Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR HYBRID/ ZOOM MEETING – May 1, 2023 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., hosted by “Hybrid/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) Note: Mayor Parry joined the meeting at the point where the Board considered Doris Mitchell’s request for street closure. A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in attendance: Amber Lapaich Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel Andrew White, Alco TV Chris Yagelski, Mayor’s Administrator Terry Greetham, Special Events Director Eric Williams, Assistant Evens Coordinator Kyle Petter, Associate Planner Christine Vanderburg, Code Enforcement Officer Shannon Eason, Assistant Park Superintendent Brian Wright, MCPD Traffic Marty Corley, Assistant Chief MCPD Skyler York, City Planner Stacy Dudley, Deputy Clerk Amanda Pickens, Assistant Deputy Clerk. APPROVAL OF MINUTES President Keating asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting of April 17, 2023, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the minutes as read of the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting of April 17, 2023; seconded by President Keating and was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board members, Vinson, and Keating (2). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. PURCHASE AGREEMENT - Shannon Eason, Public Art Committee, is requesting an approval of a purchase for Fisher Stolz ’s sculpture “Clairvoyance ” in the amount of $8,080.00, The purchase agreement shall take effect on June 22, 2023. Shannon Eason, Public Art Committee, stated “Clairvoyance” was placed on Michigan Blvd. and Highway 212 and was involved in a vehicle accident, the artist agreed to remove and have it repaired and will now go back on display and will sell it to the City for the total of $8,080.00. President Keating stated for the record there is funding in available from account 1101.500.439.090. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the purchase for Fisher Stolz’s sculpture “Clairvoyance” in the amount of $8,080.00, The purchase agreement shall take effect on June 22, 2023., second by President Keating and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Vinson, and Keating (2) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following request on the agenda. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – May 1, 2023 Page 2 STREET CLOSURE REQUEST - Janet Bloch, Director of the Lubeznik Cent er for the Arts , is requesting the usage of the north end area of “You Are Beautiful ” site and the street closure at the intersection of Washington Street, north of U.S. Highway 12; Franklin Street from the crosswalk at Water Street headed south around the curve to 2nd Street; and traffic both ways between Franklin Street and Shoreline Brewery driveway for the Arts Festival August 19, 2023, 8:00 a.m. thru August 21, 2023, 7:00 p.m. Janet Bloch, Director of the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, stated that this is an annual event we hold for the Art Festival, all documents have been provided and she will go before the Redevelopment Commission for parking on the “You Are Beautiful” lot. Corporal Wright stated he recommends approval and has no objections. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments, there was no response. Attorney Lapaich asked Janet to submit the Insurance to the Clerk’s office for review. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve usage of the north end area of “You Are Beautiful” site and the street closure at the intersection of Washington Street, north of U.S. Highway 12; Franklin Street from the crosswalk at Water Street headed south around the curve to 2nd Street; and traffic both ways between Franklin Street and Shoreline Brewery driveway for the Arts Festival August 19, 2023, 8:00 a.m. thru August 21, 2023, 7:00 p.m. Pending the approval of the insurance; second by President Keating and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Vinson, and Keating (2) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. APPROVAL FOR ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES - Ron Landtroop, “A Slice of Heaven ” is requesting approval to hire additional employees on his vendor license. Ron Landtroop, 425 Ogden Ave, stated he is here to hire two additional employees for the summer. Attorney Lapaich stated there are no issues. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments, there was no response. Vice President made a motion to approve Ron Landtroop “Slice of Heaven” hiring additional employees on his vendor license., second by President Keating and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Vinson, and Keating (2) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. REQUEST TO SOLICITE BIDS – Marty Corley, MCPD Chief of Operations is requesting to solicit bids for the leasing of nine (9) 2023 Dodge Durango ’s police pursuit vehicles with fully upfitted equipment. Marty Corley, MCPD Chief of Operations, addressed the board stating he would like to make this a one step process as most car lots can fully equipe the vehicles including decals that will save the department time. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – May 1, 2023 Page 3 President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments Vice President Vinson asked Chief Corley what happens on the return end of the lease, is the City responsible for any damages and or the removal of equipment? Chief Corley responded the department will either surrender at no cost or purchase the vehicles. President Keating asked when Bids are due Chief Corley stated June 5,2023 President Keating stated for the record the Council approved this under the Riverboat fund 2235. Vice President made a motion to approve the solicitation of bids for the leasing of nine (9) 2023 Dodge Durango’s police pursuit vehicles with fully upfitted equipment., second by President Keating and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Vinson, and Keating (2) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. SPONSOR AGREEMENT – An agreement between the Board of Public Works and Safety and LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau for their Sponsorship for the 2023 “Singing Sand Sculpting Festival ” held on June 9 th -11 th, 2023, at Washington Park (Sponsorship of $10,000) Terry Greetham Special Events Director, stated he is excited as LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a new sponsor this year and has become a major sponsor of this event. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments, there was no response. Vice President made a motion to approve the agreement between the Board of Public Works and Safety and LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau for their Sponsorship for the 2023 “Singing Sand Sculpting Festival” held on June 9th -11th, 2023, at Washington Park (Sponsorship of $10,000)., second by President Keating and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Vinson, and Keating (2) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. SPONSOR AGREEMENT – An agreement between the Board of Public Works and Safety and General Insurance Services for their Sponsorship for the 2023 “Singing Sand Sculpting Festival ” held on June 9 th -11 th, 2023, at Washington Park (Sponsorship of $5,000) Terry Greetham Special Events Director, stated General Insurance is a returning sponsor and is at the same level as last year. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the agreement between the Board of Public Works and Safety and General Insurance Services for their Sponsorship for the 2023 “Singing Sand Sculpting Festival” held on June 9th -11th, 2023, at Washington Park (Sponsorship of $5,000)., second by President Keating and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Vinson, and Keating (2) NAYS (0) Motion carries. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – May 1, 2023 Page 4 President Keating read the following item on the agenda. SPONSOR AGREEMENT – An agreement between the Board of Public Works and Safety and NIPSCO for their Sponsorship for the 2023 “Singing Sand Sculpting Festival ” held on June 9 th -11 th, 2023, at Washington Park (Sponsorship of $10,000) Terry Greetham Special Events Director, stated NIPSCO is a returning sponsor and has increased this year to a major sponsor. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the agreement between the Board of Public Works and Safety and NIPSCO for their Sponsorship for the 2023 “Singing Sand Sculpting Festival” held on June 9th -11th, 2023, at Washington Park (Sponsorship of $10,000)., second by President Keating and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Vinson, and Keating (2) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. TRAFFIC PLAN SAFETY CONCERN - Tony Quartuccio, St . Mary Immaculate Conception Church is concerned with street parking for the church between 10 th & 11 th Street; street refinishing, restriping, and parking plan and the Cul-de-sec maintenance presence due to the double track construction project. Tony Quartuccio, St. Mary Immaculate Conception Church stated his concerns with the reconstruction of the streets including Buffalo and Manhattan Streets, particularly between 10th and 11th Streets. Skyler York Planning Director, stated to contact Nicole Baker at NICTD as this is not a matter for the City engineer as this is all being done by employees if NICTD. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, Dave Nelson St. Mary Immaculate Conception Church, stated the church would like to add additional handicapped spaces to the west side of the church parking. President Keating stated based on the discussion this is not something the Board of Works can address and so the Board directed that this to be taken to NICTD. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. RATIFYING AMENDMENT CONTRACT - Shannon Eason, Assistant Park Superintendent is requesting the ratification of amendment #2 Contract 72517 (Phase 3) in the amount of $811,809.00 for the hike/ pedestrian facilities Singing Sands Trail- Contract 72487 (Phase 1) amendment #3 in the amount of $153,200.00 for the bike/pedestrian facilities Shannon Eason, Assistant Park Superintendent, stated both phases are complete just waiting on INDOT review that takes up to 6 -8 months as the current contract expired so the amendments are just giving a time extension to close out the contract as there is no money involved. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the ratification of amendment #2 Contract 72517 (Phase 3) in the amount of $811,809.00 for the hike/ pedestrian facilities Singing Sands Trail- Contract 72487 (Phase 1) amendment #3 in the amount of $153,200.00 for Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – May 1, 2023 Page 5 the bike/pedestrian facilities., second by President Keating and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Vinson, and Keating (2) NAYS (0) Motion carries. Mayor Parry joins the meeting President Keating read the following item on the agenda. REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE - Doris Mitchell, Pleasant Hill M.B. Church, 717 E. 10 th Street, is requesting the closure of Maple Street between 10 th and 11 th Street on Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. for the Pastor & Wife 9 th Anniversary . Doris Mitchell, Pleasant Hill M.B. Church, stated she is here to get approval to close the road to have parking and tents set up to eat outside. Corporal Wright stated he recommends approval. 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 closure of Maple Street between 10th and 11th Street on Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. for the Pastor & Wife 9th Anniversary., second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT - Tim Haas, Haas & Associates, LLC. is requesting the approval of “Professional Service Agreement Amendment No. 1 ” between the City of Michigan City Board of Public Works and Hass & Associates, LLC. to perform additional engineering services (not to exceed $190,000.00) Tim Haas, Haas & Associates, LLC stated he is here to answer any questions pertaining to the amendment to the service contract. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public, there was no response. President Keating asked if there were any board comments, Attorney Lapaich stated the Council will approve the Resolution at the meeting tomorrow night so this will be contingent on the approval. Mayor Parry made a motion to approve the “Professional Service Agreement Amendment No. 1” between the City of Michigan City Board of Public Works and Hass & Associates, LLC. to perform additional engineering services (not to exceed $190,000.00) contingent on the approval of the Council., second by Vice President Vinson and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. SPECIAL PURCHASE - Marty Corley, MCPD, is requesting approval for a “Special Purchase ” of Taser 10 (89 tasers); to replace the current model taser 26 that are being discontinued with the total purchase price $387,150.00. Marty Corley, MCPD, stated the current contract for the tasers ends this month so the department would like to purchase the (89) of the Taser 10’s, 84 will go to the officers, 3 to Animal Control and 2 for extras, this will be paid by contractual services for a five (5) year contract for $387,150.00 and will pay in yearly installments. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – May 1, 2023 Page 6 President Keating stated this purchase is coming from account 1101.202.439.090 and asked Marty when will these be received? Marty responded in between October and the beginning of the year. Further conversation ensued between the board and Marty regarding contract maintenance, and how many times tasers can be used and possible reloadable cartages. 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 approve a “Special Purchase” of Taser 10 (89 tasers); to replace the current model taser 26 that are being discontinued with the total purchase price $387,150.00., second by Vice President Vinson and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT - Special Events updates and details as to all the upcoming community events per BOW Resolution No. 2836. Terry Greetham, Special Event Coordinator, gave an overview of the upcoming community events that are lined up and is excited as more people are getting involved. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. PARK DEPARTMENT REPORT - Park Departments updates and detail as to all upcoming community events per BOW Resolution No. 2836. Shannon Eason, Assistant Park Superintendent, gave an overview of Washington Park events that are coming up for the months of May and June. CLAIMS AND PAYROLL President Keating read the BOW Claim Docket for March 20, 2023: PAYROLL DOCKET April 21, 2023 City Payroll $ 685,825.82 CLAIMS DOCKET May 1, 2023 Municipal $ 863,860.44 Health & Life Ins. Fund $ 352,331.37 CDBG $ 58.60 Workers Comp Trust $ 0.00 Ohio St. Project Oper Fund $ 1,350.00 Total Claims: $ 1,217,600.41 Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the City Payroll Dockets and the Claims Docket in the amount of $1,217,600.41 second by Mayor Parry and carried as follows: AYES: BOW members Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Pending Item ’s List President Keating stated the first item on the Pending Items List is Councilman Paul Przybylinski -placement of a “Stop” sign in the alley between Barker Avenue and Fulton Street. Corporal Wright stated his recommendation is to not put the sign up as it is against past practice to put “Stop signs” at the end of alleyways. Mayor Parry made a motion to deny the placement of a “Stop” sign in the alley between Barker Avenue and Fulton Street. remove from the pending items list., second by Vice Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – May 1, 2023 Page 7 President Vinson and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating stated the next item on the Pending Items List is Paul Przybylinski Councilman – safety issue/concerns ADA corners for the double tracks on 10th and 11th Street. President Keating stated this was tabled as the acting engineer was going to speak to NICTD regarding this issue, this item needs to remain on the pending list. President Keating stated the next item on the Pending Items List is Mike Vinson- “Jake Brake Restricted” signs on US 35 between Warnke Road & US 20 interchanges on both sides of the highway. Attorney Lapaich stated there is some ordinances regarding noises but not specific to “Jake Brakes”, she will draft one and Councilman Paul Przybylinski will sponsor., recommends leaving on the list for two (2) months. President Keating stated the next item on the Pending Items List is Casey Martin Marquette High School -traffic safety concern, Casey Martin stated he is very grateful the City has helped us by installing “Stop” signs, “Pedestrian Crosswalks” that light up and widen the crosswalks, we are looking to revisit the long-term addition of speed tables, also repainting the crosswalks as they have been widen to make everyone aware. Mayor Parry stated he is working on the restriping, and he will take care of this matter. President Keating stated to keep this on the pending list for two (2) months. President Keating stated the next item on the Pending Items List is Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street, restriping Ohio Street from 11th Street to Garfield Street. Tommy Kulavik asked to withdraw his request. Mayor Parry made a motion to remove the request of restriping Ohio Street from 11th Street to Garfield Street., second by Vice President Vinson and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating stated the last item on the Pending Items List is Brad Minnick Primera Engineers, LTD is requesting a fee proposal for Woodland Ave. Crash Analysis. President Keating stated Jeff Wright informed that there was a previous crash study done on this area. Jeff Wright Hass & Associates addressed the broad presented the report to the board for review, stating this could be incorporated with the current study. Further conversation ensued between the board and Jeff Wright regarding the exact location this study was done and does this consider the possibly for construction to be done. President Keating stated to leave this on the pending items list for a month. PUBLIC COMMENT President Keating stated that the City ’s Website has the forms and explains the requirements and procedures for being placed on the Board Agenda. The forms are also available from the Clerk ’s office. Also called attention to the Board ’s Resolution #2823 enacted on December 6, 2021 and reading in pertinent part that Public Comment is limited to three (3) minutes. All comments are addressed to the Board President not to the individual Board members. All comments must be germane to and within the mandate authority of this Board. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – May 1, 2023 Page 8 President Keating asked if there were any public comments, there was no response. BOARD COMMENT President Keating asked if there were any Board comments, Mayor Parry stated that there are two (2) voting places that have changed, Sinai Temple will vote at Edgewood School and Teamsters Union Hall you will now vote at South Wind Immanuel Church. 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 09:20 a.m. Vice President Vinson made the motion to Adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mayor Parry. AYES: Board of Public Works and Safety members Keating, Vinson, and Parry (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries . _________________________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk