Board of Public Works & Safety

REGULAR HYBRID/ZOOM MEETING – August 21, 2023 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday, August 21, 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) A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in attendance: Amber Lapaich Stalbrink, Corporate Counsel Andrew White, Alco TV Brad Minnick, Interim City Engineer Andrew Matanic, IT Director Gale Neulieb, City Clerk APPROVAL OF MINUTES President Keating asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting of August 7, 2023, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the minutes as read of the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting of August 7, 2023; seconded by Mayor Parry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: Board members, Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. REQUEST FOR UNIFORM CHANGE- Chief Doug Legault, Michigan City Fire Department is requesting permission to allow Firefighters to wear Breast Cancer Awareness shirts from October 1, 2023, through October 21, 2023, as part of their uniform . Chief Doug Legault, MCFD, addressed the board stating this is just an annual event to sell and allow firefighters to wear these Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts as part of their uniforms for the month of October. 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. Vice President Vision stated for the record this is no cost to the City and this is a donation from Firefighters and any other citizen purchasing a t-shirt. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the request to allow Firefighters to wear Breast Cancer Awareness shirts from October 1, 2023, through October 21, 2023, as part of their uniform., second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. VENDOR APPLICATION – Jesus Tapia, Taco M Fren is requesting a mobile food vendor license application approval for one year to sell authentic Mexican food located at 621 Franklin Street, Sunday -Saturday from 10:00 am- 8:00 pm. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 2 Jesus Tapia, Taco M Fren addressed the board stating he has owned this business for 10 ten years currently located in LaPorte but would like to bring his food truck here as he has a lot of customers from Michigan City. President Keating stated for the record the current Health Certificate is dated from 1/3/2023- 12/31/2023, the application date of sale is from 7/12/2023- 7/31/2024 which exceeds the date on the health certificate, lot rental agreement from 7/12/2023- 7/21/24 and an international driver’s license. Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink stated, the Certificate of Insurance will need to be amended to include auto liability, food establish permit will need to be renewed and the board can approve subject to renewal, and 621 Franklin Street will be the only location. President Keating asked Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink if there were any concerns with the proximity to any other establishments. Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink replied planning will need to review the location, so the board may want to table this request at this time. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public. Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street stated this is the same location as where Brealon Hervey was located when he had his food truck. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments. Mayor Parry stated as Mr. Kulavik pointed out this area has been reviewed before and the location is approved as it meets the requirements, as far as the auto liability that is an issue, and he would not like to approve this request as the expiration dates can fall through the cracks and does not want to have a business operating without insurance. Mayor Parry made a motion to table the mobile food vendor license application approval for one year to sell authentic Mexican food located at 621 Franklin Street, Sunday - Saturday from 10:00 am- 8:00 pm, until the September 5, 2023 BOW meeting for receipt of the amended COI to including auto liability and to submit proof of renewal of the Food establish permit to the board no later than December 2023; second by Vice President Vinson and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, 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. 2 ” between the City of Michigan City Board of Public Works and Haas & Associates, LLC. to perform additional engineering services (not to exceed $319,300.00). President Keating stated for the record proof of funding was received from the Controller’s Office with $219,300.00 coming out of account number 1101.114.431.020 and $100,000.00 coming out of account number 2209.000.431.020. Brad Minnick Haas & Associates, LLC., address the board stating this is an amendment for the service agreement that has been in place since last December. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public. Rodney McCormick, 617 Union Street, asked the board why doesn’t the City hire an engineer, will it save us money? President Keating asked if the board had any comments. Mayor Parry stated the City has not been able to find an engineer in the salary range the City can afford, plus with as many projects that is going on within the City it is impossible for one engineer to handle it, by contracting out we have a pool of engineers. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 3 Mayor Parry made a motion to approve the “Professional Service Agreement Amendment No. 2” between the City of Michigan City Board of Public Works and Haas & Associates, LLC. to perform additional engineering services (not to exceed $319,300.00); second by Vice President Vinson and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. REQUEST FOR STREETLIGHT- Rodney McCormick, 617 Union Street, is requesting a streetlight be placed in the alleyway between Walker and Holiday Streets in the 200, 400 and 500 blocks for public safety. Rodney McCormick, 617 Union Street, addressed the board stating he is here to represent the citizens in that area as the dumping is horrible. This morning he sent pictures of the dumping to the board members and as soon as it was cleaned it happened again as this issue has also been documented by the Police Department, also landlords clean out their property and throw everything in the alleyway as this is an ongoing problem. Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street, stated this is a problem as well as the serious crimes being committed in that area, so the lights are really needed. Brad Minnick stated, we can add a mid-block light and see if it helps light up the area. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public. Rodney McCormick asked a lot of the citizens who have security in the area, how about putting the lights at the end of the alleyway so vehicles can be seen coming in and out and possibly a light in the middle as well. Brad Minnick stated that would be a total of nine (9) lights to be installed, I will get in touch with NIPSCO to get this request moving forward. Further conversation ensued between the Board and Brad Minnick regarding the number of lights in the City and any programs that may help with this issue. President Keating asked if the Board had any comments. Mayor Parry stated the City Council is very close to having an Ordinance for dumping that will place a heavy fine on these individuals. City Attorney Lapaich-Stalbrink stated there is a law against dumping and if anyone was to witness this should contact the Police as there are laws against this. Vice President Vinson stated he would like to hear from Vector Control or the Street Department to give us a report and if they do know who is doing this and to put a name behind it as we have a state law as the property owners should not be responsible for this. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve a streetlights be placed in the alleyway between Walker and Holiday Streets in the 200, 400 and 500 blocks for public safety.; second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0). Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF SIGNAGE- Abdou Ibrahim, All Brick LLC, is requesting the removal of two (2) 15- minute parking signs that are in the front of 218 7 th Street (Langes Meat Market) and place a “No Parking “sign in front of the driveway apron at the same location. Brad Minnick Haas & Associates, LLC., address the board explaining the signage on picture presented to the board. President Keating stated the board would like to receive input from the merchants before we approve this request. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 4 Mayor Parry stated he agreed as well, at that time the signage was installed there was a dispute between McGinnis Pub and Langes Meat Market regarding parking for customers. Vice President Vinson stated he has a concern with how the request is written out and the picture we received, he drove by and the last 2 parking spots that are not in this picture are the locations where the signs are currently placed and the signage in the picture from 2013 are already gone, and there should be no parking signs and even yellow painted on the street at the driveway apron. Brad Minnick Haas stated he was unaware of the extensive history of this request and would like to investigate this and table until the next meeting. Vice President Vinson made a motion to table the removal of two (2) 15-minute parking signs that are in the front of 218 7th Street (Langes Meat Market) and place a “No Parking” sign in front of the driveway apron at the same location until the next meeting; second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0). Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. REQUEST TO HANG BANNERS- Rose Tejeda, Mainstreet Association is requesting the placement of twenty – six (26) double sided banners celebrating “Noami Anderson ” on the poles on both sides if Michigan Boulevard staring at 9 th Street heading north, ending at the Charles Westcott Park. Rose Tejeda, Mainstreet Association addressed the board asking permission to install the 26 banners that have been ordered that is part of the project for the sculpture that was installed at Westcott Park, as they would like to place these banners on the taller light post and presented the map of the locations the banners would be placed and the design of the banners. President Keating asked what is the length of time these banners would be hung? Nancy Moldenhauer stated these are permanent installations, and have reserved banners ordered for the upkeep, NIPSCO and their Union have partnered with them to maintain the sculpture but is taking this project on as their ongoing commitment to Celebrate Noami Anderson. President Keating asked who will be installing the banners. Nancy Moldenhauer stated Burnback Vice President of the Union and Abrahma Dudley Chair for Diversity of NIPSCO and presented Insurance Documents to the City Clerk. City Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink stated that Mainstreet will also need to present insurance as well. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public. Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street stated he strongly feels these banners should come down in November and be reinstalled in the Spring as the weather will damage these banners. Rodney McCormick 607 Union Street stated that the banners need to be installed right the first time so no safety incidents happen, and it would be nice to have public input on whatever banners may be displayed on a light pole that the community will see. President Keating asked if the board had any comments. City Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink stated the Street Department will look over the brackets and make sure they will work, and she is suggesting tabling this request for their review and having a meeting prior to the next board meeting. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 5 Mayor Parry stated, he recommends tabling this as NIPSCO needs to provide a whole harmless statement in addition to insurance, and hanging the banners from the highest poles are harder for the citizens to see, the shorter ones are in much better view. Nancy Moldenhauer stated the reason they are on the higher one is they are larger banners and if they are installed on the shorter ones, they are reachable and can be pulled down and damaged. Vice President Vinson stated he would like to see a definite date as the weather changes take them down in the winter months and re-installed in the Spring. Mayor Parry made a motion to table the placement of twenty – six (26) double sided banners celebrating “Noami Anderson” on the poles on both sides of Michigan Boulevard starting at 9th Street heading north, ending at the Charles Westcott Park until the next meeting for the COI from Mainstreet and a meeting with the Street Department prior to the next meeting; second by Vice President Vinson and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. APPROVAL TO USE CITY PROPERTY- Kalvon Hawkins, 325 Village Road, is requesting to use the “You Are Beautiful ” lot on Saturday, September 23, 2023, starting at 11:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. for their last car “audio battle ” of the year. Kalvon Hawkins, 325 Village Road, addressed the board stating at the last event he held, the City was supposed to block of the street and did not, but they didn’t have any problems or complaints, with the last event proceeds he was able to put back into the community by purchasing lanyards, bracelets and 100 backpacks with school supplies to pass out to the youth at the Police night out event. President Keating stated for the record we have an approval letter from Redevelopment Commission granting permission for his event to use the “You Are Beautiful” lot on September 23, 2023. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public. Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street, stated he thinks this is a great event as he is able to help the community but also once the building project starts on the lot he would like to recommend using the lot across from the Michigan City Area School Administration Building on Carroll Avenue. Rodney McCormick 607 Union Street stated these events bring in a lot of young people and these events give not only to the foundation, but he puts it back into the community and would like to say thank you. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments. Mayor Parry suggested using the property at Carroll Avenue as all the documents are finished to start the development at the “You Are Beautiful” location and would hate for a change to happen at the last minute. Vice President Vinson stated Redevelopment signed the letter granting permission so there should be no issues. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the use of the “You Are Beautiful” lot on Saturday, September 23, 2023, starting at 11:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. for their last car “audio battle” of the year, second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. STREET CLOSURE- Michael Cox representing Flaharty and Collins Construction Company is requesting a street closure on 10 th Street and Pine Street to begin construction of the six-story precast parking garage, two 12 and 6 story apartment Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 6 “tower” and two-story retail/commercial space, by the train station, starting Monday August 28, 2023, (2 to 21/2 years). Stephen Eppink representing Flaharty and Collins, Architect John Debrowski representing American Structure Point, and Michael Cox addressed the board presenting details about the construction work that will be happening regarding the development of the parking garage, train station and apartment as well as road closures and detours. John Debrowski, Architect stated there will be 2 staging areas for this project one will be located at Wabash Street and Barker Avenue (Franciscan Hospital parking lot) where the 24 foot wide panels will be stored, as one lane closer will be needed on Wabash Street, the other site location will be at Michigan Boulevard and 11th Street (Chrysler lot) will be storing various construction materials and a box truck, 11th Street will need to be closed leaving the sidewalk opened and Franklin Street with 1 lane going north and 2 going south. Superintendent Michael Cox stated they will be using precast that will be swinging by a crane a 20 feet wide by 60 foot long precast panel to build the garage there is a total of 400 precast to build and complete this project which is why the concern is so great as 10th Street will be the main delivery route as it will be coming in from Wabash Street once it makes it to the job site it will be picked up by the crawler which is a 675,000 pound crane. President Keating asked what are the hours you would be moving the precast? Mr. Cox replied 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. President Keating stated this request needs more than just coming before the board for approval, there needs to be a meeting to coordinate. Brad Minnick stated there was a coordination meeting held three (3) weeks ago with the Planning Department and they are planning to have a coordination meeting with the Police Department to go over the traffic flow also as the beams travel north on Wabash Street they will be in the southbound lane because of the swing radius they cannot travel traditional and make the corner coming onto 10th Street which will be turned into a rolling closure with the Police Department escorting them to the stop, this request is asking permission for the road closures around the site and the delivery will be brought back at a later date. Corporal Wright, MCPD Traffic, now the department needs to know when, where and what the plan is for the rolling road closures. Vice President Vinson asked what is the weight of the trucks driving down the streets? Mr. Cox responded he does not know the weight of the trucks, but the crane is 675,000 unloaded and 935,000 loaded. Vice President Vinson asked Corporal Wright what the weight limit is on the streets and is this overloaded, will there be any problems, will the streets be fixed before the company leaves town and how are you getting to the hospital parking lot (staging area) into town and what are those street weight capacities. Mr. Cox responded to Vice President Vinson the truck will take I94 to Franklin Street and turn unto west Barker Avenue go up two blocks to the hospital parking lot. Further conversation ensued between Mr. Cox, Corporal Wright, Vice President Vinson, and Brad Minnick, regarding the weight of the truck and the weight of the City streets and delivery of the precast. Matt Weber, General Insurance, stated that with the length of this project you will have to follow up with the renewal. City Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink asked how long the Franciscan parking lot will be used for as she is already hearing complaints from residents living in that area. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 7 Stephen Eppink stated up to five (5) months as it requires three (3) months of fabrication then the installation. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public. Rodney McCormick 607 Union Street, asked how is this going to affect bussing the children to and from school as there is a lot of bus stops in that area as well as where are residents going to park their vehicles at as there are residents who park on the road, there should be a meeting for everyone that this is going to impact so that they can have input and a clear understanding of what is going on. Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street stated there is an Ordinance that states you can do the work between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. also pointing out that American Structure was the company who gave us all the manhole covers on Ohio Street so hopefully they won’t mess this up like they did that project. Councilman Don Przybylinski, stated the precast is 24 feet wide by 60 foot long and Wabash is a two lane street and a normal traffic lane is 10 feet wide in order to bring this items down Wabash street you are going to have to clear the entire street, There are residents who park on this street from Barker Avenue all the way down to 10th Street on both sides of the road and asked the contractors if they have gone out and measured the streets and where the items will be staged, can the semi’s actually make these turns, has a truck even been brought into town the size of what you are asking for and drive the streets? Do you plan on doing that? There needs to be a meeting to be discussed with all departments. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments. Mayor Parry stated he was given limited information on this project, and it is very infuriating that this company has not mapped these streets out with every inch along the way and where are the panels coming from? Mr. Eppink answered Indianapolis. Mayor Parry asked why they are not bringing it up Highway 65 to Highway 94 to Highway 49 to Highway 12 and staging directly on site? Vice President Vinson made a motion to table the street closure on 10th Street and Pine Street to begin construction of the six-story precast parking garage, two 12 and 6 story apartment “Tower” and two-story retail/commercial space, by the train station, starting Monday August 28, 2023, (2 to 21/2 years) for a workshop where all parties that are effected and public opinion can be heard; second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. FIRST NET “PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT ”- Andrew Matanic, IT Director, is requesting a “participation agreement ” (managed by AT&T) which the State of Indiana competitively contracts for Indiana state agencies and political Subdivisions (Special Purchasing Method under I.C. 5-22-10-15) Andrew Matanic, IT Director, addressed the board stating this is just a participation agreement as the City is not committed to purchase anything or obtain AT&T services this is for the future use if we choose to go with this company as we currently have problems with Verizon Wireless towers being down and will return before the board to seek permission before a purchase would be made. 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. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 8 Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve “participation agreement” (managed by AT&T) which the State of Indiana competitively contracts for Indiana State Agencies and Political Subdivisions (Special Purchasing Method under I.C. 5-22-10-15), second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. STREET CLOSURE- Kevin Kegebein, Walsh-Herzog is requesting the following R/R crossing/street closures for the NICTD Double Track project; Huron to Willard, Willard to Hancock and Hancock to Sheridan Avenue; School Street to Carroll Avenue, Grace Street to Vail Street starting on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 for one month. Kevin Kegebein, Walsh-Herzog, addressed the board explaining what each road closure time length will include and a description of what will be fixed. President Keating asked if there are detours put in place. Kevin Kegebein responded yes and that he emailed the detour plans out. Corporal Wright, MCPD Traffic, stated he has not received or reviewed any of the detour plans. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public. Rodney McCormick 607 Union Street stated there is a lack of communication with the City Administrator and Departments, this Double Track Project is a huge inconvenience for the citizens of Michigan City. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments. Mayor Parry stated this is a big project and items need to be reviewed and fixed, there is a master schedule with meetings so why are we waiting to the last minute for request for street closures, as various departments do not have the opportunity to react immediately to these notices. Mayor Parry made a motion to table the following R/R crossing/street closures for the NICTD Double Track project; Huron to Willard, Willard to Hancock and Hancock to Sheridan Avenue; School Street to Carroll Avenue, Grace Street To Vail Street starting on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 for one month until the September 5, 2023 meeting., second by Vice President Vinson and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. DRAINAGE ISSUE- Dennis Nespo, 1112 Tennessee Street is concerned about the catch bas in that were removed in front of his resident when construction was done for the double track and water standing there for days after it rained. Councilman Don Przybylinski addressed the board stating the problem is at the corner of 11th Street and Tennessee Street due to the Double Track Project they moved a storm sewer down to 11th Street and Tennessee Street when it rains there is now a large puddle of water in the middle of the intersection. Brad Minnick Haas & Associates, LLC, addressed the board stating that on Wednesday he sent NICTD a 14-page punch list regarding the 11th Street part of the project and that it has been added to the contractors list with a meeting scheduled with NICTD for Thursday September 7, 2023 and this request will be on that agenda, but recommends tabling till the second meeting in September. President Keating asked if Mr. Nespo had not brought this to the board’s attention would this have been caught, is NICTD going out and inspecting items or in a couple of years will the City have a crisis with items that were not caught? Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 9 Brad Minnick responded that this is part of the ADA conjunctions that he brought to their attention that did not comply and 3 months ago we had a meeting with NICTD and given them various issues and the list is a growing list. There are 188 ramps along the corridor in Michigan City and WSP is responsible for the construction inspection and going over the list they provided there was approximately 30 of the 88 ramps they were not compliant, so they have been working on removing and replacing them. 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. Mayor Parry stated this project needs to have quality assurance observation from NITCD to make sure all items are fixed. Vice President Vinson stated he would like to thank Brad Minnick for all his hard work. Vice President Vinson made a motion to table the request for 1112 Tennessee street concerning the catch basins that were removed in front of his resident when construction was done for the double track and water standing there for days after it rained until the September 18, 2023, second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. INSURANCE POLICY COVERAGE- Matt Weber, General Insurance is requesting approval for the Special Events- 2023 Michigan City Oktoberfest Liability Insurance Policy that will be held from 9/1/2023- 9/4/2023 in the amount of $2,132.00. Matt Weber, General Insurance addressed the board stating that this is an annual special events policy the City puts into place that includes the set up and tear down of events. President Keating stated for the record proof of funding has been provided from the City Special Event Fund. 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. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the Special Events- 2023 Michigan City Oktoberfest Liability Insurance Policy that will be held from 9/1/2023- 9/4/2023 in the amount of $2,132.00, second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. REQUEST TO SOLICIT BIDS- Brad Minnick, Hass & Associates, LLC . is requesting to solicit bids and the approval of specs for a city-wide pavement striping project. President Keating stated for the record proof of funding has been provided from the 2023 Budget/Encumbrance Street account number 2202.000.435.030- $200,000.00 – 2023 Budget and 2202.000.443.030- $75,000.00- 2022 Encumbrance. Brad Minnick, Hass & Associates, LLC addressed the board that this is a pavement marking project that needs to be bid out if the board approves it and will incorporate Ohio Street, Woodland Avenue, Franklin Street, Carroll Avenue, Washington Street and Greenwood Avenue to the extent the budget allows this also includes the alternatives for re-striping of four (4) public lots for Redevelopment in connection with the NICTD Double Track Project. President Keating asked if he was aware this was advertised in the Herald Dispatch on Friday before the meeting. Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 10 Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink stated due to the state statute requirements this had to be published two consecutive weeks, seven days apart to meet the bid opening. Brad Minnick stated talking to contractors there is always a push every fall to strip the end up projects due to the high priority and there will be penalties if they are not complete in time, however there is a window if this needs to be held over to the September 5th meeting. Councilman Don Przybylinski addressed the board stating Michigan Boulevard is a main street coming into the City, along with Franklin Street that should be on the list to be striped for public safety. Brad Minnick stated he will look into the budget and return the first meeting in September. 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 to solicit bids and the approval of specs for a city-wide pavement striping project, second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. President Keating read the following item on the agenda. OPENING OF BIDS- Marty Corley Assistant Chief of MCPD- the lease of ten (10) 2023 Police Vehicles seven (7) Dodge Chargers and three (3) Dodge Durango ’s. President Keating asked if there was anyone who would like to submit a bid. Vice President Vinson made a motion to close the bids, second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink, stated we received one bid from LaPorte Chrysler that is broken down into four (4) different ways, the price for one (1) 2023 Dodge Charger for 2 years is $10,800.00, if the City got seven (7) of the 2023 Dodge Chargers the cost is $75,600.00; the price for a 2023 Dodge Durango is $13,464.00 and for three (3) the total price would be $40,392.00, the company did indicate these vehicles are in stock and can be delivered immediately. Marty Corley, Assistant Chief of MCPD, stated this is within their budget as they have $200,000.00 approved for this. President Keating asked if there were any comments from the public. Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street stated he feels this purchase should be approved. President Keating asked if the board had any questions or comments, there was no response. Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the lease of ten (10) 2023 Police Vehicles seven (7) Dodge Chargers and three (3) Dodge Durango’s and will be awarded at the September 5, 2023 meeting, second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink asked President Keating to add on a last-minute request that was brought to her this morning regarding the MCPD dog Axile as he has health issues and had to be taken out of service August 11, 2023 and presented the board with a letter from the vet explaining the health issue and recommending that the dog be retired from service; Officer Weigel has agreed to take care of the dog for the rest of its life. A canine Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 11 adoption agreement is where the dog would go with its handler and the City would transfer ownership over. President Keating asked 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 canine adoption agreement where the dog would go with its handler and the City would transfer ownership of Axel over to Officer Weigle, second by Mayor Parry and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. CLAIMS AND PAYROLL President Keating read the BOW Claim Docket for August 21, 2023: PAYROLL DOCKET August 11, 2023 City Payroll $ 733,343.54 CLAIMS DOCKET August 21, 2023 Municipal $ 1,586,866.29 Health & Life Ins. Fund $ 702,169.00 CDBG $ 22,355.08 WORKERS COMP TRUST $ 0.00 Total Claims: $ 2,311,390.37 Vice President Vinson made a motion to approve the City Payroll Dockets and the Claims Docket in the amount of $2,311,390.37, second by Mayor Parry and carried as follows: AYES: BOW members Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Keating stated the first item on the pending items list. Kenneth Flick- 3216 Franklin Street Driveway to be ground down like all other curbs and driveways on Franklin Street. Brad Minnick, Hass & Associates, LLC presented the board with a photograph of the address in question and explained that Mr. Flick was referring to the elevated curb in front of the mailbox as it resulted in him falling off his bicycle, so he is asking that this curb be ground down to prevent that from happening to other future bicyclists. Brad further stated that he can solicit quotes to have this done on a smaller scale project, but we are still looking at $11,000 and up to have it removed and replaced. President Keating asked Brad if this is necessary, since this is clearly marked. Brad Minnick responded his preference would be to share the roadway with vehicles in a safe manner and reserve the sidewalk for pedestrians. Mayor Parry stated he has ridden his bike down this sidewalk and if you’re paying attention, you will slow down as there are more around the City that are in the same situation. Rodney McCormick 617 Union Street stated he also rides his bike in the City and rides on the sidewalk as well due to vehicles traveling at a very high rate of speed up and down the streets. Mayor Parry made a motion to deny the 3216 Franklin Street Driveway to be ground down like all other curbs and driveways on Franklin Street, second by Vice President Vinson and Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 12 carried as follows: AYES: BOW members Parry, Vinson, and Keating (3). NAYS: None (0). Motion Carries. President Keating stated the next item on the pending items/unfinished business list is Barry McDonnell is requesting to purchase a vacant property owned by The City of Michigan City on Wildrose Drive Parcel #46-01-13-233-022.000-022 Attorney Lapaich Stalbrink stated this request was brought before the board a couple meetings ago and Steve Standford Sanitation Department came to the meeting under Public comment and stated their department response was a no, however after the meeting the department stated they would consider selling if an easement was granted on the property for the sanitary lines at this time, she is asking for this to be tabled until the September 18 meeting. President Keating asked 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. Mayor Parry made a motion to table the request to purchase a vacant property owned by The City of Michigan City on Wildrose Drive Parcel #46-01-13-233-022.000-022 Until the September 18, 2023 BOW meeting, second by Vice President Vinson and the motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BOW members Mayor, Vinson, and Keating (3) NAYS (0) Motion carries. 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. President Keating asked if there were any public comments. Tommy Kulavik 1316 Ohio Street stated he wanted to pay tribute to Strake County EMT Mike Wilcox who lost his life in the line of duty, also to the victims of the Hawaii wildfire it is absolutely devastating and lastly wishing all the fire applicants much success on their testing and training. Rodney McCormick 607 Union Street, on behalf of the Housing Authority would like to say they have a special meeting today for an approval for repairs to the ten (10) units in Lakeland Estates further stating that he would like to thank Andy Matanic and the IT Department for doing a great job and would like to have broadband for the City; NICTD quiet zone have the dividers in the middle of the street and the curb is damaged and someone is going to get hurt. Councilman Don Przybylinski, stated the bridge over Michigan Boulevard and Trail creek needs the sidewalk cleaned up on both sides with the City Greenways coming into town all the weeds are high, garbage laying around it looks disgusting, our standards should be higher, and we should be pushing INDOT to complete these duties. Mayor Parry stated he will follow up on this matter. BOARD COMMENT President Keating asked if there were any Board comments. Vice President Vinson stated a lot of citizens are concerned regarding the homelessness, this has been a struggle for many years and for the public’s knowledge there are many organizations that reach out and they do help as well as City Council is working on an Ordinance to address some of the issues as well as the Police Department; however, Regular Hybrid/Zoom Meeting – August 7, 2023 Page 13 homelessness and panhandling are two different things. Panhandlers are the ones holding the signs and begging for money and most of these people are housed people and are not homeless so giving to them is not helping the homeless, if you feel intimidated or harassed, please call the Police Department immediately. 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 10:31 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