Board of Public Works & Safety

SPECIAL MEETING – February 11, 2015 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in SPECIAL SESSION on Wednesday morning, February 11, 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 and Michael Palmer (2). Absent: Sharon Carnes (1). A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in attendance: Amber LaPaich, Corporate Counsel Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Kim Sliwa, Deputy City Clerk REQUEST FOR SIDEWALK/PARKING CLOSURE – Tonn & Blank requests the closure of the sidewalks and parking spaces between 719-723 Franklin Street for Artspace Project Joe Coar of Tonn & Blank addressed the Board and presented the following: Tonn and Blank will be performing selective demolition of the canopy as well as masonry restoration on the east façade of the Warren Building. Please see attached map which indicates where we intend to install temporary construction fence in the front and rear of the Warren Building. In order to perform selective demolition of the canopy, as well as the masonry restoration, we will need to close the sidewalk in front of the Warren Building. Additionally, we are requesting permission to shut down the parking spaces in front of the building to allow for equipment to access the eastern façade. The construction fence in the rear of the building will be placed until approximately August 2015. The construction fence in front of the building will be in place until April 2015. The closing of the parking spaces would be through April as well, however we could resort to a week-by-week or as-needed basis. The construction fence will be 6 ft. high chain-link. For the parking spaces we would utilize wood traffic barricades which can easily be moved. Tonn and Blank currently has a certificate of insurance on file with the city, which should cover any general liability associated with the work on the city property. We guarantee that any damage to the sidewalk, parking spaces or other city property will be repaired and restored to its original condition. If you have any questions, please contact me at your convenience. Special Meeting – February 11, 2015 Page 2 Mr. Coar “thanked” the Board on behalf of Artspace and Tonn & Blank for agreeing to meet this morning to discuss the closures. Mr. Coar explained the request; asking the Board for their approval. Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Lapaich and Mr. Coar regarding the type of fencing that will be used; mobility of the fencing; pedestrian safety; Fire Department and Police Department access; Certificates of Liability Insurance on file with the City Clerk’s office; Tonn & Blank providing signage to accommodate directing pedestrian traffic to the other side of the street; being able to utilize the sidewalk for special events in this area. Special Meeting – February 11, 2015 Page 3 Lt. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board indicating that the Police Department is good with the plans as presented by Mr. Coar. Further Discussion ensued between the Board, Corporate Counsel Lapaich and Mr. Coar regarding the closure of the alley behind the building as well as to the north of the building. Michael Palmer made the motion to approve the request from Tonn & Blank to put fencing out to the street, as long as it is held up properly, in front of 719-723 Franklin Street; as well as to allow Tonn & Blank to gate off the alley and section around their construction equipment with a gate also onto Washington Street for the duration of the project, as long as the Certificate of Insurance provided to the City is current; including the parking area in front of 719-723 Franklin Street, and Tonn & Blank providing signage to direct pedestrian traffic. The motion was seconded by President Janus and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. PUBLIC COMMENTS 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. 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 9:08 a.m.). Michael Palmer made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by President Janus and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus and Palmer (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion carries. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk