Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR HYBRID/ZOOM MEETING – December 20, 2021 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday morning, December 20, 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 (connected via “Zoom”), 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 Division Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator Chris Yagelski, Mayor’s Administrator Marty Corley, Assistant Chief of Operations, M.C.P.D. Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Dawn Debald Deputy Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Parry moved to approve the minutes of the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting of December 6, 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 -2021 Lease of Police vehicles eight total vehicles four (4) Dodge Chargers and four (4) Dodge Durango’s President White asked if there was anyone was in attendance that would like to render a bid for the lease of police vehicles, there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to close the bids for the 2021 Lease of Police vehicles eight total vehicles four (4) Dodge Chargers and four (4) Dodge Durango’s. 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. Corporate Counsel stated that only one bid was received as follows: LaPorte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, stated that the anticipated price for one (1) Dodge Charger on a three (3) year lease is $17,100.00; and the price for one (1) Durango on a three-year lease would be $18,900.00; advising the whole package for eight (8) vehicles on a three (3) year lease is quoted at $144,000.00; explaining the anticipated delivery date is February 1, 2022 with a milage allowance of 25,000 per year per vehicle. President White stated the Board will refer this matter to M.C.P.D. and legal counsel for the review and recommendation at the next meeting. Mayor Parry made the motion to refer the bids to Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink and the Michigan City Police Department for the review and recommendation. 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. ALCO AGREEMENT An agreement between Access LaPorte County, Inc. (ALCO) and the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety; requesting approval of the Sixth Extension of agreement for Government Access Channel Programming (Channel 97), Public Access Channel Programing (Channel 99), and Public Access Studio; a one (1) year contract commencing on January 1, 2022 and expiring on December 31, 2022; in the sum of $150,000.00 President White stated that he will be abstaining from the vote and asked Vice-President Keating to take over this particular item on the agenda. Vice-President Keating addressed the Board asking if there were any questions or comments from the Board on this matter, there was no response. Regular Zoom Meeting – DECEMBER 20, 2021 Page 2 Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the agreement between Access LaPorte County, Inc. (ALCO) and the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety of the Sixth Extension of agreement for Government Access Channel Programming (Channel 97), Public Access Channel Programing (Channel 99), and Public Access Studio; a one (1) year contract commencing on January 1, 2022 and expiring on December 31, 2022; in the sum of $150,000.00. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Parry and Keating (2). NAYS: (0). ABSTAIN: White (1). Motion Carries. City Clerk Neulieb asked Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink if the insurance from ALCO had been received. Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that it had been sent to their insurance company; advising she will send it to the Clerk’s Office when she receives it. President White addressed the Board thanking Ms. Keating and explaining why he abstained from that particular item. Mayor Parry congratulated President White on his new position with ALCO. CONTRACT APPROVAL -Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator, is asking for approval of the Agreement between the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety and The Sand Lovers, LLC. for consulting and event planning services for the Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival on June 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2022 in Washington Park; amount not to exceed $10,000.00. Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator thanked the Board and Corporate Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink, giving a presentation of the Singing Sands Festival. President White addressed the Board asking if there were any questions or comments from the Board on this matter. Vice-President Keating addressed the Board wanting to clarify the hours of the Festival. Mr. Greetham stated that the hours have not been established, advising the event usually starts at 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. and ends around 10:00 p.m. Discussion ensued between Vice-President Keating and Mr. Greetham regarding if the public will be attending free of charge or will there be tickets to purchase. Mr. Greetham stated that at an event like this you have to sell tickets in order to validate the event, the goal is to make sure that even though this is a ticketed event that Michigan City residents will have a cheaper ticket than those that live outside of Michigan City, making it affordable to the residents. Discussion ensued between President White and Mr. Greetham regarding where the public will redeem the purchased tickets; and whether the event will affect public access to the beach; Mr. Greetham stated that the event will be fenced off around the entire festival; advising any individual can enter the beach area as normal. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Agreement between the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety and The Sand Lovers, LLC. for consulting and event planning services for the Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival on June 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2022 in Washington Park; amount not to exceed $10,000.00. 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. CONTRACT APPROVAL -Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator, is asking for approval of the Agreement between the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety and The Sand Lovers, LLC. for event management services for the Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival on June 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2022 in Washington Park; amount not to exceed $24,000.00. President White asked Mr. Greetham if he needed to elaborate any further; there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Agreement between the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety and The Sand Lovers, LLC. for event management services for the Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival on June 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2022 in Washington Park; amount not to exceed $24,000.00. 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. SAFETY CONCERN - Annemarie Bunton, 9145 W. Valley Court is requesting approval for flashing lights on a timer at crosswalk near Michigan City High and the apartment entrance for student’s safety. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic addressed the Board stating that he had spoken to Ms. Bunton about her concerns; advising that he met with Jeff Wright, City Engineer to look at the situation; explaining the MUCTD (manual on the Uniform Traffic Control Device) recommends that these type of traffic control devices only be activated when there is a clear and present danger; recommending that this request be denied; further explaining when you activate these emergency control devices and there is no present danger, the motorist or community becomes immune to the warning lights; further stating his recommendation would be to keep this traffic control device operated on a push button basis and paint crosswalk. Regular Zoom Meeting – DECEMBER 20, 2021 Page 3 President White stated that he had spoken to the Principal’s secretary to see if the school itself had ever made an effort to encourage kids to use that button when they are using that crosswalk; stating that maybe the Resource Officer could work together with the administration to put together a campaign to educate the students on the importance of using that button especially this time of year when it is completely dark when we do not have any streetlights out there. Captain Loniewski stated that they are looking into the possibility of maybe putting a traffic signal at one of the exits of the High School until some of the concerns are met regarding the traffic that backs up before and after school; advising he plans on meeting with the school system in the next several weeks to address this. President White asked the Board if they had any questions, comments, or concerns. Vice-President Keating asked Captain Loniewski if anyone had considered putting a crossing guard at that location. Captain Loniewski stated that they have not considered a crossing guard; advising there are only five (5) crossing guards employed by the City and the Police Department is having a hard time filling those positions; explaining it would cost the City more money because the guards are paid a salary. Discussion ensued between Captain Loniewski and Mayor Parry regarding the crossing guards. Mayor Parry stated that he understood that crossing guards were only used at elementary schools and in his opinion, it would be an insult to the high school students to use a crossing guard at this location. Captain Loniewski stated that the other issue is that there is a public bus shelter at that location, so it is not just the students using that crosswalk it is also the occupants of the apartment complex across the street from Michigan City High School. Mayor Parry made the motion to deny the request for flashing lights on a timer at the crosswalk near Michigan City High and the apartment entrance for student’s safety; approving that they paint the crosswalk at that location. 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. SINGING SANDS INSURANCE POLICY RENEWAL - Charles Keene, Vice President, General Insurance Services (GIS) is requesting approval for Singing Sands Trail-General Liability and Insurance Renewal – Policy term 01/01/2022 to 01/01/2023; renewal annual premium total is $44,853.75 Charles Keene, Vice President General Insurance Services (GIS) addressed the Board explaining the Singing Sands Trail project and the several insurance requirements. President White asked the Board if they had any questions, comments, or concerns. Discussion ensued between Mayor Parry and Mr. Keene regarding the policy. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Singing Sands Trail-General Liability and Insurance Renewal – Policy term 01/01/2022 to 01/01/2023; renewal annual premium total is $44,853.75. 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. CORRESPONDENCE - The Clerk’s Office received correspondence on December 13, 2021 from David Hack, 1013 Gardena Street regarding the Board of Works and Safety decision to keep the Tilden Avenue CSX crossing closed because it has been deemed an eminent Danger (NOTE: For Informational Purposes Only) David Hack, 1013 Gardena Street addressed the Board regarding his issues and concerns at the Tilden Avenue crossing; the Police Department put the radar trailer on Gardena Street, but vehicles are still speeding; asking if the Board is not going to open the CSX crossing on Tilden Avenue can the City put up better signage on Coolspring Avenue such as detour signs heading in both directions which in return stops traffic from turning up Tilden Avenue and then using Gardena Avenue. President White thanked Mr. Hack for his passion in this matter and explained why the crossings cannot be opened; asking Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division if there were any updates on traffic tickets over the last two (2) weeks. Captain Loniewski stated that day shift has been out to that area quite a bit; advising he went out to look at the detour signs at Coolspring and Tilden because they were confusing so they tried to correct it by putting “Road Closed” signs on both sides of the intersection; explaining he can also talk to Shong Smith, Director of Central Services, to see if we can increase the signage to make it more understandable to residents. President White stated that if we all work together as a team, we should be able to keep people safe. Regular Zoom Meeting – DECEMBER 20, 2021 Page 4 Mayor Parry stated that he feels the same way as Mr. Hack on this situation and would like to direct the Street Department to get a price for signs that help direct traffic to exactly the route, we want them to go; advising he can also contact CSX to see if an alternate type of correction can be made by installing concrete pads instead of rubber or asphalt. CONTRACT APPROVAL - Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement between the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, Public Employees Division and City of Michigan City, Indiana; contract effective January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2024 Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board explaining the changes to the contract. President White asked the Board if they had any questions, comments, or concerns; there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, Public Employees Division and City of Michigan City, Indiana; contract effective January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2024. 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. CONTRACT APPROVAL - Approval of 2022-2023 contract between Local 228/Council 962 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO and the Civil City of Michigan City, Indiana Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board explaining the changes to the contract. President White asked the Board if they had any questions, comments, or concerns; there was no response. Discussion ensued between Mayor Parry and Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink regarding the City’s holiday schedule for 2022; Mayor Parry asked if an amendment to the contract needs to be made. Counsel Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that the City’s holiday schedule for 2022 was never discussed during union negotiations and the Board can always make an amendment to the contract at a later date. Mayor Parry made the motion for the approval of 2022-2023 contract between Local 228/Council 962 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO and the Civil City of Michigan City, Indiana. 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. RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS & SAFETY TO SIGN INDOT LPA CONTRACTS ELECTRONICALLY MICHIGAN CITY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS & SAFETY RESOLUTION NO. 2824 AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS & SAFETY TO SIGN INDOT LPA CONTRACTS ELECTRONICALLY WHEREAS, INDOT has recently advised that it has made the transition to use DocuSign and that all parties must now electronically sign INDOT LPA Contracts; and WHEREAS, under Indiana law, the Mayor has authority to execute contracts on behalf of the City; and WHEREAS, in addition to the Mayor, the Michigan City Board of Public Works & Safety has authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the City; and WHEREAS, INDOT has recently advised that they prefer that only one (1) person executes a contract on behalf of a municipality, and if any other person other than the Mayor is executing INDOT LPA Contracts, INDOT has requested a resolution setting forth the individual who has the legal authority to bind the municipality. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS & SAFETY as follows: Regular Zoom Meeting – DECEMBER 20, 2021 Page 5 1. The aforementioned “Whereas” sections are included herein as if fully set forth herein. 2. The President of the Michigan City Board of Public Works & Safety is vested with the authority to electronically execute INDOT LPA Contracts for the City of Michigan City, Indiana. 3. The City Engineer is directed to forward all necessary information to INDOT, including the name of the President, President’s City email address, telephone number, etc., to effectuate this Resolution. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect after passage by the Michigan City Board of Public Works & Safety Adopted by the Board of Public Works & Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana by a vote of 3-0 this 20th day of December, 2021. /s/ Andrew White, President Board of Public Works & Safety /s/ Virginia Keating, Member Board of Public Works & Safety /s/ Duane Parry, Mayor/Member Board of Public Works & Safety Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board explaining that Jeff Wright, City Engineer advising that INDOT will no longer accept normal signatures; they are moving to electronic signatures, so this resolution will allow the president of this Board to sign electronically. President White asked the Board if they had any questions, comments, or concerns; there was no response. Mayor Parry addressed the Board stating that this is an excellent idea in terms of expediency. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Board Resolution AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS & SAFETY TO SIGN INDOT LPA CONTRACTS ELECTRONICALLY. 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 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 December 20, 2021 Municipal Claims $ 1,618,432.66 CDBG $ 5,051.99 Health & Life $ 279,808.54 Elston Grove EFT $ 0.02 Cemetery EXT FUND EFT $ 5,204. 26 Cemetery MSDE & COMM $ 6,676.26 Total Claims - $ 1,915,173.73 Regular Zoom Meeting – DECEMBER 20, 2021 Page 6 PAYROLL DOCKET December 17, 2021 City Payroll $ 880,155.29 Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the payroll dockets for December 20, 2021 and December 17, 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 President White stated the first item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Julianne Hill, 1025 Salem Street, is requesting additional street lighting for increased visibility for neighborhood safety concerns Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic addressed the Board stating that last week him and Jeff Wright, City Engineer visited the area and unfortunately there are already two (2) streetlights very close to this residence; advising that financially this would cost the City money to install another streetlight. Jeff Wright, City Engineer stated that there are five (5) streetlights already on that block and there is no need to add another light at that location. Julianne Hill, 1025 Salem Street, explained how there is a safety issue in her neighborhood and even though there are streetlights it is still not enough light to protect the people that live there. President White stated that he agrees with Ms. Hill that it is a safety issue and wants that neighborhood to feel safe. President White asked the Board if they had any questions, comments, or concerns. Mayor Parry addressed Ms. Hill thanking her for the neighborhood watch. Mayor Parry made the motion to deny the request for additional street lighting for increased visibility for neighborhood safety concerns on Salem Street. 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. President White stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is David Hack, 1013 Gardena Street, is requesting to have the CSX crossing on Tilden Avenue open because of safety concerns with the large amount of traffic on Gardena and Jackson Streets President White advised this matter was already discussed. Vice-President Keating made the motion remove this matter from the pending items/unfinished business list. 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 Councilman Don Przybylinski requested that signage (rough crossings) be placed at Ohio Street and Tilden Avenue CSX crossing Vice-President Keating thanked the Mayor for his intention to reconnect with CSX; stating that it seems like we are not getting anywhere with this matter and perhaps there are some alternative routes that we can take or explore to get this taken care of. Mayor Parry addressed the Board stating that he has had a discussion with Councilman Przybylinski, and they have both called United States Senator Moran’s office, with no success; advising they will continue to call Senator Moran’s office and also continue to make calls to CSX until they get results. President White stated that he had seen that Newsweek Magazine had named them number one in transportation and most reliable in transportation; advising he wants to believe that they are truly a company that is trying to address our concerns; explaining he is confident that Mayor Parry is going to be able to get this situation taking care of sooner or later; thanking Mayor Parry for all his efforts on this situation. 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 Regular Zoom Meeting – DECEMBER 20, 2021 Page 7 Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic addressed the Board stating that he spoke with Shong Smith, Director of Central Services and all of these signs that are on the pending items/unfinished business list have all been installed. Mayor Parry made the motion to remove Tracy Coleman, 218 Willard Avenue, Mary Anne Gustufson, 116 Krueger Avenue, Denise Blau, 211 Superior Street, Councilman Dabney/Shontelle Hogan Abrons, Holiday and Grace Street, and Ernie Brunswick, 221 White Oak Drive, from the pending/unfinished items list. 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. Rodney McCormick, 617 Union Street, thanked the Board on behalf of Tracy Coleman, regarding West Side, Lakeland, Union Street, and Canada for listening to the community’s voices; he likes the fact that things are getting done and that everyone is working together and listening to each other; explaining things have gotten bad in Michigan City and it would be nice if the Police Department could come into the community and build relationships. Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street addressed the Board stating that he wanted to congratulate President White on his new position as Director of ALCO and asked for more sporting events to be aired; advising he would like to see the “Stop” signs on Wabash Street in front of the old St. Anthony Hospital to be removed; wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. President White asked if there were any other public comments, there was no response. BOARD COMMENTS President White asked if there are any Board comments. Mayor Parry stated that last year there was a “bell ring off” between Michigan City and LaPorte Salvation Army where Mr. Dermody had ringers that he brought out beating us; advising we have to change that because we are Michigan City strong and have to “slice those slicers”. President White stated that he expects all of his fellow coaches at Michigan City to do their best to win the annual meeting against the Slicers. President White asked if there were any other Board comments. Vice-President Keating stated that she just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. President White addressed the Board stating that he wanted to say a few things about his appointment with ALCO; advising that he believes communication is vital to a sound government and it is a two-way street; explaining he will use his resources at ALCO to do the best for Michigan City and the County; Happiest of Holidays and we will see everyone next year. 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 9:32 a.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