Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR ZOOM MEETING – April 19, 2021 The Board of Public Works, and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana met in regular session on Monday morning, April 19, 2021, at the hour of 8:30 a.m., local time, hosted by “ZOOM” and streamed live on “My Michigan City” Facebook page. The meeting was called to order by President, Andrew White, who presided. Noted present: Andrew White, Virginia Keating, Mayor Duane Parry (3) Absent: (0) A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in attendance: Amber Lapaich, Corporate Counsel David Cooney, Chief of Operations, M.C.P.D. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division Shannon Eason, Assistant Park Superintendent Kaleb Goodwin, I.T. Webmaster Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Dawn Debald, Deputy Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES President White asked if there were any corrections to the minutes from the Regular “Zoom” Meeting of April 5, 2021. Vice-President Keating moved to approve the minutes of the Regular “Zoom” meeting of April 5, 2021; second by Mayor Parry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. OPENING OF QUOTES – Michigan City Police Department – Lease of ten (10) 2021 Dodge Chargers- Police Pursuant Package – two (2) year lease Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board advising one (1) electronic quote was received as follows: LaPorte Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Dealership, LaPorte, Indiana submitted a quote for one (1) vehicle leased for two (2) years at $9,000.00; stating the price for ten (10) vehicles leased for two (2) years will be $90,000.00; delivery date between 90-120 days from acceptance; the mileage allowed per year is 15,000 miles. Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink asked President White to make a formal motion to refer this matter to Legal and the Michigan City Police Department for their review and recommendation at the next Board of Works meeting on Monday, May 3, 2021. President White made a motion to refer the quote that was received from LaPorte Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep to Legal and the Michigan City Police Department for their review and recommendation at the next Board of Works meeting on Monday, May 3, 2021. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. Mayor Parry commented that the LaPorte Police Department leases their vehicles though the LaPorte Chrysler dealership, they have done it for years’ advising it is a good program. REQUEST FOR FARMER ’S MARKET – Brother Shaun Gray, CSC, St. Stanislaus Kotska Parish, is requesting approval to open the St. Stanislaus Parish of Michigan City , Indiana Farmer’s market on Saturdays, starting on May 1, 2021 thru October 2, 2021 from 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Brother Shaun Gray, St. Stanislaus Parish, 109 Ann Street addressed the Board explaining his request; advising he is looking for approval from the Board so that he can reach out to vendors. Vice-President Keating commented that this event has been done for many years in the past and she sees no reason not to approve it. Mayor Parry addressed the Board stating he wants to remove the no compete clause from the Michigan City Farmer’s Market policy and procedures; advising Michigan City is big enough for multiple markets; explaining he fully supports this request. Councilman Don Przybylinski addressed the Board stating he supports the Farmer’s market and is a member of St. Stanislaus Church; advising the City is trying to grow activities in the midtown area; explaining this event will bring people and shoppers to the area. Regular Zoom Meeting – April 19, 2021 Page 2 Vice-President Keating made the motion to approve the request by Brother Shaun Gray, St. Stanislaus Kotska Parish to open the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, starting on May 1, 2021 thru October 2, 2021 from 6:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. ALLEY CLOSURE – Brother Shaun Gray, CSC, St. Stanislaus Kotska Parish, is requesting approval for use of the City’s alleyway that runs through the parking lot between Franklin and Pine Streets during the Farmer ’s Market on Saturdays, starting on May 1, 2021 thru October 2, 2021 from 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Brother Shaun Gray, St. Stanislaus Parish, 109 Ann Street addressed the Board explaining his request; advising the alley starts on Franklin Street and zig zags through the market; explaining the alley needs to be closed to prevent cars from driving through where the vendors are set up during the market. Discussion ensued between Mayor Parry and Brother Shaun regarding if he has had complaints from residents in the past because of the alley being closed. Brother Shaun stated no he has not. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the request by Brother Shaun Gray, CSC., St. Stanislaus Kotska Parish for use of the alleyway that runs through the parking lot between Franklin and Pine Streets during the Farmer’s Market on Saturday’s, starting on May 1, 2021 thru October 2, 2021 from 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; subject to the receipt of an updated Certificate of Insurance. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. FARMER’S MARKET AGREEMENT – Dee Haddad, Farmer ’s Market Manager, is requesting approval of the Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Bret Stamper – Stamper Cheese Company Dee Haddad, Farmer’s Market Manager addressed the Board stating all of the vendor’s on the agenda today have participated in the Farmer’s Market in the past; advising with Covid-19 still being an issue, she spoke to the Health Department and they don’t have the same guidelines as last year; explaining there are no issues with vendors having samples, or cutting cheese, etc.; recommending approval. President White made the motion to approve the Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Bret Stamper- Stamper Cheese Company. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. FARMER’S MARKET AGREEMENT – Dee Haddad, Farmer ’s Market Manager, is requesting approval of the Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Chris Giannini – G’s Farmer’s Market Dee Haddad, Farmer’s Market Manager addressed the Board stating they have participated in the Farmer’s Market in the past and are looking forward to continuing with the Farmer’s Market this year. President White made the motion to approve the Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Chris Giannini- G’s Farmer’s Market. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. FARMER’S MARKET AGREEMENT – Dee Haddad, Farmer ’s Market Manager, is requesting approval of the Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Martin & Becki Conner – Green Trail Farm Dee Haddad, Farmer’s Market Manager addressed the Board stating they are prior vendors of the Farmer’s Market and are looking forward to continuing with the Farmer’s Market this year. President White made the motion to approve the Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Martin & Becki Conner- Green Tail Farm. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. FARMER’S MARKET AGREEMENT – Dee Haddad, Farmer ’s Market Manager, is requesting approval of the Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Penni Vicini – Penni Vicini’s Regular Zoom Meeting – April 19, 2021 Page 3 Dee Haddad, Farmer’s Market Manager addressed the Board stating Penni Vicini is one of the longest supporters of the Farmer’s Market (20 + years) and is looking forward to continuing with the Farmer’s Market this year. President White made the motion to approve the Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Penni Vicini – Penni Vicini’s. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE- Jeremy Rossi, Uptown Social, 907 Franklin Street is requesting approval of a 5K run/walk; starting on 9 th to Pine Street; Pine to Franklin Street ; over the bridge onto Lake Shore Drive; Lake Shore Drive to Fedder’s Drive; Fedder’s Drive to Marine Drive and back to 9th Street on Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Jeremy Rossi, Uptown Social, 907 Franklin Street addressed the Board explaining his request; advising the idea of the 5K is to bring more foot traffic and people to Michigan City; stating he got the route idea from the Samaritans Skidaddle race and also spoke to Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division in regard to the route for the 5K run/walk; further advising he did get approval from the Park Department; further explaining there are bike lanes up and down Pine Street and sidewalks so he sees no reason to close Pine Street or any other street; further stating that volunteers will pause traffic as participants are crossing various streets along the route. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board stating he worked with Mr. Rossi for several months to come up with a route that was the least disruptive to traffic; advising they will be using the bike lane on Pine Street and do not anticipate closing the road; they will be doing rolling closures; explaining they are working with the EMA organization and Mr. Rossi’s group will be making a donation to them; further stating EMA’s services will be used to avoid overtime for the M.C.P.D.; recommending approval. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated the Certificate of Insurance expires on the day of the event; advising we will need an updated Certificate of Insurance thirty (30) days prior to the event. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the request by Jeremy Rossi, Uptown Social for a 5K run/walk; starting on 9th to Pine Street; Pine to Franklin Street; over the bridge onto Lake Shore Drive; Lake Shore Drive to Fedder’s Drive; Fedder’s Drive to Marine Drive and back to 9th Street on Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; contingent on the receipt of an updated Certificate of Insurance thirty (30) days prior to the event. The motion was seconded by Vice- President Keating. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. VENDOR LICENSE RENEWAL – Ron Landtroop, owner of “A Slice of Heaven ” is requesting the renewal of his Mobile Food Vendor License located at Brandt ’s Old Fashion Feed and Pet Store, 309 W. Michigan Boulevard Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the request by Ron Landtroop, owner of “A Slice of Heaven” for the renewal of his Mobile Food Vendor License located at Brandt’s Old Fashion Feed and Pet Store, 309 W. Michigan Boulevard. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Shannon Eason, representing the Michigan City Public Art Committee is requesting approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between Artist and Michigan City Public Art Committee for the display of artwork on City-owned property- Ray Katz “Galaxy”; located on the northwest corner of 8 th Street and Michigan Boulevard; in the total sum of $3,000.00 Shannon Eason, Assistant Park Superintendent addressed the Board stating this is part of the rotating sculpture exhibit called Sculptfusion; advising they rotate pieces out of the Art District every year; explaining the contract is in the sum of $3,000.00 but it is paid in two (2) installments of $1,500.00; to be paid out of this year and next year’s budget. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board advising everything is in order. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Artist and the Michigan City Public Art Committee for the display of artwork on City-owned property; Ray Katz “Galaxy” to be located at the northwest corner of 8th Street and Michigan Boulevard; in the sum of $3,000.00. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Shannon Eason, representing the Michigan City Public Art Committee is requesting approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between Artist and Michigan City Public Art Committee for the display of artwork on City-owned property- Fisher Stolz “Clairvoyance”; located on the northwest corner of Michigan Boulevard and U.S. Highway 12; in the total sum of $3,000.00 Regular Zoom Meeting – April 19, 2021 Page 4 President White made the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Artist and the Michigan City Public Art Committee for the display of artwork on City-owned property; Fisher Stolz “Clairvoyance” to be located at the northwest corner of Michigan Boulevard and U.S. Highway 12; in the sum of $3,000.00. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Shannon Eason, representing the Michigan City Public Art Committee is requesting approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between Artist and Michigan City Public Art Committee for the display of artwork on City-owned property- Ray Katz “Sentinel”; located on the southwest corner of 6 th and Franklin Streets; in the total sum of $3,000.00 Shannon Eason, Assistant Park Superintendent addressed the Board stating the Art Committee met last week and decided on a better location for this piece; it will be located on the corner of 5th and Franklin Street in front of Horizon Bank; asking to make an amendment to the contract. President White made the motion to approve the amendment (to change locations) of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Artist and the Michigan City Public Art Committee for the display of artwork on City-owned property- Ray Katz “Sentinel” to be located on the corner of 5th and Franklin Streets. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink asked Ms. Eason to get the amended Memorandum of Understanding signed and then given to the Clerk’s Office. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Shannon Eason, representing the Michigan City Public Art Committee is requesting approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between Artist and Michigan City Public Art Committee for the display of artwork on City-owned property- Ruth Migdal “Ascending”; located at Pullman Park on the corner of Willard Avenue and U.S. Highway 12; in the total sum of $3,000.00 President White made the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Artist and the Michigan City Public Art Committee for the display of artwork on City-owned property; Ruth Migdal “Ascending” to be located at Pullman Park on the corner of Willard Avenue and U.S. Highway 12; in the sum of $3,000.00. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. EXTENSION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING – Joshua Allen, Michigan City Fire Department, is requesting an extension of time for his physical fitness testing due to being on restricted duty President White made the motion to approve the extension of time for physical fitness testing by Joshua Allen, Michigan City Fire Department, due to being on restricted duty. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. EXTENSION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING – Alan Kreighbaum, Michigan City Fire Department, is requesting an extension of time for his physical fitness testing due to being on restricted duty President White made the motion to approve the extension of time for physical fitness testing by Alan Kreighbaum, Michigan City Fire Department, due to being on restricted duty. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence was received in the Clerk ’s Office on April 7, 2021 from Jeff Wright, City Engineer regarding project updates (Note: this is for informational purposes only) CLAIMS AND PAYROLL Mayor Parry 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 Keating and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. CLAIMS DOCKET April 19, 2021 Regular Zoom Meeting – April 19, 2021 Page 5 Municipal Claims $ 1,116,500.84 CDBG $ 56,889.14 Health Life $ 117,300.78 Workers Comp. $ 23,469.21 Total Claims - $ 1,314,159.97 Allowance of claims as set forth in the Register of Claims as follows: PAYROLL DOCKET April 9, 2021 City Payroll Total: $527,241.38 April 1, 2021 City Pension Total: $214,660.23 Vice-President Keating made the motion to approve the payroll dockets for April 9, 2021 and April 1, 2021. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. UNFINISHED BUSINESS President White stated the first item on the pending items/unfinished business list is David Hartz, 160 Turner Court; requesting a stop sign at the end of his driveway on Turner Court; Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division also recommended a “dead end” sign at the end of the hill on Turner Court President White asked if anyone knew if the signs were installed on Turner Court; there was no response; advising since no one was available to give an update, this item will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list and be revisited at the next meeting on May 3, 2021. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Ian Osborne, 230 Walker Street; requesting a stop sign and a speed limit on Walker Street; advising the Board approved the placement of the signs to be determined by the City Engineer and Central Services President White stated an email was received that the signs have been installed. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board advising he drove by the area last week and the signs have been installed. President White commented that they asked for a traffic study to be done once the signs were installed. Discussion ensued between President White and Captain Loniewski regarding the Board approving the stop signs on Walker Street. President White commented that it appears that it was actually turned into a four (4) way stop at that intersection. Captain Loniewski stated that it was originally a two (2) way stop and now it is a four (4) way stop; explaining there was some miscommunication between the City Engineer and the Street Department and a three (3) way stop was placed at the intersection of Case and Walker Street; explaining when they realized it the mistake, the signs were removed. Ian Osborne, 230 Walker Street, addressed the Board stating the stop signs that were placed