Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR MEETING – August , The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday morning, August 19, 2019, 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 meeting room of this Board. The meeting was called to order by President Steve Janus, who presided. Noted present: Steve Janus, Rich Murphy and Virginia Keating (3) Absent: None A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in attendance: Amber Lapaich, Corporate Counsel Sue Downs, Building Commissioner Skyler York, Assistant City Planner Kevin Urbanczyk, Assistant Chief, M.C.P.D. John Gorczyca, M.C. Sanitary District Kalon Kubik, Mayor’s Administrator Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer Robert Zondor, Superintendent, Central Maintenance Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Dawn Debald, Assistant Deputy Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES President Janus asked if there were any corrections to the minutes from the Regular meeting of August 5, 2019. Vice-President Murphy made the motion to approve the minutes from the Regular meeting of August 5, 2019. The motion was seconded by Virginia Keating and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. AWARDING OF BIDS – Pavement Crack Sealing Project – Engineer – Haas & Associates, LLC. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board stating the recommendation is that all bids be rejected; advising all bids came in way over the Engineers estimated cost. Virginia Keating made the motion to reject all bids that were received for the 2019 Pavement Crack Sealing Project. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR SOLICITATION OF BIDS / APPROVAL OF BID PACKET- Sue Downs, Building Commissioner, is requesting approval to solicit bids for the demolition of Virginia Court, Michigan City, Indiana and approval of the bid packet Regular Meeting – August 19, 2019 Page 2 Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board stating this is the standard bid packet for the demolition of 109 Virginia Court; advising the bids will be opened on September 16, 2019 at the regular meeting; explaining the pre bid meeting is September 10, 2019; recommending approval. Vice-President Murphy made the motion to approve the request for the solicitation of bids for the demolition of 109 Virginia Court in Michigan City, Indiana. The motion was seconded by Virginia Keating and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR SOLICITATION OF BIDS / APPROVAL OF BID PACKET- Sue Downs, Building Commissioner, is requesting approval to solicit bids for the demolition of @ F Street, Michigan City, Indiana and approval of the bid packet Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board stating this is the standard bid packet for the demolition of 126 F Street; advising the bids will be opened on September 16, 2019 at the regular meeting; explaining the pre bid meeting is September 10, 2019; recommending approval. Virginia Keating made the motion to approve the request for the solicitation of bids for the demolition of 126 F Street in Michigan City, Indiana. The motion was seconded by Vice- President Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR SOLICIATION OF BIDS / APPROVAL OF BID PACKET – Jay Niec, SEH of Indiana is requesting approval to re-solicit bids for the City Wide Pavement Markings Project and approval of the bid packet Jay Niec, SEH of Indiana addressed the Board explaining his request. Vice-President Murphy made the motion to approve the request to re-solicit bids for the 2019 City Wide Pavement Markings project. The motion was seconded by Virginia Keating and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. PEDESTRIAN SAFETY REQUEST – David Wort, Beldon Street, has pedestrian safety concerns with the crosswalk located on Lakeshore Drive at the Michigan City Armory David Wort, 112 Beldon Street addressed the Board explaining his safety concerns at the crosswalk on Lakeshore Drive near the Michigan City Armory. Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board stating the crosswalk has been repainted; advising his recommendation is to replace the smaller signs with larger signs; explaining he will look into “Yield to Pedestrian” signage and possible placement of rumble strips. Virginia Keating made the motion to place the matter of the Pedestrian Safety request for Lakeshore Drive near the Armory back on the pending items/unfinished business list. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. Regular Meeting – August 19, 2019 Page 3 REQUEST TO USE LOT- Abby May, Michigan City Mainstreet Association, @ Franklin Street, is requesting to use the lot located on the northwest corner of Ath and Franklin Streets for the Michigan City First Friday Art Walk Summer Series on September @, between B: p.m. – : p.m. Abby May, President, Michigan City Mainstreet Association addressed the Board stating they have permission from the RDC (Redevelopment Commission) to use the lot; advising she was not sure if she had to come before the Board for approval; explaining M. C. Mainstreet Association will get the Certificate of Insurance from General Insurance Company once the request is approved. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board stating the request is not redundant; advising even though Redevelopment owns the lot, Mainstreet Association needs to come before the Board and give a heads up of the event so the City can coordinate with the Street Department, Police, etc. Vice-President Murphy made the motion to approve the request by Abby May, Michigan City Mainstreet Association to use the lot located on the northwest corner of 7th and Franklin Streets for the Michigan City First Friday Art Walk Summer Series on September 6, 2019 between 4:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Virginia Keating and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR SIGNAGE – Stacy Martin, @ Tremont Street, is requesting “neighborhood watch” signage for the area of Tremont and York Streets due to drug and criminal activity Stacy Martin, 206 Tremont Street addressed the Board explaining her request. Kevin Urbanczyk, Chief of Operations, M.C.P.D. addressed the Board advising he has been in contact with Ms. Martin; stating he would like this matter tabled to the next meeting on September 3, 2019 to determine the proper locations for the signs. Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board with his recommendations; asking who will be purchasing the signs. Virginia Keating made the motion to table the request for “Neighborhood Watch” signs in the area of Tremont and York Streets. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. CHANGE ORDER – Tom Weinmann, Haas & Associates, is requesting approval for the City Wide Sidewalk Repair Project Change Order No. – CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Funded Sidewalk in Eastport Neighborhood for Walsh & Kelly, Inc. – total contract price is $0AB,@ . (increase of $ , 0F. ) Sam Ozeh, Haas & Associates, LLC. addressed the Board stating Change Order No. 2 is increasing by $99,935.00; explaining this is for the construction of the sidewalk along Holliday Street from Woodland to Carroll Avenue; recommending approval. Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board recommending approval of this request. Regular Meeting – August 19, 2019 Page 4 Vice-President Murphy made the motion to approve the request by Haas & Associates, LLC. for the 2019 City Wide Sidewalk Repair Project - Change Order No. 2 CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Funded Sidewalk in Eastport Neighborhood – total contact price is $374,621.00 - increase of $99,935.00. The motion was seconded by Virginia Keating and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. SPECIAL PURCHASE REQUEST – Tom Weinmann, Haas & Associates, is requesting approval of the agreement between Precision Concrete Cutting and the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety for the Sidewalk Joint Grinding Repair Project using the Special Purchase Method I.C. F- - - 0- cost not to exceed $F , . – Single Brand Requirement and Sole Source Justification Sam Ozeh, Haas & Associates, LLC. addressed the Board explaining the request. Virginia Keating made the motion to approve the Special Purchase request for the agreement between Precision Concrete Cutting and the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety for the Sidewalk Joint Grinding Repair project; the cost is not to exceed $50,000.00. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. RESIGNATION – The Michigan City Police Department announces the resignation of Officer Gregory Radiger effective August @, (note: for informational purposes only) President Janus addressed the Board stating he has known Officer Gregory Radiger for at least eight (8) years; advising he was a fine Police Officer. President Janus then read Officer Radiger’s resignation letter; thanking Officer Radiger for his services. CLAIMS AND PAYROLL Virginia Keating 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 Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). 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 of 08/16/2019 $614,958.29 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 Amount 1 of 11 08/19/2019 $2,160,494.00 Regular Meeting – August 19, 2019 Page 5 UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Janus stated the first item on the Pending Items list is Captain Jeff Loniewski, Traffic Division, M.C.P.D. requesting that Central Maintenance paint the curb yellow at the northeast corner of Center and Fogarty Streets near Dune Billies Kevin Urbanczyk, Chief of Operations, M.C.P.D. addressed the Board stating this has been completed. Vice-President Murphy made the motion to remove this matter from the pending items/unfinished business list. The motion was seconded by Virginia Keating and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. President Janus stated the next item on the Pending Items list is Eleanore Hartman, 0 Fogarty Street – request for “No Parking” signs on Fogarty Street Robert Zondor, Superintendent, Central Maintenance addressed the Board stating he is unsure if this has been completed; advising he will report back at the next meeting on September 3, 2019. President Janus stated the next item on the Pending Items list is Abby May, Michigan City Mainstreet Association, @ Franklin Street, is requesting placement of pedestrian Wayfinding Signage in the Uptown Arts District Abby May, President, Michigan City Mainstreet Association addressed the Board stating this is part of the Walk your City project in the Uptown Arts District; advising that MCMA is not requesting any City funds at this time; explaining that populating the content on the sign is the responsibility of MCMA; further stating the ownership of the sign being in the right-of-way would be the responsibility of the City. Discussion ensued between Skyler York, Assistant City Planner and Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich regarding the signs. Mr. York advised the signs are similar to the signs that were installed on Wabash Street; stating they have a map and provide information regarding the downtown businesses, etc. explaining these signs will be treated like any sign in the City’s right-of-way. Counsel Lapaich advised the signs will go into the City’s inventory; they will be insured by the City; and they will be the City’s responsibility to maintain. Mr. York explained M.C. Mainstreet will be responsible for the plate that is inserted into it and the content. Discussion ensued between President Janus, Counsel Lapaich and Abby May regarding if MCMA has to come before the Board for this type of request or only if they want to change the locations of the signs. Counsel Lapaich responded they do not need to come before the Board unless they ask for a different location. Ms. May stated MCMA is not asking for permission to change the content; advising they are great for the City; asking for permission to place more signs. Virginia Keating made the motion to approve the request for the Wayfinding signs in the Uptown Arts District; subject to the signs being accepted into the City’s inventory; and Michigan City Mainstreet Association to offer the content for the signs. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. Regular Meeting – August 19, 2019 Page 6 President Janus stated the next item on the Pending Item List is Employee Payroll Deductions – Kris Pate, United Way of LaPorte County, is requesting modification of the City policy regarding employee payroll deductions for United Way contributions Vice-President Murphy stated he has a meeting with United Way of LaPorte County today; recommending this item stay on the pending items/unfinished business list. President Janus stated the next item on the Pending Items List is Attorney Barry McDonnell, representing McDonald’s Real Estate Company, requesting acceptance of Deed of Dedication for new public right-of-way (alley) Skyler York, Assistant City Planner addressed the Board stating the alley has not been constructed yet; advising he believes the curbing has been poured; recommending this this matter to stay on the pending item/unfinished business list until it is finalized. President Janus stated the next item on the Pending Item List is a request for the order to demolish Franklin Street – 0/ I/ This matter will be revisited at the first meeting in September which is September 3, 2019. President Janus stated the next item on the Pending Item List is +WeCreate Media- Marketing Contract for – the @ -day update will be on the July , at the B.O.W. meeting. The next update on the progress of this matter will be at the meeting on October 7, 2019. President Janus stated the last item on the Pending Item List is a request for the sale of Fogarty Street Property – Parcel #B@ 0@ F (this was tabled from the May @, meeting) This item will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list for six (6) months – report back at the November I, meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS President Janus asked if there were any public comments. Cleon Brooks, Verita Telecommunications Corporation, addressed the Board stating they are requesting an amendment to permit #2019-6 for Horizontal Directional Drilling on Hitchcock and Addison Streets; advising NIPSCO is unable to locate their 12” high pressure gas pipeline in the same area they want to drill; explaining everything will stay the same the drilling will just be done on the opposite side of the road to avoid the pipeline. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich addressed the Board stating feedback has been received from all Departments except for the I.T. Department; advising there are no issues from any of the Departments; recommending the Board approve this request subject to receiving I.T.’s response. Regular Meeting – August 19, 2019 Page 7 Vice-President Murphy made the motion to approve the amended request by Verita Communications; subject to feedback from the I.T. Department. The motion was seconded by Virginia Keating and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. Alonso Rupurt, 509 Willard Avenue addressed the Board advising a permit was pulled to repair drainage at 509 Willard Avenue; explaining they were having issues with roots when they were digging towards the street; explaining he was directed to get permission from the Board of Public Works and Safety to open a section of the street in order to repair the pipe. Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer addressed the Board stating this is a standard street cut permit which can be processed through the Engineering Department; explaining to Mr. Rupert the steps for obtaining the permit; advising there is nothing for the Board to approve. BOARD COMMENTS President Janus asked if there were any Board comments. Discussion ensued between President Janus and Charles “Spike” Peller, City Engineer regarding a number of street closures President Janus has seen in the past month. President Janus explained he can’t believe these are all emergency work closures; advising he knows the Water Department and NIPSCO are doing a lot of the work; asking if residents in those neighborhoods are getting notified by NIPSCO when their electric is getting shut off. Mr. Peller responded he would hope the residents are being notified; stating he will contract NIPSCO and inform them they need to give notification. ADJOURNMENT President Janus stated as there were no other items on the agenda to be considered by the Board at this time, declared the meeting ADJOURNED (approximately 9:01 a.m.). Virginia Keating made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Vice President Murphy and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Janus, Murphy and Keating (0). NAYS: ( ). Motion Carries. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk