Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR MEETING – November 6, 2017 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday morning, November 6, 2017 at the hour of 8:30 a.m., in the Council Chambers, in the City Hall Building, located at 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City Indiana – a regular mee ng room of this Board. The mee ng was called to order by President Steve Janus, who presided. Noted present: Steve Janus, Rich Murphy and Virginia Kea ng (3) Absent: NONE (0) A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in a endance: Amber Lapaich, Corporate Counsel Lt. Je Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Tra c Division Sue Downs, Code Compliance O cer Joe Plunk, Code Compliance O cer Chris Vanderborg, Code Compliance O cer Skyler York, Assistant City Planner Kalon Kubik, Mayor’s Administrator Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer Steve Stanford, M.C. Sanitary District John Gorczyca, M.C. Sanitary District Arber Himaj, M.C. Sanitary District David Farmer, Director M.C. Central Services Robin Tillman, Transit Director Tony Drzewiecki, M.C.F.D Public Informa on O cer Andy Matanic, IT Manager Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Kim Sliwa, Deputy City Clerk Dawn Debald, Assistant Deputy City Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES President Janus asked if there were any correc ons to the minutes of the Regular mee ng of October 16, 2017 and the Special mee ng held on October 26, 2017. Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to approve the minutes from the October 16, 2017 Regular mee ng and the October 26, 2017 Special mee ng. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE – Brian Mann, The Tree Mann, Inc. is reques ng street closure of Roeske Avenue between Melody Lane and Greenwood Avenue for the usage of a 40 foot crane to remove a tree at 102 Melody Lane in Trail Creek on November 8, 2017 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Rain date November 9, 2017 Steve Sha er, Foreman of the Tree Mann, addressed the Board reques ng a street closure to remove a cracked tree that is hanging over some u lity lines, which is a hazard; advising to remove the tree safely, a crane will need to be used which will be located in the street. Discussion ensued between President Janus and Mr. Sha er regarding the closure being 1 day and if the en re road will be closed. Mr. Sha er explained that it will be a 1 day closure unless it rains; and Roeske Avenue in that block will be closed to avoid any safety issues. Lt. Je Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Tra c Division, stated he has no objec ons. Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer, is reques ng INDOT approved detour signage for the road closure. Vice President, Rich Murphy made the mo on to approve the request for the street closure for the Tree Mann, reques ng closure of Roeske Avenue between Melody Lane and Greenwood Avenue for the tree removal at 102 Melody Lane on November 8th between 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The rain date is November 9, 2017; and his is subject to the proper detour placement of the signage. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ff ti ti ti ffi ti ti ti ff ti ffi ti ti ti ffi ffi ffi ffi ti tt ti ti ff ti ti ti ff ff ti ti ti  Regular Mee ng – November 6, 2017 Page 2 REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE- Michael Kuss, General Manager Sanita on District, is reques ng street closure of Vail Street from Fir Street to Hobart Street between November 27 – December 4, 2017, and Fir Street from Vail Street to 8th Street between December 4-December 8, 2017 for a sanitary sewer replacement project Steve Sanford, M.C. Sanitary District, addressed the board reques ng the street closure to facilitate essen al sanitary sewer replacement project. Lt. Je Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Tra c Division, stated he had no objec ons. Discussion ensued between Corporate Counsel Amber Lapaich and Mr. Sanford, regarding clari ca on on the dates from November 22- December 4, 2017 for Vail Street. Mr. Sanford stated those dates are correct to his knowledge. Counsel Lapaich stated the agenda reads November 27 – December 4, 2107. John Gorczyca, M.C. Sanita on District, explained the original request was for November 22, but that is the day before Thanksgiving, and they wanted to get the request in so they can do some preliminaries if necessary. Counsel, Lapaich asked if the Board should go with the November 22, 2017 date, Mr. Gorczyca responded, yes. Vice President, Rich Murphy made the mo on to approve the request for the street closure by the sanitary district. The closure is Vail Street from Fir Street to Hobart Street between November 22- December 4, 2017, and Fir Street from Vail Street to 8th Street between December 4-8, 2017 for sanitary sewer replacement project. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE- Fire Chief, Randy Novak is reques ng the closure of Franklin Street from 11th Street to the Library, 10th Street from Washington to Pine, and 4th Street from Pine to Washington, on December 2, 2017 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. for the annual Snow ake Parade. Lineup will start at 3:00 p.m. with the parade star ng at 4:00 p.m Lt. Je Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Tra c Division, advised that he has reviewed the request and this is the same route that has been used the last 3-4 years, and they have not experienced any signi cant problems, recommending approval. Virginia Kea ng made the mo on to approve the request for the closure of Franklin Street from 11th Street to the Library, 10th Street from Washington to Pine Street and 4th Street from Pine Street to Washington Street on December 2, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. for the annual Snow ake parade. The mo on was seconded by Rich Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE – Je Oltmanns, Global Engineering, 2017 TIF Paving Project- Project consists of paving, curb