Board of Public Works and Safety

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY CITY OF HOBART, LAKE COUNTY, INDIANA March 2, 2016 Call to Order/Pledge to the Flag: Mayor Snedecor called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: The following members were present: Mr. Lain and Mr. Snedecor. Also present: Attorney DeBonis, C-T Longer and Admin. Asst. C. Govert. Absent: Mr. Ehrhardt Reading of Minutes: Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Snedecor, to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 17, 2016 as presented. All aye, motion carried. (2-0) Correspondence: Update on 61st Ave. Project: Brandon Towle, BF&S: Mr. Towle distributed a status report to the Board. G.E. Marshall has completed the storm sewer on Wisconsin St., along with the majority of the storm sewer trunkline on the south side of 61st Ave., and is currently installing the sanitary sewer on the north side of 61st Ave., between Arizona St. and Deep River Dr. LaPorte Construction has poured the southwest bridge footer and abutment. They began excavation for the southeast footer last week and unfortunately have been stalled by the weather and high river levels once again. As soon as the river recedes they are expected to return to the site. Dr. McCullough addressed the board with concerns she has regarding the construction near her home on 61st Ave. The lighting is bad, no land-line phone service, she has spoken to Frontier and Comcast to see if a problem can be resolved but it all leads back to the construction, also her mail is wet and muddy. The grade of her driveway causes her problems getting out to 61st Ave. Another resident addressed the Board about the Right of Way at that property, stating that on the maps she has reviewed, Dr. McCullough is paying taxes and it is not her property. Attorney DeBonis said that a study was done before construction began but it can be reviewed. Mr. Towle will follow up with the residents about the lighting, phone and driveway. Mr. Snedecor announced that the City was awarded the 2015 Green Fleet Community of the Year, from the South Shore Visitor’s Bureau. Mr. Lain and Mr. Snedecor thanked the Public Works Dept. along with the Parks Department and HPD for working together and clearing the snow during the storm last week. Approval of Register of Claims and Payroll Claims: Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Snedecor, to accept and sign the register of claims and payroll claims as presented. All aye, motion carried. (2-0) Approval of Agenda: Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Snedecor, to approve the agenda as presented. All aye, motion carried. (2-0) Unfinished Business: Continued: Discussion of 15 minute parking space plan: Brickies Gyros, 431 E. Third St.: Wendy Race, Brickies Gyros was present. Mr. Snedecor discussed looking at a variety of spaces for limited parking times around town. Mr. Dubach, Public Works and Chief Zormier believe it is a good idea. They would like to start with one 15 minute parking space on a temporary/trial basis in the area of 431 E. Third St. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Snedecor, to approve a temporary 15 minute parking space near 431 E. Third, the placement to be determined by Public Works, and setting a review date in one year at a March 2017 Board of Works meeting. All aye, motion carried. (2-0) Review: Order to Comply: Andrew Batistatos, re: 315 W. Third St.: Mr. Batistatos was present. He stated that he has all his permits in place and the garage will be down by the weekend. Mr. Hannigan stated Board of Works Minutes: March 2, 2016 1 that even though Mr. Batistatos is getting the work done now, it has taken a considerable amount of City time and money to get him to this point. Mr. Hannigan feels that a fine is in order. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Lain, to set over for review at the March 16, 2016 meeting, and have Mr. Batistatos appear to discuss a possible fine. All aye, motion carried. (2-0) Continued: Request to Extend Guardrail along Wisconsin St.: Brian Bruce, 900 W. 3rd Place: Mr. Bruce was present. He distributed photos to the Board. He is requesting the guardrail to keep motorized vehicles off of his neighbor’s property. Mr. Snedecor stated that the upcoming construction of the bridge may change the area and he would not want to put a permanent guardrail in that area. Mr. Gralik, City Engineer stated that the new bridge will change the elevation and some modifications may happen. Mr. Snedecor said that they can look into it further and possibly provide temporary relief. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Lain, to remove this item from the agenda and have Public Works and the City Engineer determine a temporary modification to block access to the private property. All aye, motion carried. (2-0) New Business: Order to Comply/Unsafe Building Code Violations for Unoccupied Properties: Mary & Hugh Smith, Trustees, re: 7585, 7605, 7613, 7619, 7625, 7645 Mississippi Street: Mr. Hannigan distributed a letter from Attorney Richard Bolton asking for a 60 day extension on the Order to Comply. Councilman Herzog was present and stated he receives numerous complaints regarding this property and requested that a maximum of 30 days be given to resolve this issue. Attorney DeBonis mentioned that there have been conversations with the owner about the demolition of the buildings on this property in the past. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Lain, to continue for 30 days to comply or appear at the April 6, 2016 meeting with a contract for the demolition and require any buyer to take the buildings down. All aye, motion carried . (2-0) Resolution 2016-03: A Resolution Approving Real Estate Purchase Agreement between Jason and Lori Gilliana (Seller) and City of Hobart (Buyer) and Authorizing the Execution of Indiana Coastal Grant Program Assurances: The Resolution was read. Mr. Snedecor thanked Mr. Mendoza for his efforts in putting this grant together. The purchase price of the property is $33,400.00. $16,700 is to be received from the IDNR, Indiana Coastal Grants Program, and the balance by the IDNR, Bicentennial Nature Trust so the acquisition of the property will be accomplished at no cost to the City except for recording and title update fees. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Snedecor, to approve Resolution 2016-03 as presented. All aye, motion carried. (2-0) Consideration of Bid received for Ambulance Purchase: Mr. Snedecor recommended that this item be set over for further review. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mr. Snedecor, to set over for review at the March 16, 2016 meeting. All aye, motion carried. (2-0) Announcements: Paul Richter, 1510 E. 10th St. addressed the Board. He is concerned with the safe passage of the High School students after a snow storm. The sidewalks are not cleared and the kids are walking in the street. Mr. Snedecor stated that it is ultimately the home owner responsibility to remove the snow. That being said, he will reconnect with the School City and see if they can come to an understanding to be sure the walkways are clear for the children walking to school. 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 the meeting. All aye, motion carried. (2-0) The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. ______________________ _____________________ SECRETARY PRESIDING OFFICER Board of Works Minutes: March 2, 2016 2