Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR MEETING – January 20, 2015 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Tuesday morning, January 20, 2015 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: Amber LaPaich, 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 Kalon Kubik, Mayor’s Administrator Robin Tillman, Director M.C. Transit Arber Himaj, Engineer Sanitary District Craig Phillips, Planning Director Dave Farmer, Director Street Department Bob Zondor, Superintendent Central Services Yvonne Hoffmaster, Interim City Controller Jeremy Kienitz, Superintendent M.C. Parks & Recreation Department 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 January 5, 2015. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of January 5, 2015. 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 BID – Two (2) Small Transit Buses Michael Palmer advised the Board the recommendation from the Transit Director is TESCO for the 2015 Glaval Titan II as they were the lowest bid at $166,510.00. Michael Palmer made the motion to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent of Central Services as well as the Transit Director on awarding TESCO the bid for the two (2) small buses. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Carnes and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 2 AWARDING OF BID – Two (2) Medium to Heavy Duty Buses with the option to purchase one (1) additional bus Michael Palmer advised the Board the recommendation from the Transit Director is TESCO who was the lowest bidder for the 2015 Glaval Lagacy at $271,266.00. Vice-President Carnes made the motion to award the bid for the two (2) medium transit buses to TESCO. The motion was seconded by Michael Palmer and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. REQUEST TO SOLICIT BIDS – Dave Farmer, Director M.C. Street Department requests approval to solicit bids for the purchase of one (1) Tandem Dump Truck with the option of purchasing one additional truck The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on January 14, 2015 from David Farmer, Director, Michigan City Street Department: The Michigan City Street Department request that you approve the solicitation of bids for: The purchase of (1) Tandem Dump Truck with the option of purchasing (1) more in 120 days. David Farmer, Director, Michigan City Street Department addressed the Board asking for approval to solicit bids for the purchase one (1) Tandem Dump Truck with the option of purchasing one (1) more in 120 days. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Lapaich and Mr. Farmer regarding the purchase, available funding and advertising for the solicitation of the bids with the option of purchasing (1) more in 120 days. Counsel Lapaich will research how the advertisement should be made and will report back to the Board on that. Mr. Farmer asked to still be allowed to solicit bids for one (1) Tandem Dump Truck at this time. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve the request for the Director of the Street Department to solicit bids for one (1) Tandem Dump Truck. 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 PARADE PERMIT – Keith Harris, Remembering Our Veterans, Inc. is requesting a parade permit for Saturday, November 7, 2015, to run on Franklin Street from 10th Street to 4th Street with parade line up beginning at 11:00 a.m. – parade at 12:00 noon The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on January 6, 2015 from Keith Harris, President, Remembering Our Veterans, Inc. Remembering Our Veterans, Inc. is requesting to be placed on the agenda of January 20, 2015 meeting of the Michigan City Board of Public Works & Safety for the purpose of requesting a parade permit for a Veterans Parade to take place on Saturday, November 7, 2015. We are requesting the parade run on Franklin St. from 10th St. to 4th St. with a 12:00 PM (noon) start time and unit lineup beginning at 11:00am. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 3 Keith Harris, President, Remembering Our Veterans, Inc. addressed the Board regarding the request; asking for approval. Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board stating last year’s parade was a well-organized event, and would recommend approval for this year’s event. Vice-President Carnes made the motion to approve the request for the parade for Remembering Our Veterans on November 7, 2015. 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 ROAD CLOSURE – Nicole Caylor, Club Director Northwest Athletic Club is requesting to hold the 5th Annual Dyngus Day Dash 5k on Monday, April 6, 2015 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on January 6, 2015 from Nicole Caylor, Northwest Athletic Club: The Northwest Athletic Club is hosting the 5th Annual Dyngus Day Dash for the benefit of the United Way of LaPorte County Monday April 6th, 2015. The 5K will consist of a 5K run and walk. The event will begin in the Northwest Athletic Club (NAC) and move down 400N to 1100 (Hitchcock), with a turn-around just north of Kniola Automotive before returning to the NAC. The Northwest Athletic Club is requesting the closure of one lane of Hitchcock to the turn around and back to 400N. The Michigan City Police Department has signed off on the event and will be assisting with the road closures throughout the course. We plan to have over 20 volunteers for this event that will be stationed along the course for safety to assist those in need during the event. Safety of our participants and spectators are the number one concern which is why we are requesting this stretch of roadway be closed. The 5K will begin at 6:00PM just in front of the NAC and be finished by 7:00PM. All roads will be able to be opened up at that time. We will follow up the last runner by dropping all barricades and releasing the volunteers. Thank you for your consideration in assisting our event. Nicole Caylor, Club Director Northwest Athletic Club addressed the Board regarding the request; explaining the closures, and asking for approval. Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board stating this is a well- organized event, and would recommend approval. Discussion ensued between the Board and Ms. Caylor regarding the County signing off on the road closures. Ms. Caylor stated she will be before the County tomorrow seeking their approval. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve the 5th Annual Dyngus Day Dash 5K to be held on April 6, 2015 provided the County approves; as well as a Certificate of Liability Insurance being provided to the City Clerk’s Office prior to the event. 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 ROAD CLOSURE – Jeremy Kienitz, Superintendent Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department is requesting to hold the 7th Annual City by the Lake Triathlon on Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 4 Friday, August 7, 2015 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on January 12, 2015 from Jeremy Kienitz, Superintendent Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department: The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department, along with Northwest Athletic Club, is hosting our 7th Annual City by the Lake Triathlon on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8, 2015. The triathlon will consist of a swim, bike and run. The City by the Lake Triathlon is requesting the closure of roads for this event on Friday from 5 pm – 6:30 pm and on Saturday from 8 am – 11 am. We have already contacted Lt. Jeff Loniewski, Michigan City Police Department, and he is on board with this request and their assistance in our event. We will also be contacting Chief Sulkowski, Long Beach Police Department & the Long Beach Town Council for their approval of the routes and for their given consent to shut down the requested roads for the triathlon. The 7th Annual City by the Lake Triathlon has already been approved by the Michigan City Park Board. Upon approval from the Board of Works, we are requesting the following closures of roads for the City by the Lake Triathlon: Kids Bike Route: From Transition area (Washington Park) to Parker Parkway East Parker Parkway past Senior Center through Fedder’s Alley to Lakeshore Drive Left on Lakeshore Drive to Turner Court (Stop 9) Turnaround at Stop 9 back to Fedder’s Alley Fedder’s Alley past Senior Center Right on Parker Parkway to Lot #1 Washington Park Adult Run Route: 2nd St. to HWY 12 (around Police Station) Washington to 6th St 6th St to Pine St Pine to HWY 12 Pine to Bridge/Lake Shore Dr. Lake Shore Dr. to Washington Park Main Entrance Adult Bike Route: Washington Park Lot #1 to Lakeshore Drive Lakeshore Drive to Hazleton Drive Turnaround on Lakeshore and back to Washington Park The community will be notified via press release, our website, and flyers well in advance of the event. If you have any further questions, I can be reached at (219) 873-1506. Thank you for your consideration in assisting our event. Jeremy Kienitz, Superintendent Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department addressed the Board regarding the request; explaining the event and routes; stating he will be before the Town of Long Beach at their next meeting to ask for their approval of road closures in their community; asking for the Board’s approval. Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board stating this is the same route that has been used in previous years and have had no issues with it; recommending approval. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Lapaich and Mr. Kienitz regarding proof of liability insurance being provided for the event. Mr. Kienitz informed the Board that the Northwest Athletic Club will be providing the Certificate of Liability Insurance prior to the event. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 5 Vice-President Carnes made the motion to approve the request for the 7th Annual City by the Lake Triathlon for road closures on both Friday, August 7th, 2015 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 8th, 2015 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. provided the Certificate of Liability Insurance is received 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. CHANGE ORDER REQUEST – Charles Peller, City Engineer – Michigan Boulevard Project Change Order #9 (Changed Conditions/Weather Related) Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding Change Order #9 with regards to Michigan Boulevard Phase II; explaining this is strictly weather related, and has been reviewed and approved by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Area Engineer; further explaining as the owner of the project the Board now needs to approve it. Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Peller regarding any related costs associated with this. Mr. Peller explained there is no money involved with this as it was just a time extension. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve Change Order #9 for the Michigan Boulevard Phase II 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. RETIREMENT – Michigan City Fire Department announces the retirement of Bruce Kaiser, effective January 11, 2015 with 30+ years of service The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on January 6, 2015 from Fire Chief Ron Martin: The Michigan City Fire Department proudly announces the retirement of Bruce Kaiser effective January 11th, 2015. Bruce served the department for over 30 plus years. President Janus stated this was for informational purposes only; “thanking” Mr. Kaiser for his years of service. RETIREMENT – Michigan City Fire Department announces the retirement of Jim Earley, effective January 18, 2015 with 34+ years of service The following correspondence was received in the City Clerk’s Office on January 6, 2015 from Fire Chief Ron Martin: The Michigan City Fire Department proudly announces the retirement of Jim Earley effective January 18th, 2015. Jim served the department for over 34 plus years. President Janus stated this was for informational purposes only; “thanking” Mr. Earley for his years of service. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 6 CLAIMS AND PAYROLL Vice-President Carnes 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 Michael Palmer 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 7 01/09/2015 $376,586.99 1 of 1 01/12/2015 $363,397.01 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 01/15/2015 $286,670.28 1 of 1 01/15/2015 $126,794.57 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Pending Items Pending Item – 111 Franklin Street (Ice Cream Parlor) Craig Phillips, City Planner addressed the Board stating he has had an opportunity to look over the paperwork that was submitted, but has not had the opportunity to review it with Corporation Counsel. Mr. Phillips stated he still has some concerns regarding the information received. Corporation Counsel Amber Lapaich informed the Board and Mr. Phillips that Attorney Kuchel was present today to answer questions regarding the documents presented to the Board. President Janus stated these are the same documents that were presented to the Board prior to Attorney Kuchel coming on board. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporation Counsel Lapaich and Mr. Phillips regarding negotiating new terms with the new perspective owner; closing dates; the owner notifying the perspective buyer of any pending proceedings; copies of the transfer documents being provided to the Board in the manner as provided by State Statute; the previous Orders attached to the land being modified for the new purchaser to grant an extension of time or time deadline which would come from the Planning Department at the appropriate time; copies of the Addendum and the Original Contract, which was provided last year (the Offer to Purchase); concerns and questions the Planning Department has regarding what their previous commitments were. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 7 Glen Kuchel, Attorney for John Ziola regarding the property at 111 Franklin Street addressed the Board regarding the transaction and sale of the property, advising they are proceeding with the buyer under the original agreement rather than make modifications to it as it is an enforceable agreement legally. Mr. Kuchel advised the Board that the property is held currently in trust at the direction of Mr. Ziola and his company as a land trust. Mr. Kuchel explained the land trust would sign over the deed as a warranty deed to the buyer and be a full ownership, not a land contract, and they are working through Meridian Title and planning a closing for January 30, 2015. Further discussion ensued between the Board, Attorney Kuchel, and Mr. Phillips regarding the land trust; who the principal officers are for the trust, which is the Indiana Land Trust Company; Mr. Ziola being the one directing the land trust to transfer ownership of the property at the closing; the document received by the Board last year and the terms therein being a land contract; the Planning Department’s stand that a legal purchase offer would need to be presented to change any of the terms of the pending Orders; Mr. Phillips concerns with a land contract type of agreement for the sale of the property; the transfer of full ownership in its entirety; the offer to purchase regarding the amortization of payments; the transfer of title and signing of a warranty deed transferring ownership to the buyer; all of the terms of the agreement being merged into the deed; the governing document of the transaction would be the deed, which will transfer fee title interest (full permanent interest) to the buyer. President Janus addressed the Board and Attorney Kuchel with regards to the bids that have been received and opened for the demolition of the property, and holding the bids. President Janus expressed his concerns regarding the bids expiring; asking how long the bids would be good for. Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board stating normally the successful bidder will honor their bids for ninety (90) days. Discussion continued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Lapaich, Mr. Phillips, and Attorney Kuchel regarding the warranty deed issued to the buyer and the mortgage holder not being a bank but the Land Trust that currently owns the property; concerns with items listed in the Addendum and the City/Redevelopment Commission having not made any commitments whatsoever with regard to financial assistance; the City not being one of the negotiating factors in the sale of the property; the request from the Representative of the Redevelopment Commission asking that the “commitments” as described in the agreement being stricken from the agreement entirely; the project qualifying for any benefits the City may have to offer; the agreement for the closing of the transaction and the governing document for what occurs after closing being the deed only, not the contract; all closing documents being provided to the Board within five (5) days of the closing; the request of the current owner to have the Board hold off on the demolition so the property can be sold; the availability of any TIF funding to help with the project and there being no enforceable promise by the City in any way in that regard; a realization time line for the project. Attorney Kuchel addressed the Board stating he believes it takes approximately thirty (30) days upon submission to the State of Indiana for the changes that are being made to be approved, which would be presumably through February, and they are anticipating a sixty (60) to ninety (90) day construction period, so the time targets are to have the property open and available early May 2015. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 8 Further discussion ensued between the Board and Attorney Kuchel regarding the prospective buyer’s involvement in the proceedings for the property. Attorney Kuchel addressed the Board stating the he can advise the prospective buyer to attend a future meeting; however, at this time he is out of the country on a multi-week project and is due back in Indiana the week of February 11, 2015; further explaining to the Board that the prospective buyer’s wife will be provide Power of Attorney for the closing of the sale and the documents will be executed in that manner as he cannot be present. Discussion continued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Lapaich, Mr. Phillips and Attorney Kuchel regarding the warranty deed and mortgage; what happens if the property holder defaults and the property reverts back to Mr. Ziola’s trust, which would be a foreclosure, which is not acceptable to the administration; the Board re-negotiating the terms of the Demolition Order in the event this purchase was to occur to better clarify the Order for Repair; moving forward with the sale of the property; the development of the property; the opening of the property for the Spring 2015 season; the prospective buyer being involved with the proceedings; a land contract not being acceptable to the administration; funding for the project. President Janus addressed the Board stating this will be held over until the next meeting, and in the interim the Board will meet with legal, and have a decision at the next meeting as to whether they will proceed with the demolition. Corporation Counsel Lapaich addressed the Board and Mr. Phillips regarding the “land contract” and the way Attorney Kuchel explained is that if the actual fee interest and title transfers over by virtue of a warranty deed it is not a land contract. Discussion continued between the Board, Counsel Lapaich and Mr. Phillips regarding the Planning Department would like to see a situation similar to other developers that receive financing through conventional means and do their projects in that manner; the serious concerns of the Planning Department with regards to the Agreement for the sale of the property; the commitments by the City as referred to in the Addendum are clearly not commitments by the City, the Planning Department or the Redevelopment Commission; a special meeting of the Board, City Council and City Planner on how this will be handled prior to the next Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. Corporate Counsel Lapaich addressed the Board regarding their previous decision to TABLE referring the demolition of bids to Planning; asking if that was still the intent to continue that. Discussion followed between the Board and Mr. Phillips regarding taking the referring of the bids to the Planning Department off the TABLE and when the recommendation would be before the Board; the reviewing of the bids; prolonging the demolition process; referring the bids to the Planning Department at this time so they can review, tabulate and be prepared to make a recommendation. Vice-President Carnes made the motion to refer the bids for the demolition of 111 Franklin Street to the Planning and Inspection Departments. The motion was seconded by Michael Palmer and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Carnes and Palmer (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 9 Pending Item – Zoological Society requests 2 city owned lots for planting apple trees Craig Phillips, City Planner addressed the Board regarding the request from the Zoological Society for two (2) city owned lots for planting apple trees, stating he has had some preliminary conversations with the Redevelopment Commission and also the Park Department staff; further stating there are some properties that potentially might be able to be used for that purpose that are under the control of the Parks Department (owned by the City), but he does not have an answer yet, but hopes to have one soon. Pending Item – City Street Signs Craig Phillips, City Planner stated he has nothing new to report on this. Discussion ensued between the Board and Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer regarding the City Street Signs project that has been going on for almost two (2) years now and the grant involved for this project. Mr. Peller advised the Board that the grant is not for the “green street signs”, but for the reflectivity and accounting of the traffic signs; further explaining the grant is still in place for this project. Pending Item – Two-way Street Conversion Craig Phillips, City Planner addressed the Board regarding the two-way street conversion project stating the RFP (request for proposals) have been submitted, but the Redevelopment Commission has not yet selected a Consultant to negotiate a detailed scope with; when this happens he will provide the Board with more information with regard to that recommendation. Mr. Phillips explained that they have received those Statements of Qualifications from the teams that submitted in response to the Request for Qualifications; and the same goes for the signage on Michigan Boulevard which is all tied together in one project. Pending Item – Signage to identify US Hwy 12 & Michigan Boulevard Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board regarding the request from Constance Everly for signage to identify US Hwy 12 and Michigan Boulevard; stating he has had discussions with INDOT, but has been waiting on the Planning Department to decide on the one-way/two-way street conversion. Discussion ensued between Mr. Peller and Mr. Phillips regarding just the request for the signage that says “Michigan Boulevard” and “Spring Street” with the arrow that points in each direction. Mr. Peller explained that INDOT has that as a request. Mr. Phillips explained one of the factors they have been waiting on is the “scope” of the bridge project associated with the US Hwy 12 Bridge over Trail Creek, and they have not received that information. Mr. Phillips will ask their consultant Global Engineering to advise him as to whether or not that project affects that intersection in any way that would affect the signage request, but if not they will try to move forward with the provision of just those basic signs that they talked about, beyond that any other directional’s as they have discussed they will hold off on. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 10 Further discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Peller regarding the signs that will be designating Spring Street and Michigan Boulevard having been submitted to INDOT and the City is just waiting their approval; and the time frame for these to be installed. Mr. Peller advised it will probably be sometime in the Spring. Pending Item – 904 E. Michigan Boulevard Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property at 904 E. Michigan Boulevard, stating he will be soliciting for bids to come in next month, which will allow him time to set up the pre-bid conference and site walk through. Pending Item – 1110 Washington Street-fire damage Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding 1110 Washington Street, stating he is waiting for a response on the Order to Repair that was issued. Pending Item – Combs Street and Michigan Boulevard Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property, stating the title work has been ordered, and he is just waiting for that so he can put all the parties of substantial interest on a demolition notice. New Business Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property at 1120 Elston Street, stating the property looks like it must have went through some type of foreclosure and is in the hands of a bank right now, and he will be getting Notices out to the bank to either register that with the Vacant Property Ordinance or Orders to Repair. Old Item – 812 Manhattan Street Michael Palmer addressed the Board regarding the property at 812 Manhattan Street, stating there was excavating equipment on site there, so they must be going to start the demolition. New Business – 1204 W. 7th Street & 1125 W. 8th Street Vice-President Carnes addressed the Board regarding two (2) properties that she forwarded to Mr. Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer and Mayor Meer – 1204 W 7th Street and 1125 W. 8th Street; asking if Mr. Hatfield has had a chance to look at these properties. Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board regarding the property at 1204 W. 7th Street, stating this is one of the properties that is next on his list to order title work for a demolition order; and the property at 1125 W. 8th Street still has heat and electric on, but will be issuing Orders to Repair; further stating there are no permits on this property, the windows are boarded up and the Inspection Department has had correspondence with the owners. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 11 Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Hatfield regarding the property at 1204 W. 7th Street where the demolition process will be started, and whether or not the property is secured. Mr. Hatfield will check this out and if needed he will request Central Services assistance to get it secured. PUBLIC COMMENTS President Janus asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to address the Board at this time. Attorney Glen Kuchel, representing John Ziola addressed the Board regarding 111 Franklin Street asking if there is to be a special meeting of the Board he would request forty-eight (48) hours’ notice in advance so a representative could attend. Devin Hawkins, 705 Union Street addressed the Board regarding an abandoned house, stating he has been working with the City for the past five (5) years for the demolition of a house at 701 Union Street as there are raccoons, homeless people and drug addicts living there. Mr. Hawkins stated he has called the police department and spoke with the Code Enforcement Officers several times; advising he spoke to some of the Common Council members who recommended he address the Board with this matter. Mr. Hawkins further stated this has become a health issue. Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board stating he has spoken with Mr. Hawkins regarding the property which it is on his list and will be addressed within the next three (3) months. Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board regarding the temporary Stop sign that was place on Lakeshore Drive and Krueger Hill back when the Franklin Street bridge was closed in November 2014 for repairs; requesting before the signs are taken down the City install signs that would say “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” to alert motorist that the intersection is no longer a 4-way stop. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve the request from Lt. Loniewski requesting the 4- way stop signs be removed at the intersection of Krueger Hill and Lakeshore Drive, but prior to that “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” signs be installed. 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 was anyone from the public who wished to address the Board. There was no response. BOARD COMMENTS President Janus asked if there were any Board comments. President Janus inquired as to whom you report a decorative light out to as they are not handled by NIPSCo. Regular Meeting – January 20, 2015 Page 12 Bob Zondor, Superintendent Central Services addressed the Board stating the decorative lights are sub-contracted out to Marquis Electric, and you can contact the Central Services Department at (219) 873-1500 to report the location and they will contact Marquis Electric. Vice-President Carnes addressed Mr. Zondor asking what the process is for reporting on NIPSCo lights that are out. Mr. Zondor explained it can be done by the residents on-line or by contacting Central Services at (219) 873-1500 and they can do it also on-line. Michael Palmer addressed Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer asking if there is any assistance the City can provide the homeowner on Union Street to address the raccoon problem. Mr. Hatfield explained unfortunately the City cannot do anything about raccoons; however if there were an actual homeowner there they are allowed to trap them or hire a professional exterminator to come in, but the City’s Animal Control Officers are not allowed to address raccoons as they are wild animals. Russ Hatfield, Code Enforcement Officer addressed the Board stating the Inspection Department is scheduled to go out every night this week to do the street light inventory and getting any of them that are out reported to NIPSCo. President Janus addressed Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division regarding a handicap parking sign in a container in front of 603 Pine Street; further stating it is a movable sign. Lt. Loniewski stated he will check it out. 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 9:50 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