and sidewalk replacement on 6th Street from Washington to Pine Street and 8th Street from Chicago Street to Wabash Street from November 1, 2017- November 30, 2017 Je Oltmanns, Global Engineering, addressed the Board reques ng the closure for Redevelopment Commissions TIF project for the streets described that are being worked on; advising the actual dates are November 13-30, 2017; sta ng they are an cipa ng the road will be restricted for most of the me; possibly 1-3 hours while they are doing the milling and paving opera on; explaining they will have the closure and detour, but for the most part it will be lane restric ons. Lt. Je Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Tra c Division, addressed the Board sta ng they have no concerns. Discussion ensued between Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich and Mr. Oltmann regarding if he could get an updated Cer cate of Liability naming the City as addi onal insured as well as Redevelopment. Mr. Oltmann responded, yes. Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to approve the requested street closure for Global Engineering for the 2017 TIF pavement project on 6th Street from Washington Street to Pine Street and 8th Street from Chicago to Wabash Street from November 13-30, 2017. Closures will include at mes restricted closures and at limited mes full closure of the street. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. DONATION OF WOODLAND AVENUE PARCELS – Board of Works to amend their mo on to accept the Woodland Avenue parcels subject to City’s payment of the back taxes ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ff ti ffi ffi ffi ti fi ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ff fl ff ff ti fi fi ti ff ti fl  Regular Mee ng – November 6, 2017 Page 3 Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board sta ng that several mee ngs ago the Board approved the dona on from Robert Ellis of some parcels on Woodland Avenue; at that me Counsel Lapaich explained to the Board that there were back taxes owed on the property; and Counsel Lapaich was going to dra a pe on under Indiana Law for the Auditor to take in to considera on as to whether or not the County would forgive the taxes. Counsel Lapaich approached the County with the pe on and all informa on; the County reviewed it along with the Commissioner, and they decided they were not going to waive the taxes. Counsel Lapaich spoke with the Mayor and researched it further with the State Board of Accounts and they indicated that we could pay the taxes on it to accept the dona on; the State Board of Accounts would want the Boards minutes to re ect that we were accep ng the dona on subject to the back taxes, which were $5075.00; she asked the Board for considera on to redo that mo on and accept the dona on subject to the payment of the back taxes. President Janus asked if the Board is just amending our previous mo on, Counsel Lapaich answered, yes. Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to accept the Woodland Avenue parcels subject to City’s payment of the back taxes. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. REQUEST TO PURCHASE CITY PROPERTY – Ricky Collins, 710 Springland Avenue, is reques ng to purchase City property located at N. Woodland and Springland Avenue, parcel #460127153021000022 Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board sta ng that Mr. Collins was at the mee ng earlier and she spoke with him; she stated the paperwork he submi ed had the incorrect parcel number, so she clari ed with him the correct parcel number which is parcel number 460127153019000022; she asked that the Board refer this request to her o ce and to Planning to further inquire whether or not this parcel can be disposed of; she explained we acquired this property by way of Commissioner’s deed back in 2010; it did go through tax sales and was not purchased, so it was given to the City; Virginia Kea ng made the mo on to refer the ma er of the purchase of the property on N. Woodland and Springland Avenue to the City A orney and the Planning Department. The mo on was seconded by Rich Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. TERMINATION OF CAPITAL LEASE AGREEMENT – Termina on of Capital Equipment Lease Agreement between Michigan City, Indiana and LaPorte, Indiana regarding bus leased to LaPorte for Transit Triangle Project Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich, addressed the Board, explaining in 2014 when the Transit Triangle Project was established, part of the agreement was to lease LaPorte a bus so they could run their designated leg of the route; since then their Transit Director and Mayor are nding it impossible to maintain part me quali ed CDL drivers to drive the bus; advising LaPorte is reques ng the City take back our bus and the City will run all legs of the route of the Transit Triangle at this point; asking the Board to approve the termina on of the lease agreement between the City of Michigan City and the City of LaPorte; explaining the route will con nue for now, being there is s ll grant funding for it; and Michigan City will run all legs of the route. Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to approve the termina on of the Capital Equipment Lease Agreement between the City of Michigan City and the City of LaPorte regarding bus leased to LaPorte for the Transit Triangle Project. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. CONTRACT – 2018-2020 Union Contract between the Michigan City Fire ghters Local #475 and the Civil City of Michigan City, Indiana Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board sta ng the Boards approval is needed on this; advising the Council has already approved it and so has Local #475; this is a 3 year contract with various terms changed within the contract. Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to approve the union contract between the City of Michigan City and the Fire ghter’s local #475 for (2018-2020) which is for 3 years. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. ti ti ti fi ti ti ti ti ti ffi fi ti ti ti tt ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti tt ti tt ti ti ti fi fl ti ti ti ti ti ti ft ti ti ti fi ti ti ti ti fi ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti  Regular Mee ng – November 6, 2017 Page 4 CONTRACT – 2018 Union Contract between the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, Inc. and the Civil City of Michigan City, Indiana Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board asking for approval, of the Police Labor Council Union agreement; advising this has been approved by the Council and the Union; and is a 1 year contract; the only change is a 1.5% increase for the o cers. Virginia Kea ng made the mo on to approve the 2018 Union Contract between the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council and the Civil City of Michigan City. The mo on was seconded by Rich Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. INDOT REQUIREMENT – Singing Sands Trail Phase I project #0301165 – nal plans Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board sta ng this is a nal submission we will be submi ng to INDOT; asking the Board for approval; and also signatures from the Board and Counsel are needed on the document. Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to approve the Singing Sands Trail Phase I project nal plans set. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. STEET LIGHT REMOVAL REQUEST – Pat Kieszkowski, NIPSCO, is reques ng a le er from the City of Michigan City regarding the removal of 3 street lights and 3 poles from the old M.C.P.D. police sta on site Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer, addressed the Board sta ng these lights are no longer needed and he recommends that the Board approves this request. Virginia Kea ng made the mo on to approve the request for the removal of street lights and poles from the old M.C.P.D sta on site. The mo on was seconded by Rich Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. HONORARY STREET SIGN – Mayor Meer requests the installa on of an honorary sign in the Franklin Street rededica on area between Highway 12 and 2nd Street, to read M.C. Rotary Club Centennial Way Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to approve the Honorary Street sign Mayor Meer is reques ng for the installa on of the sign in Franklin Street rededica on area between Highway 12 and 2nd Street, to read M.C. Rotary Club Centennial Way. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. EXTENDED SERVICES AGREEMENT – Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer, is reques ng approval of Supplemental Le er Agreement with S.E.H. of Indiana for Professional Engineering Services ($30,000.00) Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer, addressed the Board explaining S.E.H is a rm assis ng us with the park and schools safety program; they will provide plans and speci ca ons for the work that will be done star ng next spring; and the extra money will come from the street and sidewalks program, for this year. Virginia Kea ng made the mo on to approve the request to extend the services agreement between the City of Michigan City and S.E.H. of Indiana for professional engineering with the sum being $30,000.00. The mo on was seconded by Rich Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. REQUEST TO SOLICIT BIDS – 508 Holiday Street – Sue Downs, Code Compliance O cer, is reques ng to solicit bids Sue Downs, Code Compliance O cer, addressed the Board explaining this is the 3rd of 3 houses on Vail (201 and 207) and 508 Holiday, sta ng, they may start the demoli on this week as there was a delay because of asbestos, advising this house was condemned awhile back. Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to approve the request to solicit bids for the demoli on of 508 Holiday Street. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. ti ti ffi ti tt fi ti ti ti fi fi ti fi ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ffi ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ffi ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti tt ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti tti ti ti ti fi ti ti  Regular Mee ng – November 6, 2017 Page 5 RE-ESTABLISH PAY ACCOUNT – Skyler York, Assistant City Planner, is reques ng to re-establish the (NIPSCO) u lity pay account for gas and electric services at the Washington Park Greenhouse Skyler York, Assistant City Planner, addressed the Board explaining the Redevelopment Commission is re-habbing the building currently; advising, we have all new meters that are not operable, and we are paying for this; explaining this is just a formality to re-establish billing for the service. Mr. York stated that Yvonne Ho master, Deputy Controller, thought this would be the formal way to make sure everyone knows what is going on; and the Redevelopment Commission is currently paying to have meters running during construc on. Discussion ensued between Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich and Mr. York regarding Redevelopment owning the building; and if they should be paying for the service. Mr. York doesn’t believe that is the inten on; either way he needs to re-establish the account, so that he can formally request from NIPSCO to re-install everything. Mr. York stated a decision does not have to be made today, they can hold it over. Mr. York explained there are open gas pipes and he is trying to get the meters set, possibly today; the electric meter will be set probably the end of next month. Counsel Lapaich said to re-establish it, then we will gure out exact details as Mr. York does not want to hold up Gariup from nishing the construc on and they need heat in the building for the drywall to dry and basically condi on the space going into winter. Virginia Kea ng made the mo on to re-establish the NIPSCO u lity pay account for gas and electric services at Washington Park Greenhouse. The mo on was seconded by Rich Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. POLICY APPROVAL – Reques ng Board of Public Works and Safety approval of the U.S. Department of Transporta on Federal Transit Authority (FTA) Drug Free Workplace Policy for the City of Michigan City Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board explaining that she, the Personnel Director and Robin Tillman, Transit Director have worked to put together a new DOT (FTA) Drug Free Workplace Policy; and is asking the Board to approve the policy and make it e ec ve today, November 6, 2017. Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to approve the U.S. Department of Transporta on Federal Transit Authority (FTA) Drug Free Workplace Policy for the City of Michigan City. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. REQUEST TO INSTALL FIBER OPTIC – Andy Matanic, I.T. Director, is reques ng approval to install ber op c cables to provide connec vity between mul ple municipal buildings Andy Matanic, I.T. Director addressed the Board reques ng permission to install ber op c cable between the Sanitary District at 1100 East 8th Street; and the Sanitary District Collec on Building at 1021 East 8th Street; this will be installed by the I.T. Department, they will be doing the work; and also between Central Maintenance and Central Services; sta ng there will not be any street closures required and any type of work that is done in the street will be handled with agging and minimum disrup ons; weather permi ng each loca on will take between 3-5 days to install. Vice-President Murphy made the mo on to approve the request to install ber op c by Andy Matanic, I.T. Director. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. RETIREMENT – Michigan City Police Department announces the re rement of Cary Brinkman e ec ve October 27, 2017. President Janus advised the Board of the Michigan City Police Department’s announcement of the re rement of Cary Brinkman e ec ve October 27, 2017; he noted that he has known Cary Brinkman since he was 13 years old and he has seen him grow into the man he is today, and he wishes him luck in his new endeavor. (note: For informa on purposes only) SHOULDER CLOSURE – Kevin Mullins, Pirtano Construc on/Comcast Cable, is providing no ca on of shoulder work on U.S. Highway 20 between Ohio Street and U.S. Highway 421 from 8:00-4:00 p.m. beginning on November 13, 2017 - thru November 17, 2017 President Janus advised the Board of the Shoulder Closure between November 13-17, 2017. ti ti ti ti ti fi ff ti fi ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti fi ti ti ti tti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ff ti ti fi ti ti ff ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti fi ti ti ti ti ff fi fl  Regular Mee ng – November 6, 2017 Page 6 (note: for informa onal purposes only) CLAIMS AND PAYROLL Virginia Kea ng 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 rm(s) as set forth, and payrolls approved. The mo on was seconded by Vice-President Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Murphy and Kea ng (2). NAYS: None (0). Mo on carries. The Board signed: Payroll items in Register of Claims for informa onal purposes (which Register is in the possession of the City Controller) as follows: Page Date Amount 1 of 3 11/06/2017 $214,402.38 1 of 7 11/06/2017 401,013.71 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 7 11/06/17 $183,549.56 UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Janus advised there is no un nished business at this me. PUBLIC COMMENTS Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer gave the Board an FYI regarding NICTD upgrading 8 crossings in Michigan City; explaining they will have gates and this will be a big improvement. Mr. Peller received a call from NICTD sta ng they have received the money from INDOT and they have awarded the contract; sta ng the most important thing for the Board to know is that they will be tearing out pavement in certain places, east of School Street; and the en re area is on NICTD property. President Janus ensued discussion asking if it was the whole Street from Vail. Mr. Peller stated it is from School to North Porter; and this is all NICTD property; explaining for safety reasons they will remove some of the streets and place barricades. (note: for informa onal purposes only) BOARD COMMENTS President Janus asked if there were any Board comments. Vice-President, Rich Murphy addressed the Board with a brief comment, explaining Mayor Meer received an email this past week from a resident on Fogarty Street which is in the Old Canada or the Hungry Hollow neighborhood; the email was posi ve, overall recognizing that there are new residents moving into this area, more ac vity, and 2 new businesses that have opened; at the same me, they are no cing some increased tra c coming thru the neighborhood. Mr. Murphy stated that Center Street is a redundant access point to the beach area; and the Mayor is asking the Board of Works to look at this area. Mr. Murphy has spoken brie y to Lt. Je Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Tra c Division, about this; asking Tra c, Planning and Engineering to look at this area from the perspec ve of auto and pedestrian circula on, and make any recommenda ons to us. ti ti ff ti ti fl ti ti ti ti ffi ti fi ffi ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ffi ti ti fi ti  Regular Mee ng – November 6, 2017 Page 7 Vice-President Murphy made the mo on for the M.C.P.D Tra c Division, the City team, Tra c Planning and Engineering to look at this and get back to the Board when they have recommenda ons. The mo on was seconded by Virginia Kea ng and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: None (0). Mo on Carries. ADJOURNMENT President Janus stated as there was no other items on the agenda to be considered by the Board at this me, declared the mee ng ADJOURNED (approximately 9:06 a.m.). Virginia Kea ng made the mo on to adjourn. The mo on was seconded by Vice-President Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Kea ng (3). NAYS: (0). Mo on Carries. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk ti ffi ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ffi ti