Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR ZOOM MEETING – May 02, 2022 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday morning, May 02, 2022, at the hour of 8:30 a.m., hosted by “Hybird/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 Brad Minnick, City Engineer Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic Terry Greetham, Special Event Director Andrew White, Alco TV Aaron Borngraber, Assistant Planning Director Janet Beutner, Promise Scholarship Councilman Paul Przybylinski Chief Doug Legault, MCFD Mike Jasnieski, MCFD Gale Neulieb, City Clerk Stacy Dudley, Deputy Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES President Keating stated that we are going to defer the minutes until next meeting. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE - Johnny Stimley, Zoological Society, is requesting to their Annual “Running Wild for the Washington Park Zoo 5K ” on Sunday, July 10, 2022, starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Zoo down Lakeshore Drive to Center Street down Oming Street and back to the Zoo Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic addressed the Board stating that after speaking to Johnny Stimley, he stated that this is the same route and same starting time as all the previous years, and it is his recommendation that the Board approves this matter. President Keating asked if there was any comment from the Public, there was no response. President Keating asked if there was any Board questions or comments, there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the Annual “Running Wild for the Washington Park Zoo 5K” pending the updated certificate of insurance. 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 . REQUEST FOR FOUR-WAY STOP- William Guse, 301 W. Coolspring Avenue is requesting “Stop” signs to be placed on Coolspring Avenue at Hoyt Street along with placing speed limit signs on Coolspring Avenue. Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic addressed the Board stating that he first looked into this by pulling the accident reports for the last five (5) years and only one (1) was caused by a driver failing to yield the right of way to the “Stop” signs that are already there; also looked at the sightlines at that intersection and there are no obstructions therefore we recommend against the approval of this “4-Way” stop. President Keating asked if there was any comment from the Public, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any Board comments. Mayor Parry stated that the next intersection is at the intersection of Earl Road in Coolspring and then going east on Wabash to Coolspring and he was wondering if there is a sizable population of young children that be crossing the road to catch a school bus. Captain Jeff Loniewski stated that he travels that way quite often and has not noticed a lot of pedestrian traffic during the school hours. Vice President Vinson asked Captain Jeff Loniewski if there are adequate speed limit signs posted. Captain Jeff Loniewski stated that the law does not require a speed limit sign at every intersection or entrance into our roadway, however he is not opposed to putting up speed limit signs at both ends. Mayor Parry made the motion to deny the request for “4- Way Stop” signs to be placed on Coolspring Avenue at Hoyt Street and approves the request to place speed limit signs on Coolspring Avenue. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Vinson and carried as Regular Zoom Meeting – May 02, 2022 Page 2 follows: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . REQUEST FOR UNIFORM POLICY CHANGE- Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department, is requesting approval to update their uniform policy Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department addressed the Board stating that he had found a mistake in the policy under 1.13 warm weather uniforms and would like to add an amendment to the overlapped dates, April 1, 2022, till October 31, 2022. Mayor Parry asked Chief Doug Legault what the policy currently states. Chief Doug Legault stated that the policy has a cutoff from warm weather to cold and we overlapped the date by one day, saying November 1, 2022, so it needs to be changed to October 31, 2022. President Keating asked if there was any comment from the Public, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any Board comments, there was no response. Vice-President Vinson made the motion to approve the update their uniform policy pending the correction of the dates; 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 STREET CLOSURE - John Kramer, HRP Construction, is requesting a street closure from U.S. Hwy 212 down Freyer Road to thru traffic to Meer Road to install a permanent culvert on Fryer Road the Michigan City Sanitation Department for five (5) days. John Kramer, HRP Construction Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic stated that his concern is APPLICATION FOR ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES - Ron Landtro op, “A Slice of Heaven ” 425 Ogden Avenue is requesting approval to add two (2) additional employees to his Food Truck located in the parking lot of Brandt ’s Old Fashion Feed Store U.S. Hwy 12 Ron Landtroop, 425 Ogden Avenue addressed the Board stating that President Keating asked if there were any Board questions or comments. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the two (2) additional employees to his Food Truck located in the parking lot of Brandt’s Old Fashion Feed Store U.S. Hwy 12; 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 FOR STREET CLOSURE- Michigan City Water Department, is requesting a street closure on Michigan Boulevard (East bound lanes) from Jackson Street/ East Michigan Boulevard, South to East Barker Avenue then turning East to South Woodland Avenue, then turning North to East Michigan Boulevard on May 10, 2022, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. David Paul Regular Zoom Meeting – May 02, 2022 Page 3 REQUEST TO PURCHASE CITY OWNED PROPERTY- John Kelly Newcomb, Uplift and Restore , CDC, is requesting to purchase the old Police Annex Station Building and the property it resides on at 204 Willard Avenue Parcel # 46-01-29-35-30-40-0000-22 Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE - Eric Camel, St. Joseph Young Men ’s Society is requesting street closure at Tillotson Street from Franklin to Fulton Streets for their annual 2022 St. Joseph Festival on June 24-26, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. till midnight Captain Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic stated FARMER’S MARKET APPLICATION - Terry Greetham , Special Event Director is requesting approval of the 2022 Farmer ’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana, and following vendors listed below:  Grandpa ’s Farm  Vecini ’s Farms  Bruno’s  G’s Farmers Market  Burek’s Farm  Nancy’s Nature Trove Terry Greetham, Events Director addressed the Board stating that almost all of these vendor’s are returning vendor’s, except Nancy’s Nature Trove and we are happy to welcome them back. President Keating asked if there was any comment from the Public and hearing none asked if there were any Board questions or comments, there was no response. Vice-President Vinson made the motion to approve the 2022 Farmer’s Market agreement between the City of Michigan City, Indiana, and Tress Bien CBD Inc.; 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 . VENDOR AGREEMENT - Terry Greetham , Special Event Director is requesting approval of a food vendor agreement in the amount of $200.00 that the vendor will pay to the city for a 10X25 space between the City of Michigan City and Brisket Biskets BBQ at the Singing Sands Sculpting Festival being held June 3, 4, 5, 2022 Terry Greetham, Events Director addressed the Board stating President Keating asked if there were any public comments, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any Board comments, there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the food vendor agreement in the amount of $200.00 that the vendor will pay to the city for a 10X25 space between the City of Michigan City and Brisket Biskets BBQ at the Singing Sands Sculpting Festival being held June 3, 4, 5, 2022; seconded by Vice-President Vinson 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 . ENTERTAINMENT SERVICE AGREEMENT - Terry Greetham , Special Event Director is requesting an entertainment agreement for the 2022 Farmers Market season between the City of Michigan City and Neil Allesee in the amount of $150.00 per week and will not exceed $1,950.00 Terry Greetham, Events Director addressed the Board stating that every year the Farmer’s Market has had entertainment and that Nile Allesee will perform every other week in the amount not to exceed $1,950.00. President Keating asked if there were any public comments, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any Board comments, there was no response. Mayor Parry made the motion to approve the agreement between the City of Michigan City and Neil Allesee in the amount of $150.00 per week and will not exceed $1,950.00 seconded by Vice-President Vinson 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 . Regular Zoom Meeting – May 02, 2022 Page 4 ENTERTAINMENT SERVICE AGREEMENT - Terry Greetham , Special Event Director is requesting an entertainment agreement for the 2022 Farmers Market season between the City of Michigan City and George Prellwitz in the amount of $150.00 per week and will not exceed $1,950.00 Terry Greetham, Events Director addressed the Board stating that every year the Farmer’s Market has had entertainment and that George Prellwitz will perform every other week in the amount not to exceed $1,950.00. President Keating asked if there were any public comments, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any Board comments, there was no response. Vice-President Vinson made the motion to approve the entertainment agreement George Prellwitz in the amount of $150.00 per week and will not exceed $1,950.00; 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 PAYROLL DOCKET April 22, 2022 City Payroll $ 627,452.47 April 29, 2022 City Pension $ 211,571.27 Mayor Parry made a motion to approve the city payroll docket for April 22, 2022, and city pension docket for April 29, 2022. The motion was seconded by Vice President Vinson. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members; Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . CLAIMS DOCKET May 02, 2022 MUNICIPAL $ 921,885.55 CDBG $ 0.00 HEALTH & LIFE INS. FUND $ 446,709.58 WORKERS COMP TRUST $ 15,716.15 Total Claims - $ 1,384,311.28 UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Keating stated the first item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Nicole Barker representing Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) President Keating stated that this was tabled from our last meeting for the reason that the easements needed to be approved by Redevelopment. President Keating asked if there were any board comments, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to deny the request to purchase city owned property between Fogarty and Blaine adjacent to Lake Avenue Parcel # 46-01-21-361-005.000-022; Mayor Parry seconded the motion by the following vote: 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 . President Keating stated the next item up on the pending items/unfinished business is 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 Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board stating that the Board has already approved this, and the problem is that we are trying to locate the legal description and Sue Downs, Building Commissioner is working on the real estate; further explaining the last deed that was recorded did not have a legal description. President Keating stated that this will remain on the pending items list. Regular Zoom Meeting – May 02, 2022 Page 5 President Keating stated the next item up on the pending items/unfinished business is Mason Reffett , NW Indiana Lawn Care, d/b/a Weed Man Lawn Care addressed the Board requesting a vendor/peddler license to go door to door President Keating asked if the updated Certificate of Insurance has been received. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink addressed the Board stating that she had tried to reach out via email to this company, with no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to deny this request and remove it off of the pending items list, this was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members; Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . President Keating stated the next item up on the pending items/ unfinished business is Tommy Kulavik , 1316 Ohio Street is requesting a “4-Way Stop ” at the intersection of Ohio and William Street. President Keating stated that at our last meeting a motion was made to approve additional signage underneath the stop sign that read “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop”; what is the status. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic stated that he had spoken to Shong Smith, Street Director and he confirmed that this is completed and can be taken off of the pending items list; this is not on the agenda for today but Annemarie Bunton, can be taken off of the pending items list since the crosswalk has been painted at the high school for students’ safety. Tommy Kulavik addressed the Board to ask if the traffic patterns really changed and they put the signage up under the “Stop” signs. Mayor Parry made a motion to remove this from the pending items list, seconded by Vice President Vinson. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members; Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . President Keating stated that in addition to Mr. Kulavik’s matter that Ms. Bunton’s matter regarding the crosswalk at the high school needs a motion to remove from the pending items list. Vice President Vinson. made a motion to remove this from the pending items list, seconded by Mayor Parry; The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members; Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . President Keating stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business is Councilman Don Przybylinski requested that signage (rough crossings) be placed at Ohio Street and Tilden Avenue CSX crossing President Keating stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business is Brealon Hervey- Social Que BBQ and Catering, Mobile Food Truck located at 621 Franklin Street President Keating asked if the Clerk’s office had heard from Brealon Hervey. Gale Neulieb, City Clerk stated that she has not heard from Mr. Hervey. 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 deny Brealon Hervey- Social Que BBQ and Catering, to have his Mobile Food Truck located at 621 Franklin Street; seconded by Vice President Vinson. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members; Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . President Keating stated that this conclud es the pending items/unfinished business list . PUBLIC COMMENTS Terry Greetham , Director of Special Events, requesting approval of a two-year contract between the City of Michigan City and Pyro Technique Fireworks Incorporated for July 4th, 2022, at 9:00 p.m. Regular Zoom Meeting – May 02, 2022 Page 6 Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events addressed the Board apologizing for bringing this matter so late before the Board, but there was a lack of communication between him and the Mayor’s office; further explaining the details of the contract and that the money comes from the Mayor’s budget and that there are some concerns but we need to move ahead so that Pyro Fireworks can place the order for the fireworks. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that this is a time sensitive matter and recommend that the Board approves this matter subject to Counsel changes to insurance and receipt of the certificate of insurance; further explaining why she needs to make sure that the insurance is in place. President Keating asked what the cost will be for the fireworks. Terry Greetham stated that they will cost for one year will be $36,500 or a two-year deal would be $33,000 for 2022 and $33,600 for 2023. President Keating asked for public comments, there was no response. President Keating asked for Board comments. Mayor Parry asked if the new owner of Pyro has no issues standing behind a previous commitment. Terry Greetham answered that Mr. he does not. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the two-year contract between the City of Michigan City and Pyro Technique Fireworks Incorporated for July 4th, 2022, at 9:00 p.m., pending the insurance; this was seconded by Mayor Parry. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members; Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . Terry Greetham , Director of Special Events, requesting approval of a two-year contract between the City of Michigan City and Mrs. Crawford ’s Curising Kitchen as a vendor for the Singing Sands Festival, June 3 rd-5 th, 2022 Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events addressed the Board stating that this was on the agenda for today and it had to be pulled at the last minute; further explaining that due to the high cost in insurance many vendors are struggling to balance cost of insurance, the $400.00 fee we are charging to become a vendor at the event, and the insurance cost for the arts and crafts merchants. President Keating asked if there were any public comments, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any Board comments. Vice President Vinson asked if the problem was the cost of the insurance or that our coverage demands are too high and should we look at reducing those. Terry Greetham explained that the feedback from the vendors is that our requirements are higher than many other places and we need to see if there can be any changes made to this policy; further explaining how some vendors might have to pull out due to cost of insurance. Further discussion ensued between Vice President Vinson and Terry Greetham regarding the insurance costs for vendors. Corporate Counsel, Amber Lapaich-Stalbrink stated that it is not her goal to randomly make life difficult; explaining what the procedure is with protecting the City and we pay a considerable amount for liability insurance. Further discussion ensued regarding the costs for insurance and hopefully everyone can work together to come up with a different process. Mayor Parry made a motion to approve Mrs. Crawford’s Curising Kitchen as a vendor for the Singing Sands Festival, June 3rd-5th, 2022, this was seconded by Vice President Vinson. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members; Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . President Keating asked if there were any further public comments, there was no response. Regular Zoom Meeting – May 02, 2022 Page 7 President Keating asked if there were any further board comments, there was no response. BOARD COMMENT Vice President Vinson addressed the Board with anticipating issues and problems that he has seen around the City and all of the events that will be starting this summer, plus the beachfront opening up at Washington Park area we anticipate several visitors and Franklin Street Bridge which is the primary access to Washington Park and further explaining that if that bridge goes down how would the City detour around the City. President Keating stated that this should be placed on our pending items list. Mayor Parry stated that this is something that needs to be discussed with the County because legally the bridge is the County’s responsibility. Vice President Vinson stated that with the summer season approaching the City doesn’t want anyone put into danger or confused with detours. Further discussion ensued between Vise President Vinson and Mayor Parry regarding detours and the responsibility of the Franklin Street Bridge. President Keating asked if there were any further public comments, there was no response. Councilman Paul Przybylinski, 1716 Washington Street, addressed the Board stating that first you are talking about the one-way street, but then you are talking about the bridge and who is responsible and also addressing another way to alleviate traffic, is signage the alternative; the County has a bridge fund and have known for the last fifteen (15) years that it needs repairs. Jeff Loniewski, M.C.P.D. Traffic stated he spoke to Mr. Minnick and Mr. York, and we looked at creating one-way streets in this area; he believes that the neighbors and businesses should be spoken to that use these streets and asked for this to be placed on the pending items list. Terry Greetham addressed the Board stating that another thing that should be kept in mind is to keep add him to any conversations that involve this matter as we move forward due to the boat races and how this event would be affected if the bridge is closed. Mayor Parry made a motion to keep the request on the pending items list until June 6, 2022, meeting, this was seconded by Vice President Vinson. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members; Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . Councilman Paul Przybylinski, 1716 Washington Street, addressed the Board about the utility poles that he addressed about a year ago and wanted to know what happened. Mayor Parry stated that himself and Jeff Wright, City Engineer at the time was handling this matter and had conversations with NIPSCO that we wanted them down as they got the other services disconnected. Further discussion ensued between Mayor Parry and Councilman Paul Przybylinski, regarding the poles and getting into contact with NIPSCO or State Representative. Councilman Paul Przybylinski addressed the bid that was sent out for the police cars and that it should be open to all vendors. Mayor Parry stated that he has no problem with bids going out to all dealerships that offer leasing. Further discussion ensued between Mayor Parry and Councilman Paul Przybylinski about leasing dealerships in our area. President Keating asked if there were any further public comments. Vice President Vinson stated that he shared the same thoughts as Councilman Przybylinski and wondered why the request was for a specific brand and he interviewed some police officers asking them their preference which is the one that was requested, and we want our officers to be comfortable in the equipment that they like. Further discussion ensued between Vice President Vinson and Councilman Przybylinski regarding the police vehicles and getting our monies worth. Regular Zoom Meeting – May 02, 2022 Page 8 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 09:26 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