Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR HYBRID/ZOOM MEETING – October 04, 2021 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday morning, October 4, 2021, 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 and hosted by “Hybrid/Zoom” and streaming 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). A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in attendance: Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel Kaleb Goodwin I.T. Webmaster Jeff Wright, City Engineer Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Skyler York, Planning Director Terry Greetham, Event Director Doug Legault, Chief M.C.F.D. Dawn Debald Deputy Clerk Stacy Dudley, Assistant Deputy Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES President White asked if there were any corrections to the minutes from the Regular “Zoom” Meeting of September 20, 2021 and the Special “Zoom” Meeting of September 21, 2021. Mayor Parry moved to approve the minutes of the Regular “Zoom” meeting of September 20, 2021 and the Special “Zoom” Meeting of September 21, 2021; seconded by Vice-President Keating. The minutes were approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. OPENING OF BIDS - Rebid - 2022 Fuel Procurement for Unleaded & Diesel Fuel President White asked if anyone was in attendance that would like to render a bid for the fuel procurement for unleaded and diesel fuel; there was no response. Vice-President Keating made the motion to close the bids for the 2022 Fuel Procurement Bids. 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. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated four (4) proposals were received as follows: Knoll Brothers Inc. Petroleum Trader Corp. Co-Alliance LLP Colonial Oil Counsel Lapaich stated we are creating a pool to use vendors throughout the year; advising we will take the lowest bid as needed. Mayor Parry made a motion to refer the quotes for 2022 Fuel Procurement for Unleaded and Diesel Fuel to Corporate Counsel Attorney Lapaich-Stalbrink and to Cranston Harris, Superintendent Central Services for their review and report back at the next Board of Works meeting on October 18, 2021. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Virginia Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR SIGNAGE - Denise L. Blau, 211 Superior Street, is requesting placement of a “Stop Sign” to slow traffic from speeding on Superior Street safety. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board stating he examined the intersection and pulled accident statistics; there have been no recorded accidents in five (5) years; advising there are also no sight obstructions to justify a four (4) way stop; explaining he looked at the signage and found there are no speed limit signs between Franklin Street and Tilden Avenue; recommending the placement of speed limit signs in that location; further stating that he believes that stop signs are not recommended for reducing speed. Jeff Wright, City Engineer addressed the Board stating he had not had a chance to look at this matter and he has not spoken to Captain Loniewski. Mayor Parry stated he is in support of Captain Loniewski’s recommendation to place speed limit signs at that location. President White stated this matter will go on the pending items/unfinished business list and will be revisited at the next meeting on October 18, 2021. Regular Zoom Meeting – October 04, 2021 Page 2 Mayor Parry made a motion to approve the installation of speed limit signs on Superior Street as recommended by Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division; contingent on Captain Loniewski and Jeff Wright, City Engineer finding the best logical locations to place the signs. 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 UNIFORM CHANGE - Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department, is requesting permission to allow Firefighters to wear Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, and Men’s Suicide awareness shirts from November 1, 2021 – November 31, 2021 Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department stated that the M.C.F.D. would like to start wearing these shirts for men’s cancer awareness Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the request by Chief Doug Legault for Firefighters to wear Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, and Men’s Suicide awareness shirts from November 1, 2021 – November 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 STREET CLOSURE - Dave Pahl, Michigan City Water Department, is requesting a street closure of E. Michigan Boulevard eastbound between S. Woodland and Carroll Avenue to repair asphalt on October 6, 2021 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.- October 7, 2021 – alternative date Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board stating this request is to repair some asphalt torn up by a fire hydrant; recommending approval. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the request for the street closure of E. Michigan Boulevard eastbound between S. Woodland and Carroll Avenue to repair asphalt on October 6, 2021 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.- October 7, 2021 – alternative date. 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 STREET CLOSURE - Andrew Matanic, Michigan City IT Department, is requesting a street closure to daylight existing utilities on Pine Street immediately north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Pine Street to allow a fiber installation to City Hall on October 6, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.- October 7, 2021 alternative date Andrew Matanic, Michigan City I.T. Department, stated they are requesting this street closure in order to expose some of the existing utilities next to City Hall at the northwest intersection of Pine Street and Michigan Boulevard to continue the installation of fiber optic throughout the City. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the request for street closure to daylight existing utilities on Pine Street immediately north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Pine Street to allow a fiber installation to City Hall on October 6, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.- October 7, 2021 alternative date. 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 STREET CLOSURE - Kristina Hanna, Barrelhouse at Zorn, is requesting a street closure at Oak & 9th Street to 9th and York Street; down York Street to the alley on Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for a Chili cook-off Kristina Hanna, Barrelhouse at Zorn addressed the Board and is requesting to host a chili cook-off on Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board stating that after speaking with the organizers there will be food trucks or tents set up; asking if permits were needed by the City. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated as long as the Board approves the event no permits are needed; advising she doesn’t know if we need a detailed map of the setup. Mayor Parry stated the maps showing the general layout and placements of the food trucks would be suggested. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve a street closure at Oak & 9th Street to 9th and York Street; down York Street to the alley on Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for a Chili cook-off; contingent upon the receipt of certificate of insurance. 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 STREET CLOSURE - Nazir Kryvko, Dexco Corporation, Chicago, Illinois, is requesting a street closure on Mayfield Drive, Lot #27 on October 5-6, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to install a sewer lateral Mike Connor on behalf of Nazir Kryvko, addressed the Board explaining the request. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated the certificate of insurance is in order. Regular Zoom Meeting – October 04, 2021 Page 3 Jeff Wright, City Engineer addressed the Board asking when this sewer lateral will be completed because the paving contractors will be coming through and paving; stating it is his recommendation to go ahead with the street closure; encouraging the developer and installer to get this completed. President White asked if there is an estimated timeline for the when the paving is scheduled. Jeff Wright, City Engineer, stated the paving plant will close just before Thanksgiving. Discussion ensued between Mayor Parry and Mr. Connor regarding the remaining sewer laterals in the Mayfield Subdivision that need to be installed. Jeff Wright, City Engineer, asked the Board to give him permission to have control over this project so that he can make sure the paving of Mayfield Drive gets done and that these individuals can get the sewer laterals completed. Skylar York, Planning Director, stated that he would recommend that Jeff Wright have control over this project. Mayor Parry stated that putting this under the direction of the City Engineer is a good idea. President White stated this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on October 18, 2021. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the street closure on Mayfield Drive, Lot #27 on October 5-6, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to install a sewer lateral; the Board of Public Works and Safety also delegated authority to Jeff Wright, City Engineer to extend the time frame if necessary for the installation of additional laterals and to monitor the contractor’s compliance with City Code; this matter is being placed on the pending items/unfinished business list to be revisited at the next meeting on Monday, October 18, 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. CORRESPONDENCE - Correspondence was received in the Clerk’s Office on September 23, 2021 from Jeffery Wright, City Engineer regarding Eileen Westerkamp’s request for “Stop Signs” on Moore Road (NOTE: For Informational Purposes Only) President White thanked Jeff Wright, City Engineer, for the letter he wrote to the town of Long Beach. 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 October 4, 2021 Municipal Claims $ 985,328.27 CDBG $ 0.00 Health & Life $ 414,956.94 Workers Comp. $ 47,121.14 Cemetery Mdse Custodial $ 8,710.92 Total Claims - $ 1,456,117.27 Allowance of claims as set forth in the Register of Claims as follows: PAYROLL DOCKET September 24, 2021 City Payroll $ 555,675.83 Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the payroll docket for September 24, 2021. 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. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Regular Zoom Meeting – October 04, 2021 Page 4 President White stated the first item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Pat Voltz, Michigan City Parks and Recreation, Maintenance Director, Disposal of several Park and Zoo vehicles and equipment President White stated that we were still waiting for the Park Department’s approval for the disposal of vehicles; advising this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on October 18, 2021. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Matthew Miniel, East-Light Street Ministry permission to use the City public right of way on Holiday, to set up a street ministry to preach the gospel President White asked Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink if there were any preliminary findings in terms of any legal issues regarding this matter. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that we have numerous public spaces where the public can congregate, so the Board does not need to give permission when we already have public parks designated for this type of activity; suggesting that Mr. Miniel contact Ed Shinn, Recreation Director, for further information. Matthew Miniel, East-Light Street Ministry stated he went out in the Eastport neighborhood door to door like the Board requested. Mayor Parry commented on Mr. Miniel’s request. Further discussion ensued between President White and Mr. Miniel regarding being positive and contacting the Park’s Department. Vice-President Keating stated the Board is not denying this request, they are simply saying that the original location does not work for the City and that there are much better places to conduct this mission. Mayor Parry stated that the Park Department might be able to issue approval without going to a Park Board meeting; asking Mr. Miniel to contact Ed Shin, Recreation Director, for further information. President White stated that the Board is trying to help; wanting Mr. Miniel to have the positive aspects of his message conveyed; explaining the Board is unfortunately not comfortable with the particular area that was initially proposed. Vice-President Keating made the motion to deny Matthew Miniel, East-Light Street Ministry the permission to use the City public right of way located between Ashland and Calumet Avenue on Holiday Street, to set up a street ministry to preach the word gospel on Saturdays starting on October 9, 2021 thru November 20, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink deferred this matter to the Park Department for their recommendation of using a City park. 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. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Mary Anne Gustufson, 116 Krueger Avenue, placement of speed limit signs between Center and Krueger Street and that stretch of road President White asked Jeff Wright, City Engineer and Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division if the “Speed Limit” signs have been installed. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division stated that he received an email from Shong Smith, Director M.C. Central Services, that the signs are on back order; advising that when the signs are received, they will be installed. President White stated this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on October 18, 2021 and until the signs are installed. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Brealon Hervey- Social Que BBQ and Catering, Mobile Food Truck located at 621 Franklin Street President White asked if the City Clerk’s office has received anything from Mr. Hervey. Deputy Clerk, Dawn Debald stated the Clerk’s office has not received anything to date. President White stated this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on October 18, 2021. 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 Jeff Wright, City Engineer deferred this matter to Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division for the placement of the signs. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division stated that the signs are on back order. Regular Zoom Meeting – October 04, 2021 Page 5 President White stated this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on October 18, 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 Discussion ensued between President White and Skyler York, City Planner regarding if he has any information pertaining to this matter. Mr. York stated, no he does not. President White stated this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on November 1, 2021. 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 stated that “Rough Crossing” signs have been placed at these locations and Mayor Parry has made progress with contacting CSX about the improvement of these crossings. Mayor Parry stated he has made more progress and is very optimistic that before the snow falls the crossings will be fixed. 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. President White stated that the Board had a special meeting on this matter September 21, 2021. Counsel, Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board stating the vendor sent substantial material changes to the contract and they are trying to work through the changes to see if they can salvage it; asking this matter stay on the pending item/unfinished business list. President White asked the Board if they had any opposition to leaving this matter on the pending items list and revisiting at the next meeting; there was no response. President White stated this matter will stay on the pending items/unfinished business list until the next meeting on October 18, 2021. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Arturo Pozos, Michigan City Mainstreet Association is requesting street closure at 7th Street from Pine to Washington and Franklin Street from 6th to 8th Street for the annual Shelf Ice Brewfest from Friday, February 18, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. thru Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. Justin Post, Michigan City Mainstreet Association, addressed the Board stating that as long as there are no health issues, they would like to have this event with the same layout as in the past; advising they are asking for approval from the Redevelopment Commission for the use of the lots on the west side of Franklin Street for a music tent. President White asked Counsel, Lapaich-Stalbrink if Michigan City Mainstreet Association will need to fill out the new street entertainment license for their event. Counsel, Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that we do not have a definition of a street fair; advising the form predated the request and the Michigan City Mainstreet Association filled out all proper paperwork for the street closure; explaining we need to get the layout from them; everything else looks good. Mayor Parry stated that the reason for the layout is to inform the Police Department and Fire Department of the event. Vice-President Keating made the motion to approve Arturo Pozos, Michigan City Mainstreet Association request for street closure at 7th Street from Pine to Washington and Franklin Street from 6th to 8th Street for the annual Shelf Ice Brewfest from Friday, February 18, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. thru Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 12:00 p.m., contingent on the receipt of their Certificate of Insurance and the layout for their event. 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. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Arturo Pozos, Michigan City Mainstreet Association is requesting street closure at Franklin Street from 10th to 4th Street; 4th Street from Pine to Washington Street; Washington Street northbound lane; and 10th Street from Franklin to Washington Street for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. President White stated that the approval will be contingent upon receiving the plans the and the layout for this event. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve Arturo Pozos, Michigan City Mainstreet Association request for a street closure at Franklin Street from 10th to 4th Street; 4th Street from Pine to Washington Street; Washington Street northbound lane; and 10th Street from Franklin to Washington Street for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., contingent on the receipt of their Certificate of Insurance and the layout for their Regular Zoom Meeting – October 04, 2021 Page 6 event. 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. PUBLIC COMMENTS President White asked if there were any public comments. Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street addressed the Board expressing his gratitude to the Board of Works for the denial of Mr. Miniel’s use of the Eastport property to hold his revivals; also commenting on the Michigan City Promise Scholarship. President White asked if any other public comments; there was no response. BOARD COMMENTS President White asked if there are any Board comments; there was no response. President White stated that this past week the Michigan City girls Golf team which he is the head coach of, had a young lady that tied for 34th place at the HIS State finals; her name is Taylor Kaminski; she is a three (3) time state qualifier; thanking Jared Christiansen, Chris Magnuson, and John Marshall, Superintendent for taking such good care of us at the Michigan City Golf Course. 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 9:22 a.m. Mayor Parry made the motion to Adjourn. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating. AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members White, Keating and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk