Board of Public Works and Safety

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY CITY OF HOBART, LAKE COUNTY, INDIANA July 15, 2015 Call to Order/Pledge to the Flag: Mayor Snedecor called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: The following members were present: Mr. Lain, Mr. Ehrhardt, Mayor Snedecor. Also present: Attorney DeBonis and Clerk-Treasurer Longer. Reading of Minutes: Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 1, 2015, as presented. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Correspondence: There was no correspondence. Approval of Register of Claims and Payroll Claims: Motion by Mr. Ehrhardt, seconded by Mr. Lain, to accept and approve the register of claims and payroll claims as presented. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Approval of Agenda: Mr. Snedecor requested the addition of Consideration of a Utility Easement with Lake County and NIPSCO for the 911 Tower. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt to approve the agenda with the additional item. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Unfinished Business: Order to Comply: Daniel Waters re: 3352 74th Ave.: Mr. Waters was not present. Mr. Hannigan provided a memo stating the property is now in compliance and recommended dismissing this item. Motion by Mr. Ehrhardt, seconded by Mr. Lain, to show this property in full compliance and remove it from the agenda. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Request for Use of Public Sidewalk: Antonio Camacho, re: All Starz Barbershop, 326 Main Street: Mr. Camacho was present and stated he understood the concerns regarding the bench in front of the window and the no smoking requirements. He noted this request is seasonal only and the bench would not be out year- round and requested guidance as to its placement. Mr. Herzog stated there are other chairs placed on the sidewalk at other businesses and the windows are not a factor of concern. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Lain, to approve the request until December 31, 2015, with placement of the bench to be determined by the City Engineer and the business may request placement again next year if no issues arise. All aye motion carried. (3-0) New Business: Request for Stop Sign: Betty Summerhill, 1214 W. 1st Pl. re: West and East Corner of Cleveland and Colorado: Ms. Summerhill was not present. Mr. Ehrhardt stated he considered this intersection and does not feel it is a high traffic area. Mr. Lain noted that 2nd & Colorado is already a 4-way stop and signs are placed for regulation, not speed control. Police Chief Zormier stated he is familiar with the area and stated a traffic study could be conducted in the area. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to deny the request, subject to revisiting if a traffic study conducted by the Police Department warranted re-consideration. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Board of Works Minutes: July 15, 2015 Request for Tree Removal from Easement: Dave Krueger, re: 112 E. 13th Pl.: Mr. Kruger was not present. Mr. Lain stated he discussed the situation with Public Works and while the tree did not look diseased, he had no issue with its removal at the owner’s expense. Motion by Mr. Ehrhardt, seconded by Mr. Lain, to approve the removal of the tree at the owner’s expense. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Proposed Settlement: W. Brian Riley, re: Karen Boruff, 229 N Ohio St.: Mr. Riley presented a Power of Attorney to the Board. Attorney DeBonis reviewed and stated it appeared in order. Mr. Lain reviewed the liens held by the City, stating that each were for clean-up of the property over the years and not for fines imposed by the Board for non-compliance. Attorney DeBonis stated the taxpayer dollars were expended to remedy a potential public health issue under the Unsafe Building Laws and suggested a payment plan be considered. Mr. Snedecor expressed the need to find a balance as to the expense of the tax dollars. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Lain, to table this matter pending a report of legal counsel. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Consideration of Approval of Agreement: Clocktower Power Boat Race, September 9-14, 2015: Attorney DeBonis noted this Agreement is substantially similar to the ones approved in past years. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to approve the Agreement for the Clocktower Power Boat Race as presented. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Consideration of Utility Easement with County and NIPSCO for 911 Tower: Attorney Nicole Bennett was present and stated this easement is necessary in addition to the one previously granted due to the placement of the NIPSCO lines to connect to the tower. Attorney DeBonis stated that once installed, this easement is written to be only 10’ on either side of the lines installed and may contain other infrastructure if needed by the City. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to approve the Utility Easement Agreement as presented. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Announcements: Bob Fulton announced a volunteer and donations management training for disaster preparation to be held by the NW Indiana Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) to be held on Tuesday, July 21st from 6-8 pm at Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church in Merrillville. Anyone interested in more information may contact him through the Mayor’s office. Mr. Snedecor asked if there was anyone who wished to address the Board and there was no further response. Adjournment: Motion by Mr. Lain, to adjourn. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ SECRETARY PRESIDING OFFICER Board of Works Minutes: July 15, 2015