Board of Public Works & Safety

Regular Board of Works Meeting In Person and Hybrid/Zoom on February 5, 2024 The Board of Public Works and Safety met in regular session on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, City of Michigan City, on Hybrid, Zoom and streamed live on the “Access LaPorte County” Facebook page. The meeting was called to order by President Tim Bietry. On the call of roll, the following Board Members were found to be present or absent. Noted present in person: President Tim Bietry and Candice Antisdel (2) Absent: Gene Simmons (1) Also noted in attendance: Amber Lapaich, Corporation Counsel; Kim Sliwa, Office Manager; Ryan Beall, Deputy City Attorney; Corporal Brian Wright, Traffic Division-Michigan City Police Department; Timothy Werner, City Engineer; Kyle Anthony-Peter, Associate Planner; Skyler York, Planner; Terry Greetham, Special Events Coordinator; Eric Williams, Special Events Administrative Assistant; Mary Lynn Wall, Controller; Brad Minnick, Haas & Associates; Don Przybylinski, At Large Councilman; and Drew White, ALCO TV. Approval of Minutes The Board made a motion to approve the minutes with the addition of the “adjournment time” for the meeting to reflect 10:05 a.m. Mrs. Antisdel made the motion to approve the minutes for the January 25, 2024 regular meeting; seconded by President Bietry and was approved with the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None Opening of Quotes – 2024 Michigan City Sidewalk Replacement project Brad Minnick of Haas & Associates addressed the Board advising that he sent out six (6) quotes for the 2024 Michigan City Sidewalk Replacement Project. President Bietry asked if there was anyone else present who wished to turn in a quote for the project. There was no response. President Bietry made the motion to close the quote submission for the 2024 Michigan City Sidewalk Replacement project; seconded by Ms. Antisdel and was approved by the following vote: 1 AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None Counsel Lapaich opened and read the four (4) quotes that were received as follows: Reith Riley in the amount of $349,431.80 Milestone Construction North Inc. in the amount of $282,452.00 LaPorte County Project in the amount of $102,308.00 Woodruff & Sons in the amount of $181,812.36 Counsel Lapaich asked that the quotes be given to Brad Minnick of Haas & Associates and herself for review and recommendation to the Board at their next meeting. Six (6) quotes were solicited and only four (4) were submitted. President Bietry made the motion to refer the quotes to Brad Minnick of Haas & Associates and Counsel Lapaich for their review and recommendation to the Board at their next meeting; seconded by Mrs. Antisdel and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Bietry and Antisdel NAYS: (0) None Traffic Control – Councilman Don Przybylinski, 215 Gardena Street – requesting to replace turn directional signals at Barker Road & Franklin Street – “Turn on Green Only signs” missing Councilman Don Przybylinski, 215 Gardena Street, addressed the Board requesting that the directional signals at Barker Road & Franklin Street be replaced as the “Turn on Green Only” on the signs have faded and are no longer visible, on the north, south, east and west directional signs. Brad Minnick, Haas & Associates, addressed the Board explaining due to sun fading the “Turn on Green Only” is no longer visible; advising the Street Department will order new signs and install them in the next few weeks and should be done before the Board’s next meeting. Mrs. Antisdel made the motion to approve the request; asking that this matter stay on the “Pending items” list until completion; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry Traffic Control – Councilman Don Przybylinski, 215 Gardena Street – requesting to replace the “Warning Ballard” pole on the median at 11th and Franklin Street Councilman Don Przybylinski, 215 Gardena Street addressed the Board requesting that the broken “Warning Ballard” pole on the median at 11th & Franklin Street be repaired/replaced. Brad Minnick, Haas & Associates, addressed the Board stating he has contacted NICTD to put this item on their Punch List; advising the Punch List will come back in May to be reviewed with NICTD. 2 Discussion ensued between Councilman Przybylinski and Mr. Minnick regarding the “safety issue” this poses for the motorists. Corporation Counsel Lapaich stated that she will send a letter to NICTD to address this matter as a priority for public safety. Mrs. Antisdel made the motion to approve the request; asking that this matter stay on the “Pending items” list until completion; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None Request for Filming – Kelsey Bunner, Bulls LLC, 220 Homer Street is requesting to utilize city property to shoot their film, “Bulls” and to use the city of Michigan City as the location for their story President Bietry asked if anybody was present to discuss the request; there was no response. Corporation Counsel Lapaich addressed the Board to refresh them on the last time this request came before the Board; asking Deputy City Attorney Beall to reach out to Ms. Bunner to get the exact dates/times/locations for any closures utilizing city property and their Certificate of Insurance; asking the Board to TABLE the request until the requested information is given to the Board. President Bietry asked if the City has an Ordinance pertaining to this type of request and Counsel Lapaich responded saying there is no specific request. Mrs. Antisdel agreed that the Board needed more information about the specifics of this production; making the motion to “TABLE” the request until a representative can be present at a meeting to answer the Board’s questions about the film production; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None Traffic Control Replacement – Dakota Euler, 718 Emma Street – requesting to have the left turn yield on green signs replaced at Barker Road and Franklin Streets Dakota Euler, 718 Emma Street, addressed the Board via ZOOM regarding the request; stating this is the same request that was addressed earlier in the meeting by Councilman Przybylinski; thanking the Board for their approval. Mr. Euler went on to address the Board regarding traffic control devices similar to the request at Barker Rd. and Franklin St. at 400 North and Cleveland Avenue; asking the Board to approve the installation of signage there also. Brad Minnick, Haas & Associates, addressed the Board and Mr. Euler stating the City has an agreement with LaPorte County for that portion of the roadway, and would be happy to reach 3 out to them to discuss this matter; advising he will give an update to the Board at its next meeting. Payroll and Claims Dockets Payroll Docket January 26, 2024 City Payroll $ 737,435.98 Police & Fire Payroll Pensions $ 239,474.18 Claims Docket January 22, 2024 Municipal $ 2,634,532.61 Health & Life Ins. Fund $ 723,594.91 CDBG $ 0.00 Worker Comp Trust $ 0.00 Special Events $ 0.00 Total Claims: $ 3,358,127.52 The Board accepted as presented for both the payroll and claims dockets. Mrs. Antisdel made a motion to approve the claims; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None Unfinished Business – Jesus Tapia, Tacos My Fren, 621 Franklin Street Note: this item was TABLED at the January 25, 2024 meeting. Counsel Amber Lapaich addressed the Board regarding the request stating that Skyler York, City Planner, and herself have spoken with Mr. Tapia giving him the option to either have a 1 year license and would have to move the food truck daily as per the ordinance, or, he could apply for a license in April and then not have to worry about the water lines freezing in the winter months. Jesus Tapia, Tacos My Fren, 621 Franklin Street, addressed the Board stating he wants the yearly license as he has established a client base at that location. Mrs. Antisdel made a motion to approve the request for the Mobile Vendor License for Jesus Tapia, Tacos My Fren; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None 4 Unfinished Business – Don Przybylinski, 215 Gardena Street, Councilman at Large – requests the replacement of ADA signal signs on crosswalk poles throughout the city Note: this item was TABLED at the January 25, 2024 meeting. Brad Minnick, Haas & Associates, addressed the Board stating this request was from the September 5, 2023 meeting from Councilman Don Przybylski; since that time he has solicited a quote from our Traffic Signal Contractor of $1,710.00 to replace the signs. He stated that Mayor Angie had requested this be a project opportunity for an Engineering Intern at the last meeting, Mr. Minnick also requested to solicit a quote from the Street Department’s signage vendor; Shong Smith provided a quote from Michael Todd Industrial Supply that was received on January 29, 2024 for $441.00 for material only and the city would have to provide the labor to install the signs. Mr. Minnick explained that Counsel Lapaich had requested an inventory of the crosswalk signs, and out of the 141 signs located within the City only 18 signs need to be replaced; advising there is Proof of Funding from the Controller’s Office. Mr. Minnick’s request to the Board would be to approve the purchase of the signs by the city and then the city could install them; he will work with the Street and Engineering Departments on installation. President Bietry stated that this would be a saving of $1,300 for the city if the Internship works out. Mrs. Antisdel made a motion to approve Mr. Minnick purchasing the materials only at a cost of $441.00 and having the Street Department install them; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None Unfinished Business – Terry Greetham, Special Events Coordinator – is requesting approval of a contract between the City of Michigan City and Pyrotechnico Fireworks, Inc, for the annual fireworks display on July 4, 2024 and July 4, 2025 Note: this item was TABLED at the January 25, 2024 meeting. Corporation Counsel Amber Lapaich addressed the Board explaining this request was TABLED at the last meeting so she could work with Pyrotechnico Fireworks, Inc to make their Certificate of Insurance compliant and contract updated; advising the COI has been updated and is now compliant with the requirements of the City, as well as the Contract. Mrs. Antisdel made a motion to approve the corrected Contract and updated COI; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None 5 Unfinished Business – Ryan McGrath, 118 Krueger Avenue – is requesting the installation of a mirror for “Blind Traffic” at the new Subdivision of Harbor Pointe Note: this item was TABLED at the January 25, 2024 meeting. Mrs. Mary Ann Gustafson, 116 Krueger Avenue, addressed the Board on behalf of Mr. McGrath requesting the City install a “mirror” for the newly established subdivision; advising the speed limit/control signs that are posted at 20mph do nothing to slow down traffic; expressing her concerns for the safety of her family, neighbors, pedestrians and vehicular traffic along that particular stretch of Krueger Avenue. Brad Minnick, Haas & Associates, addressed the Board explaining the liability the City would incur if the sign were damaged, and that such a device is not standard in the MUTCD (manual on uniform traffic control devices) which the City adheres to. The City can’t prevent the resident(s) from placing their own sign, but Mr. Minnick advised against the City placing the mirror. Discussion ensued between President Bietry, Mrs. Gustafson, Mr. Minnick and Counsel Lapaich regarding the matter of placing such a traffic control device on private property. Mrs. Gustafson advised they are requesting the mirror be place on City property across the street. Counsel Lapaich asked the Board to leave this on the Pending Item list for the next meeting so discussion can take place to try to find a feasible solution to the problem. Mrs. Antisdel made a motion to “TABLE” the matter until the next meeting; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None Unfinished Business – EPA Soil Sampling – Allen Jarrell, USEPA – is requesting permission to conduct soil sampling on City-owned parcels located on Green Street, bearing parcel number 46-01-32-138-009.000-022 and parcel number 46-01-32-133-011.000-022 Corporation Counsel Lapaich addressed the Board advising she is still waiting for a response from their Attorney; asking to keep this on the Unfinished Business list, and she will update the Board at their next meeting. Mrs. Antisdel made a motion to keep the matter on the Unfinished Business list until the next meeting; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None 6 Public Comment Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street, addressed the Board via ZOOM regarding the traffic signals on 11th Street at Washington Street are now back to flashing red only. Brad Minnick, Haas & Associates, addressed Mr. Kulavik and the Board explaining that when the traffic devices lose their “signals” they revert back to the flashing red only; advising Midwestern Electric has been contacted and have been on site to assess the situation and re-set the signal for green/yellow/red; further stating if the problem persists it will go back on NICTD’s punch list. Councilman Don Przybylinski, 215 Gardena Street, addressed the Board regarding the previous administrations involvement in getting the Tilden Avenue railroad crossing fixed for vehicular traffic; stating a letter was sent from the Mayor and US Senator to the CSX to address the disrepair of the crossings at Woodland Avenue, Carroll Avenue, Roeske Avenue and Greenwood Avenue; asking that this matter be put back on the Agenda and that the City install proper signate about the rough tracks. Brad Minnick, Haas & Associates, addressed the Board stating he will reach out to the Street Department to see if they have signage available to place at those crossing locations. Mr. Earnie Hollihan, 302 Gladys Street, addressed the Board regarding the condition of the railroad tracks; manholes on Tilden Avenue, Garfield Street & 1 by the tracks on Tilden Avenue that have sunk into the pavement causing obstacles for drivers; sanitary drains not being cleared of debris for water drainage; pavement markings/lines on Roeske Avenue and throughout Michigan City; and a whole in the pavement on Warnke Road that drivers are avoiding by driving on the wrong side of the road. Updates – Terry Greetham, Special Events Terry Greetham, Special Events Coordinator addressed the Board advising the City has opened entry to all city parades; stating he has been working on the 2024 partnership program and new partnerships for the city major events; updating the Board on the Singing Sands Sculpting Event; and working with Mr. Tim Bauer on the MusicFest/Oktoberfest bands to be set for 2024 – stating they had so many bands apply that they had to turn some away. Mr. Greetham addressed the Board advising Shannon Eason, Superintendent of Park & Recreation will be at the Board’s next meeting to update them on what is happening with the Park. Updates – Flaherty & Collins Properties David Elbers, Flaherty & Collins Properties, addressed the Board updating them on the status of the 11th Street Station project stating they completed the aggregate piers portion of the project and the next crew will be coming in for excavation this week. 7 President Bietry asked if there were any other comments from the Public; there was no response and Public Comment was closed. President Bietry asked if there were any Board comments; there was no response. Mrs. Antisdel made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by President Bietry and was approved by the following vote: AYES: (2) BOW Members Antisdel and Bietry NAYS: (0) None Meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m. 8