Board of Public Works and Safety

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY CITY OF HOBART, LAKE COUNTY, INDIANA SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 Call to Order – Moment of Silence: Mayor Snedecor called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: The following members were present: Mayor Snedecor, Mr. Lain and Mr. Ehrhardt. Also present: Clerk-Treasurer Longer and Trish White C-T Admin. Asst. Absent: Attorney DeBonis. Reading of Minutes: Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to accept and approve the Regular Meeting minutes of August 21, 2013 as presented. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Attorney DeBonis arrives Correspondence: Mayor Snedecor reviewed the 61st Ave. Joint Commission Resolution 2013-01 that allows the Board of Public Works to process payments for property acquisitions needed for the project. Attorney DeBonis stated these claims will be for simple, agreed upon acquisitions with the property owners to allow for timeliness and ease of processing. Mr. Snedecor reminded the Board of the opportunity for ethics training for Boards and Commissioners, scheduled for September 30th by the Shared Ethics Commission. Approval of Claims: Motion by Mr. Ehrhardt, seconded by Mr. Lain, to accept and approve the claims lists and payroll claims lists as presented. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Approval of Agenda: Mr. Snedecor requested an item to be added to the agenda: Request for a block party closing part of Hillcrest Street. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to approve the agenda as amended. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Unfinished Business: There was no unfinished business. New Business: Request for Information/Directional Signs in easement: Jamie Ward, Suncrest Christian Church: No one was present (Pastor Ward arrived later). Mr. Ehrhardt stated this request is similar to others that have been before the board in the past and the size of the proposed sign is in keeping with others that exist. Motion by Mr. Ehrhardt, seconded by Mr. Lain, to approve this request as presented with the provision that Suncrest Church is to provide the sign at their expense and the installation work is done under the supervision of Public Works to determine a location. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Request for street sign: NB Eider Ave. near Bracken Parkway: Tom Brebrich, 7653 Eider Ave. was present on behalf of William Brebrich. Mr. Brebrich requested an information sign be installed regarding children at play. Police Chief Zormier and Mr. Dubach stated this type of sign is not allowed and the best thing that could happen is a speed limit sign be installed if it does not already exist and the area patrol increased. Mr. Snedecor stated the neighbors need to work with the City by taking plate numbers and calling the police to report individuals breaking the law. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to deny the sign requested and have police patrol increased and residents work with the police department to report speeders. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Mr. Dubach will follow up with a speed limit sign if Board of Works Minutes: September 4, 2013 1 needed in the area. Request for a driveway pavement waiver: Bob Allen, 555 N. Union St.: Mr. Hannigan stated the accessory garage has been built and more than the first 50 feet of driveway is paved and the structure is in compliance. Motion by Mr. Ehrhardt, seconded by Mr. Lain, to approve the driveway waiver as requested. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Review of Replacement Crossing Guard Contract: George Earle School/Hobart Police Dept.: The Police Department presented a new contract effective 8/21/13- 12/31/13 to replace a crossing guard who has left the position at George Earle School. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to approve the contract as presented. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Request to hold a neighborhood block party on Hillcrest at Coral Drive: Beth Peterman: Beth Peterman was present. HPD and HFD have no objections to this request. Police Chief Zormier stated that he encourages neighbors getting together and working on neighborhood watch programs. The request is a partial street closure on Hillcrest, from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on September 14. It was noted that emergency vehicle access is available on alternative routes and temporary barricades would be in place and easily moved should the street need to be reopened because of an emergency. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to approve the block party request as present. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Ms. Peterman will work with Public Works on their recommendations for the closure. Announcements: Mayor Snedecor stated the Annual Boat Race starts September 5th and runs through Sunday, Sept. 8th. Practice runs have been taking place for the past couple days. Mr. Ward was now present and Mr. Snedecor advised him that his sign request was approved. Mr. Snedecor asked if anyone wished to address the Board there was no response. Adjournment: Motion by Mr. Lain to adjourn. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) The meeting adjourned at 4:32 p.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ SECRETARY PRESIDING OFFICER Board of Works Minutes: September 4, 2013 2