Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR ZOOM MEETING – January 4, 2022 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Tuesday morning, January 4, 2022, 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 “Zoom” and streaming live on “My Michigan City” Facebook page. The meeting was called to order by President, Virginia Keating, who presided. Noted present in person: Virginia Keating and Mayor Parry (2), 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 Skylar York, Director of Planning Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Stacy Dudley, Assistant Deputy Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Parry moved to approve the minutes of the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting of January 4, 2022; seconded by Vice-President Keating. The minutes were approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. ELECTION OF OFFICERS President and Vice-President Vice-President Keating stated that this will be deferred until the Board has a replacement for President White who resigned. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, stated that the Board should appoint a temporary President at this time until a new President can be appointed. Mayor Parry made motion to nominate Daniel Hogan for Board President. Corporate Counsel addressed the Mayor stating that it is Mayor’s choice who he wants to make President of the Board, we just need to nominate a temporary President until that new member is sworn in as a member. Mayor Parry stated that he would nominate Ms. Keating as temporary President. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve Vice-President Keating as temporary President of the Board of Public Works and Safety. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. AWARDING OF BID - 2021 Lease of Police vehicles eight total vehicles four (4) Dodge Chargers and four (4) Dodge Durango’s President Keating stated that there was one bid from LaPorte Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, stated that there was only one bid and it was from LaPorte Chrysler Dodge Jeep for eight (8) police vehicles for three (3) years in the amount of $144,000.00; after reviewing Assistant Chief Corley agrees that the Board should accept this proposal; the dealership sent over the proposed leases even though we do not have the vin numbers to the vehicles until they are delivered; Corporate Counsel asked the Board to approve a copy of the lease so that when the vehicles are delivered we can execute the lease at the appropriate time. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the bids for the 2021 Lease of Police vehicles eight total vehicles four (4) Dodge Chargers and four (4) Dodge Durango’s from LaPorte Chrysler Dodge Jeep. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. CONTRACT APPROVAL- Approval of 2022-2024 contract between the Michigan City Firefighters Local #475 and the Civil City of Michigan City, Indiana Regular Zoom Meeting – January 4, 2022 Page 2 Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, stated the subcommittee of the Council, which is Labor Relations Committee, along with the City Administration and Firefighters Local #475 to come to an agreement for a new three (3) year contract; the contract changes are that the firefighters have agreed to give up all of their specialty pay to increase their base wages and the City will give them new longevity tier for 25 years of service at 25% base pay and would like to ask the Board for approval at this time. Mayor Parry stated that he would like to commend the administration, the Council’s Labor Committee, and the negotiators for the Firefighters Local 475 on being able to come to a three (3) year contract. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the 2022-2024 contract between the Michigan City Firefighters Local #475 and the Civil City of Michigan City, Indiana. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE -Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator, is asking for approval for street closure of Franklin Street from 7th Street north to 4th Street and 7th Street from Pine to Washington Streets for the Michigan City Kiddie Parade on Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. President Keating stated that she is going to read all three (3) street closures at one time and discuss each individually. Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator addressed the Board stating that this event has been around for a long time, was previously run by Michigan City Police Department, and very popular with the community; it is a simple event that he had spoked to Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division about the street closures and also spoken with Chris Yagelski who had run this event prior; this event is comparable to what had taken place in the past. Mayor Parry stated that Mr. Greetham is working very hard to make sure Michigan City doesn’t lose any event that have been cherished over the years. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the street closure of Franklin Street from 7th Street north to 4th Street and 7th Street from Pine to Washington Streets for the Michigan City Kiddie Parade on Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE -Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator, is asking for approval for street closure of Franklin Street from 10th Street to Harrison Street; closure of Washington Street from U.S. Highway 12 to 11th Street; closure of 9th and 10th Street from Washington to Pine Street and Franklin Street from 10th Street to Pytynia Parkway for the Michigan City Patriotic Parade on Saturday, July 2, 2022 from 6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator addressed the Board stating that this is a traditional patriotic parade; last year the parade was held on June 19th and this year we decided to move it closer to Independence Day and end that holiday weekend with the big fireworks celebration; no changes to the street closures from last year. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the street closure of Franklin Street from 10th Street to Harrison Street; closure of Washington Street from U.S. Highway 12 to 11th Street; closure of 9th and 10th Street from Washington to Pine Street and Franklin Street from 10th Street to Pytynia Parkway for the Michigan City Patriotic Parade on Saturday, July 2, 2022 from 6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE -Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator, is asking for approval for street closure of Franklin Street from 11th to 4th Street; closure of 9th Street 10th Street from Pine to Washington Streets; and closure of 4th Street from Pine to Washington for the Michigan City Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Terry Greetham, Events Coordinator addressed the Board stating that this was previously known as the Snowflake Parade and ran by the Michigan City Fire Department and the street closures are consistent with last year’s Snowflake Parade; we are just changing the name and tying it in with the events being held down in Washington Park. Mayor Parry thanked Mr. Greetham for taking care of all of these events. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the street closure of Franklin Street from 11th to 4th Street; closure of 9th Street 10th Street from Pine to Washington Streets; and closure of 4th Street from Pine to Washington for the Michigan City Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as Regular Zoom Meeting – January 4, 2022 Page 3 follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. ELIMINATION OF STOP SIGN- Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street is requesting the three (3) way stop sign at the intersection of Wabash and Ann Streets is removed Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street stated that the “Stop” signs on Wabash should have been removed a long time ago since the hospital has been demolished; also it has been a long standing policy of the Board of Works and Safety not to have ”Stop” signs put up to slow people down and the flow of traffic in that area is going to get worse in a couple of months when 11th Street becomes a one way street to make way for the double track project. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division asked that this be tabled until next meeting so that he has a chance to talk to Skylar York, Director of Planning, and see what the plans are for St. Anthony Hospital property to make sure that these “Stop” signs won’t be needed. Mayor Parry thanked Mr. Kulavik’s concern and many of the statements he made are correct; we need to protect the people coming off of Wabash Street and defer to Captain Loniewski, Mr. Wright, and Mr. York. Councilman Paul Przybylinski addressed the Board stating that there was a lot of community and neighborhood support to have a “Stop” sign put there and if anything were to happen it should be moved to Ripley Street because of the consideration of shutting down all of these other streets. Skylar York, Director of Planning stated that he does not disagree with Mr. Przybylinski and on Ann Street that is where the emergency room entrance was, and that traffic pattern is going to change when we get the “One-Way” streets; he also does not disagree with Mr. Kulavik either, it is something that should be considered. Jeff Wright, City Engineer addressed the Board stating that he has driven Wabash Street and thinks the “Stop” signs should just remain there until plans are figured out with all of the streets. Mayor Parry made the motion to TABLE for thirty (30) days. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). 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 President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. CLAIMS DOCKET January 4, 2022 Municipal Claims $ 1,253,766.13 CDBG $ 0.00 Health & Life $ 89,296.32 Workers Comp. $ 35,041.73 Total Claims - $ 1,378,104.18 PAYROLL DOCKET December 31, 2021 City Payroll $ Payroll Claims were not received in time to place them on the January 4, 2022 agenda Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the payroll dockets for December 20, 2021 and December 17, 2021. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Keating stated the first item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Regular Zoom Meeting – January 4, 2022 Page 4 Annemarie Bunton, approval for flashing lights on a timer at crosswalk near Michigan City High School and the apartment entrance for student’s safety President Keating stated that this was on our agenda from our last meeting, and it was denied. Mayor Parry stated that we had talked about this and the fact that the students are ignoring the crosswalk and we also talked about marking the crossing on the pavement better. Gale Neulieb, City Clerk stated that this was kept on the list to keep track of the crosswalk being painted at that location for student safety. President Keating asked how long we have to wait before it can be painted. Jeff Wright, City Engineer stated that it cannot be painted until spring for the pavement to warm up. President Keating stated that the Board will defer this until the first meeting in May. Mayor Parry made the motion to defer item to the pending items/unfinished business list until the first meeting in May. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating 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 President Keating asked Mayor Parry if he had anything to add to this matter. Mayor Parry stated he had nothing to add; asked Jeff Wright, City Engineer if he had anything to add at this time. Jeff Wright, City Engineer stated he had nothing to add. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division stated that this was kept on the pending items/unfinished business list to follow up with Shong Smith, Director of Central Services to get better signage for the detour Mayor Parry made the motion to defer item to the pending items/unfinished business list until the first meeting in April. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Arturo Pozos, Michigan City Mainstreet Association is requesting approval for the First Friday Art Walk Summer Series beginning May 6, 2022, June 3, 2022, July 1, 2022 and September 3, 2022 between 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; requesting to use RDC’s (Redevelopment Commission) lot located on the northeast corner of 7th and Franklin Streets President Keating stated that this was brought to us last year and the Board decided to defer it to this meeting because it was closer to the actual dates of said event. Mayor Parry stated that this needs approval from the Redevelopment Commission. Skylar York, Director of Planning asked if this could be approved pending approval from the Redevelopment Commission. Further discussion ensued between President Keating stated and Gale Neulieb, City Clerk stated regarding the Clerk’s Office sending out a letter to Arturo Pozos and would the Board like for her office to add that he needs Redevelopment Commission’s approval so he can make sure he gets on their agenda. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, stated she agrees that the motion should include that this approval is subject to Redevelopment and that it sates that in the Clerk’s letter to Arturo Pozos. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve pending the Redevelopment Commission’s approval and certificate of insurance 30 days prior to the event. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Arturo Pozos, Michigan City Mainstreet Association is requesting approval for the Swale Park Music Fest on June 11, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. President Keating stated that this was brought to us last year and the Board decided to defer it to this meeting because it was closer to the actual dates of said event. Gale Neulieb, City Clerk stated that this and all of the events are pending certificate of insurance. Regular Zoom Meeting – January 4, 2022 Page 5 Mayor Parry made the motion to approve pending the certificate of insurance 30 days prior to the event. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Arturo Pozos, Michigan City Mainstreet Association is requesting street closure on Franklin Street from 6th Street to 8th Street and 7th Street between Washington and Pine Streets on August 5, 2022 starting at 7:00 a.m. thru August 7, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. for the Taste of Michigan City; also requesting the closure of Washington Street from U.S. Highway 12 to 9th Street and Franklin Street from 10th Street to 4th Street and 9th Street from Washington to Pine Street for the Boat Parade on Saturday, August 6, 2022 President Keating stated that there are two (2) events that we are talking about, one is the Taste of Michigan City and the other is the Boat Parade. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division stated that this is the same route as previous years and would recommend approval. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, stated that this should be approved subject to receiving the layout of the event. Mayor Parry stated that he is concerned about the negative effect this event may have on local businesses. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve contingent to the events layout, local businesses are not negatively impacted, and pending the certificate of insurance 30 days prior to the event. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Arturo Pozos, Michigan City Mainstreet Association is requesting street closure on Franklin Street from 8th to 4th Street and 7th Street from Pine to Washington Street for the annual Flame & Flair Halloween Festival on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 3:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division stated that this is the same route as previous years and would recommend approval. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve pending the certificate of insurance 30 days prior to the event. The motion was seconded by President Keating and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. PUBLIC COMMENTS President Keating asked if there were any public comments. Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street addressed the Board stating that the Kiddie Parade about five (5) years ago previous Police Chief Mark Swistak spoke about confiscated and unclaimed bicycles that the prison inmates would fix and then the City would give them away at the Kiddie Parade. Andrew White, 141 Shady Lane, addressed the Board about when the Mayor asked him to join the Board of Works 13 months ago and he thanked everyone he had the pleasure of working with. BOARD COMMENTS President Keating asked if there are any Board comments. Mayor Parry stated that President White is appreciated, and job well done. President Keating thanked Andrew White for his service and that he will truly be missed. President Keating asked if there were any other Board comments, with no response. 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 9:06 a.m. President Keating made the motion to Adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating and Parry (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk