Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR MEETING – August 4, 2014 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday morning, August 4, 2014 at the hour of 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers, in the City Hall Building, located at 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City Indiana – a regular meeting room of this Board. The meeting was called to order by President Steve Janus, who presided. Noted present: Steve Janus, Sharon Carnes and Michael Palmer (3). Absent: none (0). A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in attendance: John Espar, Corporate Counsel Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer Terry Borolov, Code Enforcement Officer Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer Skyler York, Asst. Planning Director Ben Neitzel, Superintendent Central Maintenance Craig Phillips, City Planner Donna Pappas, City Controller Chief Ronnie Martin, M.C. Fire Department Arber Himaj, Engineer-Sanitary District Jim Michaels, Collection System Superintendent-Sanitary District Michael Kuss, Superintendent Sanitary District Bob Zondor, Superintendent Central Services Amber LaPaich, City Attorney Judy Pinkston, Director Community Development Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Kim Sliwa, Deputy City Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES President Janus asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of the Regular meeting of July 21, 2014. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of July 21, 2014. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. AWARDING OF BIDS – Sale of Surplus Equipment The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on August 4, 2014 from Ben Neitzel, Superintendent Central Maintenance: Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 2 RE: Bids of Surplus Equipment Please see attached spread sheet with all bids received listed. Those highlighted in yellow are the high bidder and those bids meeting or exceeding the reserve. Those highlighted in red received no bid. It is recommended that the Board of Works approve the sale to the highest bidders (highlighted in yellow) as follows by item number. 1. 1998 Ford Dump Truck #21 – Hoosier Equipment LLC $3,750.00 2. 1999 Ford Dump Truck #24 – Hoosier Equipment LLC $2,551.00 3. 1999 Ford Dump Truck #25 – Jeff Loniewski $5,201.00 8. 1992 Ford L8000 EZ Loader – Hoosier Equipment LLC $6,506.00 9. 2010 Ford Crown Victoria – William Cota $775.00 (Note Aisa Mtrs was high bid but did not submit proper documentation or check) 10. 1996 Ford F250 Truck – William Cota $560.00 11. 1996 Dresser TD12XCP Crawler – Hoosier Equipment LLC $5,528.00 12. Cargo Trailer – Thomas Lesley $121.00 13. Grader Attachment – Thomas Lesley $319.00 14. Grinder Attachment – Thomas Lesley $118.00 15. Lift Cage – Hoosier Equipment, LLC $803.00 17. Snow Thrower Attachment – Thomas Lesley $368.00 Mr. Neitzel, Superintendent Central Maintenance addressed the Board explaining the bids to be awarded; asking for the Board’s approval to dispose of the surplus equipment. Discussion ensued between President Janus and Corporate Counsel John Espar regarding approving all bids in one motion. Corporate Counsel Espar advised the bids could be approved in one motion. Vice-President Carnes made the motion to approve the bids as presented by Superintendent Neitzel. The motion was seconded by Michael Palmer and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. BOARDS APROVAL – Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation By-Laws Corporate Counsel John Espar addressed the Board requesting that they refer the By-Laws to him for further review. Vice-President Carnes made the motion to refer the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation By-Laws changes to Corporate Counsel John Espar for approval. The motion was seconded by Michael Palmer and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence was received in the Clerk’s Office on July 29, 2014 from Vice-President Sharon Carnes pertaining to setting BOW policies for the Placement of signage and banners within City rights-of-way The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on July 29, 2014 from Vice-President Sharon Carnes: I would like this item added to the agenda for the August 4 th meeting. Pertaining to setting B.O.W. policies for the placement of signage and banners within the rights-of-way Vice-President Carnes addressed the Board stating she met with City Planner, Craig Phillips regarding the request for the placement of sandwich signs within the City right-of-way and Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 3 establishing some guidelines/B.O.W. policies; presenting the following to the Board for consideration: Sandwich Signs Background: Sandwich signs in the public right of way are currently prohibited in the Joint Zoning Ordinance. “except awning, marquee and wall signs overhanging the sidewalk, as permitted in Section 19.04” (19.05r) Recommend: Adding this language regarding sandwich signs to Section 19.05 r e.g. “except menu boards, awning, marquee and wall signs overhanging the sidewalk, as permitted in Section 19.04” Amend 19.04 Menu Boards (incl. A-frame; Sandwich Boards) to add the following stipulations to the additional requirements section in addition to the currently specified height, size, and number. 1. Limited to one sign board per tenant/business with the total area of the sign not exceeding seven square feet. 2. All signage boards shall be professionally designed, printed, and mounted on durable sign board. 3. Signage shall be limited to the advertisement and sales of merchandise or services on site and directly associated with the business type. 4. Such signage shall be permitted to be displayed on pedestrian walkways locate adjacent or nearly adjacent to the entrance of an establishment. Such signage shall not be placed in any drive or access area nor placed within any landscape area. Such signage shall not be used as a replacement for directional signage. 5. Such signage shall be located a maximum of 10 feet from a public entrance to an establishment. 6. Such signage shall be brought inside at dusk or close of business day each day. 7. Such signage shall not block or impede pedestrian right of way and walkways. 8. Such signage shall not be internally or externally directly illuminated. Flags Background: Flags are not currently prohibited in the Joint Zoning Ordinance and they are not considered “signs”. They are defined as “flag, emblem, or insignia of a nation, political unit, school, or religious group” and they are further assumed to be hung from flagpoles rather than hung from brackets as is typical of the types of flags used by merchants. 31.20.1(b) Banners are prohibited. “Banners. Pennants, spinners, and streamers, and banners bearing any logo, product name, business name or other advertising and balloons are prohibited.” 19.05 (b) Recommend: Since these advertising flags overhang the public right of way, the Board of Works could establish a policy similar to sandwich boards which would allow the wall mounted bracket type flags under certain circumstances as long as they do not impede pedestrian traffic. Blade Signs Background: Blade signs or “wall signs shall not extend more than 18 inches perpendicular to the surface of the building wall area upon which it is painted, erected, or fastened. Wall signs may extend over a public sidewalk, provided they have a minimum ten-foot clearance from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign.” 19.04(b)-(11)a The 2013 Downtown Action Agenda prepared by Hyett/Palma states “In addition to flush mounted signs, business signs that project from the building sometimes referred to as “blade signs” should be encouraged, since they make a business more easily visible for pedestrians, motorists, and safety personnel. These signs should also be consistent with the City’s design standard.” Recommend: Amending 19.04(b)-(11)a to allow 42 inches perpendicular to the surface of the building wall area upon which it is painted, erected, or fastened. Wall signs may extend over a public sidewalk, provided they have a minimum eight-foot clearance from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar, and City Planner Craig Phillips regarding the proposed Board of Public Works and Safety policies; where these policies will be kept on file for public record; the use of sandwich boards, flags, banners and blade signs within the “Downtown” and “Uptown Arts District”; changes within the rights-of- Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 4 way to allow overhang above the public walk without impeding the safe travel of pedestrians on the sidewalks; correspondence from the Board to the Plan Commission regarding any changes being considered to the Zoning Ordinance; other areas in the City were sidewalks are large enough to accommodate these types of signs without any sort of problem; the size of signs to be allowed; the non-illumination of signs; locations for placement; the Boards consent to allow the overhanding of the signs and placement of signs on the City’s right-of- way (sidewalk); ADA compliance issues; height restrictions for the placement; modifications and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that will need to go before the Common Council for approval to be included in the Michigan City Municipal Code; the adoption of the policy on the movable sandwich signs; the endorsement of the Board to allow the blade signs and flags to overhang the public right-of-way in the event that the changes are made to the Zoning Ordinance. Gale Neulieb, City Clerk requested a policy similar to the “Outdoor Dining Standards” as prepared by Counsel Espar be prepared for the use of the “overhanging signs” and “sandwich signs” to be kept on file in the City Clerk’s Office for disbursement to merchants and members of the public as approved by the Board. Further discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Espar and Mr. Phillips regarding the Board’s approval to allow for the overhang of the requested signs and the use of the movable sandwich signs on or above the City right-of-way (sidewalk); a correspondence or policy to the Plan Commission stating that whenever something is permitted by the Zoning Ordinance that the use will be permitted on or above the City right- of-way (sidewalk) by the Board of Public Works and Safety; the approval of the “sandwich” signs for on-site businesses modifying the policy that was previously adopted for their permitted use on the City right-of-way; Counsel Espar drafting a policy to be kept on file in the City Clerk’s Office for the public. Vice-President Carnes made the motion to approve the modifications that are listed in #’s 1- 8, and to have Counsel Espar provide a document to the City Clerk’s Office with this information in it. The motion was seconded by Michael Palmer and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE – Michael Kuss-Sanitary District Superintendent is requesting to close Donnelly Street for a Sanitary District sewer project The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on July 30, 2014 from Michael Kuss, Superintendent Sanitary District: Type of Request: Street closing for sewer construction project. Michael Kuss, Superintendent Sanitary District addressed the Board explaining the requested closure is a part of the “Compliance Agreed Order” the City is currently working on from the IDEM for the State of Indiana; further explaining the order calls for a sewer rehabilitation project on Donnelly Street and Carlon Court. Mr. Kuss stated he has met with the engineers working on the 10th Street project for the South Shore; explaining the proposed work to be performed; meeting with the Fire Chief to make sure fire trucks could still utilize the roads for emergency calls; asking for the Board’s approval to construct the project before the compliance deadline of September 30, 2014. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar and Mr. Kuss regarding the flagmen to be provided for the closure; the work being performed by D&M Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 5 Excavating; the closure of the road during the day time hours; the road being stone filled for evening passage. Michael Palmer made the motion to allow the Sanitary District to close the specified streets for this project. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE – Jennifer Merrill, Office Manager of the Salvation Army Church of Michigan City is requesting the closure of Greene Street from Franklin Street on Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on July 30, 2014 from Jennifer Merrill, Office Manager, The Salvation Army, 1201 S. Franklin Street: The Salvation Army Church of Michigan City was wondering if it would be possible to have Greene St. from Franklin just to the west end of our property, blocked off for a Fall Kickoff party on Sunday Sept. 7 from 10am-3pm. Who would we need to speak with to make arrangements? I appreciate any guidance I can get. Lt. Bill Brutto, Salvation Army addressed the Board regarding the request; asking for approval. Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board stating they have reviewed the request, and recommended approval. Vice-President Carnes made the motion to approve the request pending the receipt of the Certificate of Liability Insurance in the City Clerk’s Office prior to the event. The motion was seconded by Michael Palmer and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. HONORARY STREET SIGN REQUEST – Belicia Hicks is requesting a street sign to be placed on Karwick Road in honor of Mr. Leon Coleman Jr. The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on July 29, 2014 from Belicia Hicks, Coleman & Hicks Funeral Home & Crematory, 101 Karwick Road: Type of Request: Honorary Street Sign We request that Karwick Road be approved for Mr. Leon Coleman, Jr. name to be added as a Honor to the community. He made history here in Michigan City with the Funeral Home on Karwick Rd. and his legacy yet lives on!!! Belicia Hicks, Coleman & Hicks Funeral Home & Crematory, 101 Karwick Road addressed the Board regarding the request for the Honorary Street Sign for Karwick Road for Mr. Leon Coleman Jr.; asking for the Board’s approval. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar and Ms. Hicks regarding the request; if it would need to go before the Common Council; and the Mayor’s recommendation. Counsel Espar asked the Board to refer the request until the next meeting to see who would be the appropriate department for approval. Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 6 CLAIMS AND PAYROLL Michael Palmer moved that the claims set forth in the Register of Claims (in possession of the City Controller) and appearing in the Register be severally allowed and ordered paid and proper warrants for payment thereof hereby ordered issued in the stated amounts to person(s) and/or firm(s) as set forth, and payrolls approved. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. The Board signed: Payroll items in Register of Claims for informational purposes (which Register is in the possession of the City Controller) as follows: Page Date Amount 1 of 9 07/25/2014 $434,456.66 1 of 3 07/25/2014 $238,653.63 Allowance of claims as set forth in the Register of Claims for the Board of Public Works and Safety and the Department of Redevelopment (which Register is in the possession of the City Controller) as follows: Page Date Amount 1 of 1 07/25/2014 $48,579.32 1 of 2 07/31/2014 $276,493.00 1 of 1 08/04/2014 $76.34 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Pending Items Pending Item – Sale of City Property – Cleveland Avenue adjacent to Fire Station No. 4 Corporate Counsel John Espar addressed the Board stating he has a contract for the sale of that property signed and poised for execution which is scheduled to be closed August 22, 2014 at Meridian Title; asking the Board pass a motion authorizing Corporation Counsel to execute all legal documents to close the transaction at the closing. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve Corporate Counsel John Espar to execute all legal documents on behalf of the Board of Public Works and Safety with regards to the sale and closing of the Cleveland Avenue property. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Pending Item – Request for Handicap Parking Sign-Effie Lee Williams – 320 Pleasant Avenue Corporate Counsel John Espar addressed the Board regarding the request referring to the current moratorium on these requests until either some legislation gets passed which authorized the handicap signage without otherwise meeting the design characteristics typically required for handicap parking locations. Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 7 Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Espar and City Planner Craig Phillips regarding ways to accommodate these type of requests in a different fashion, i.e. a ten (10) minute parking sign; pedestrian loading zone 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; giving these types of requests considerable thought as these types of requests could increase quite significantly and the untended consequence might be the effective elimination of parking places; holding a public workshop regarding these types of requests; permit parking and further input. Mr. Phillips referred to the City Engineer, Charles “Spike” Peller. President Janus asked Mr. Peller to do some research to see what he could come up with. Pending Item – Placement of signage around Marquette Catholic High School Craig Phillips, City Planner informed the Board that the request will go before the Historic Review Board at their August meeting for review and consideration. Pending Item – B.O.W. Policy for placement of “movable/sandwich board” signage President Janus stated this item could be removed from the Pending Item list as it was previously discussed. Pending Item – Daniel D. Bruce Memorial Craig Phillips, City Planner addressed the Board stating the placard has been installed at the Bruce Memorial and the item can be removed from the Pending Item list. Pending Item – Trail Creek signs Craig Phillips, City Planner addressed the Board stating he is waiting for some type of official paperwork indicating the location of all the signs from the County or combination of County and City Forester, who is working with the Trail Creek Water Shed Management Group, to make that recommendation. Mr. Phillips explained these signs are just identifying the creek with no specific logo and are very similar to the highway signs that identify a body of water. Pending Item – City Street signs Craig Phillips, City Planner addressed the Board stating there is nothing new to report on this at this time; explaining this is on hold until the Lake Michigan Gateway Implementation Strategy is complete; which will be completed soon. Pending Item – Signage to identify US Hwy 12 & Michigan Boulevard Craig Phillips, City Planner addressed the Board stating there is nothing new to report on this at this time; explaining this will be addressed after the completion of the Lake Michigan Gateway Implementation Strategy. Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 8 Pending Item – 111 Franklin Street (Ice Cream Parlor) Craig Phillips, City Planner addressed the Board stating to his knowledge his department has not received any indication of the work that has been completed; no correspondence or notification of any work that has been done since the last meeting; asking the representatives of the property owner and developer to address that. Mr. Phillips informed the Board that his department has received notification that there have been liens placed on the work that has been completed on the roof, which is a significant concern to his department. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Phillips regarding the building permit issued and its expiration date. Mr. Phillips replied the permit now has an expiration date with the Orders to Repair that have been issued. Further discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Phillips regarding the stipulations that were made by motion at the last meeting not being met by the property owner/project manager. John Ziola, Renovation Design, builder of 111 Franklin Street (the Ice Cream Parlor) addressed the Board stating he has received confirmation of the window order three (3) days ago that they are being manufactured in Atlanta Georgia and will be shipped to Trout Glass on the 18th. Mr. Ziola introduced the prospective tenant Barb Sexton to the Board; stating a meeting was held with her Attorney to produce a letter of intent; N.I.P.S.Co. has been notified for the hook up of the electric; sewer work being completed when the contractor can schedule it. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Ziola regarding the motion made at the last meeting stipulating what would be accomplished by this meeting and those stipulated not being met; the extension of the Order to Repair; paperwork submitted to the Planning Department; proceeding with the Order to Demolish and still allowing the builder to continue with the work up until the time when the demolition would take place. Counsel Espar advised the Board there are also options available to the Board at this time being 1) to authorize the builders to continue to work while on a parallel track conclude the property is a public nuisance for the reason that it has been vacant and the construction incomplete for so many years and see what unfolds as the Board solicits bids for the demolition of the structure; or 2) authorize the initiation of a suit to seek a judicial order authorizing the City to take over the construction of the project, ultimately leading to the sale and recovery of the City’s costs to complete the project and find a buyer for the property. Further discussion ensued between the Board and Corporate Counsel Espar regarding the length of time involved in a suit as described; and the length of time for the City to be allowed to complete the construction. Barbarine Sexton, 951 High Mile Drive, Crown Point, IN addressed the Board stating she is working with Attorney Rich Ruby, New Buffalo, MI trying to put a letter of intent together by Friday to purchase the property; asking the Board to be allowed the time. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Espar and Russ Hatfield Code Enforcement Officer regarding work being done at the site. Mr. Hatfield stated work was being done to frame out the windows and the electrical contractor was there putting the service in for N.I.P.S.Co. to connect. Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 9 Further discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Espar and Mr. Ziola regarding the payment for the windows; sewer and water completion; materials for the deck and the completion of the deck; electrical work completed; notification of the Planning Department and Code Enforcement Officer of work being done or delays of progress; extensions that have been given by the Board for the completion of the project. Vice-President Carnes made the motion to proceed with the Order to Demolish allowing the builder to continue work up until the bulldozers appear. Ms. Sexton addressed the Board stating she is entertaining a purchase of the property; explaining what she intends to do with the property; asking the Board to allow her time as a potential purchaser to check on the particulars of the property/structure/liens before they continue with the demolition process. The motion was seconded by Michael Palmer. Corporate Counsel John Espar advised the Board that procedurally the Board should authorize the Inspection Department to issue an Order to Demolish while allowing the owner to continue the construction project and it will require the Board to act at its next meeting on a demolition action. Vice-President Carnes withdrew her motion, and made a motion to authorize the Inspection Department to continue with the Order to Demolish while allowing the owners to continue construction on the property. Michael Palmer withdrew his second from the original motion, and supported the second motion. Counsel Espar addressed Mr. Hatfield asking if he had any questions about what the Board is poised to authorize at this point. Mr. Hatfield stated he has already ordered the new title search which is the beginning of the process. President Janus addressed the Board stating he would like to see an amendment to the motion that the Board have daily communication with the Planning Department as to what work is being done on the project. Mr. Hatfield stated Mr. Ziola could contact him, Terry Borolov or Tom Przybylinski Building Commissioner or any of the Inspectors who would be more than happy to speak with him. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Pending Item – 202 Hilltop Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding 202 Hilltop stating he should have an Engineers estimate shortly on a plan for the stairs; then they will look for money to do the work. Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 10 Pending Item – Burn Em Brewing/Freyer Road pedestrian crossing Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding the request for pedestrian crossing on Freyer Road for Burn Em Brewing, stating he has been in contact with Mr. Blackwood and informed him the Board would entertain the crosswalk if he would put in a street light, providing him with contact information for NIPSCo, stating the owner is looking into the cost of putting in a street light Pending Item – CSX request for guardrail and curve ahead signage Mr. Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding the request stating a guardrail would cost somewhere between $5,000.00 and $6,000.00 to install, and he has instructed city departments to install some “arrow” signs which he believes they have. Mr. Peller stated he believed to spend that kind of money some kind of “warrant” study would be appropriate. Mr. Peller explained the process involved for a “warrant” study and what it encompasses. Mr. Peller informed the Board that the consultant American Structure Point would conduct the “warrant” study for approximately $500.00 to $1,000.00. President Janus advised Mr. Peller to proceed. Corporate Counsel John Espar addressed the Board further explaining a “warrant” study is required whenever a Municipality is asked to make a change to regulations; regulations being such as a speed limit, stop sign, yield sign or traffic control light which are regulatory signs for which sanctions and fines may be imposed for a violation of, and before a regulatory sign may be installed, removed or modified a “warrant” study must be implemented; and there are other applications for which a “warrant” study is advisable. Mr. Peller stated he will get the cost for the “warrant” study and advise the Board at their next meeting. Pending Item – 210 N. Lake Avenue Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board stating he recently met with Fire Chief Ronnie Martin and Engineers from Haas and Associates and reviewed the situation, specifically N. Lake Avenue and the entire area and looked at some possibilities and some solutions and also has some “tasks” that they will complete before the next meeting; recommending discussing possibilities with the Councilman for that area. Mr. Peller stated one of the items being looked at is the purchase of a new fire truck. Pending Item – Crosswalk Michigan City High School Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding the crosswalk project for the Michigan City High School stating he is working with Gary Evers to acquire the funding so the City can move ahead with that. Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 11 Pending Item – Installation of street light at 1017 Providence Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding the installation of a street light at 1017 Providence, stating the street light is ordered from N.I.P.S.Co. Pending Item – Intersection of Greenwood and Woodland Avenues Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board stating he met with a number of folks out there last week including the Mayor, and came up with a cost of roughly $30,000.00 to do what is necessary to change the situation. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar and Mr. Peller regarding where the funding would come from; other remedies to adjust the current configuration; cost involved in moving the utility pole; Mr. Peller working with the Mayor’s office regarding moving the utility pole. Mr. Peller explained in order for N.I.P.S.Co. to consider moving the pole the City would have to give them a $500.00 deposit to start the process, and that before he does that he will work with the Mayor’s office to see if they can get someone from the utility company to move the pole at no cost to the City. Corporate Counsel John Espar advised the cost of relocating the pole is in addition to the demolition and reconstruction of the curb. Further discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Espar and Mr. Peller regarding moving the pole and if that would fix the problem; the Board and Mayor not being in favor of spending an additional $30,000.00; changing the curbing and the costs involved. Pending Item – 807 E. Coolspring Avenue-unsafe structure/public nuisance Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property at 807 E. Coolspring Avenue, stating they have had no contact with the owner and the most recent notification letter was returned unclaimed; requesting the Board allow him to start the demolition process. Michael Palmer made the motion to allow Mr. Hatfield to start the demolition process. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Pending Item – 915 Green Street Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property at 915 Green Street, stating this is still on track to be to be in front of the Board for a demolition hearing next month. Regular Meeting –August 4, 2014 Page 12 Pending Item – 812 Manhattan Street Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property at 812 Manhattan Street, stating this is still on track to be to be in front of the Board for a demolition hearing next month. PUBLIC COMMENTS President Janus asked if there were any comments from the public. Arber Himaj, Engineer-Sanitary District addressed the Board regarding the project on 8th Street to install a “potable” water line; asking for the partial closure of Spring and Fir Streets today for the installation, which has been approved by the Michigan City Police Department Traffic Division. Michael Palmer made the motion to allow for the partial closure of Spring and Fir Streets today for the installation of a “potable” water line for the Michigan City Sanitary District. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. President Janus asked if there were any other comments from the public. There was no response. BOARD COMMENTS President Janus asked if there were any Board comments. Michael Palmer addressed the Board regarding the Michigan City MainStreet Association’s Taste of Michigan City that was held this past weekend, complimenting them on a successful event. President Janus and Vice-President Carnes both seconded the sentiment. President Janus advised the Board and Department Heads about the northwest corner of 7th & Franklin Streets were the ground is sinking/receding; asking if anyone has been made aware of it. Terry Borolov, City Inspector advised the Board they are trying to contact the owner. President Janus asked if there were any other Board comments. There was no response. ADJOURNMENT President Janus inquired whether there was anything else to be considered by the Board at this time and, there being none, declared the meeting ADJOURNED (approximately 10:42 a.m.). Vice-President Carnes made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Michael Palmer and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk