Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR ZOOM MEETING – September 9, 2021 The Board of Public Works, and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana met in regular session on Thursday afternoon, September 9, 2021, at the hour of 1:00 p.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 in person: Andrew White, Virginia Keating and Mayor Parry (3), Absent: None (0). President White advised that Mayor Parry was having technical difficulties and will be joining the meeting shorty. A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in attendance: Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel Kaleb Goodwin I.T. Webmaster Jeff Wright, City Engineer Sergeant Steve Forker, M.C.P.D. Skyler York, Planning Director Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Dawn Debald Deputy Clerk Stacy Dudley, Assistant Deputy Clerk President White asked in lieu of the Pledge of Allegiance to have a moment of silence for the twenty (20) year anniversary of 9-11 and the loss of service members in Afghanistan. APPROVAL OF MINUTES President White asked if there were any corrections to the minutes from the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” Meeting of August 16, 2021 and the Special “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting of August 17, 2021. Vice-President Keating moved to approve the minutes of the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting of August 16, 2021 and the Special “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting of August 17, 2021; seconded by President White. The minutes were approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White and Keating (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Mayor Parry joined the meeting. AWARDING OF BIDS - 2022 Fuel Procurement for Unleaded & Diesel Fuel Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board stating that herself and Cranston Harris, Superintendent of Central Services reviewed the opened bids; advising they are rejecting all bids received and re-bidding the 2022 Fuel Procurement for Unleaded & Diesel Fuel with a new submission date of October 4, 2021. Vice-President Keating made a motion to reject all bids for the 2022 Fuel Procurement for Unleaded & Diesel Fuel and to rebid the project. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST TO RE-SOLICIT BIDS/APPROVAL OF BID PACKET- Cranston Harris, Superintendent, Central Services is requesting approval to re-solicit bids for 2022 Fuel Procurement- Unleaded & Diesel Fuel and approval of the bid documents Vice-President Keating made the motion to approve the re-solicitation of bids for the 2022 Fuel Procurement – Unleaded & Diesel Fuel and approval of the bid packet. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. CONTRACT APPROVAL- Approval of the Construction Contract for the 2021 Phase II- Miscellaneous Street Paving project between the Board of Public Works and Safety and Rieth- Riley Construction Co. Inc. in the amount of $812,615.00 Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board advising everything is in order. Discussion ensued between Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink and Jeff Wright, City Engineer regarding if the funding was in place. Mr. Wright stated yes, it is. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Construction Contract between the Board of Public Works and Safety and Rieth-Riley Construction Co. Inc. in the amount of $812,615.00. The motion Regular Zoom Meeting – September 9, 2021 Page 2 was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR UNIFORM CHANGE- Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department, is requesting permission to allow Firefighters to wear Breast Cancer awareness shirts from October 1, 2021 – October 31, 2021 as part of their uniforms Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department addressed the Board stating they do this every year; advising they will be asking for approval again in November for men’s health awareness. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the request by Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department, giving permission to wear Breast Cancer Awareness shirts as part of their uniform starting on October 1, 2021 thru October 31, 2021. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR SIGNAGE- Mary Ann Gustafson, 116 Krueger Avenue, is requesting a “Hidden Driveway” warning sign near her driveway because of visibility issues Mr. & Mrs. Gustafson, 116 Krueger Avenue addressed the Board explaining their request; advising there are visibility issues when driving north bound going up the hill on Krueger Avenue; stating new construction is being done and traffic cannot see there is a driveway there; asking for a hidden driveway warning sign; further explaining there are no posted speed limit signs between Center Street and Krueger Avenue and anywhere in that stretch of road. Sergeant Steve Forker, M.C.P.D. addressed the Board on behalf of Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division stating that he would like to defer this to Jeff Wright, City Engineer for his judgement on the hidden driveway warning sign. Jeff Wright, City Engineer, addressed the Board stating warning signs are controlled by two manuals, the MUCTD and the INDOT design manual; explaining stopping sight distance is 155 feet and he did measure 155 feet for sight distance; the next criteria is accident data and he spoke to Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division and no accidents have been reported; advising based on the information he collected, it does not warrant a sign. Discussion ensued between President White and Mr. Wright regarding if anything should be taken into consideration being this is new driveway and new construction. Mr. Wright stated the manual is silent when it comes to preventative for warning signs; advising at this point in time, the warrants are not met yet. Discussion continued between Mr. and Mrs. Gustafson and Mr. Wright regarding no speed limits signs posted from Center Street to Lakeshore Drive. Mrs. Gustafson stated the City came out and cut all of the trees back so that they could see left when pulling out of the driveway; explaining the new home will be at the top of a hill and the driveway is a little ways down. Mr. Wright stated at the top of the hill you can see a couple hundred feet and almost see the lake; stating again they do not place signs if the warrants are not met; also stating they can install regulatory signs posting the speed limit. Discussion further ensued between Vice-President Keating and Mr. Wright if his recommendation is to decline the request. Mr. Wright stated at this time given the facts and data his recommendation is to not install a sign. Discussion further continued between President White and Mr. & Mrs. Gustafson regarding if the City were to post speed limit signs in the immediate area would that ease their concerns. Mr. Gustafson stated absolutely, that is a first step. President White asked Mr. Wright to investigate this matter to see about posting regulatory speed limit signs in that area; then place this item on the pending items/unfinished business list. Discussion continued between Mayor Parry and Mr. Wright regarding what the lowest possible speed limit should be in that area; advising there are many hills and blind spots; possibly a 15-20 MPH speed limit sign? Mr. Wright stated he will talk it over with Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division and figure out a proper speed for that area and give their recommendation at the next meeting. President White stated this matter is going to be referred to the City Engineer and M.C.P.D. Traffic Division for their review and recommendation for the most logical placement of speed limit signs and investigation of what the speed limit should be at the next meeting on Monday, September 20, 2021. Vice-President Keating made the motion to deny the request for “Hidden Driveway” warning signage and refer the matter of speed limit signs to Jeff Wright, City Engineer and Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division for their review and recommendations at the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. VENDOR LICENSE- Tatyana Munoz, Luxe Exteriors, is requesting approval of a canvasser/peddler/solicitor vendor’s license Regular Zoom Meeting – September 9, 2021 Page 3 Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that it appears that everything has been submitted for the request. Vice-President Keating stated that if the request is approved, Ms. Munoz needs to be aware that no printed matter can be left on doors or porches; advising the information can only be handed directly to the homeowner. Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink advised that is correct, that is exactly what the ordinance reads. Vice-President Keating made the motion to approve the request by Tatyana Munoz, Luxe Exteriors for a canvasser/peddler/solicitor license contingent on Ms. Munoz being made aware that no printed matter can be left on doors or porches; that literature can only be handed directly to the homeowner. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. CORRESPONDENCE- Correspondence was received in the Clerk’s Office on August 25, 2021 from Camille Chavez regarding 3021 Wabash Street (Note: for informational purposes only) ADDITIONAL LOCATION FOR FOOD TRUCK- Brealon Hervey, Social Que BBQ and Catering, 1705 Springland Avenue is requesting approval to operate his mobile food truck at 621 Franklin Street Brealon Hervey, Social Que BBQ and Catering, 1705 Springland Avenue addressed the Board explaining his request. Skyler York, Planning Director addressed the Board regarding the Redevelopment Commission’s property located at 621 Franklin Street and the easement granted by them to Mr. Lake wherein at a recent meeting of the Board of the Redevelopment Commission, the Redevelopment Board approved access across their property to the subject easement subject to certain conditions including but not limited to installation of a hard surface on the easement (concrete, pavers, something of that nature, it cannot be asphalt). Vice-President Keating noted that the question before the Board of Works and Safety was whether Mr. Hervey’s request is in compliance with the requirements of the City Ordinance with respect to food trucks. Discussion ensued between Vice-President Keating and Mr. York regarding whether Mr. Hervey’s request for placement of the food truck conformed with the general location requirements in Section 26-39 of Michigan City Ordinance 4312. Mr. York read and analyzed Sec 26-39 (a) through (f) as it pertained to the request and informed the Board that Mr. Hervey’s petition conformed to each of those requirements. Mayor Parry commented on the 300 feet distance from the food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant; and also Mr. Hervey’s location at Reprographic Arts, Inc. located at 2824 E. Michigan Boulevard; stating he has issues with this request. President White stated public comment is next. City Clerk Neulieb read Linda Mickevicius’s correspondence into the record since she was unable to attend the meeting. Our names are Linda and Ben Mickevicius and we are the co-owners of the