at Case and Walker Streets were removed in the middle of the night. Captain Loniewski commented that when looking at this type of situation, the Police Department uses the manual on uniform traffic control devices as their guide (this is not law but a guide that every jurisdiction within the United States uses as guidance) for installing signs; explaining the three (3) factors they use to initiate the installation of a four (4) way stop at an intersection; stating these factors have been used for the last fourteen (14) years; and these rules should be followed from this point on because many residents in the past that have requested stop signs have been denied; further explaining as far as having a traffic study at that particular intersection, counting traffic volume and recording speed at this point is useless because the signs have already been installed; and once the signs are installed, you can’t remove them. President White gave his thoughts and concerns on the matter. Councilman Don Przybylinski, 215 Gardena Street addressed the Board stating that it is unfair that a stop sign that was requested at Maple and Gardena Street was denied and this request was approved; advising there are issues with traffic and speeding all over Michigan City; explaining if we approve stop signs for one street, it should be approved for all streets; asking for the stop sign to be installed on the corner of Maple and Gardena Street. Regular Zoom Meeting – April 19, 2021 Page 6 Mr. Osborne stated that he sent in a petition with a lot of signatures from residents in the neighborhood that were in agreement to having the signs installed. Discussion ensued between Mr. Osborne and Councilman Przybylinski in regard to neighborhoods not being given the same consideration when it comes to the installation of stop signs. Councilman Paul Przybylinski, 1716 Washington Street addressed the Board stating that he is in agreement with Councilman Don Przybylinski that a stop sign should be installed on the corner of Maple and Gardena Streets; commenting that the NICTD double track project will be closing a lot of streets (north and south) putting more traffic into the neighborhoods. Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street expressed his gratitude to the Board for making the intersection of Tryon and Walker Street a four (4) way stop. Vice-President Keating clarified that the decision to place the stop signs were based on the recommendation of our City Engineer. Discussion further ensued between Mayor Parry and Captain Loniewski regarding Mr. Osborne’s statement that the signs at Case and Walker Street were removed in the middle of the night. Mayor Parry asked Captain Loniewski if there is a penalty or violation for taking down a traffic control sign if a person is caught? Captain Loniewski stated it would be a theft charge, Class A misdemeanor. President White continued to comment on the situation with the signs on Walker Street; encouraging Councilman Don Przybylinski to get signatures from residents in his neighborhood for a stop sign at the corner of Maple and Gardena and bring his request back to the Board; explaining a similar situation with a stop sign that is located at a railroad crossing near his home. Cranston Harris, Superintendent, Central Services addressed the Board stating he is in agreement with Councilman Przybylinski’s in regard to the stop sign at Maple and Gardena Streets. President White made a motion to remove this matter from the pending items/unfinished business list. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: (0). Motion Carries. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Cathi Rogers, Black Book Connections, 18735 Parkview Drive, New Buffalo, MI- requesting an open air Farmer’s/Artisan market at the marina Discussion ensued between Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink and Ms. Rogers regarding what state Black Book Connections, LLC. is incorporated under. Ms. Rogers stated it is incorporated in Indiana. Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink advised Black Book Connections, LLC. has been administratively dissolved by the state of Indiana since 2013; explaining the business is non-existent in the eyes of the state; stating with that being said, the Board cannot grant any type of license to an entity that does not exist; further explaining she spoke to the Port Authority’s Attorney and they are aware of this issue and are researching other things as well and will get back to Ms. Rogers on whether or not this market will happen on Port Authority’s property; further advising before the Board would grant a license, she would defer this request back to the Port Authority to make a determination on if they are going to allow the event on their property and if so, it is critical that there needs to be a written agreement; because of the close proximity to the Park Department, for liability reasons it needs to define what area is in who’s control as far as trash pickup, etc; to see if the City would require some type of bond. President White stated this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list and will be addressed at a later meeting once everything has been taken care of. President White stated the next item on the pending item/unfinished business list is Paul Przybylinski, a concern over old hanging poles/wires that belong to NIPSCO or Comcast that need to be removed from City right-of-way President White asked if Mayor Parry had any new information regarding this matter. Mayor Parry stated the he has had no communication with Comcast or NIPSCO; advising this has been on the pending item/unfinished business list for some time; advising he will go to the extreme and drive to NiSource’s headquarters in Merrillville and ask for an in person meeting to address this issue and report back at the meeting on Monday, May 3, 2021. President White stated this item will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on May 3, 2021. President White state the last item on the pending items/unfinished business list is James Taylor, requesting roadway access on Huron Avenue and he would also like a street light installed; advising Mayor Parry made a motion to amend this request and revisit this item at the first Board of Works meeting in April which is today, Monday, April 5, 2021 President White stated a reminder letter was sent to Mr. Taylor from the Clerk’s Office stating he needed to reach out to the City Engineer, the Water Department, and the Sanitary District; this matter will be revisited at the next meeting on May 3, 2021. Regular Zoom Meeting – April 19, 2021 Page 7 PUBLIC COMMENTS President White asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to speak. Councilman Paul Przybylinski addressed the Board asking if they were speaking about the new poles that were installed downtown or his request regarding the old poles/with wires hanging that belong to NIPSCO and Comcast; advising the City probably needs to contact the Utility Regulatory Commission to find out what can be done in dealing with Comcast; asking if the plans were ever discussed with the City Engineer or brought before the Board regarding the large poles that are being put in the downtown area; explaining if not, by state law, the City Engineer could red tag them. Mayor Parry stated that Nicole Barker, NICTD is on the call, maybe she can give some input regarding the redundant pole situation that has been going on for some time. Nicole Barker, NICTD, addressed the Board stating that Jackie Thomas, a NIPSCO representative is also on the call and can provide information on advance work that is happening that is separate work from the NICTD Double Track project to get utilities out of the way; advising Skyler York, Planning Director, is in the loop with the plans for the relocations; explaining NIPSCO and Comcast need to get out of the way before NICTD can start construction. Jackie Thomas, Public Affairs, Contractor for NIPSCO addressed the Board explaining the last minute emergency work that was done on Michigan Boulevard and Carroll Avenue; advising the project manager has a meeting today to discuss processes and procedures in regard to giving advance notice to Michigan City for street closures so that NIPSCO is communicating clearly and precisely to them. Discussion ensued between Mayor Parry and Ms. Thomas regarding getting a phone number for someone from NIPSCO that can help with the redundant hanging poles/wires that belong to NIPSCO. Ms. Baker continued to comment on the work that is being done for the NICTD Double Track project this summer starting in July; advising that NICTD is not required to get permits to close streets because they are a Railroad entity; but they will be coming to the Board as a courtesy to give them advance information about street closures, sidewalk and lane closures; presenting the website www.doubletrack-nwi.com that shows upcoming projects in Michigan City; explaining they will also be sending out press releases for street closures and emails to the Michigan City contract list as well as Police and Fire; explaining if there are weekend closures related to streets, the City will get at least a 21 day notice; and for long outages, the City will be given a 45 day notice; stating WSP is a construction management team that will also be providing updates. Discussion further continued between Councilman Paul Przybylinski, Ms. Barker and Ms. Thomas regarding work that is being done for the NICTD Double Track project and the City not having to be notified of closures because they are a Railroad entity. Councilman Don Przybylinski addressed the Board regarding the ADA crossings, buttons and timers on the crosswalks throughout the City that he brought up a few months back; asking where we stand on this project. Discussion ensued between President White and Councilman Przybylinski regarding if the project was completed. President White stated he believes it was because it was taken off of the pending items/unfinished business list. Councilman Przybylinski stated that it was supposed to be done on Franklin Street and then on Michigan Boulevard and other crosswalks that have ADA devices on them; advising he would like to know if this has been completed at the next meeting. President White stated he will reach out to Mr. Wright, City Engineer and ask for a complete rundown on this issue. Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street addressed the Board regarding his concerns on the shortage of large trash receptacles in the City; commenting on the I-94/400 North bridge being closed; stating Pahs Road is in bad shape, can we use Federal dollars to fix it; further commenting on three (3) plaques within the City that he would like to see removed. Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department addressed the Board stating the Fire Department needs to have prior notice of all street closures in the City, large and small; stating that 24 hour notice would be great. Cranston Harris, Superintendent, Central Services addressed the Board stating the Street Department also needs notice of any and all street closures in the City. BOARD COMMENTS President White commented on the street closure that are being done in the City; stating we need to maintain and demand communication from all entities involved, Comcast, NIPSCO, etc.; everyone Regular Zoom Meeting – April 19, 2021 Page 8 in the City depends on this information and we as a Community need to know well in advance when these closures are going to occur; demanding that this is a priority and needs to be done so everyone can plan their routes and do it safely. Mayor Parry stated this is a priority of his; and the information needs to be communicated to everyone. ADJOURNMENT The presiding officer inquired whether there was anything else to be considered by the Board at this time and, there being none, asked for a motion to ADJOURN the meeting at approximately 10:15 a.m. Vice-President Keating made the motion to Adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk