Board of Public Works and Safety

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY CITY OF HOBART, LAKE COUNTY, INDIANA September 16, 2015 Call to Order/Pledge to the Flag: Mayor Snedecor called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: The following members were present: Mr. Lain, Mr. Ehrhardt, and 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 September 2, 2015 as presented. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Correspondence: Six Police Officers were recognized for life saving incidents. Officer Adrian Bustos, Officer Stephanie Stewart, Officer Brian Hanson, Officer Ryan Snedecor, Officer Kevin Garber and Officer Brandon Kissee were present to receive certificates and Pins of Lifesaving merit. Three Firefighters were also recognized by the HPD, Ralph Cueto, Dave Hanson, and Lloyd Beesaw. Brandon Towle, from BF&S gave an update of the 61st Ave. Phase III Project and handed out a Progress Report. The project is on schedule and on budget. 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. Lain requested a correction to the Agenda, to change the address for tree removal to 1219 W. Old Ridge Rd. and Mr. Hannigan requested the addition of Alan Watkins, re: 317 Center St. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to approve the Agenda as amended. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Unfinished Business: Status Update: Order to Appear: Richard Williams, re: 1328 E. Cleveland Ave.: Mr. Williams was not present. Mr. Hannigan stated that the home is empty at this time and provided pictures. He is requesting a Do Not Occupy Notice. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Lain, to authorize a Do Not Occupy Notice to be issued. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Continued: Discussion re: Downtown Streetscape Project: Center Street Bump-Outs and Utility Burial: Mr. Gralik has not spoken to anyone from BF&S regarding possible issues or solutions. Mr. Lain questioned Jake at BF&S about busses having trouble making a right hand turn at 3rd and Center. Jake, via email let Mr. Lain know that busses should not have a problem making the turn. Fire Trucks will also be able to make the turn, Chief Kerr’s only concern would be the Tower Truck. Public Works Dept. will work with whatever the City does. Mr. Ehrhardt said this type of bump out is very popular in small communities for intersection enhancement and makes for better pedestrian crossing. He suggested reducing the amount of the bump-outs or to consider doing only 3 corners. No action was taken. Mr. Gralik will discuss the design with BF&S. New Business: Request for Tree Removal: Ron Russo, re: 1219 W. Old Ridge Rd.: Sgt. Russo was present. He has not been able to contact the listed property owner. The tree is unstable and needs to be removed. He is asking to send a 10 day letter to the owner and then proceed to remove the tree. Motion by Mr. Lain, and seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to approve sending a letter to respond within 10 days, then move forward with tree removal and lien the property. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Board of Works Minutes: September 16, 2015 Request to Relocate Mailboxes: John Brezik, re: 1811 and 1855 W. Old Ridge Rd.: Mr. Brezik was present. Residents have requested the movement of their mailboxes from the north side of the street to the south side of the street. The owners will be responsible for the cost of moving the mail boxes and the City will have no legal responsibility. The Post Office has no problem with the relocation. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to approve the relocation based upon a site visit by Mr. Hannigan of the Building Department to be sure ADA requirements are met. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Request for Release of Lien: Allen Watkins, re: 317 Center St.: Mr. Watkins was present. He is selling the property and the buyer is going to rehab the house. He is requesting a discount of lien fines, the larger ones being sewer and garbage fees. Mr. Snedecor said that Mr. Watkins would have to go before the HSD Board to resolve those charges. The Board of Works is the Board he would address for property maintenance which totals $742.29. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Ehrhardt, to continue until October 7, 2015 and directing the Realtor to go to the HSD Board on October 14, 2015. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Announcements: Brian Schwuchow, 2110 W. 3rd St. addressed the Board about the property on Liverpool and 49th Ave. Mr. Schwuchow asked Mr. Ehrhardt if he had any new information. Mr. Ehrhardt stated that he hasn’t received any feedback at this time. Neighbors are very upset and concerned about the scope of the work being done. Mr. Snedecor noted that the staff has been dealing with this situation. Mr. Gralik stated that the owner has appeared before the Plan Commission and has applied for the Rule 5 Permit. Mr. DeBonis stated that he cannot create a drainage problem off of his property, which is an issue. He also needs to stabilize the soils and must have a Fill Permit in order to bring in dirt. Mr. Schwuchow would like the City to have a public hearing as to the site plan. The Plan Commission will be notified. 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 5:20 p.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ SECRETARY PRESIDING OFFICER Board of Works Minutes: September 16, 2015