Boathouse Grill in Michigan City along with Jamie and Jay Slutzkin. We have come before this board today and once before for discussion of a food truck located within such close proximity of other brick and mortar restaurants. The current request is for one on 7th Street between Washington Street and Franklin Street. I understand that the plan is to eventually make this location a permanent brick and mortar business and we would suggest that if that is their intent, they should have to do it now, not after they operate out of their truck/trailer and perhaps later decide that the location didn’t work out. We feel they should make the same commitment we did. Here are the main reasons we don’t feel that the food truck request should be granted: 1. Purchasing a commercial property in Michigan City shows a commitment to Michigan City. We didn’t purchase on a tax sale nor did we get any tax breaks. We couldn’t qualify for many grants other businesses are eligible for because we are a restaurant, yet we still made that commitment to Michigan City when we bought the property at 701 Washington Street. 2. We pay property taxes 3. We had to adhere to strict city regulations throughout the renovation of 701 Washington 4. The renovation costs were nearly as expensive as the purchase price. I won’t bore you with all the details but walk in coolers, HVAC systems, Fire Suppression System are several examples of costly renovation. New equipment was purchased, and a complete remodel took place. 5. Strict regulations had to be followed in every aspect- we could not even change the signage on the building to compliment the type of restaurant it is because the Historical Society wouldn’t allow us to change it! 6. Parking is at a minimum in the area during holidays and special event, since there is another restaurant across the street along with a meat market and the Barker Mansion. We have to pay someone to monitor our parking lot during these busy times to make sure parking is available for our customers. Regular Zoom Meeting – September 9, 2021 Page 4 7. Restaurants, in general, are having a difficult time keeping their doors open as a result of Covid. Having to close last year for an extended period of time, then we could only do carry out, then we had limited seating, has put the restaurant industry as a whole in serious trouble. To compound that problem, getting employees and food items has been almost impossible. 8. The cost of running a brick-and-mortar restaurant is more than just buying/cooking food. Employee wages, payroll taxes, Federal and State unemployment taxes and workers compensation are some of the major expenses all restaurants in the area face. Boathouse has 9 employees at this time. People have only so much disposable income to spend on dining out. We feel all other restaurants are dealing with the same issues we are and support them fully. The problem is with someone who can pull in, be open with minimal costs, do business during the busy time of the year, then pull out when they want is not fair to those who are there all the time. We believe that once one food truck is allowed, they will be popping up all over the downtown area. We know some say that food trucks are the wave of the future, but it is inevitable, that the effect on the brick and mortar will be devastating. Downtown Michigan City was like a ghost town for years and dedicated people have tried to bring it back to life, but this is a sure way to kill existing businesses down there. Thank you for your time to listen to our concerns today. Linda and Ben Mickevicius. City Clerk Neulieb read Jay Slutzlin’s correspondence into the record since Mr. Slutzkin had to leave the meeting. Food Trucks - These are in no order by importance just talking points that should be discussed. Parking - I think one of the concerns we should bring up is the amount of parking that’s available; the congestion that’ll add to the area is unneeded Does a food truck break any violations with the historical district? Is the food truck parking on grass acceptable? How about restrooms if it’s a fixed place Selling food City Utilities (supplied through a wall by Bob Lake) REALLY 1. City Water 2. Electricity / power 3. How is a food truck acquiring a liquor license City taxes how do you pay taxes on a mobile unit like a brick and mortar does? If they allow one how many more will be there in the following next weeks? Does The historical district have an ordinance like most cities about food-trucks in the locations? How does a food truck offer the public restrooms like (brick-and-mortar) has too? Finally, there’s a city ordinance in effect that doesn’t let any food truck operate within 300 feet of a brick and mortar. Buying the property at 701 Washington was a huge investment in Michigan City. If restaurants fail as a result of food trucks being allowed to operate near them, they will fold, which reduce the amount on city and state revenue. Food trucks operate only in the summer which is also the time that many restaurants make their money to help carry them through the winter (off season months). Covid 19 has had a serious effect on all businesses but especially restaurants. Many had close for a while, operate at partial capacity and basically learn to do business in a different way. Most had to create a means, website, special software, for people to order online and hire extra help to manage curbside pickup. They are not able to operate at 100% capacity yet and we are in July already. There are NO public restrooms downtown and people are already coming into places just to use the restroom. Covid has also changed the way restaurants have to maintain their bathrooms and paying employees to clean after each use is expensive anyway but especially so if the person using the facility isn’t even spending money there. Thank you, Jay. Mandy Krickon, 3434 S. Coulter Creek Drive, LaPorte, Indiana addressed the Board stating she supports Brealon Hervey; stating he is very dedicated and committed to Michigan City; and he is very passionate about giving back to his Community. Jeff Santana, 4954 Lindsey Lane addressed the Board asking what the intent of the easement was initially going to be used for? commenting that he is in support of Mr. Jay Slutzlin; stating as long as the ordinance and I.C. codes and laws, etc. are followed, they shouldn’t have any issues. Mayor Parry commented that Michigan City has wanted that property for a long time; asking why it was purchased to give away the easement? Stating the intent of the easement should have been clarified; explaining he would like to see Mr. Lake step forward with a bigger involvement to bring the brick-and-mortar about immediately. Vice-President Keating made a motion to approve the request by Brealon Hervey, Social Que BBQ and Catering to operate a food truck at 621 Franklin Street conditioned on receiving Board approval for his dates and hours of operation prior to commencing operation; and conditioned upon the removal of the food truck at the close of business each day of operation at that location. The motion was seconded by President White. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White and Keating (2). NAYS: Mayor Parry (1). Motion Carries. Regular Zoom Meeting – September 9, 2021 Page 5 PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING – The Michigan City Police Department will be conducting their semi- annual physical fitness testing beginning on October 5, 2021 thru October 28, 2021 (Note: for informational purposes only) PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING- The Michigan City Fire Department will be conducting their semi- annual physical fitness testing beginning on October 5, 2021 thru October 28, 2021 (Note: for informational purposes only) CORRESPONDENCE- Correspondence was received in the Clerk’s Office on August 31, 2021 from Camille Chavez regarding a written plan of action for 3021 Wabash Street (Note: for informational purposes only) RETIREMENT- Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department is announcing the retirement of Captain Kyle Kazmierczak with 22 years of service; effective September 8, 2021 (Note: for informational purposes only) President White congratulated Kyle on his retirement and wished him the best of luck. CORRESPONDENCE- Correspondence was received in the Clerk’s Office on September 1, 2021 from Sergeant Steve Forker, M.C.P.D. regarding the Bolt for the Heart Family Run/Walk event (Sergeant Forker asked that this be read into the record) City Clerk Neulieb read Sergeant Forker’s correspondence for the record as follows: This year’s event is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Washington Park in Michigan City. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly toward purchasing AEDs for law enforcement in LaPorte County. The goal of this event is to raise enough funds to provide Michigan City Police Department with 55 AEDs to place in their patrol vehicles. While the race itself will raise a substantial amount, to reach its goals, Bolt for the Heart is seeking event sponsors with three sponsorship levels: $1,000, $595, and $5,000. All sponsors will be highlighted at the event. Every donor who pledges an AED ($1,595) will have their company logo or name displayed on a window cling in the patrol vehicle that the AED was placed in. If interested in being a sponsor and making a difference in saving lives, please email Jeffrey.lebioda@franciscanalliance.org. To register for the race and to learn about sponsorship opportunities, go online at www.boltforheart.com and click on the “LaPorte & Michigan City” link at the top of the page. Over the past two years, Bolt for the Heart has raised funds to purchase a total of 62 AEDs for LaPorte County first responders. Bolt for the Heart is a 501C(3) not-for-profit organization that raises money through generous sponsors like Franciscan Health, donations and family 5Ks/half marathons to buy AEDs for first responders. Bolt has donated more than 2,000 AEDs, including 550 AEDs for the Indiana State Police to date. Respectfully, Sergeant Steve Forker President White stated this is a very important event they are putting together; asking for the Communities support. CORRESPONDENCE- Correspondence was received in the Clerk’s Office on September 1, 2021 from Sergeant Steve Forker, M.C.P.D. advising the Board that they are rescheduling the Physical Fitness testing at Franciscan Health Working Well rather than Northwest Health because they no longer provide the “Health Cart” testing (Note: for informational purposes only) VENDOR LICENSE- Tommy & Gwen Wilson, Wilson’s Slam Dunk BBQ, is requesting approval of a Mobile Food Vendor license to be located at Devries Tire Company, 1260 E. Michigan Boulevard and Karmart Inc. 3502 ½ E. Michigan Boulevard Gwen Wilson, 320 Cloud Street addressed the Board stating that they had always had a desire to open a restaurant within the community. City Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that everything is in order. President White stated that he does not see that Devries Tire Company would challenge the 300- foot distance between restaurants; advising that KarMart Inc. is close to the 300 feet with Creekside Bar and Grill. Skyler York, Planning Director asked City Attorney Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink if Creekside Bar and Grill is considered Trail creek? Tommy Wilson stated they are trying to get the lunch business from the factories in that area. Regular Zoom Meeting – September 9, 2021 Page 6 Discussion ensued between Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink and President White regarding if KarMart, Inc. and Creekside Bar & Grill is within our jurisdiction; and if not, would it be subject to our Ordinance. Mayor Parry asked if the vendor license would need to be separate for each location; advising he has no issue with the Devries location. President White stated it is one license per food truck; advising he would give permission to the location at Devries Tire Company, 1260 E. Michigan Boulevard; and TABLE the KarMart, Inc. location, 3502 ½ E. Michigan Boulevard. Vice-President Keating made a motion to approve a Mobile Food Vendor license by Tommy & Gwen Wilson, Wilson’s Slam Dunk BBQ to be located at Devries Tire Company, 1260 E. Michigan Boulevard and to “TABLE” the KarMart Inc. location at 3502 ½ E. Michigan Boulevard to give Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink a chance to research the matter. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, White and Parry (3). NAYS: NONE (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE - Sarah Williams, 306 W. 10th Street, on behalf of Marquette High School is requesting street closure on 10th Street between Wabash and Buffalo Street for a block party on Friday, October 1, 2021 between 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Brad Collignon addressed the Board on behalf of Sarah Williams; explaining they are requesting the time to be changed to 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. to allow for break down, tear down and for guests to leave safely; advising they will have an off-duty police officer at the event. Discussion ensued between President White and Mr. Collignon regarding clarification that he would like the time changed to 10:00 p.m. Mr. Collignon stated that is correct. Sergeant Forker, M.C.P.D. on behalf of Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division stated that M.C.P.D. is recommending approval of the request. Mayor Parry made a motion for the approval of street closure on 10th Street between Wabash and Buffalo Street for a block party on Friday, October 1, 2021 between 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, White and Parry (3). NAYS: NONE (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE - Heather Drake & Kathryn St. Germaine, Michigan City High School Student Council, are requesting approval for street closure from the Elston parking lot west on Ripley Street to Franklin Street and Franklin Street to Ames Field for the annual M.C.H.S. Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 17, 2021 beginning at 6:00 p.m. President White asked if anyone was in attendance from Michigan City High School; there was no response. Sergeant Forker, M.C.P.D. on behalf of Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division stated that M.C.P.D.; stating this is an annual event; recommending approval of the request. President White stated that he has a conflict of interest with the Michigan City High School so he will refrain from voting at this time. Mayor Parry made a motion for the approval of street closure from the Elston parking lot west on Ripley Street to Franklin Street and Franklin Street to Ames Field for the annual M.C.H.S. Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 17, 2021 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: NONE (0). ABSTAIN: (1). Motion Carries. 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: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. CLAIMS DOCKET September 7, 2021 Municipal Claims $ 1,774,273.88 CDBG $ 106.03 Health Life $ 496,595.87 Regular Zoom Meeting – September 9, 2021 Page 7 Workers Comp. $ 0.00 Total Claims - $ 2,270,975.78 Allowance of claims as set forth in the Register of Claims as follows: PAYROLL DOCKET August 27, 2021 City Payroll $ 574,421.81 City Pension $ 208,710.42 Vice-President Keating made the motion to approve the payroll docket for August 13, 2021. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. UNFINISHED BUSINESS President White stated the first item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Warren Foster, 309 Chestnut Street, requesting speed limit reduction on Chestnut Street President White stated the Board approved the installation of a 20 MPH sign be installed for westbound Chestnut Street traffic just west of Wabash Street; and for eastbound traffic just north of Southwood Drive; asking if there was anyone at the meeting that could attest the signs have been installed; there was no response. President White stated this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on September 20, 2021. Mayor Parry made a motion to leave this matter on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting so it can be confirmed the signs have been installed. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, White and Parry (3). NAYS: NONE (0). Motion Carries. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Eileen Westerkamp 3017 Moore Road is requesting 2 stop signs on Moore Road President White stated that Jeff Wright, City Engineer had some courses of action he was looking at; it was recommended that a “Stop Ahead” sign be installed and stop lines painted; Mr. Wright also asked for more time to do a more comprehensive study on Moore Road. President White stated that Mr. Wright was no longer on the call; suggesting this matter stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on September 20, 2021. Vice-President Keating and Corporate Counsel, Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that a motion did not have to be made to keep these items on the pending items list. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Joseph Krchnavi 9788 N 375 W, request for “No Parking” sign to be installed on Eastside of alley between 412 and 416 Broadway Street President White stated a “Do Not Block Alley” sign was to be installed on the eastside of the alley between 412 and 416 Broadway Street; advising there was no one at the meeting to confirm this has been taken care of; stating this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on September 20, 2021. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Tim Taylor and Jeff Alisch, 2310 Maple Street requesting to purchase City owned property located on Beverly Court Parcel # 46-01-33-337-014.000-022 Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink advised that a title search was done, and the City does not own the property; stating the City cannot grant the request to place the parcel up for sale because they do not own it; explaining she shared this information with Mr. Taylor and Mr. Alisch and they are aware of it. Discussion ensued between Mayor Parry and Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink regarding who the owners of the property are. Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink advised it is owned by the heirs and devisees of Lenore N. Vail (deceased). Regular Zoom Meeting – September 9, 2021 Page 8 Vice-President Keating made the motion to remove this matter from the pending items/unfinished business list. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, White and Parry (3). NAYS: NONE (0). Motion Carries. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Tracy Coleman, 218 Willard Avenue, concerns with speeding vehicles on Willard Avenue and children’s safety President White stated a radar trailer was placed on Willard Avenue; and there was also discussion regarding stop light camera’s; advising Jeff Wright, City Engineer and Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division were not at the meeting so this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the meeting on September 20, 2021. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Rodney McCormick, 617 Union Street, safety issues with several homes in his neighborhood-705 &727 & 803 Emily Street-925 & 910 W. 7th Street President White stated this matter was referred to Code Enforcement and will be revisited at the meeting on October 4, 2021; advising that hopefully someone from Code Enforcement can update the Board at that time on this matter. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Councilman Don Przybylinski’s request that signage (rough crossings) be placed at Ohio Street and Tilden Avenue CSX crossings President White asked Mayor Parry if he had any further information on this matter. Mayor Parry stated he made a call to the contractor that generally does work for CSX and was informed that these two crossings are not covered by the regional area that we have been dealing with; advising the region has no plans to fix these crossings and if the City wants them repaired they need to contact the jurisdiction these tracks fall under which is Jacksonville, Florida; explaining his next step is to contact them to see if we can get some activity on this. President White stated this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list as a reminder to keep the Board updated on communications between the Mayor and CSX. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Robin Tillman, Transit Director – RFP proposals for bus shelters. Counsel, Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board stating a Special Board of Works meeting was scheduled with the vendor to discuss the contract and the details, but it was cancelled; advising she is trying to set up another Special meeting on September 21, 2021. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, White and Parry (3). NAYS: NONE (0). Motion Carries. PUBLIC COMMENTS President White asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to speak. Nick Lamaglio, Chicago, IL, representing 110 W. 9th Street addressed the Board explaining the street closure at 110 W. 9th Street on September 10, 2021 so the roof can be replaced; stating there shouldn’t’ be any intrusion onto 9th Street but they are hoping to close it off for one (1) day to insure safety protocol. Skyler York, Planning Director addressed the Board stating that R.L Roofing was given permission to do the roof replacement. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink advised the Certificate of Insurance is in place. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the street closure located at 110 W. 9th Street on September 10, 2021 to replace the roof. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. The request was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, White and Parry (3). NAYS: NONE (0). Motion Carries. Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street addressed the Board stating the County is having another tax sale on October 7, 2021; wishing Mayor Parry a Happy Birthday; commenting go Wolves beat Valpo tomorrow night. BOARD COMMENTS President White asked if there are any Board comments; there was no response. ADJOURNMENT Regular Zoom Meeting – September 9, 2021 Page 9 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 2:39 p.m. Vice-President Keating made the motion to Adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk