Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR ZOOM MEETING – March 21, 2022 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday morning, March 21, 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 Terry Greetham, Special Event Director Andrew White, Alco TV Frank Rebac, MCFD Deputy Chief Don Przybylinski, Councilman Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Stacy Dudley, Assistant Deputy Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Parry moved to approve the minutes of the Regular “Zoom” meeting of March 7, 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. OPENING OF BIDS - 2022 Sale of Surplus Vehicles (Rolling Stock-Transit Buses) 2013 Freightliner- Legacy #40 2013 Freightliner- Legacy #42 2013 Freightliner- Legacy #44 2000 Ford E450 President Keating asked if there was anyone present that would like to submit a bid at this time, there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to close the bids. 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. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel addressed the Board stating that one (1) bid was received from Bill Coda, his bid is for the 2000 Ford E450 Supreme Senator Bus in the amount of $1,155.00 Vice-President Vinson made the motion to assign this matter to the City Attorney and to the Director of Transportation, Robin Tillman to review the bid of $1,155.00 and report back at the next meeting on April 4, 2022. 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. OPENING OF QUOTES - City of Michigan City 2022- MCFD Roof Replacement- Station 3 bidding Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel addressed the Board stating that Assistant Chief Rebac asked for sealed quotes from three (3) vendors. Bids received are as follows: J & B West Enterprises, LLC. $42,784.68 R.L. Roofing Service $42,600.00 Arnett Associates Inc. $40,960.00 (with a duplicate copy) Vice-President Vinson made the motion to assign this matter to the City Attorney and the Michigan City Fire Department for review and report back at the next meeting on April 4, 2022; 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. OPENING OF QUOTES - City of Michigan City 2022- MCFD Roof Replacement- Station 4 bidding Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel addressed the Board stating that Assistant Chief Rebac asked for sealed quotes from three (3) vendors. Bids received are as follows: R.L. Roofing Service $48,350.00 J & B West Enterprises, LLC. $48,102.51 Arnett Associates Inc. $45,440.00 (with a duplicate copy) Regular Zoom Meeting – March 21, 2022 Page 2 Vice-President Vinson made the motion to assign this matter to the City Attorney and the Michigan City Fire Department for review and report back at the next meeting on April 4, 2022; 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. 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 in the amount of $35,000.00. NOTE: At the March 7th BOW meeting this item was TABLED until the March 21, 2022 meeting. President Keating stated that this was on our agenda from the last meeting and continued because there was a question on whether we wanted to extend this past the summer. Mayor Parry addressed the Board stating that he tried to contact the Municipal Band with no luck, so the Board just needs to move forward. President Keating asked if there was any comment from the Public and hearing none asked if there were any Board questions or comments. Vice-President Vinson made the motion to approve the agreement between the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety and the Michigan City Municipal Band for the 2022 summer concerts in the amount of $35,000.00.; 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. 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 NOTE: At the March 7th BOW meeting this item was TABLED until the March 21, 2022 meeting. President Keating stated that this matter was continued from the last meeting so that the City Attorney, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, could research this request and return at this meeting with her recommendation. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel addressed the Board stating that when the Board receives requests to purchase City owned property she notifies the City Departments, and asks whether they object to the sale, further explaining how the City acquired the property and any restrictions to selling the property providing the Board two (2) statutory options on how the City may sell the property. President Keating asked if there was any comment from the Public and hearing none asked if there were any Board questions or comments. Vice-President Vinson made the motion to move forward with the sale of this property; seconded by Mayor Parry and were approved 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 was a preference to sale under either option one (1) or option two (2). Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel clarified that option one (1) under Indiana Code 36-1- 11-5.9 allows the opportunity to purchase be made to the abutting landowners. Vice-President Vinson made the motion to approve option one (1) for the sale of the property; seconded by Mayor Parry and were approved by the following vote: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST FOR SIGNAGE- Djimitri Francois, 1102 Lakeshore Drive is requesting two “Do Not Enter” signs and two “No Golf Carts Allowed” signs at the Entrance of Stop 6 beach walkway path. Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street stated that when he read this request he was confused since it is unlawful to operate golf carts anywhere in the city limits and in 2009 the State Legislature passed a law that the Common Council would have to pass an ordinance stating this and further explaining what the other nearby Cities are doing in this matter. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Division addressed the Board stating that he had spoken to Ed Shinn, Park Superintendent advising him that this is park property and that he might have to get the Park Board to approve the installation of these signs, further stating that there are quite a few complaints every year about motorized vehicles using the beach access points to access the beach front and would not be in favor of putting up a “Do Not Enter” sign and in favor of a “Motorized Vehicle Do Not Enter” sign. Regular Zoom Meeting – March 21, 2022 Page 3 Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel addressed the Board to clarify that this matter is all under the jurisdiction of the Park Department and should go before the Park Board. Djimitri Francois, 1102 Lakeshore Drive addressed the Board stating that he had a conversation with Ed Shinn regarding putting the signs up, suggesting he go through the proper channels and further explaining his request. President Keating asked if there was any comment from the Public and hearing none asked if there were any Board questions or comments. President Keating stated that it appears that this Board does not have jurisdiction over this matter. Mayor Parry made the motion to deny and refer this matter to the Park Board; 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. REQUEST TO PURCHASE CITY OWNED PROPERTY- Coleman Moore, 201 Hoyt Street is requesting to purchase all, or portions of City owned property located on West Michigan Boulevard–Highway 12 Parcel # 46-01-29-303-014.000-022 Coleman Moore, 201 Hoyt Street addressed the Board stating that he owns the piece of land in front of the parcel that is owned by the City and would like permission to purchase portions or all of that property. Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel stated that she had reached out to City Planner, Skylar York regarding this specific parcel, and he recommended that the Board of Works does not offer it for sale, further explaining why he has made this suggestion. President Keating asked Mr. Coleman if he understands the Boards decision not to sell. Coleman Moore answered yes, he understands. Mayor Parry made the motion to deny this the purchase all or portions of City owned property located on West Michigan Boulevard–Highway 12 Parcel # 46-01-29-303-014.000-022; 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. AGREEMENT FOR SPONSORSHIP- An agreement between the Board of Public Works and Safety and NIPSCO for their Sponsorship at the “Oktoberfest” being held on September 2 - 5, 2022 at Washington Park (Sponsorship (Gold) $4,000) Terry Greetham, Special Events Director, stated that he is excited to add NIPSCO as the newest sponsor at the “GOLD” level in the amount of $4,000.00; further explaining what the “GOLD” level includes. President Keating asked if there was any comment from the Public and hearing none asked if there were any Board questions or comments. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the sponsorship from NIPSCO in the amount of $4,000.00, 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. AGREEMENT FOR SPONSORSHIP- An agreement between the Board of Public Works and Safety and NIPSCO for their Sponsorship at the “Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival held on June 3 – 5, 2022 at Washington Park (Sponsorship (Gold) $5,000) Terry Greetham, Special Events Director, stated that he is excited to add NIPSCO as the at the “GOLD” level in the amount of $5,000.00; further explaining what the “GOLD” level includes. President Keating asked if there was any comment from the Public and hearing none asked if there were any Board questions or comments. Mayor Parry made a motion to approve the sponsorship from NIPSCO in the amount of $5,000.00; 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. FARMER’S MARKET AGREEMENT- Terry Greetham, Special Event Director is requesting approval of the 2022 Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Beth Golding – “Be Gold Urban Farm” Terry Gretham, Events Director addressed the board stating the Be Gold Urban Farm is a new vendor, and that they will be selling a variety of food items and artisan soaps and other handcrafted items. Regular Zoom Meeting – March 21, 2022 Page 4 President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the board, there was no comment. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana and Beth Golding – “Be Gold Urban Farm”. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The request was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. INSTALLATION OF BLUE BOWS / WREATHS- Becky Pressel, Family Advocates are requesting to place bows/wreaths on every other pedestrian streetlight along Franklin Street to promote child abuse awareness March 31, 2022, And remove them by April 30, 2022 Becky Pressel 1772 North Lofgren Road addressed the board requesting to install blue bows from 4th Street to 11th Street for Child Abuse Awareness Month, April 1st through April 30th. Ms. Pressel asked how the installation of these bows would be handled. Shong Smith, Director M.C. Central Services 1801Kentucky Street; stated that there would be no issue with the installation of the bows on the selected poles down the square. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any board comments, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the placement of bows/wreaths on every other pedestrian streetlight along Franklin Street to promote child abuse awareness March 31, 2022 and remove them by April 30, 2022. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. The request was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. REQUEST TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT- Cranston Harris, Superintendent Central Services, is requesting purchase equipment: Bench Brake Hub Lathe ($9,420.80) and an on-Car Rotor Lathe ($14,410.26) from Snap-On Equipment. Cranston Harris, Central Maintenance addressed the Board requesting the purchase of two brake hub lathes and an on-car rotor lathe, explaining how the lathes would enable workers to take down some of the rotors that are taken off the cars and trucks; further discussing how in the past they have been thrown away; explaining how he was able to repair the 40-year-old lathe that maintenance currently has, but because of the current condition it only allows them to do one at a time and that the two lathes that he is requesting to purchase, one is on-car and all that has to be done is take the wheels off and set the machine up and it is done by itself; further discussing how this would improve productivity because he would be able to assign one person instead of two to do the job; and 4 wheels could be done in approximately twenty minutes; whereas it currently takes four hours to get the job done. He explained how this purchase would be a vast savings and it would improve productivity. He discussed how the pricing includes all of the utensils; and if more money comes in this would allow more attachments to be purchased for the bench lathe. Mr. Harris stated that he feels money is being wasted because these parts were being thrown away. He discussed how these are tools that the shop needs to improve productivity and would save the city and his budget money because of the expense that is accruing with the limited availability of parts and the wait time has been increasing. Mr. Harris commented that last year with four guys, 2,800 work orders went out and 1,600 of those were breaks; and to imagine if 500 were truck drums that could not be taken down that is anywhere thrown in the dumpster. Discussion between President Keating and Counsel Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink ensued, and it was determined that this would be handled as a special purchase. Counsel Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink commented how the department maintains an affiliation with an entity called Source Well that obtains special pricing for these matters and it would be an opportunity to save monies under Indiana Code 522-10-5 President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any board comments. Mayor Parry commented that he agrees with Cranston Harris, and it would be a substantial time savings, because of so many vehicle parts are made overseas now; and how we are still suffering from the back log due to COVID. He feels this a very wise purchase and a win for the city. President Keating agreed with Mayor Parry and stated that this would definitely improve vehicle turnover. Vice President Vinson thanked Mr. Harris for going the extra mile and finding the equipment, and the thought to save time and money. Mayor Parry made a motion to approve Central Services, request purchase equipment: Bench Brake Hub Lathe ($9,420.80) and an on-Car Rotor Lathe ($14,410.26) from Snap-On Equipment; seconded by Vice President Vinson. The request was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. APPLICATION FOR VENDOR LICENSE- Mason Reffett, NW Indiana Lawn Care, d/b/a Weed Man Lawn Care is requesting a vendor/peddler license to go door to door offering Regular Zoom Meeting – March 21, 2022 Page 5 free quotes for weed control and fertilizer starting March 21-April 21, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mason Reffett 905 Heritage Court, Crown Point addressed the Board to explained that he along with his team would like to go door to door offering free quotes for fertilizer and weed control; to get the name of the company out to the public. Corporate Counsel Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated there were concerns with the certificate of insurance; due to the fact that the actual legal name of the entity does not match with the legal name on the application. The legal name of the entity on the applications states it is Northwest Indiana Lawncare, Inc., doing business as Weed Man. The insurance says it’s Five Star Turf Inc. Mason Reffett explained that Five Star Turf Inc. is based out of Illinois, and the Indiana entity is Northwest Indiana Lawn Care. Corporate Counsel Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink explained that an updated certificate of insurance showing that Northwest Indiana Lawn Care actually has insurance coverage must be submitted. Corporate Counsel Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink also addressed the concern of the request in the advertising to place door hangings around town, she explained that there is an ordinance that prevents placing tags on houses under Section 6-35 of the municipal code. She explained that you can go door to door and hand out the information if the resident is willing to accept it. Mason Reffett stated he had spoken to Clerk Neulieb, and she explained this matter to him. Corporate Counsel Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink commented that either the Board could conditionally grant the license until proper certification is submitted or table the matter until the proper certificate of insurance is presented. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any board comments, there was no response. Mayor Parry made a motion to table this matter until the proper certificate of insurance is in hand. Vice President Vinson seconded the motion. The request was tabled by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Mason Reffett asked what the time frame would be to submit the proper certificate of insurance. President Keating stated it cannot be approved until it is presented. Corporate Counsel Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink commented that it will be placed on the pending list for the April 4th meeting. Mayor Parry made a motion to put to put this item on the pending list for the next meeting. Vice President Vinson seconded the motion. The motion was 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 March 11, 2022 City Payroll $ 660,309.43 Vice President Vinson made the motion to approve the payroll dockets for March 11, 2022. 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. CLAIMS DOCKET March 21, 2022 MUNICIPAL $ 1,830,610.21 Regular Zoom Meeting – March 21, 2022 Page 6 CDBG $ 44,524.48 HEALTH & LIFE $ 179,378.26 Total Claims - $ 2,054,512.95 Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the Claims Docket. 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. PENDING ITEMS Captain Loniewski, M.C.P.D. traffic division, discussed the safety concerns on Springland Ave. by the Tall Timbers apartment complex that was brought up at the last board meeting from a concerned citizen. He stated that he did go to the designated area and looked at the existing signage on Springland Ave, between State Road 212 and Royal Road. He observed that there is no speed limit, parking, or pedestrian signage. He explained that on the second page of the handout there is a map and at the crosswalk at the east end of the park was not there to begin with. He mentioned that last week Shong Smith from the street department installed a crosswalk. Captain Loniewski asked for the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk signs at that crosswalk and the existing crosswalk, which is at the intersection of Springland Avenue and the entrance to Tall Timbers Apartment Complex. Captain Loniewski further asked for the installation of park signage, similar to what has been done at all of the other existing parks; he explained that for some reason the park was overlooked by the Safety Committee two years ago. Captain Loniewski asked the signage by consistent with the existing signage at the rest of the parks, which includes fifteen mile an hour speed limit signs and pedestrian crosswalks. Captain Loniewski commented that there are no speed limit signs at all on Springland Ave. in that area, and he is requested a thirty mile an hour speed limit sign at State Road 212 and Springland Ave. and Royal Road and Springland Ave. Captain Loniewski commented that at the existing crosswalk at the entrance to Tall Timbers Apartment Complex there is a two-way stop that he believes was meant to be a three-way stop. He explained that traffic is required to stop in both directions, on Springland Avenue and there is an exit from a driveway that enters Springland Avenue at that intersection. Captain Loniewski commented that there is currently no stop sign which makes it confusing, because it implies that the traffic exiting Tall Timbers Apartment Complex has the right of way, because there are already stop signs on Springland Avenue He is requesting the installation of a stop sign at the exit to that driveway, he feels there is enough right of way that belongs to the public that we can install stop signs without having to approach on private property. Shong Smith, Director M.C. Central Services agreed with Captain Loniewski and commented that he went and toured the location himself. He stated that crosswalks were installed, and feels it is imperative that stop signs and speed limit signs be installed. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any board comments. Mayor Parry thanked Captain Loniewski on his diligent research. Mayor Parry made a motion to put this matter on pending items; seconded by Vice President Vinson by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Corporate Counsel Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink commented to place this matter on the pending items list. President Keating stated that this matter would be left on the pending list until such time as all of the signs have been erected. UNFINISHED BUSINESS PUBLIC COMMENT Councilman D. Pryzbylinski 215 Gardena Street addressed the Board stating the installation of ADA crosswalk bubble pads in the downtown area, that was brough up several months ago. Councilman D. Pryzbylinski stated he is also on the Human Rights Commission, as a liaison for the City Council. Regular Zoom Meeting – March 21, 2022 Page 7 He discussed how a part of that responsibility is to look at disability and disability accessibility throughout the city. He explained how the bubble pads are for the visually impaired, so when one is walking from one surface to another for example from the sidewalk to the street, and if they have their cane with them, it gives them an indication that they are going from the sidewalk to the street. He went on to further discuss that he went downtown from tenth street to fourth and Franklin Street there are 51 sidewalk intersections that go out into the streets, and that there are crosswalks that go from the east side to the west side and five of those crosswalks are in need of a bubble pad. He explained that one sidewalk between fifth and sixth street and is a crosswalk from east to west has one hundred bricks that need to be repaired, because anyone with any type of disability trying to walk would not be able to do it in safe manner. Councilman D. Pryzbylinski further discussed his concern with the future expansion coming to the downtown that we should want things to be ADA compliant, and we should become disability friendly. He went on to discuss the concern over the cost of installing these pads. He went on to discuss that with the previous administration a survey was taken from eleventh street to Coolspring Ave., new sidewalks were put in but for those 8 blocks the ADA bubble pads were never installed, and the administration agreed to have them put in. He explained that the downtown area is in the North End TIF district, and the TIF funds are meant to be used for improvements in the area; for example: streets, sewers, and sidewalks. Councilman D. Pryzbylinski believes that ABA compliance is also a part of this because it effects the flow of human traffic in the area. He further discussed financing options; through the TIF district, five and a half million in the river boat fund, one point five million in the General Fund, and eight million dollars in ARP money that was just received, and then this could get done this Summer. He stated that all it takes is to go out and get bids in and get it going so by Spring this project could get done and Michigan City would be fully compliant in the downtown area. He expressed that as a council member and a member of the Human Rights Commission this should be a top priority to get this done for this population of Michigan City. He further discussed how this population needs our help to make sure everything is compliant, and if they want to get around the downtown are these pads need to be installed. Councilman D. Pryzbylinksi requested that the board put this on their pending items list, so it will be kept in front until it gets done. Councilman D. Pryzybylinski also addressed the traffic island safety markers from Wabash Street to Blue Chip Casino. He stated that he knew the previous engineer, who is no longer here was looking into that, and he requested this matter be put on the pending items list, because he did not want to lose sight of that, and it can get corrected. President Keating stated the previous engineer did contact the State and he was assured that this matter would be addressed once the weather improves. Jeff Wright commented that as far as the markers go, he did contact the State and they would address those once the weather got better. He stated he would compose an email and follow up and would copy everyone with the state’s response. He believes it would be on their queue and would hopefully give a time frame when those would be done. He went on to comment about the ADA ramps downtown, and that he did drive those the other day to take a look at them. He stated that for a point of reference last year a total of 151 ADA ramp upgrades were done. He commented that the domes are for the visually impaired, and are a tactile warning to give them indication that they are about to enter a location where traffic is present. He stated that at this time the ramps are not compliant, but they were when they were installed. He commented that typically what happens with a resurface project is the ramps are addressed and replaced to the current standard. He explained that with the fifty or sixty ramps that were mentioned that need to be replaced, that funding for this could be done as a separate project, independent of the resurface program. He explained that it is more than putting the truncated domes or ‘bubbles’ there would be slopes and widths that are held by federal guidelines, not the state. He further discussed the guidelines by the federal government. He commented that if this was elected to go under a CCMG Project, that the ramps would be covered, and they are required to be upgraded under a CCMG Project. Councilman D. Pryzbylinski requested the board put it on their pending items list. He requested the city engineer can get started on it at the next meeting. He stated that if funding is needed, and then discussed the funding sources. He stated that with population growing, and visitors coming to the downtown area; and this Michigan City needs to improve what they have to accommodate the population increase. President Keating asked if there were any board comments. Mayor Parry agreed with Councilman D. Pryzbylinski and made a motion to put it on the pending items list. Mayor Parry further expressed his appreciation for the time and effort Councilman D. Pryzbylinski has put into this matter. Mayor Parry assured everyone that he would address this with the Redevelopment Commission, and any funding they are not able to provide he would seek approval for appropriation by the City Council. Mayor Parry stated that it is going to be substantially more than $100,000 that is appropriated every year for sidewalks, he stated it does not Regular Zoom Meeting – March 21, 2022 Page 8 make any difference and that he would seek approval of an appropriation of those funds from the Council and asked Councilman Pryzbylinski if he would sponsor this request to which Councilman Pryzbylinski answered that he would do so. Mayor Parry made a motion to put this matter on pending items; seconded by Vice President Vinson by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street addressed the Board commenting on a bad accident that occurred in front of his house, stating that a utility pole and a streetlight collapsed, and that NIPSCO replaced the pole and the light, but the conduit that powers the decorative lights on the two adjacent corners and the conduit was left lying in the tree lawn and explained that service still needs to be restored to that area and he believes that would be the city’s responsibility. Regular Zoom Meeting – March 21, 2022 Page 8 Tommy Kulavik asked for an update on the CSX railroad crossing at Tilden Avenue and went on to mention that a lot of people are wondering why there have not been any demolitions to come before the board of works in the last two years. Mayor Parry stated that he would get electricians on the matter of the utility pole/streetlights brought up. Mayor Parry discussed CSX crossings and that Spring is approaching and that the CSX had assured him that the Tilden Avenue crossing repair would be at the top of the list and would get back in contact with CSX. Corporate Counsel Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink commented that she has spoken to City Planner, Skyler York and that some demolitions should be coming, they are getting all of the paperwork together. Mayor Parry commented that they are aware of the back log. Brad Minnick from Primera Engineers, 5241 Fountain Drive addressed the board to request to de- energize sixteen (16) NIPSCO streetlights at various locations along eleventh street. Brad Minnick explained that this would be necessary to keep the double-track project on schedule, so they are able to proceed with construction operations. He stated the NIPCSO standing by and ready to proceed once the board approves. President Keating asked Mr. Minnick what the schedule is for removal. Brad Minnick commented that a NIPSCO representative stated it would be a few days once the letter from the board was received. President Keating asked if the board had any comments. Mayor Parry asked Mr. Minnick once the lights are de-energized would it be dark all the way up and down eleventh street and asked would an alternate lighting system would be used. Brad Minnick commented that they explained to him there would be a replacement of lights to compensate for the sixteen that are going away. He explained that the intent along the corridor is to have beacon lights. Mayor Parry commented that there is an enormous number of lights on Eleventh Street, and he believes a little bit lower-level lighting would not hurt. Marry Parry asked if this request has anything to do with the required upgrade from 3G to 5G, that needs to be done quickly. Brad Minnick was not aware that was the issue for the request. He explained that they are moving the polls so they can proceed with the track project. Jeff Wright commented that this issue came up several weeks ago, and a request to NIPSCO was made that the goal would be as the light was reduced, that the amount of light not be diminished. This would allow pedestrians to be able to see, and this also goes along with the associated issues of crime. President Keating asked if there were any additional comments, there was no response. Mayor Parry made a motion to approve the extension of time, seconded by Vice President Vinson and by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating brought up the matter of a correspondence received from Chief Legault from the Michigan City Fire Department requesting to extend time for an investigation and possible disciplinary issue that occurred on February 20, 2022, and that this was for informational purposes only. President Keating asked if there was a motion to approve the extension of time. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the extension of time, seconded by Mayor Parry and by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members, Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. Mayor Parry commented to give the public a little background that this was to address some issues that they have had. Mayor Parry stated that the Chief Legault was made aware it was 30 days ago, this upcoming Saturday so it was necessary that action be taken to keep him within the time frame to respond. President Keating asked if there were any further board comments, there was 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 9:30 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. Regular Zoom Meeting – March 21, 2022 Page 9 _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk