Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR MEETING – November 17, 2014 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday morning, November 17, 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 Vice-President Sharon Carnes, who presided. Noted present: Sharon Carnes and Michael Palmer (2). Absent: Steve Janus (1). 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 Asst. Chief Royce Williams, M.C.P.D. Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer Skyler York, Asst. Planning Director Craig Phillips, City Planner Donna Pappas, City Controller Amber LaPaich, City Attorney Robin Tillman, M.C. Transit Director Kalon Kubik, Mayor’s Administrator Bob Zondor, Superintendent Central Services Mike Milatovic, Plant Superintendent Sanitary District Arber Himaj, Engineer Sanitary District Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Kim Sliwa, Deputy City Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice-President Carnes asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of the Regular meeting of November 3, 2014. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of November 3, 2014. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. PLACEMENT OF SANTA CLAUS HOUSE – Mike Dempsey, President Michigan City Live Productions, Inc. is requesting to place the Santa Claus House on Franklin Street The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on November 12, 2014 from Mike Dempsey, President Michigan City Live Productions Inc.: Could you please put Michigan City Live Productions, Inc. on the Board of Works agenda for Monday, the 17th. The purpose is the placement of the Santa Claus House on Franklin Street. Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 2 Mike Dempsey, President Michigan City Live Productions, Inc. addressed the Board regarding the request; stating the Santa Claus House will be placed at the Northwest corner of 7th and Franklin Streets, November 28th the day after Thanksgiving thru December 26th the day after Christmas. Mr. Dempsey informed the Board that the Certificate of Liability Insurance was on file with the City Clerk’s Office; asking for approval. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Dempsey regarding if Santa Claus would have heat this year. Mr. Dempsey explained there is new electricity and hopes to have a heater in there for Santa. Michael Palmer made the motion to allow Michigan City Live Productions, Inc. to place the Santa Claus house at the Northwest corner of 7th and Franklin Street. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Mr. Dempsey addressed the Board asking that the trash can currently at that location be moved to accommodate the Santa Claus House. REQUEST FOR PLACEMENT OF SIGNAGE – Mark and Amanda Kolasa, Water’s Edge Restaurant are requesting the placement of signage identifying the detour to their establishment due to the closure of the Franklin Street Bridge The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on November 12, 2014 from Larry Silvestri, 314 Kenwood Place: Amanda and Mark Kolasa, of the Water’s Edge Restaurant, request to be on the Board of Works agenda for Monday, November 17. The Franklin Street Bridge closing is impacting their restaurant. They wish to place signs with the name of their restaurant at the detour signs. If it is not possible to place their restaurant sign at each and every detour sign, they would like to place as many of their signs as possible to guide their patrons around the bridge closure. Mark Kolasa, Water’s Edge Restaurant, 12 on the Lake, addressed the Board regarding the request; asking to put a sign at the entrance from the park across from City Hall stating they are open and to follow the detour signs, and also along the way at other detour signs or were needed to direct patrons. Discussion ensued between the Board, Craig Phillips City Planner, Charles “Spike” Peller City Engineer and Corporate Counsel John Espar regarding the signs that are currently placed without Board of Public Works and Safety permission that are blocking/obstructing the reflective strips of the barricade adjacent to City Hall; requirements to have the reflective strips of the barricade visible; the businesses placing signs in front of the barricades, which at night impede the reflectors; the Contractors placement of the signs where appropriate, and changing the signs adjacent to City Hall; the Contractor supplying the signage for the businesses affected; it not being the Contractor’s responsibility to supply the signage as it is not in their contract to do that; placement of the signs on the right-of-way in front of the Chamber of Commerce building; the barricades immediately in front of the bridge being properly placed with the requisite number of flashing lights; the Street Departments ability to remove signs that are not properly placed; the right-of-way being given to the Contractor during the project for their responsibility to include the placement of signs, and the Street Department’s purview to move signs within a construction area; B & E Marina and Water’s Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 3 Edge Restaurant being the two (2) businesses affected by the bridge closure; placement of signs in the City Hall lawn; not obstructing the construction signs themselves; that the closure is temporary; the City Planning Department and City Engineer coordinating the effort to correct the placement of signage for the business detour signs so as not to affect the reflective safety barricades; signs along the detour being placed on City street signs; accommodating Water’s Edge Restaurant and the Festival of Lights in Washington Park; addressing the immediate need outside City Hall and then working on a solution for Center and Second (2nd) Streets, and finding a solution that works for everyone. Mr. Kolasa addressed the Board stating this has drastically affected his business and requests something be placed on his behalf right away; further asking if the City would be supplying the signs or would it be his responsibility. Further discussion ensued between the Board, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Kolasa regarding reaching out to the County for the signage, addressing this matter quickly; not obstructing the construction barriers; keeping Mr. Kolasa posted on the progress being made; and working with the Park Department for the Festival of Lights event. Michael Palmer made the motion to allow Water’s Edge Restaurant to place signage notifying the detour at the Franklin Street Bridge. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. M.C. TRANSIT DEPARTMENT – Robin Tillman, M.C. Transit Director requests approval to purchase two (2) Small Transit Buses The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on November 12, 2014 from Robin Tillman, M.C. Transit Director: The Michigan City Transit Department requests that you approve the solicitation of bids for: The purchase of Two (2) Small Transit Buses. The detail specifications are attached. Robin Tillman, M.C. Transit Director addressed the Board regarding the request; explaining these two (2) buses are replacements for the aging fleet, as they have two (2) para-transits that have reached their useful life in years and mileage; asking for the Board’s approval. Mrs. Tillman further explained this was put up for bid back in June and the bid was withdrawn for technical problems, and she is resubmitting it; stating there is funding for the purchase. Michael Palmer made the motion to allow the Transit Director approval to purchase two (2) Small Transit Buses. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. M.C. TRANSIT DEPARTMENT – Robin Tillman, M.C. Transit Director requests approval to purchase two (2) Medium-Heavy Duty Buses for the Triangle Project with the option to purchase one (1) additional bus The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on November 12, 2014 from Robin Tillman, M.C. Transit Director: The Michigan City Transit Department requests that you approve the solicitation of bids for: The Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 4 purchase of Two (2) Medium-Heavy Duty Buses for the Triangle Project, with the option to purchase one (1) additional bus. Michigan City Transit also requests the approval to lease two (2) Medium-Heavy Duty Buses for Triangle Project until completion of procurement. Robin Tillman, M.C. Transit Director addressed the Board regarding the request; explaining these are two mid-size buses for the LaPorte Triangle Run Project, which have already been funded; requesting permission to order two (2) at this time and one (1) additional later, which would be coming out of existing funds for the City’s already existing rolling fleet. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mrs. Tillman regarding all three (3) buses being purchased with grant monies. Further discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar and Mrs. Tillman regarding the solicitation to purchase these buses, and requesting bids at this time. Michael Palmer made the motion to allow the Transit Director approval to seek bids to purchase two (2) Medium Buses for the Triangle Project with the option to purchase one (1) additional bus. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. M.C. TRANSIT DEPARTMENT – Robin Tillman, M.C. Transit Director requests approval to lease two (2) Medium-Heavy Duty Buses for the Triangle Project until completion of procurement Robin Tillman, M.C. Transit Director addressed the Board regarding the request; explaining the start date for the project is January 13, 2015 and the bid process would not be concluded until January 5, 2014, and the equipment is needed to get the program up and running; further explaining the funds would come from the grant monies. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mrs. Tillman regarding the length of the lease. Mrs. Tillman stated the lease would be for the build period and if the bid was not complete by the 120 days they would allow the City to maintain the leased buses for free, so the City would only be looking at leasing the buses for 3-4 months. Further discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar, Mrs. Tillman and City Attorney Amber LaPaich regarding the lease agreement being formally approved by all parties; permission to explore the lease agreement after bids have been sent out; the request being made today being subject to approval of the lease agreement by all parties. City Attorney Amber LaPaich addressed the Board explaining there are two separate leases; stating once the City actually gets the bus it will be titled in the City’s name, it would then be leased to LaPorte; further explaining what Mrs. Tillman is asking for today is contemplating leasing from a private agency until such time as the City gets title to the actual buses; informing the Board that the actual lease for when the City assumes title to the buses has been approved by this Board and has also been approved by LaPorte. Michael Palmer made the motion to allow the Transit Director approval to lease two (2) medium size buses for the Triangle Bus Project until the completion of procurement. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 5 LEASE AGREEMENT – Royce Williams, Asst. Chief Michigan City Police Department is requesting approval of a 60 month lease with Pitney Bowes Assistant Chief Royce Williams, Michigan City Police Department addressed the Board regarding the 60 month lease with Pitney Bowes for their postage machine; explaining the lease and asking for approval. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar and Assistant Chief Williams regarding cost savings between Pitney Bowes and the United States Postal Service for this service; this being the same service that is utilized by the City Controller’s Office; the length of the lease; and the expiration of the current lease. Michael Palmer asked that this item be TABLED until the next meeting; asking Assistant Chief Williams to look into the U.S. Postal Service equipment and do a comparison between the 2 companies for cost benefits. Vice-President Carnes stated the item would be held-over until the next meeting. OPENING OF BIDS – Hilltop/Lakeshore Drive Stairway Replacement Project Vice-President Carnes addressed the Public, asking if there was anyone present who wished to submit a bid for this project; there was no response. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar and Charles “Spike” Peller City Engineer regarding bids being received and attendance for the Pre-Bid meeting that took place. Upon further investigation there was one bid received for the project. Michael Palmer made the motion to close the acceptance of bids for the Stairway Replacement Project. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Corporate Counsel John Espar opened the following sealed bid: Gariup Construction Co., Inc. Total Base bid amount = $148,910.00 Total Alternate bid “A” = $9,060.00 Total Alternate bid amount = $157,970.00 Michael Palmer made the motion to refer the bid documents to the Engineer and Planning Departments for review, and recommendation at the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. OPENING OF BIDS – 812 Manhattan Street-Kostas Fegaras, Owner Vice-President Carnes addressed the Public, asking if there was anyone present who wished to submit a bid for this project; there was no response. Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 6 Michael Palmer made the motion to close the acceptance of bids for the 812 Manhattan Street demolition. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Corporate Counsel John Espar opened the following sealed bid: Actin Contracting, LLC Total bid amount = $13, 600.00 Michael Palmer made the motion to refer the bid for 812 Manhattan Street to the Planning, Engineering and Inspection Departments for review, and recommendation at the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. ORDERS TO DEMOLISH - 111 Franklin Street-Lake County Trustee Trust #6085 Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board presenting documentation on the property at 111 Franklin Street; stating this is the most recent documentation on the property; referring this to Corporate Counsel John Espar. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Espar, Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Ziola regarding how the documentation would alter the course of the completion of the construction and working towards a Certificate of Habitability; the Board’s decision to continue on with the Demolition process or modify this Order to Demolish based on the information supplied by Mr. Ziola concerning an offer to purchase of the property. Vice-President Carnes stated there would be a Formal Public Hearing on this matter at this time; asking if anyone from the public would like to speak on this matter, to please state their name and address for the record. John Ziola, (address of property is 111 Franklin Street), 11359 S. Harlem Avenue, Worth, IL addressed the Board regarding a Purchase Agreement on the property; explaining a deposit was received, and that they have met with an Engineer about some interior design changes which will be going down State for approval; stating a copy of the changes were provided to Corporate Counsel Espar, who provided copies to the Board. Further discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Espar, Russ Hatfield Code Enforcement Officer, Craig Phillips City Planner and Mr. Ziola regarding the Order to Repair which included the entire building to be complete; the Order to Repair not being completed; the proposed purchaser being allowed to renegotiate a similar arrangement for completion of the building with the understanding that the new purchasers are completely separate from the current owners; proceeding with demolition should the property not be sold as proposed; the proposed contract for the sale of the subject property, and the Board just being presented with this documentation; the transfer of the property from owner Anne Crocket (Lake County Trustee Trust #6085) to Chi-Tec, LTD.; the Orders to Demolish staying with the property regardless of transfer of ownership, and those Orders being Recorded; the new deed presented not being Recorded; the Offer to Purchase being good only until November 30, 2014; the financing arrangements with the prospective purchaser; the closing date being set for December 1, 2014; the proposed Land Contract and the City not being comfortable with such an arrangement, but would be acceptable of an out-right purchase; who would be doing the remainder of the construction including the build-out, and the financing for that; the offer to purchase precipitating any kind of delay on the construction; another design release being Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 7 received from down State for the build-out; notification of the Order to Repair, and the time allowed for compliance; moving the closing date to occur before December 1, 2014; financing between the Seller and Purchaser; the design changes to make the kitchen area bigger; the figures in the Purchase Agreement not adding up; the Purchaser not being in attendance to discuss the proposed purchase; the recommendation of the Planning and Inspection Departments to continue with the Demolition Order, and in the event the property is purchased the new property owner can come before the Board and request a stay or modification to the Order to Demolish as there will still be time before the bids are received and awarded. Corporate Counsel Espar advised the Board they have the prerogative to continue on the course for demolition as part of the original Order to Repair alerted the owner failure to comply with that Order may lead to a Demolition; further stating the Board is certainly within their authority to continue to enforce the Orders including demolition. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve the recommendation of both Corporate Counsel Espar and Craig Phillips City Planner regarding this property. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. 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 Carnes and Palmer (2). 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 8 11/14/2014 $427,461.06 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 3 11/13/2014 $556,074.52 1 of 1 11/17/2014 $9,319.39 Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 8 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Pending Items Pending Item – Crosswalk Michigan City High School Corporate Counsel John Espar addressed the Board regarding the Memorandum of Understanding; explaining this Board could approve the M.O.U. today; presenting the following: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BY AND BETWEEN THE CIVIL CITY OF MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA AND THE MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU”) is made and entered into by and between THE CIVIL CITY OF MICHIGAN CITY, by and through THE MICHIGAN CITY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY (the “City”) and THE MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS, by and through THE SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES (“School Board”). RECITALS: WHEREAS, the Michigan City High School is located on Pahs Road in Michigan City and situated across from Canterbury House Apartments, a residential housing complex where some students of the high school reside; WHEREAS, presently there is no engineered crossing connecting the Canterbury House Apartments and the Michigan City High School to accommodate pedestrian traffic to and from the apartments and the high school, including the absence of sidewalks, a crosswalk and signalization; WHEREAS, the City of Michigan City desires to install improvements on the City’s right- of-way, as well as portions of the Michigan City High School property, so as to accommodate pedestrian traffic between the complex and the school; WHEREAS, the City of Michigan City is willing to finance the cost of the improvements and oversee the construction of the improvements which will include improvements upon the City’s right-of-way, consisting of a sidewalks, crosswalk, signalization and a bus shelter for the accommodation of persons using the City’s bus service in and out of the area; WHEREAS, the City of Michigan City is willing to finance the cost of the construction of the improvements on property of the Michigan City High School, consisting of a sidewalk extending from the City’s right-of-way to the existing sidewalk located on the property of the high school, but not presently abutting the City’s right-of-way; WHEREAS, the City of Michigan City is willing to transfer ownership of the improvements made upon the school property subject to the School Board’s agreement to maintain the sidewalk, following construction. NOW, THEREFORE be it agreed by and between the City of Michigan City and the Michigan City Area Schools: 1. That the City will construct the above-describe improvements, substantially in the Manner and form set forth on the design plans and specifications attached that this memorandum of understanding and will transfer ownership to the School Board that portion of the improvements which are located on school property upon completion; 2. That the School Board will accept the improvements upon completion and will thereafter maintain the improvements without further cost to the City; and 3. That the School Board will grant a construction easement to the City, to the extent reasonable and necessary for the construction of the area improvements described herein. Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 9 Corporate Counsel Espar stated he did forward the M.O.U. to the Board as well as to the Attorney for the Michigan City Area Schools; explaining the Agreement. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Michigan City and the Michigan City Area Schools as presented by Corporation Counsel. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Pending Item – Deaf Child Sign-Pricilla Morris, 1021 Salem Street Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board regarding the request, presenting copies of information from the Traffic Control Devices Handbook; explaining at this time he would like to set a definite policy with this Board for the approval of such requests on an annual basis. Lt. Loniewski stated he found that the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices does not address this matter anymore as they have removed “Children At Play” signs from their manual; however there are several auxiliary publications that also discourage the installation of these signs based on definite evidence that these signs do not reduce driver speeds or crash rates, and they also do not give a clear and enforceable guidance to drivers as they provide a false sense of security to parents and children. Lt. Loniewski stated these are a number of reasons why the Traffic Division would recommend to the Board that from now on the Board uniformly deny any requests for “Children at Play” signs. Lt. Loniewski addressed the Board regarding the request for the “Deaf Children in Area” signs; explaining there is nothing in the Manual or other publications on Uniform Traffic Control Devices that addresses this sign; however in this instance there is always a deaf child in the area and the possibility that child may wonder into the roadway. Lt. Loniewski recommended the “Deaf Child Playing” or “Deaf Child in Area” sign be installed as requested. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar and Lt. Loniewski regarding the recommendation by the Traffic Division and the removal of “Children Playing” signs from the Manual and publications on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and that sign sending the wrong message to children that playing in the streets may be permitted; and using the “Deaf Child in Area” sign as an advisory sign versus a regulatory sign. Lt. Loniewski explained that not all signs approved are in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; further explaining the only requirements for placement of a sign is that the signs be designed in conformity so there is a uniform design. Further discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel John Espar and Lt. Loniewski regarding the Board previously attempted to restrict its signage, i.e. warning signs, advisory signs and regulatory signs to the signs specifically approved by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; changing the speed limit along this particular stretch of road; and the need for a warrant study to change the speed limit. Pricilla Morris, 1021 Salem Street addressed the Board regarding the request stating she is the parent of the deaf child; explaining the child is only 2½ years old and this would be for his safety; further explaining there are other handicap children the area, and that the streets in this area are very narrow; asking the Board for approval for the installation of the “Deaf Child in Area” sign. Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 10 Corporate Counsel John Espar read an excerpt from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s comment on the use of “Caution Children at Play” or “Slow Children Playing” Signs as provide by Lt. Loniewski. Discussion ensued between the Board and Corporate Counsel Espar regarding the requested “Deaf Child in Area” sign and “Children Playing” signs, and the appropriate text for the requested sign. Vice-President Carnes made the motion to approve both the “Dead Child in Area” sign and the “Neighborhood Watch” sign (which was previously requested and approved). The motion was seconded by Michael Palmer and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Pending Item – Installation of parking posts in alley-Austyn Crites, 210 Maple Street Vice-President Carnes addressed the item stating this would be carried over until the Spring 2015 as there are no barriers available at this time. Pending Item – 1720 Franklin Street, Panini Panini requests street light in alley, bike racks and garbage cans Craig Phillips, Planning Director addressed the Board regarding the request for bike racks and garbage cans, stating he is still working on getting the information for the installation of the bike racks, and is checking to see if there are any garbage cans available. Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board referring to an email that was sent to NIPSCo regarding the requested installation of a street light in the alley. Pending Item – Request for signage to identify US HWY 12 & Michigan Boulevard Craig Phillips, Planning Director addressed the Board regarding the City Street Signs and request for signage to identify US Hwy 12 & Michigan Boulevard stating the Planning Department is in the beginning stages of working on the two-way street conversion project; informing the Board that at the last Redevelopment Commission meeting the Commission directed him to move forward with the Request For Proposals (RFP) for the project; further explaining that it’s likely that whatever happens with regards to directional signage would be affected by that project and incorporated into the project, as far as the signs directing vehicular traffic to the highways specifically. Pending Item - City Street Signs Mr. Phillips addressed the Board regarding the City Street Signs stating this is something that can be revisited as he has not had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Khalil of Global Engineering or Mr. Peller, City Engineer. Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 11 New Item – Two-way Street Conversion Project Mr. Phillips addressed the Board regarding the two-way street conversion project stating he has been redirected by the Redevelopment Commission to continue the conversion with regards to the signage issue being proposed, and the Board taking action to address the immediate need with regard to the wrong-way signs; further explaining the Redevelopment Commission has directed him to negotiate this with Mr. Peller, City Engineer. Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding the two-way Street Conversion Project, referring to an email he sent to INDOT requesting that they place “No Right” and “No Left” turns on the signal mounts on US Hwy 12 at Pine and Washington Streets, and is waiting for a response from them. Pending Item – 315 N. Dickson Street installation of street light Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board stating NIPSCo has been notified to place the street light, referring to an email he sent to NIPSCo as it has not yet been installed. Pending Item – 202 Hilltop Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding 202 Hilltop stating this was previously addressed in the meeting. Pending Item – CSX request for guardrail and curve ahead signage Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding the request for the installation of a guardrail on CSX property, stating Reith-Riley is working with CSX to coordinate that installation. Pending Item – Intersection of Greenwood and Woodland Avenues Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding the redesign of the curbing at Greenwood and Woodland Avenues, stating they are still waiting for NIPSCo to move the transformer to the new pole, and once this is complete the project can move forward. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Peller regarding contacting NIPSCo to let them know the new pole has been installed. Mr. Peller stated he has had conversations with NIPSCo regarding this and has been advised it still hasn’t been scheduled. New Item – Pavement on Michigan Boulevard at Poplar Street intersection Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board stating he is working with the City utilities to better coordinate within the Water and Sanitary Departments who request for pavement cuts, and is working to set up a process where this would be better monitored. Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 12 Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Peller regarding the pavement cuts along Franklin Street in the 400, 500 and 600 blocks. Pending Item – Sinking/receding property at northwest corner of Franklin & 7th Streets Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the sinking/receding property at the northwest corner of Franklin and 7th Streets, stating he requests this Board to authorize him to be allowed to ask Bob Zondor of Central Services for his assistance to get some black dirt from the City compost to take care of any of the tripping hazards that are adjacent to the sidewalks there. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Hatfield regarding meeting with the owner of the property; only filling the holes adjacent to the sidewalk; placing temporary fencing there while the Santa Claus house is present to help prevent anyone from getting hurt; meeting with the owner Bob Lake from PUBCO Printing; the holes compromising the City sidewalk; the Sanitary District scoping the area to see if there were any open drains, which none were found. Michael Palmer made the motion to allow Mr. Hatfield to temporarily fill in with black dirt/compost the City has along the sidewalk in that area. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). 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 he would still like to keep this on temporary hold, and will try to get this addressed in January, 2015. Pending Item – 812 Manhattan Street Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property at 812 Manhattan Street, stating bids were received today. Pending Item – 904 E. Michigan Boulevard Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property at 904 E. Michigan Boulevard stating he has the bid specifications all together for that, which will require a mandatory Pre-Bid Conference; and will get that scheduled, hoping to have Notice to Bidders received in December, 2014. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Hatfield regarding meeting with the adjoining property owners. Mr. Hatfield informed the Board that he has already spoken with them. Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 13 Pending Item – 1110 Washington Street-fire damage Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding 1110 Washington Street, stating he met once again last week with the owner Mr. Sherman, who has windows on order and as soon as those come in Mr. Sherman will be supplying a written timeline this week. New Item – Pawn Shop on Franklin Street Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the status of the building on Franklin Street that housed the Pawn Shop which suffered fire damage, stating they are making progress, and the Inspection Department has been out there and all the proper permits have been issued, the boards are down off the windows and new windows installed last week. New Item – Wells Chair Building Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property, stating he is waiting for the Property Maintenance Program so the Inspection Department has more authority on what they can require property owners to maintain. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Hatfield regarding the Property Maintenance Program. Mr. Hatfield informed the Board the Property Maintenance Program has been accepted by the International Code Council, which is not a State requirement, but it is something that as a City can be put in place as an Ordinance as we can be more restrictive on State guidelines. Further discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Hatfield regarding the Property Maintenance Program going through the City Common Council. Mr. Hatfield stated this is already in the works as City Planner Craig Phillips and Building Commissioner Tom Przybylinski have been working on it. Mr. Phillips informed the Board that he has reviewed the document, and his next step is to get it to the City Attorney to review before it is proposed to the City Council Attorney and then on to the City Council. PUBLIC COMMENTS Vice-President Carnes asked if there was anyone else from the public who wished to address the Board. Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board regarding the detour situation for the Franklin Street Bridge, stating the Police Department has received numerous complaints about the lack of detour signs along Lakeshore Drive; further stating he drove down Lakeshore Drive this morning and there are still no detour signs at Krueger and Lakeshore Drive. Lt. Loniewski informed the Board that emails have gone back and forth between County officials and City officials, but doesn’t appear the signs have been erected yet; asking permission to direct the County to install, or the Contractor to install the proper signage, especially at Krueger and Lakeshore Drive. Regular Meeting – November 17, 2014 Page 14 Michael Palmer made the motion to allow Lt. Loniewski to contact both the County and the Contractor to get the appropriate signs up immediately. The motion was seconded by Vice- President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Vice-President Carnes asked if there was anyone else from the public who wished to address the Board. There was no response. BOARD COMMENTS Vice-President Carnes asked if there were any Board comments. Michael Palmer addressed the Board and City Planner Craig Phillips regarding the two-way street conversion that was addressed in the Lake Michigan Gateway Project; asking that the Board be provided with copies, and if Public comments have been made. Craig Phillips, City Planner addressed the Board stating all he asked for at the last meeting was to allow him to draft the Request For Proposal (RFP), and then they will approve it and at that time they will have the opportunity for comment. Mr. Phillips explained he does not have a draft of the RFP yet, but hopes to have it before their next meeting. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Phillips regarding the project that was approved stating obviously to change the streets there has to be reasons why they’ve come up with this change. Michael Palmer asked Mr. Phillips to provide the Board with this documentation (plans and commentary). Mr. Phillips stated he could provide the excerpt from the plan that talks about the connections portion of the plan that refers to the changes being made to the streets. Further discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Phillips regarding the Board granting the approval to change any of the streets; and the areas these changes are encompassing. Vice-President Carnes asked if there were any other Board comments. There was no response. ADJOURNMENT Vice-President Carnes inquired whether there was anything else to be considered by the Board at this time and, there being none, declared the meeting ADJOURNED (approximately 10:26 a.m.). Michael Palmer made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Carnes and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk