City Controller, from Councilman Markovich, 2019 City Council budget, which is attached and proposed City Council Budget, I'm mentioning it now under Committee Reports, but we also take it up under New and Unfinished Business. Enclosed is the City Councils 2019 published and adopted budget. I would recommend that the 2020 Budget stay the same as the 2019 Budget attached the only exceptions for any adjustments that have to be made for any salary increases proposed by the Mayor, all categories and line items remain the same and increased accordingly any questions or additions or recommendations please submit in writing for all Council members to review. All Council members received a copy of this letter with a passed 2019 budget which is being proposed for 2020. Letter was sent to Mayor McDermott, Counselor Berger, and Heather Garay. Councilman Higgs- Attorney Berger, correction. Councilman President Markovich- Counselor same thing as an attorney. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 2 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 COMMUNICATIONS cont Councilman Higgs- In regards to addressing my concerns although I did not win the Primary, so it said. However, I feel it's very important that my colleagues have 2 secretaries in the office. There is a lot of work. Especially if you're actively involved in the City, and the Community, and doing such things as addressing the needs of the citizens of this great City. One secretary cannot do the job alone. I hope we can come up with an creative idea just like you pursued her to become a full time employee here as a secretary to get her some assistance as your secretary because if she gets sick there's no way in the world you all can call in and get your things done or get things addressed or get to department heads, and what not. It's very important that you have more than just 1 secretary in your office. That's all I have to say about it I hope that you all come up with an creative idea of making that happen. I certainly wouldn't want to be in the capacity as an Councilman and not have 2 secretaries. But however, I will be active in the community. Council President Markovich - Again, I will take this up under New and unfinished Business. We received a letter dated September 51\ from the City Controller about the dates and times for the proposed Budget Hearings. COMMITTEE REPORTS Community & Crime Watch Committee - Councilwoman Venecz -Announced upcoming meetings: Fri., Sept. 20; Community Watch at Silver Birch; 2 p.m. Tues., Sept. 17; East Hammond Pullman Crime Watch at Ophelia Steen at 6:30 p.m. Wed., Sept.11; Edison Community Watch Edison School; 6:30p.m. Edison Community Watch on the Road Golden Manor; lp.m. Thur., Sept. 19; Hessville C.W.; Jean Shepherd Center; 7 p.m. Thur .,Sept. 19; South Hammond Crime Watch will meet at Hammond Housing Authority at 7p.m. Thur., Sept. 12; Whiting Robertsdale will meet at Calumet College at 6:30 p.m. ORDINANCE 3RDFINAL PASSAGE None INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES None RESOLUTIONS None NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilman Torres- I would like to bring out Resolution 19R-23. It is the re-appointment of Raymundo Garcia to the Lake County Convention Visitor Bureau. I would like to have the City Clerk read it in its entirety. Council President Markovich- I believe we have to suspend the rules first. Councilman Higgs- It has to be a motion made to suspend the rules to add anything to the Agenda. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 3 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Council President Markovich- Can we refer to Attorney Berger? Attorney Berger- By Ordinance there is a 5 day rule, if it's not submitted in the packets to all the Council, (unclear) it needs a% vote to suspend the rules and let it be introduced. Councilman Torres, supported by Councilman Higgs, moved to suspend the rules. Council President Markovich- I'm not taking roll call until everyone is sitting in here. We had a couple people walkout. Ifwe need to, take a short recess until Councilwoman Venecz and Councilman Higgs comes back so _we can have a full Council here for this suspension of the rules. Councilman Higgs- Attorney Berger, just stated to you that you only need % vote so I mean one person missing from the Council Floor isn't going to make a difference. If you want to sit here and waste your time on something so petty that's totally up to you. Council President Markovich- I'm not wasting anybodies time it's so petty, I just think something of this importance, and all the discussion in the press, I think we need a full Council here to vote. Councilman Woerpel, supported by Councilman Higgs, called for the vote. Council President Markovich- City Clerk Golec, clarification on the vote please? City Clerk Golec- I'm not sure myself. The only one I have down here Mr. President is to suspend the rules. It's under suspension of rules. Correct, President Markovich? Council President Markovich- Yes, City Clerk. ROLL CALL VOTE (suspend rules) A YES: Spitale, Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Markovich NAYS: None ABSENT: Venecz Motion carried 8/0/1 RULES SUSPENDED Councilman Torres- I would like to bring out Resolution 19R-23. To reappoint Raymundo Garcia to the Lake County Convention Visitor Bureau. I would like to have the City Clerk read it in its entirety. Councilman Higgs- Point of Order Council President Markovich- State your Point of Order. Councilman Higgs- Councilman Torres there has to be a 2nd to bring out the Resolution. And I can be President. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 4 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont Councilman Torres, supported by Councilman Higgs, moved to bring out 19R-23. Councilman Torres- City Clerk Golec can you read it? City Clerk Golec- I don't have a copy of the resolution. City Clerk Golec read 19R-23 in it's entirety. Councilman Torres- Mr. Garcia has served on this board for the last 7 years he's a community activists and this is just an re-appointment. Mr Garcia spoke with us in Caucus and he wants to continue serving. I'm asking my colleagues to re-appoint him. ROLL CALL VOTE (adoption) AYES: Kalwinski, Torres, Higgs, Markovich NAYS: Spitale, Venecz, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, ABSENT: None Motion failed 4/5/0 MOTION FAILED Councilman Rakos, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved to appoint Bernard Grisolia to the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority as the Hammond City Council Representative. Councilman Higgs- Is that gentlemen in the audience this evening? I don't have a dog in this race it's fine to me whoever you want to appoint but I was just wondering if he was here? Seems to me if you were interested in the position you would make yourself available and at least show up, who am I, of course, I've been censured at a council meeting, anything can happen. ROLL CALL VOTE (passage) AYES: Spitale, Venecz, Kalwinski, Higgs, Emerson, Woerpel, Rakos, Markovich NAYS: Torres ABSENT: None Motion carried 8/1/0 MOTION PASSED Councilman Higgs- I would like to congratulate Bernard Grisolia. I hope you do a wonderful job serving on the Tourism and Visitors Bureau. Councilman Kalwinski- I want to bring out the 2019 Outstanding Non-profit Lawyer Award Recipients Announced by the ABA as it celebrates outstanding nonprofit lawyers. Lara Kalwinski is General Counsel at Zakat Foundation of America, an organization that engages in domestic and international grant making. She navigates nonprofit tax and operational issues including complexities associated with navigating the global transfer of grant funds in destabilized regions and among marginalized populations. Ms Kalwinski previously served as Senior Counsel, Policy and Compliance and the Executive Director of National Standards for the Council on Foundations. She led the Council on Foundation's work on behalf of member foundations with Congressional committee staff state and federal regulators and peer philanthropic organizations. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 5 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont Councilman Kalwinski cont. - Ms. Kalwinski trained thousands of foundation staff at conferences, presented to international, federal and state government officials, and published numerous articles about foundation governance and international grant making. Her career includes two years in India, conducting research for the Indiana University Center for Constitutional Design in Liberia, and being invited to train foundation staff throughout Japan. Ms. Kalwinski is on the Executive Committee for the Charity and Security Network led by Kay Guinane, and she has represented their work in the Hague, at the World Bank, and at the UN in Vienna. She is a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar and has received the Indiana Governor's Award for Tomorrow's Leaders. Ms Kalwinski proudly works with this year's Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recipient on US tax­ exempt organizations access to financial services. One of Hammond's very own and a proud father congratulating his daughter. Councilman Higgs- We got a card of thanks for Dan, Janet, and Anthony for their kind donations to (Unclear) Free, our veteran's and active military personnel, along with your guests, to honor them in their services. I have attached the flyer that both of you and the council members can pass out regarding this luncheon. This is only open to veteran's and active military personnel and their guests and they must make a reservation by calling 219-545-1207. Councilman Higgs - Before we go into Public Expression, I just wanted to certainly say this in regards to I know there are a number of parks being done within the city of Hammond and one of the parks that interests me is Memorial Park, and it needs some repairs and some work to be done. So I would hope that hopefully the personnel in the Park Department can get it done or maybe the community could get actively involved and maybe approach them as well and address the concerns of that park as well. Because it does need some desperate repairs, work. Councilman President Markovich - Like I stated earlier, letter September 5th to Heather Garay, the City Controller, about the City Council's proposed budget. Is Heather here? We had discussion on the caucus about the City Council's budget, I've asked her to be here, she's not here. But per my letter, and I sent it off to all of you council persons, you know, about the budget, that the 2020 budget would be the same as 2019 budget, all items, line items and that be included, except for what has to be done as far as 2% raises for PERF, FICA and so forth and that. We received a letter from the City Controller today in our packet and she's got a budget proposal and there's also something in there as far as changes that were made when several of us councilmen don't know when those changes were made, or excluded, or cut. I showed her and told her in our caucus. We all know about it. I submitted the budget. Any of you want to make changes to it, submit it in writing. The proposed budget, she has what it is that I'm asking for the City Council. I don't know why she's not here. Phil, do you know why she's not here? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff - Heather is working on the State Board Exit Conference, which is scheduled for Wednesday. So she's got a number of State Board items that she is working on right now, which is why she came to caucus, to try and work through any of the issues, or dates, or questions, or concerns that you had. Council President Markovich - I just want to relay to you, as stated in the caucus, we have a 2019 budget that was not cut. Somehow a new budget appeared as per agreement, and so forth and that, and several of us Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 6 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Council President Markovich cont. - councilmen have no idea what she or certain council persons are talking about. I'm telling it to you here, for the record, you know, that our budget has remained the same as 2020. 2019's budget is going to be the same as 2020, what the exchanges have to be with our second secretary, her FICA, raises and so forth and all of that. If any of these councilmen want to make changes to what I proposed, submit it in writing. But I'm telling you, and here for the public record, I am submitting the City Council's budget for 2020. It was submitted to the Mayor, Councilor Berger and Heather Garay, the City Controller. (Unclear) gave us some papers here proposed, basically that's what I'm doing here, and wherever these reductions were made, I'd like to see it in writing where those reductions were made, when and where and how. Councilman Higgs - Mr. President? Council President Markovich - Let me finish, please. Councilman Higgs - Well, by right, Councilman Markovich, you're supposed to relinquish your chair and give it to the Vice President. Council President Markovich - I don't have to relinquish my chair when I'm supporting information for the City Council. Now, if somebody wants me to step down and they want to take over as president, they're welcome to. But I'm just trying to protect this Council and see what's going on here because we have a budget. For the last few years, we were never given a copy of the budget. It was presented to us and that's it I'm telling you guys ahead of time and for the public, with the City Council budget is being recommended if somebody wants to change it put it in writing. I was told by Heather if I wanted anything to put it in writing. I put it in writing and she's got it. A letter was also sent about scheduling departments heads meetings for September 2Pt. Now I'm being told that they don't want to have department head meetings I'm saying here per her letter September 51\ that we're gonna have department head meetings on September 21st on a Saturday, now if that wants to be changed submit it in writing, but from what I understand, the proposed budget that's gonna be submitting is gonna be before the department heads budgets are unless we have the meeting on September 2Pt. She's saying it's not required, they don't have to have it, that's fine, but I'm letting them know that I submitted our budget. That's what I'm requesting for this council, again if any Council Member does not agree with that budget, submit your questions in writing. Councilman Higgs- The only question I have about the budget is making sure Susan has enough help in the office, other than that it doesn't phase me one iota because I worked tirelessly for this City, and this Community I feel as though whatever gonna happen is gonna happen. You can sit here and go back and forth and discuss it all you want but the reality of it is, you know as well as I know these things have been going on for quite some time. You put what you want in the budget, you submit the budget, and be done with it. It's no need to go back and fourth if you have a scheduled time for us to meet then submit the times and have everybody come and address your concerns. Other than that, Councilman Markovich, you just spinning your wheels. The Times isn't here, where are they? I haven't seen them in god knows, when they quick to make accusations and publish different things that are not true. It's very offensive. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 7 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Councilman Woerpel- I think your point is taken you're submitting a budget. It doesn't matter now, we're submitting a 2020 budget, we don't need to argue about the 2019 budget. We're submitting a 2020 budget and you've got a proposal. Council President Markovich- She submitted the proposal with zeroed out Items, and I'm not agreeing to that. Councilman Woerpel - And I've seen what you submitted back, minus the fact that you don't add in where you want to raise it, but I see what you've submitted back. You want it the same except where changes apply, but you've submitted the proposal. Council President Markovich- You know what the budget that was passed in 2019. Councilman Woerpel- No I'm just saying it doesn't matter what 2019. We are working on the 2020 budget. Council President Markovich- We're still under the 2019 budget that was never changed. But somehow some kinda piece of paper all of sudden appeared with per agreement several Councilmen, don't know where that per agreement came from. Councilman Higgs- My other concern is that we have some people within our Community serving on 3 and 4 Boards, I think that should stop, and one, I have no problem with making it public so make sure guys correctly put it out there, Anne Herbert shouldn't be serving on 3 and 4 Boards. It's not fair to the citizens of this great City. Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff - President Markovich, so you can submit the budget that the Council, is proposing to Heather Garay. Council President Markovich- I've done that already in my September 5th letter. Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff - Okay, fair enough, so the only other point I'm going to make is we all know that because of the law change for St. Joe and Lake County, exempt debt will no longer be exempt which means we'll lose as a City$ 5 million dollars, so all the changes you will be seeing in the near future will be reductions for the most part. But to answer your question about the department head meeting, the budget will not be completed until very close till September 27th . If you try and schedule a meeting before the budget is completed you will be speaking to folks like myself and other department heads who won't have. any answers at that time, that's why Heather Garay is suggested that department head meetings be after September 271\ so that we can actually have a budget that has been proposed and the Council then has their opportunity to make changes at that point and that's when the department head meetings will happen, and that's per the letter that you received from the Mayor today. Councilman Higgs- So Phil, do you have an actual date that you suggest that these meetings should take place? So Councilman Markovich is clear as to when. Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff - As long as it's after September 27th you can choose what date is appropriate for the Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 8 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 Council. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Councilman Higgs- I understand that, but it has to be adopted and passed by ... and his question to you again is we aren't given any opportunity to make any changes once its presented to the Council, he's saying he can't make any changes. Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- I would suggest that since the Mayor has scheduled meetings with each Council persons, that if you have changes that you would like to see made that you suggest those to him. The way it's set up, the Mayor proposes the budget to the Council, that is what goes into the system, then the Council then can make changes at that point. But if you have changes that you want to see happen sit down with the Mayor, right now he's setting meetings with each and every one of you, I believe. Council President Markovich- For the record, she has a letter from me with our budget that we are requesting. Unless anybody on this Council wants to make changes, this is what is being submitted to her, our secretary part-time and so forth and that. I don't care about her proposed thing. I do want to know, in writing, when these agreements and changes were made. We've been advertising for a 2nd secretary. We had someone lined up but they took a position with the School City. I'm being told we never had that position. So I want to know when was that position was cut out? We've had a secretary, just like if the Mayor, has a secretary that has health issues or whatever reason you gotta have a backup, we're trying to hire a backup, now we are being told that position was cut out without even being notified. For the record, I submitted our budget for 2020. I'll give you a copy, she has a copy I expect that to be in there unless some changes are made in writing ... Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- That is on the record that you are submitting that budget. Council President Markovich- I do expect from this proposed attachment budget Form 1 that these changes are reduced budget when Debbie position is determined ... Councilman Rakos- You sure you don't want the Vice President to take the chair? Council President Markovich- If you want to be recognized ask to be recognized, Please let's keep some order here. Councilman Rakos- What does order have to do with this, your're not supposed to be talking. Council President Markovich- You guys can take a vote if you want me to step down, I'll continue, I'm just trying to help you guys out for the budget. Councilman Woerpel- I don't see where they're is an argument there not asking us to pass a budget before we talk t6 department heads. They're going to submit a proposed budget having to be under the tax-caps. I doubt very highly they're going to give us a budget that's over the tax-caps so basically we going to be handed a budget that we can cut nothing, stops us from cutting anything. And my point is you're submitting a Council Budget to her on what we need I just don't see where there is an argument here. She's got a proposed hearing Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 9 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Councilman Woerpel cont- with department heads. It's not going to be after we pass the budget. Councilman Kalwinski- l got to ask a couple of things just for clarification. Phil, when the budget comes on September 2?1\ is it published? • Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- It has to be posted into the DLGF system, the proposed budget. Councilman Kalwinski- So you're going to publish the budget before we can react to it? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- This is how it is done, the Mayor submits a proposed budget. It has to be 10 days before the October 7th meeting you are having. And then you will have the opportunity to react to it and make changes to the budget. Councilman Kalwinski- Is it Published on the 27th ? Council President Markovich- Yes, it is published. Councilman Kalwinski- So that means once it's published we can't make changes? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- That's not correct. You actually can make changes to the budget after it's published into DLGF, and then eventually the final budget will also be posted into the DLGF system. Council President Markovich- For point of clarification though, we can make changes but not additions, we can only make cuts. He's not telling you everything ... Councilwoman Venecz- Point of Order. Council President Markovich- I'm just saying for our budget they want to make cuts. What's gonna happen is each department, and we don't have to have department meetings, because they're going to be handed a budget from the Mayor, this is what it is and this is what your going to live by and that's what it is, once it's published on the 27 th . It's not gonna be changed. You might be able to make some cuts but no additions. Councilwoman Venecz- I think it needs to be made clear that our City Controller and Mayor have met with each of the departments, is that correct Phil? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- He's continuing to meet with each department head. Councilwoman Venecz- I do believe, and correct me ifl'm wrong, that each department has been asked to make cuts where they can without jeopardizing the services to the City? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- Yes, that's correct. Councilwoman Venecz- And we've aH been hearing about the tax-caps that are coming. 75% of the residents of Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Councilwoman Venecz cont- the State oflndiana voted for the tax-caps. Their property taxes are going to go down. And as the result of that we as a municipality are not going to receive the amount of money that we've gotten in the past. Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- Yes, we say tax-caps but it's actually the exempt debt is no longer exempt, but yes that is accurate. Councilwoman Venecz- So, it just so happened that the State Board of Accounts came in to do their Audit as they do every year, and it happens that the State Board of Accounts came here right in the midst of Heather, working on the budget and meeting with all the departments, and they're overlapping deadlines is that correct? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- Unfortunately, yes. Councilwoman Venecz- Okay, so I think common sense would tell one that one can accomplish only so much. There is a State Board of Accounts deadline, there is a Budget deadline, and Heather, and the Mayor, are doing there very best to meet with everybody to make sure that our goals as a City, our financial goals, are accomplished. I don't envy Heather she has got an monumental job and having the State Board of Accounts breathing down your back everyday and when they ask for something they want it immediately so all of that is playing into Heather, working on the budget. So that being said our budgets are going to be reduced. That goes without saying, our department budget is going to be reduced. Is that accurate? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- Pretty much across the board that is accurate. Councilwoman Venecz- So by State Law, and correct me ifl'm wrong again we as the Council, would have the ability to reduce that budget. We would not be able to add to it once it has been published is that correct? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- Yes. Councilwoman Venecz- So, all that being said I guess I'm a little bit confused as to why there is an issue before us with regard to the 2020 budget. We all know that it is what it is. We all know that we have to make the reductions in order to keep our Police and Fire on the streets in order to maintain the services that we have for our residents at a reduced cost. So all that being said again, I don't understand why we're having a discussion about the budget once it published because we're not going to ask for more if anything we're gonna ask for less. And quite frankly, when our City Council budget is being presented with zero cuts, why is it, for years? I've heard about precedents, oh there are precedents, well precedents happens to be a very convenient thing when it works for those who are proposing it. We have set a precedent before and I think we need to lead by example. If other departments are being asked to reduce their budget, I think that the Hammond City Council needs to lead by example and reduce our budget. We get a very nice sum for our promotional money, granted that money is used to support a lot of the athletic teams and the non for profits that are here in the City, and they come to us and they ask us for support. The Hispanic Parade, that's coming up has come to all ofus and asked for help. They wouldn't be able to put these events on without each and everyone ofus supporting them. I think we should lead by example and cut our budget. Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 11 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL ~ont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS cont. Councilman Higgs- My question is for Councilwoman Venecz, are you willing to cut that$ 25,000 you get? Anyway, Mr. President, the reality of it is we understand that the caps are here and they been coming. There are needs and wants in each department and we are aware of that as well however, what suggestion do you have in regards to the cuts? I haven't heard anyone saying let's cut one thing. All they saying is the department head will present the budget to the Council. I haven't heard anyone publicly come and say I would like to see this cut or like to see that cut. So I'm confused. Councilman Kalwinski- I just want to finish what I started earlier. Thank you for the information about publishing and being able to make changes. I have some difficultly I understand we are meeting with the Mayor to talk about the budget. But it's just difficult to speak to a budget that's supposed to be proposed another $5 million more in the hole without seeing it in front if you to have a conversation to see where the cuts are made to see if you agree with the cuts, that are made. So I don't know how to have a conversation with the Mayor, without having a budget in hand, it would be difficult. Ifl don't have the budget in my hand how are we going to talk about moving things around? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- I agree with you, which is why Heather Garay is currently meeting with all the departments. She's going through the budget with each individual department talking to them about where they believe they can cut and how they can cut and still maintain the services that we provide, and for Heather and the departments to come in front of the Council, and say here's what we're proposing to you. It can't be done until those department head meeting are completed and each department has made the potential changes they're going to make, so I agree with what you're saying, which is why we don't schedule that Saturday, meeting until all departments have had that opportunity to meet with Heather and make the changes that they will be proposing. Councilman Kalwinski- I thought I heard earlier was Council people are meeting with the Mayor, about the budget? Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- That's correct. So the Mayor is scheduling meetings with each Council person to talk about the big picture. That we have a projected minium $5 million dollar loss this year compared to last years budget. And I think once you ineet with him you will find that he's come up with some creative and good ways of cutting back on the budget, and still maintaining the services and everything that we do for the City of Hammond, and still have funding for each District Council person, as far as what they receive, and be able to use for their District. I believe that's why they Mayor, wants to have that conversation with each Council person and at that time if there's something you want to suggest to the Mayor, as far as compared to last years budget and what you think can happen this year, I think that would be a great opportunity to tell Mayor McDermott what you're thinking and what proposed changes you have in mind. Councilman Higgs- Phil, you can tell the Mayor I'm all in. Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- Thank you, Councilman Higgs. Council President Markovich- I think what Councilman Kalwinski was bringing out here we always had department head meetings ... and let's not play games here departments heads would be giving a budget this is Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 12 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 Council President Markovich cont- What it is this is where we can make cuts and you gotta live with it end of story, the only problem is this time there going to submit the proposed budget on the 27th,not even gone have department head meetings okay with the Council or anything like that and ifwe do there's no point because it's done and over with, you keep saying to make the cuts the only the Council, is gonna be able to do is make cuts no increasing and I don't think this Council, is planning on making any increases the Mayor, is going to have his budget and I'm sure the Council is going to go along with it with. Some of the processes are being cut out this time and all I'm trying to do is protect the City Council, budget for next year and I've done that far as I can tell tonight by the letter I'm giving it to the Clerk. It's a matter ofrecord, it's going to be submitted and have him send it to the City Controller, and again not to repeat myself if anybody on this Council, wants to make changes submit it in writing. And if they want to have meetings it's fine, whatever, but the bottom line is whatever that budgets gonna be we're not gonna be meeting with the Council the 27th,that budget is submitted and that's what it is come like it or not. Phil Taillon, Chief of Staff- Councilman Markovich, I would suggest that Heather when she meets with the department heads that she does not tell them what they can cut, she works together with them as far as what cuts can be made for that department on behalf of the City, and I think you can ask each department head that she's not dictating to them what they have to do. She's working with them as far as what cuts can be made and if you're concerned about what increases can happen in certain departments, I would suggest you talk to the Mayor right now so that you can give him those suggestions. But with a projected $5 million dollars mini um lost compared to last years budget there's gonna be quite a few cuts in different departments and different areas. But at the same time I think when the Mayor meets with each Council person that they would be potentially pleasantly surprised as far as some of the creativity we have come up with and how we're going to be able to do this without interrupting the services and programs and things that we do for the City of Hammond. Council President Markovich- I'm sure it will be done that way. It's just that the process and time lines are being changed. Things are put in writing of when and where we're are going to have the meetings when it has to be proposed. The budget has to be proposed by October 7th and Monday, October 21st is the adoption of the budget so that's all fine and dandy. The bottom line is that the Mayor and Heather and everybody working with the department and they will do what they need to do except for whatever is required for the Union Contracts and there is nothing we can do about that. Councilman Higgs- I guess my question would be to you for 2020, do you have in the proposed budget for the Council, a 2nd secretarial position? Council President Markovich- Councilman, you received a letter it's in there if you read the letter it's in there. The Clerk, will submit that to the Controller tonight that's what it is she got a copy of that letter again ifl need to repeat myself, if this Council wants to make changes or cuts to our budget you're welcome to do that. But I'm just trying to protect this Council, for next year, and whatever happens after that... to run this efficiently have everything covered we need more than one person. Councilman Higgs- I agree totally. I'm willing to picket for that, you want to picket? PUBLIC EXPRESSION Laura Gilliam- I'm a crossing guard on the corner of Conkey and Jefferson. I work at Wallace Elementary Prepared by . Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 13 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 PUBLIC EXPRESSION cont. Laura Gilliam cont- , the parents will park on the left hand side of Conkey and block vison for me to cross the kids in boxed Mr. Higgs can I get no parking signs? I have pictures of them blocking my vison. Council President Markovich- To cut to the chase I suggest you talk to Phil, Chief of Staff. It is a safety issue that should be brought before Public Works and Safety. I can agree with her I had the same problem at Clark. PUBLIC EXPRESSION cont Councilman Woerpel- Point of Order Laura Gilliam- Someone is definitely going to get hit there it could be me or the kids. Councilman Higgs- Ma'am we can't respond to you. Councilman Woerpel- Point of Order. This is Public Expression Laura Gilliam- Yea I've sat here with my 2 girls brought them to a meeting listening to you constantly interrupt people. I'm asking for a couple of more minutes. This is not the safety of me, I don't care if a car hits me but I'm not gone allow the kids that I cross to get hit by a stupid drivers off of Conkey. Kendall Warner- I have proposal here I'm going to read and I'm going to submit to the City. It's called" Who got beef battle field" this proposal is specifically designed to be able to bring a peaceful resolution to the various forms of conflicts and violence. George Stoya- I know some people have concerns about the difference of opinion. I'd like to thank Phil for his perspectives and his candor. Also I liked to congratulate Bernie, and thank this Council, for making a choice I think you all are going to be in some hot water with Raymundo, we shall see. I wonder one is the appoint of Bernie retro active to June 24th from the point in time you rescinded Raymundos? Another thing, please inform Bernie contrary to what Tom Dabertin, the City's representative to the Tourism Board, boasted on the radio that he was primarily the representative not of the City of Hammond, he's primarily representative of the Tourism Board, and secondarily the representative of the City. Linda Anguiano- I've been. here before talking about the group I volunteer for. First I would like to thank Scott Rakos for his involvement and Hammond and especially my District with the Latino Hispanic Parade. And for his support of HUGS, I would like to also thank Pete Torres, for his support. I would like to see more encouragement of females and Latinos. Councilman Higgs, supported by Councilman Spitale, moved to adjourn. AYES: ALL Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 14 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL cont. SEPTEMBER 9 2019 Robert A. Markovich, President ATT/jt/q/JL Hammond Common Council Robert J. Golec, 6ty Clerk Time: 7:35 p.m dw Prepared by Robert J. Golec Hammond City Clerk 15