Board of Public Works and Safety

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY CITY OF HOBART, LAKE COUNTY, INDIANA June 3, 2020 Call to Order/Pledge to the Flag: Mr. Snedecor called the meeting to order at 3:31 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was held with the building open to the public and a call-in number for remote public participation. Roll Call: The following members were present: Mr. Lain, Mrs. Longer and Mr. Snedecor. Also present: City Attorney McCarthy and Admin. Asst. C. Govert. Reading of Minutes: Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mrs. Longer, to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 20, 2020 as presented. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) City Attorney McCarthy advised the public to mute their phones to allow the Board of Works to conduct business and Mr. Snedecor would ask if anyone would like to speak to an issue as the Board went through their agenda. Correspondence: Chief Zormier addressed the Board requesting the approval of promotions. With pending retirements and adjustments in the Police Department, he is asking for the approval of the supervisors listed below. Not only are these selected individuals well respected amongst existing supervisors, they rated very favorably amongst their peers. The Unit Commanders, 1st Sergeant Simon Gresser and 1st Sergeant Nick Waldrip would become appointed Lieutenants, and the following officers will be promoted to their next hard rank. Sergeants: Corporal Robert Brazil – Investigations Corporal Ryan Snedecor – Patrol Corporal Monte White – SRO Corporal Kenneth Williams – Intelligence Corporals: Master Patrol Officer Brian Taylor – Intelligence Chief Zormier noted that the promotions are all in line with the current Police Department budget and recommends approval. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mrs. Longer to approve the promotions as recommended. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Mr. Lain asked for an update on the 3rd Street Bridge project. City Engineer Phil Gralik said that the completion date is on target for late August. Mrs. Longer noted that Brandon Towle, BF&S, will be giving status updates every 2 weeks starting at the June 17th meeting of the Board of Works. 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. (3-0) Approval of Agenda: Mr. Snedecor asked the Board to move Mr. Bonner’s request to the first item to be addressed as it is the only item under new business. Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mrs. Longer, to approve the agenda with the change. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Board of Works Minutes June 3, 2020 1 NEW BUSINESS: Request to Put Gravel in City Easement: Kyle Bonner, re: 2912 E. Cleveland Ave.: Mr. Bonner was present and said that the 12’ x 35’ easement was originally paved, water took the pavement out and he restored the easement back to grass. Now that the children are driving there is a need for more parking and he would like to use gravel. City Engineer Phil Gralik said that if gravel is used it should be crushed limestone #53 or #73 grade. Mr. Lain noted that, Public Works Supt. Tom Laco and HSD Coordinator Tim Kingsland both recommended that asphalt be used and not gravel. Mr. Bonner said that he could possibly use pavers rather than gravel which would allow drainage. Mr. Gralik and Mr. Kingsland both agreed that pavers are acceptable. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Lain, to approve the request with use of permeable pavers. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Order to Appear: Property Maintenance/Nuisance Violations: Nikola Tomich, re: 2411 E. 10th St.: Mr. Tomich was not present in person or telephonically. Chief Zormier said that Mr. Tomich was given 5 business days’ notice, and nothing has changed at the property. He is asking for authorization to enter the property. Mrs. Longer noted that authorization was granted after the 5 business days in the motion of the prior meeting. Motion by Mrs. Longer, seconded by Mr. Lain, to continue this matter for review at the June 17, 2020 meeting of the Board of Works with the previous authorization to enter the property still in effect. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Update: Unsafe Building: US Bank National Association, re: 1317 S. Lake Park Ave: No one from US Bank was present in person or telephonically. Building Official Mr. Hannigan, said he spoke with Attorney Krenson on Monday and there has been no movement on the bankruptcy case. Mr. Hannigan noted that the grass is currently 3’ tall, a tree in the front yard is dead and about to fall and there is a gutter partially falling off the building. City Attorney McCarthy said that any new fines or liens would not be forgiven by the bankruptcy. She said that she will do some research as to how the City may proceed with unsafe building concerns during the bankruptcy proceedings. Motion by Mr. Snedecor, seconded by Mr. Lain, to continue this matter for an update at the June 17, 2020 meeting of the Board of Works. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Mr. Snedecor would like to research the legality of satisfying liens after a tax sale or applying property liens to the tax bill which would then be paid yearly. Update: Unsafe Building: Master Guys Demolition, Inc. re: 512 E. 4th St., and 347-349 Main St.: Mr. Gielezyn was not present in person or telephonically. Mr. Hannigan has not had any contact with the owner. City Planner Sergio Mendoza said that Mr. Gielezyn has been communicating with him and Brad Miller from Indiana Landmarks. Mr. Mendoza noted that all their paperwork has been submitted and the Historic Preservation Commission is set to hear his request at their June 16, 2020 meeting. Motion by Mrs. Longer, seconded by Mr. Lain, to set this matter over for review at their June 17, 2020 meeting of the Board of Works to include a status update from the Historic Preservation Commission. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Review: Encroachment into City Right of Way: re: Montego Bay Grille, 322 Main Street: The owner was not present in person or telephonically. Mrs. Longer noted that this structure was to be used as a temporary wind blocker in the winter months but the owner, Mr. Jackson, found that it also worked in the summer months to keep the heat out. Mr. Mendoza said that the Plan Commission is working on formal guidelines for outdoor dining and encroachments on City right of ways. The international building code allows for such encroachments to remain for up to 7 months. Mrs. Longer noted that due to the current pandemic and emergency orders from the state, with the restaurant being closed for several weeks that the temporary structure should be allowed to remain in place until October 31, 2020 while guidelines are Board of Works Minutes June 3, 2020 2 being worked on. Motion by Mrs. Longer, seconded by Mr. Lain, to allow the temporary structure to remain up due to the current pandemic and emergency orders in place and while guidelines are being put into place and to review this matter at the first Board of Works meeting after October 31, 2020. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Announcements: Mr. Hannigan said he has seen no approvals for outdoor dining. Mrs. Longer said that the requests were approved at previous meetings however the restaurants closed shortly after the approvals and inspections have not been requested. Mr. Snedecor thanked the Police and Fire Departments for protecting the public and the protesters during the peaceful protest over the weekend at Southlake Mall and Route 30. Chief Zormier thanked the many departments including Porter County and Indiana State Police who assisted in crowd and traffic control. Councilmen Wells addressed the Board about some matters brought to his attention: 1.) The residents on Wilson Street would like a stop sign at the corner of 44th and Wilson Streets. This is a bus stop and it is a safety concern for the children. Mayor Snedecor said that closer to the time that school resumes the police department can do a traffic study. 2.) 38th Ave. and Brown Street is still being used as a turn around for semi-trucks delivering supplies to the roofing company at that location. The trucks have ruined resident lawns and the street is cracking due to the weight of the trucks. Attorney McCarthy asked if the business owner had been notified of the problem and suggested a letter may be sent. Mayor Snedecor said that he would follow-up with the business owner and asked Mr. Laco to check on placing a “No Semi-Truck” sign at that corner. 3.) The residents behind the Citgo Gas Station have complaints about the dumpster at that location and that it is not in an enclosed area and the trash blows into their yards. According to the Ordinance, an enclosure is not required but the dumpsters must have a lid. Mayor Snedecor said he would also follow-up with the business Mr. Snedecor asked if there was anyone who wished to address the Board and there was no further response. Adjournment: Motion by Mr. Lain, seconded by Mrs. Longer, to adjourn the meeting. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m. _______________________ ____________________________ SECRETARY PRESIDING OFFICER Board of Works Minutes June 3, 2020 3