Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR ZOOM MEETING – March 7, 2022 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday morning, March 7, 2022, at the hour of 8:30 a.m., 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, Michael Vinson, 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 Shong Smith, Director M.C. Central Services Aaron Borngraber, Associate Planner Skylar York, City Planner Terry Greetham, Special Event Director Andrew White, Alco TV Frank Rebac, MCFD Deputy Chief Yvonne Hoffmaster, Controller Ta-Tanesha George, Human Rights Paul Przybylinski, Councilman Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Trista Todd, Deputy Clerk Stacy Dudley, Assistant Deputy Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Parry moved to approve the minutes of the Regular “Zoom” meeting of February 22, 2022; seconded by Vice-President Vinson. The minutes were approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. INSTALLATION OF BANNER REQUEST - Nolah Gertner, LaPorte County Symphony Orchestral/LCSO is requesting to place streetlight banners (flags) on the poles on Franklin Street/Uptown District from 10th to 4th Streets and on Washington Street from 8th to 4th Streets celebrating the Symphony’s 50th Anniversary Nolah Gertner, 2302 Fairway Drive, stated that this is the LaPorte County Symphony celebrating its fiftieth (50th) anniversary starting on August 1, 2022 and goes until July 31, 2023; as part of the celebration the banners will hang in LaPorte and Michigan City from September 1, 2022 until October 31, 2022. President Keating asked if Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel had anything to add. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel stated that we have the certificate of insurance. Gale Neulieb, City Clerk addressed the Board stating that Marquiss Electric, Inc. will hang the banners and the Clerk’s office has the updated certificate of insurance with approval. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the placement of streetlight banners (flags) on the poles on Franklin Street/Uptown District from 10th to 4th Streets and on Washington Street from 8th to 4th Streets celebrating the Symphony’s 50th Anniversary from September 1, 2022 until October 31, 2022. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Vinson and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Nolah Gertner invited the Board and community to attend their next concert March 13, 2022 located at Holdcraft Performing Arts Center 1200 Spring Street Michigan City. . GRANT EASEMENT REQUEST - Nicole Baker, Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), is requesting the easements to be granted to NICTD construction of the Double Track NWI Rail Project NOTE: At the February 22nd BOW meeting the portion requesting easements to be granted to NICTD was TABLED until the March 7, 2022 meeting. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel addressed the Board stating that this is a perpetual easement agreement resulting from the City’s agreement with NICTD that sets forth what the City Regular Zoom Meeting – March 7, 2022 Page 2 would be doing at the appropriate time and the grant of sixteen (16) easements is one of those obligations, further explaining why she asked for this matter to be tabled from last week and asking the Board permission to execute the document by granting approval of this matter. President Keating asked if there were any Board questions or comments; there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve of the easements to be granted to NICTD construction of the Double Track NWI Rail Project; seconded by Vice-President Vinson. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. DEDICATION OF ROAD REQUEST- Ann Marie Woolwine, Attorney on behalf of Dunescape Beachwalk LLC & Whisper Dunes Homeowners Association Inc. is requesting a road dedication of 130 feet of Whisper Dunes Subdivision within the City’s public right of way NOTE: At the February 22nd BOW meeting a portion of the road to be dedicated of Whisper Dunes Subdivision was TABLED until the March 7, 2022, meeting. Ann Marie Woolwine, Attorney Krieg DeVault 372 Tremont Avenue Valparaiso, stated that she worked closely with Jeff Wright, City Engineer on this petition of 130 feet of public right of way, further explaining that the right of way is not part of the Whisper Dunes Subdivision and the dedication. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel stated that Global Engineering asked the City to do a study, on February 4, 2022 Mr. Wright agreed that the City should accept the dedication based on the reports from Global Insurance. President Keating asked if there were any Board questions or comments. Mayor Parry addressed the Board asking if the Street that is being referred to was built in full compliance with all of the applicable standards. Skylar York, Planning Director addressed the Board that he was involved in this when it was being built or proposed stating that it is a full 50 feet of right of way; further explaining the subdivision process and why a legal description was made. Vice-President Vinson asked Mr. York if there is a reason why only 130 feet and not the entire cul- de-sac. Further discussion ensued between Vice-President Vinson and Mr. York regarding the 130 feet of right of way, HOA (Homeowners Association), plowing and the original owner of the property. Further discussion ensued between Mayor Parry, Mr. York, and Ann Marie Woolwine, regarding that there is a contract with HOA and the Sanitary District for snowplowing in the amount of $6,000.00 a year. President Keating stated that she wanted to remind everyone that at the last Board meeting the City Engineer stated that he would need a copy of the resolution to file with the State. Jeff Wright, City Engineer stated that we do not have exceptions to accepting that 130 feet into our inventory. Vice-President Vinson made the motion to approve the road dedication of 130 feet of Whisper Dunes Subdivision within the City’s public right of way; seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Mayor Parry asked Mr. Wright if he could elaborate on what he means by the City not including that into their inventory. Jeff Wright, City Engineer answered Mayor Parry by explaining that there is a procedure to add that section of street to the official inventory upon which the gas taxes are distributed, the resolution will then go to the GIS Coordinator. RESOLUTION President Keating read the following proposed resolution by title only, MICHIGAN CITY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS & SAFETY RESOLUTION NO. 4829 Regular Zoom Meeting – March 7, 2022 Page 3 DETERMINING THAT FUNDING FOR CERTAIN OUSTANDING PURCHASE ORDERS FROM 2021 SHOULD BE ENCUMBERED AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY CONTROLLER TO ENCUMBER SUCH FUNDS WHEREAS, the City of Michigan City, is an Indiana municipal corporation governed by its duly elected Mayor and Board of Public Works & Safety; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works & Safety has the authority to approve claims for those departments and political subdivisions within its jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, the City of Michigan City has outstanding purchase orders from 2021 in various funds that the services or products have not yet been paid as listed in Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, in order to complete certain projects, programs, or purchases using funding set aside in previous fiscal years, and in order to be consistent with Indiana law and Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) procedures, the encumbrances must be authorized by a resolution adopted by the Board of Public Works & Safety; and WHEREAS, the City Controller of the City of Michigan City, Indiana recommends the approval of the various services or products that have not yet been paid for as listed in Exhibit A. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MICHIGAN CITY COMMON COUNCIL, INDIANA as follows: Section 1. That those certain City purchase orders identified in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, are hereby approved. Section 2. The City Controller of the City of Michigan City is hereby directed to encumber the funding for said purchase orders in the appropriate accounts. 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 7th day of March, 2022. /s/ Virginia Keating, President Michigan City Board of Public Works & Safety Yvonne Hoffmaster, City Controller, addressed the Board stating that this was her office taking care of a mistake; Controller’s Office was waiting on paperwork from the Park Department that included three (3) purchase orders, further explaining why the resolution was needed. President Keating asked if there were any Board questions or comments; there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Resolution determining that funding for certain additional outstanding purchase orders from 2021 should be encumbered and authoring the city controller to encumber such funds; seconded by and were approved by Vice-President Vinson by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST TO RECEIVE SOLICIATION OF QUOTES/APPROVAL OF BID DOCUMENTS- Frank Rebac, MCFD Deputy Chief is requesting the approval to receive quotes for the replacement of the roof at Station 3 and approval bidding documents. Frank Rebac, MCFD Deputy Chief, addressed the Board stating that in 2020 Station 1 and Station 2 roofs were replaced, we come before the Board to ask permission to have Station 3 and 4 roofs replaced. President Keating asked Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel if she has had a chance to review the packets. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that she has reviewed the packets and has been assisting the Chief in putting the packets together so we would ask permission to solicit these quotes following this meeting and further explaining the process; March 21, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. President Keating asked if there were any Board questions or comments; there was no response. Vice-President Vinson made the motion to approve request the approval to receive quotes for the replacement of the roofs at Station 3 and approval bidding documents; seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Regular Zoom Meeting – March 7, 2022 Page 4 REQUEST TO RECEIVE SOLICIATION OF QUOTES/APPROVALOF BID DOCUMENTS- Frank Rebac, MCFD Deputy Chief is requesting the approval to receive quotes for the replacement of the roof at Station 4 and approval bidding documents. President Keating stated that the explanation given is the same for both of these stations. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve request the approval to receive quotes for the replacement of the roof at Station 4 and approval bidding documents; seconded by Vice-President Vinson. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST TO PURCHASE CITY OWNED PROPERTY- Carrie McGinty, 225 Charles Street, is requesting to purchase the property owned by the City of Michigan City located behind their property at 932 W. 6th Street Carrie McGinty, 225 Charles Street, addressed the Board stating that they had recently purchased two (2) properties on West 6th Street and behind the properties the City owns the property we would like to purchase to extend the yards behind our property. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel stated that when the Board receives a request like this, they would need to refer it to back to her office, further explaining how the process goes. President Keating asked if there were any Board questions or comments; there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to refer this matter to Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel for review and for proper actions that are necessary for the sale of City property; seconded by Vice-President Vinson. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST TO PURCHASE CITY OWNED PROPERTY- Jose Jenkins, 1709 E. Michigan Boulevard, is requesting to purchase City owned property located at 1020/1024 E. Michigan Boulevard (vacant property) Parcel # 460128334020000022 Skylar York, City Planner addressed the Board stating that the Redevelopment Commission owns this property and is not interested in selling. Mayor Parry made the motion to deny the request to purchase City owned property located at 1020 and 1024 E Michigan Boulevard; seconded by Vice-President Vinson. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vice- President Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: NONE (0). Motion Carries. EXTENSION FOR SCHOOL RESOURSE OFFICER - An Agreement between the Michigan City Area School District and the Board of Public Works and Safety for an extension of the Interlocal Government Agreement for School Resource Officer 2022 & 2023 Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel stated that the City has been engaged with the school for years providing school resource officers in exchange for compensation from the school in the amount of $100,000.00 each year for a total of $200,000.00 for the two (2) years. President Keating asked how this contract is different from last year’s agreement. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that the agreement is the same except that it is a two (2) year agreement instead of one (1) year. President Keating asked if there were any Board questions or comments; there was no response. Vice-President Vinson made the motion to approve the agreement between the Michigan City Area School District and the Board of Public Works and Safety for an extension of the Interlocal Government Agreement for School Resource Officer 2022 & 2023; seconded by Mayor Parry and approved by the following approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES- An Agreement between the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety and the Michigan City Municipal Band for the 2022 summer concerts Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel stated that every year the City engages is services with the Municipal Band where the City provides the Municipal Band with compensation in the amount of $35,000.00 to hold all of their summer concerts and events. President Keating asked if there were any Board questions or comments. Mayor Parry addressed the Board stating that last summer he attended the concerts and had the chance to speak with the leader of the band to discuss extending their services through the winter. Regular Zoom Meeting – March 7, 2022 Page 5 President Keating asked if they were to agree to staying through the winter wouldn’t that be a separate contract. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink asked if the Band is willing to stay through the winter because this contract states that the band will perform a minimum of ten (10) summer concerts at the amplifier. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve table the Michigan City Municipal Band for the 2022 summer concerts for two weeks; seconded by Vice-President Vinson and approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. EXTEND VENDOR HOURS OF OPERATION- Tommy & Gwen Wilson, owners of Wilson’s Slam Dunk BBQ, is requesting to extend their hours to 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily at Captain Ed’s located on Highway 20 Gwen Wilson, 320 Cloud Street stated that they were previously granted to have their food truck at Captain Ed’s with limited hours due to the nature of the season, so we are requesting to extend our hours of operation for the summer. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel stated that there are no specific hours of operation for mobile food vendors, so there is no objection. President Keating asked if there were any Board questions or comments; there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the extension of their hours from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily at Captain Ed’s located on Highway 20; seconded by Vice-President Vinson and approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST TO PLACE BANNER AND UNVEIL ART SCULPTURE - Rose Tejeda, Michigan City Main Street Association, is requesting to place a 4 X 8 vinyl banner at Westcott Park from March 8th thru the 20th promoting the unveiling of their art sculpture event being held on March 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Rose Tejeda, 727 Franklin Street Michigan City is seeking permission to conduct a thirty-minute presentation at the site of the sculpture at Wescott Park to take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 19 2022 and the 4 x 8 banner to be placed at the southwest corner of the parking lot to promote the event. President Keating asked if there were any public comments. Mayor Parry made the suggestion that everyone attend this event. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the 4x8 banner to be placed at Wescott Park; seconded by Vice-President Vinson by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. GENERAL INSURANCE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PRESENTATION - Charlie Keene, Renew Presentation, Property & Casualty Risk Consulting and Brokerage Services Charlie Keene, Vice President of GIS, stated that GIS is seeking formal approval of the 2022-2023 insurance renewal program for the City of Michigan City; further explaining in detail what the insurance offers. Mayor Parry asked Mr. Keene if he could give the Board a number that the removal of Barker Mansion saved the City. Charlie Keene answered the Mayor by stating it saved the City $11,000.00. Regular Zoom Meeting – March 7, 2022 Page 6 Further discussion ensued between Vice-President Vinson and Mr. Keene regarding how GIS compares their rates. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Renew Presentation, Property & Casualty Risk Consulting and Brokerage Services; seconded by Vice-President Vinson by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. AGREEMENT FOR SPONSORSHIP- An agreement between the Board of Public Works and Safety and Barker Mansion for their Sponsorship at the “Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival held on June 3 – 5, 2022 at Washington Park (Sponsorship $5,000) Terry Greetham, Special Events Director, went on to thank Amber LaPaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Council for her assistance with a sponsorship template; Mr. Greetham went on to welcome Barker Mansion as the first sponsor of the Singing Sands Sculpting Event, with a Gold Level sponsorship of $5,000.00. Amber LaPaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Council went on to explain that she assisted Mr. Greetham with the drafting of a sponsorship agreement; expressing how Mr. Greetham is looking for more sponsors for the event and that we should expect to see him at future meetings. President Keating asked if there were any public questions or comments, there was no response. Vice-President Vinson addressed the Board asking what the sponsorship included. Mr. Greetham stated that the sponsorships are listed on the city website; further explaining that if you go to the website and click on Special Events, then select Singing Sands Sculpting Festival there is a partnership icon that you can click, and it will give you a full lay-out of all the different levels of sponsorship further explaining into detail what the Gold Level Partnership includes. Preside Keating asked if there were any further comments, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve, it was seconded by Mayor Perry and approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. CLAIMS AND PAYROLL PAYROLL DOCK February 25, 2022 City Payroll $ 629,799.64 March 1, 2022 City Payroll (Pension) $ 226,796.10 Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the payroll dockets for February 25, 2022 and March 1, 2022. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Vinson and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. CLAIMS DOCKET March 7, 2022 MUNICIPAL $ 839,158.42 CDBG $ 00.00 HEALTH & LIFE $ 413,816.19 CEMETERY GW CUST PM EFT $ 2,859.84 CEMETERYSL CUST PM EFT $ 1,067.06 CEMETERY EXT. Fund $ 785.15 Elston Grove SNK EFT $ 785.15 CEMETERY MDSE.& COMM EFT $ 15,453.83 Total Claims - $1,273,925.64 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 Regular Zoom Meeting – March 7, 2022 Page 7 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 Mayor Parry and carried as follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Keating stated the only item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Councilman Don Pryzbylinski’s concern regarding runway traffic along Franklin Street in the Arts District. President Keating addressed Jeff Wright and asked him to repeat what he had mentioned previously. Jeff Wright went on to state that he drove the approaches and that he did not see anything particularly concerning with any missing signs; further mentioning that he asked Captain Jeff Loniewski and Shong Smith, Director of Central Services to drive the approaches as well; further stating that Mr. Smith feels like there are two locations where a “No Left” turn signs should be added. President Keating asked if Captain Loniewski wanted to address this. Captain Loniewski stated that he did walk the entire stretch of Franklin Street and that he did not see any deficiencies; further stating that all of the intersections have a “One-Way” or “Do Not Enter” signs. He went on to say that if you are looking south, there are a couple of intersections where we could use additional signage so that people can see the signs when they are traveling East or West on cross streets. Shong Smith, Michigan City Street Director, 1801 Kentucky Street stated that at the request of City Engineer Jeff Wright he determined that at 6th and 7th streets as far as East and West traffic goes “No Left” turn signs would possibly have to be installed; further explaining that all of the “One- Way” signs from 9th down to 4th Street are in the proper place; stating that due to some of the signs being faded, new signs have been ordered. Vice President Vinson moved a motion that the street department do the needed repair work on the street signs, and installation. Mayor Perry seconded the motion. AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating asked if there was any public comment. Mr. Ernie Hollihan, 302 Gladys Street Michigan City, addressed the board about the issue of traffic out at a park at the Tall Timbers area; stating that there are children that run in that area and cars have been side-swiped along that street. Jeff Wright asked what the exact intersection that Mr. Hollihan brought up. Mr. Hollihan answered that it was Royal Road. President Keating asked if someone was going look into this matter. Jeff Wright responded that yes, he would drive out there. Captain Loniewski responded that yes, he would take a drive out there and look into it. He went on to state that there is a stop sign out there, at that intersection and possibly a crosswalk could be looked at being installed. President Keating made a motion to put this on the Pending Items List. Mayor Parry made that motion, and Vice President Vinson seconded the motion. AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Councilman Paul Pryzbylinski, 1716 Washington Street addressed a concern the issue of “Stop Signs” along Franklin Street, Washington Street, Wabash Street, Ohio Street, Oak Street, Kentucky Street and the intersection at 11th Street; further explaining in detail what he believes should be done to resolve the concerns and addressing those public comments should be addressed after each item on the agenda. Further discussion ensued between President Keating and Councilman P. Pryzbylinski in regard to the matter of public comments. President Keating asked Amber LaPaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Council for any further public matters. Regular Zoom Meeting – March 7, 2022 Page 8 Amber LaPaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Council stated the first item, that did not make the agenda was for a contract to hire Attorney Steve Hale for a specific matter dealing with the Planning Department. Amber LaPaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Council mentioned that she has a conflict of interest and is unable to be involved with it. Attorney Steve Hale has agreed to step in, and she requested the Board’s permission to approve the contract with Attorney Hale so he can commence services immediately. President Keating asked if there were any public comments, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any board comments. Mayor Parry asked what Attorney Hale would be doing that is causing a conflict of interest for Amber LaPaich-Stalbrink. Amber LaPaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Council said that a legal correspondence was received from another attorney regarding the Community Development Block Grant. That will cause a conflict of interest with the recipient and under her legal ethics is unable to get involved. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve, and Vice President Vinson seconded the motion by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Amber LaPaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Council brought up the resignation of the City Engineer Jeffrey Wright; further explaining that Mayor Parry and Skylar York have ascertained Primera Engineering an on-call Engineering Service to be available for on-call services. Skylar York stated that hiring Mr. Minnick, Primera Engineering is familiar with the Double Track Project and other projects that are currently being dealt with. Vice President Vinson asked if Mr. Minnick was local, since it appeared the firm was out in Crown Point. Skylar York stated that yes, he is from LaPorte, and he was one of inspection engineers on the first phase of the Singing Sands Trail. Further discussion ensued between Vice-President Vinson and Mr. York regarding the hiring of Mr. Minnick. Amber LaPaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Council explained that funds have been identified, and those funds do not exceed $50,000, that could be utilized for this contract. She believes there has been discussions that if additional services are needed, possibly looking to other firms. Vice President Mike Vinson went on to express how it would be nice to have a secondary call from a local firm that is familiar with the city and the projects that are going on. Skylar York explained how this is a very specific on call agreement. Mayor Parry expressed how he did not want any negative light to shed on Mr. Wright and went on to discuss the personal reasons that led to Mr. Wrights resignation. Vice President Vison went on to make a motion to approve the contract, and Mayor Parry seconded the motion by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating asked if there were any board comments. Mayor Parry went on to address the agendas of boards and commissions. He explained that the format which the Board uses has been in existence be believed as far back as 2012. Vice President Vinson went on to detail his history with the Board. Vice President Vinson explained how he went out to those with public comment and asked if anyone has gotten back with them. He stated that everyone and the city council need to do better with responding to the public. Mayor Parry addressed Councilman P. Pryzbylinski’s safety concern with the closing of 11th street. He discussed that there were several meetings that took place and there were preliminary drawings of what was going on, and none of the public safety entities; police, fire, or emergency rescue stated a concern. He went on to say that as projects move on things do come up that you did not expect, he further stated that adjustments would be made. Vice President commented that he and his wife drove along the roads that were mentioned, and some of them are still open along 11th street, he mentioned that there were some inconveniences, but nothing was nothings that was unnegotiable. He discussed his experience of encountering a resident when he drove down a one-way street. He said that we should not take away the intelligence of the residents, and firefighters, that they will make plans accordingly. Jeff Wright went on to discuss his conversation with Councilman P. Pryzbylinski and that he did bring up a good point, and that NICDT is looking at the Motion of Traffic that has been brought up and he has not heard back from NICDT, when he does that information will be forwarded on. Vice President Vinson added some more experiences he has had with the public since he has been on board, and how they draw your attention things. He brought up a rough railroad crossing at Greenwood, and the bridge that is over off of Karwick Road where you have to sound your horn because you are unable to see oncoming traffic. He went on to explain that during wintertime with windows being rolled up, and fans running you cannot always hear a car horn at this location. He Regular Zoom Meeting – March 7, 2022 Page 9 asked if the idea of installing strategically placed mirrors at this location has been looked at, so you can see underneath the bridge for traffic coming one way or the other. He went on to explain some confusion along highway 212, and you cross the highway 35 bridge there are two sets of double yellow lines, that are still visible, and is causing some confusion and concern. Mayor Parry explained that along that part of highway is under state requirement and will see if that can be corrected. He also commented that the idea of mirrors under the bridge is an excellent idea. 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 9:54 a.m. Mayor Parry made the motion to Adjourn. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Vinson. AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk