City Council

REGULAR MEETING – September 18, 2018 The Common Council of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in Regular session on Tuesday evening, September 18, 2018 at the hour of 6:30 p.m., local time in the Common Council Chambers, located in the lower level of the City Hall Building, 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, Indiana. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Council President Przybylinski. Roll call was authorized and the following were noted present and/or absent. PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS Tim Bietry, Pat Boy, Sharon Carnes, Bryant Dabney, Ron Hamilton, Don Przybylinski, Candice Silvas, Gene Simmons and Johnny Stimley (9). ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS None (0). A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT ALSO PRESENT: Jim Meyer – Council Attorney, Clerk – Gale Neulieb, and Deputy Clerk – Kim Sliwa APPROVAL OF MINUTES President Przybylinski inquired whether there were any corrections, deletions, or additions to the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 4, 2018 and the Executive Session minutes of September 4, 2018. Councilwoman Boy made a motion to approve the Regular meeting minutes held on September 4, 2018 and the Executive Session minutes of September 4, 2018; second by Councilman Dabney. The minutes were approved as printed. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES Chairman Bietry presented the following Finance Committee meeting minutes: The Finance Committee was called to order this evening at 6:21 p.m. by Chairman Bietry to review claims filed since the September 4, 2018 meeting. Committee members Bietry, Przybylinski, and Dabney were present as well as City Comptroller Rich Murphy and Attorney James Meyer. Claims reviewed totaled $235,131.26 from the Boyd Development Fund and $160,744.24 from the Riverboat Fund for a total of $395,875.50. There were no issues raised to the docket as presented. Councilman Przybylinski moved to recommend approval of the docket, with a second by Councilman Dabney. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:22 p.m. The summary of claims is as follows: From the Boyd Development Fund: $792.00 to Beacher Newspaper for Farmer’s Market display ads $7,861.00 to Butler, Fairman & Seufert for work on Singing sands trail phase 3 $500.00 to Chicago Public Media Inc. for WBEZ radio ads for the Warhol Art Exhibit $190.00 to Johnson Johns & Septic for the rental of two units for one month $209,914.09 to Reith-Riley Construction for park/school and traffic safety features $15,874.17 to We Create Media for social media, website content, and graphic design for August of 2018 Page 2 September 18, 2018 From the Riverboat Fund: $20,156.48 to Butler, Fairman & Seufert for continuing work on the Airport Project $9,880.05 to D & M Excavating for sanitary sewer extension $1,960.89 to Enterprise Rent-A-Car for MCPD undercover police vehicles $26,225.00 to Global Engineering for Community Crossing/Center St. road repair $2,187.50 to James Meyer & Assoc. for legal services on a variety of city projects $4,979.50 to John Doyle & Assoc. for sanitary sewer extension engineering $111.80 to Municipal Electronics for police dept. electronic equipment updates $95,243.02 to Walsh & Kelly Inc. for Barker Road resurfacing President Przybylinski asked if there were any other Standing Committee Reports. President Przybylinski gave the following report from the Labor Relations Committee meeting that was held on September 10, 2018 with representatives of the F.O.P. for the Michigan City Police Department. Present were President Don Przybylinski, Councilman Bietry, Councilman Hamilton, Council Attorney Jim Meyer, City Attorney Amber Lapaich and Personnel Director Andrea Smith. Discussion ensued regarding the contract and rescheduled meeting, which they will he having tomorrow, September 19, 2018 at 8:15 a.m. in the West Conference Room, where they will resume negotiations with the F.O.P. President Przybylinski asked if there were any other Standing Committee Reports; there was no response. REPORTS OF SPECIAL OR SELECT COMMITTEES President Przybylinski asked if there were any other reports of special or select committees; there was no response. REPORTS of OTHER CITY OFFICERS and DEPARTMENT President Przybylinski asked if there were any reports of other city officers and departments. Ron Miller, 3033 Woodrow Avenue, President Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation, addressed the Council apologizing for not making the agenda for this evening; advising their legal counsel will be leaving at the end of this month and they will be looking for a replacement; mentioning that Sue Webster, Board member and Director is also in the audience tonight; commenting on the 2019 Grant cycle, which will be opened before the end of the month; continuing to comment on how the Grant cycle works; inviting and encouraging Council members to attend their annual award dinner at Blue Chip in March; explaining they do have a vacancy on their Board due to the recent reassignment of Mr. Jack Elia; further commenting on the matter. President Przybylinski commented on Attorney Jennifer Koethe and her work on the Board of Zoning Appeals; thanking her for her service and wishing her well. Mr. Miller continued commenting on Mrs. Koethe’s work for the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation. President Przybylinski asked if there were any other reports of other city officers and departments. Richard Murphy, City Controller, addressed the Council reporting on items related to the 2019 Budget; commenting on the update he gave to the Finance Committee this evening at their meeting; providing them with a packet of information that will update their 2019 Budget binders; continuing to explain the packet was distributed to all Council members, Attorney Meyer and the Clerk; further explaining the items that were included Page 3 September 18, 2018 in the packet and the updates he would like to make right away; commenting on the Ordinance or Resolution for Appropriations and Tax Rates that was given to the Council for inclusion in their 2019 Budget binders; also commenting on errors that were caught in some of the information items that were provided in the 2019 Budget binders under the category Personnel Summary which have been updated/corrected. Discussion ensued between President Przybylinski and Controller Murphy regarding the information packets there were distributed at the Finance Committee meeting earlier this evening. Controller Murphy also commented on revenue generated by the Park Department as it relates to parking fees and Zoo attendance, and how this will positively affect the seasonal wages for 2019 for the Park Department and the proposed higher rates of pay for those positions; continuing to comment on the CCD fund and how these funds are spent; further commenting on the Barker Civic fund and the expense for property insurance. Discussion ensued between Councilman Dabney and Controller Murphy regarding the conversion process from the old software system to the new software system for the budget reporting and the Washington Park parking revenue that will go into the General Fund; and if the revenue from the Zoo attendance would go back into the General Fund as well or a Non-Reverted fund. Controller Murphy advised Councilman Dabney that the funding would also go back into the Park fund; commenting with the increased revenue they will be able to increase the expenses for salaries. Councilman Bietry commented on his review of the 2019 Budget and that he took the time to create a Table of Contents for each of the departments; continuing to explain what he did; stating if any of the Council members would like a copy to contact him and he will be happy to share it with them. President Przybylinski asked if there were any reports of other city officers and departments; there was no response. CLAIM DOCKETS President Przybylinski stated the Claims for Fund #2031 – Boyd Development – $235,131.26 and Fund #2042 –Riverboat is $160,744.24. President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments and hearing none, a motion was made by Councilman Dabney, second by Councilman Hamilton and approved. Motion carried 9-0. PETITIONS There were no petitions received. COMMUNICATIONS There were no communications received. RESOLUTIONS The Clerk read the following proposed resolution by title only, Page 4 September 18, 2018 MICHIGAN CITY COMMON COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 4723 RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING YVONNE HOFFMASTER FOR HER THIRTY-FOUR (34) YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY OF MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA WHEREAS, Yvonne Hoffmaster was first hired by the City of Michigan City, Indiana in 1984 as a Secretary in the City’s Transit Department; and WHEREAS, in 1987, Yvonne Hoffmaster transferred to the City Controller’s Office where she served as Payroll Clerk until 1989 when she was promoted to Deputy City Controller; and WHEREAS, for a brief time in 2012, Yvonne Hoffmaster served as the Interim City Controller, and once a City Controller was appointed, she was restored to her position as Deputy City Controller where she served the remainder of her career with the City; and WHEREAS, on August 31, 2018, Yvonne Hoffmaster retired from the City after dedicating thirty-four (34) years of service to the City; and WHEREAS, Yvonne Hoffmaster deserves meritorious recognition for her dedication and commitment to the City of Michigan City, Indiana; and WHEREAS, although Yvonne Hoffmaster’s presence will be missed, the City wishes her the best in her future endeavors and congratulates her on a well-deserved retirement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Michigan City, Indiana as follows: 1. The aforementioned “whereas” paragraphs are incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this Section. 2. The City of Michigan City, Indiana hereby recognizes and commends Yvonne Hoffmaster for her thirty-four (34) years of service to the City of Michigan City, Indiana. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect after passage by the Michigan City Common Council and approval by the Mayor. INTRODUCED BY: /s/ Don Przybylinski, President Michigan City Common Council CO SPONSORS: /s/ Pat Boy, Member /s/ Ron Hamilton, Member Michigan City Common Council Michigan City Common Council /s/ Candice Silvas, Member /s/ Gene Simmons, Member Michigan City Common Council Michigan City Common Council /s/ Tim Bietry, Member /s/ Johnny Stimley, Member Michigan City Common Council Michigan City Common Council /s/ Bryant Dabney, Member /s/ Sharon Carnes, Member Michigan City Common Council Michigan City Common Council Passed by the Common Council of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, this 18th day of September, 2018. /s/ Don Przybylinski, President Michigan City Common Council President Przybylinski read the proposed Resolution in its entirety; asking everyone present to stand and give Mrs. Hoffmaster a standing ovation. Page 5 September 18, 2018 President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Resolution. Rich Murphy, City Controller, addressed the Council and Mrs. Hoffmaster “thanking” her for her dedication and hard work; commenting on working with her in the Controller’s Office and the total software conversion project for the City that they undertook; and that it has been his personal pleasure working with her; wishing her the best and a very long and well deserved retirement. Randy Novak, Fire Chief, M.C. Fire Department, “thanked” Mrs. Hoffmaster; wishing her the absolute best; commenting on their interactions with the Fire Department and funding; appreciating all she has done for them; wishing her all the best in her retirement. Tonya Jones, Controller’s Secretary, addressed Mrs. Hoffmaster stating it has been a pleasure working with her, and that she is so honored to have had worked with her for the past three (3) years and that she has learned so much, including patience and endurance; “thanking” Mrs. Hoffmaster for showing excellence in what she did. President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone else from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Resolution; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments by Council members. Councilwoman Boy commented that Mrs. Hoffmaster got them through a lot of budget hearings and a lot of Labor negotiations, and that she appreciates every effort that she ever made for them; “thanking” her. Councilman Simmons wished Mrs. Hoffmaster well; commenting on working together a lot of those years when he was Police Chief; stating she did an excellent job; advising her to enjoy the freedom. Councilman Bietry commented on having served on the Finance Committee before, but not every having “chaired” it for the budget; asking Mrs. Hoffmaster what her consulting rates are; further stating he will miss her a lot; wishing her a great retirement. President Przybylinski “thanked” Mrs. Hoffmaster for all her professionalism and all her patience with dealing with him, and gathering information; commenting on being on the Finance Committee and going through the budgeting process, and all the hard work involved in those; further commenting that it has been wonderful having her as the Assistant City Controller; wishing her the best in her retirement; advising Mrs. Hoffmaster that she could pick up the official resolution tomorrow in the Mayor’s office; explaining what the item will look like when finished. Councilman Dabney personally “thanked” Mrs. Hoffmaster for always working with him to explain things to him with regards to the budget and in other issues; “congratulating” Mrs. Hoffmaster on a job well done. President Przybylinski asked if there were any other Council comments. Councilman Hamilton made the motion to approve the proposed Resolution; second by Councilwoman Boy and Councilman Dabney. Page 6 September 18, 2018 President Przybylinski asked if there were any other questions or comments from the general public or Council and hearing none the proposed resolution was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Hamilton, Przybylinski, Silvas, Simmons, Stimley, Bietry, Boy, Dabney and Carnes (9). NAYS: None (0). ORDINANCE The Clerk read the following proposed ordinance on first reading by title only, AN ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION FOR APPROPRIATIONS AND TAX RATES Introduced by: Tim Bietry President Przybylinski asked if the author had anything to add at this time. Councilman Bietry commented that this is the only proposed ordinance that is on the Agenda that the Council probably does not have a copy of in their packets, but it is in the proposed budget binder. President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Ordinance; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments by Council members; there was no response; stating the proposed ordinance will be held over for second reading at the October 2, 2018 Council meeting at which time there will be a Formal Public Hearing. The Clerk read the following proposed ordinance on first reading by title only, AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE MAYOR Introduced by: Tim Bietry President Przybylinski asked if the author had anything to add at this time; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Ordinance; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments by Council members; there was no response; stating the proposed ordinance will be held over for second reading at the October 2, 2018 Council meeting. The Clerk read the following proposed ordinance on first reading by title only, AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE CITY CLERK Introduced by: Tim Bietry Page 7 September 18, 2018 President Przybylinski asked if the author had anything to add at this time; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Ordinance; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments by Council members; there was no response; stating the proposed ordinance will be held over for second reading at the October 2, 2018 Council meeting. The Clerk read the following proposed ordinance on first reading by title only, AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE COMMON COUNCIL MEMBERS Introduced by: Tim Bietry President Przybylinski asked if the author had anything to add at this time; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Ordinance; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments by Council members; there was no response; stating the proposed ordinance will be held over for second reading at the October 2, 2018 Council meeting. The Clerk read the following proposed ordinance on first reading by title only, AN ORDINANCE SETTING SALARIES AND WAGES FOR APPOINTED OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2019 Introduced by: Tim Bietry President Przybylinski asked if the author had anything to add at this time; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Ordinance; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments by Council members; there was no response; stating the proposed ordinance will be held over for second reading at the October 2, 2018 Council meeting. The Clerk read the following proposed ordinance on first reading by title only, AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF MICHIGAN CITY FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2019 Introduced by: Tim Bietry Page 8 September 18, 2018 President Przybylinski asked if the author had anything to add at this time; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Ordinance; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments by Council members; there was no response; stating the proposed ordinance will be held over for second reading at the October 2, 2018 Council meeting. The Clerk read the following proposed ordinance on first reading by title only, APPROVING ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION IN THE BUDGET OF THE CUMULATIVE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A NEW PUMPER TRUCK FOR THE MICHIGAN CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT Introduced by: Ron Hamilton Don Przybylinski President Przybylinski asked if the author had anything to add at this time; there was no response. Randy Novak, Fire Chief, Michigan City Fire Department, addressed the Council presenting handouts; commenting on the need to purchase a new pumper truck as Engine 5’s frame has severe rust damage and was taken out of service; explaining the pictures that were included in the handouts that were distributed; continuing to explain to fix this it would take a total refurbishment of the truck, which is 17 years old; advising they are now relying on a 24 year old truck to be one of their front line backup trucks; continuing to comment on how the fire trucks are used/serviced/maintained; commenting on the timing of the purchase/funding; the 10 truck fleet; the age of the equipment/fleet; a 10 year rotation schedule for the trucks; asking the Council to help expedite the purchase of this much needed truck; explaining how the funding from the CCD fund would be used with respect to this purchase. Councilman Stimley asked about naming the new truck after one of the high schools, like the Michigan City Wolves or the Marquette Blazers or even for one of the cancers; explaining this has been done in other cities; further commenting on the color scheme of the truck. Chief Novak explained the truck that is at Station 4 has a logo on the side of the truck that states “protecting the den”; commenting on other trucks within the department that have similar logos; advising the new truck will be housed at the Ohio & 10th Street station (Station No.1). President Przybylinski commented on going out to the Ohio Street station to look over the truck that has since been taken out of service; commenting on the rust and the length of service for the truck, and the NFPA recommendation that the trucks be switched out every ten years; further commenting on the issue; advising he would not be recommending a Finance Committee meeting on this as it is apparent that a new truck is needed; urging his fellow Council colleagues as they move forward on this that they vote yes in approving the funding for the purchase; continuing advising the cost is $675,000.00. Page 9 September 18, 2018 Chief Novak explained the truck cost is approximately $610,000.00 and the remaining funding will be used for the necessary equipment for the truck (hoses, jaws of life, tools, etcK). Chief Novak gave a brief history of the truck that has been taken out of service, in that they took delivery of this truck on September 11, 2001; explaining the truck was brought over on the ferry and it came down the Michigan side, and 17 years to the day they took the truck out of service; asking if possible at the next meeting to do second and third reading as there is a truck available that just came off the assembly line. Discussion ensued between President Przybylinski and Fire Chief Novak regarding the fire truck being the same type of truck as the one taken out of service for parts/service, etc. Chief Novak stated it would be a Rosenbauer; they currently have Rosenbauer and Pierce trucks in service; advising Daryl Westphal was present this evening and he is the chairman of the truck committee and they have done a lot of research on the truck, and this is the one they are recommending. President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Ordinance; there was no response. President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments by Council members; there was no response; stating the proposed ordinance will be held over for second reading at the October 2, 2018 Council meeting. The Clerk read the following proposed ordinance on first reading by title only, APPROVING ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION IN THE BUDGET OF THE RIVERBOAT FUND FOR OFFICE SUPPLIES FOR THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE Introduced by: Tim Bietry President Przybylinski asked if the author had anything to add at this time. Councilman Bietry commented on how hard they work in the Clerk’s Office and how much the Council demands of them giving us information on a daily basis, and they have finally run out of some office supplies; stating they made it 9 ½ months, so now we need to appropriate from unappropriated Riverboat funds $2,000.00 to help them get through the rest of the year; advising the Clerk could provide more detail on this. Gale Neulieb, City Clerk, addressed the Council explaining everyone uses our copy machine in our office and the toner is very expensive, and we have depleted our supply; further explaining our office still needs end of the year office supplies; advising she is asking for $2,000.00, which is low, but believes the office can get by with that for the remainder of the year. President Przybylinski asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on the proposed Ordinance; there was no response. Page 10 September 18, 2018 President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments by Council members; there was no response; stating the proposed ordinance will be held over for second reading at the October 2, 2018 Council meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no Unfinished Business. NEW BUSINESS There was no New Business. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC President Przybylinski asked if there were any other comments from the public; there was no response. COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL President Przybylinski asked if there were any comments from the Council. Councilman Dabney commented on the home explosion in the Eastport neighborhood and the fundraiser he started for that; explaining he was able to collect $825.00; “thanking” those who donated; also “thanking” Doug Ross of the Northwest Indiana Times, who will be reporting on this, and also WSBT Channel 22 South Bend who came over and interviewed some of the people affected by this. Councilman Przybylinski commented to Councilman Dabney that it was very noble of him to go above and beyond to help those affected by this. President Przybylinski asked if there were any other comments from the Council; there was no response; asking for a motion to adjourn. Councilman Hamilton made the motion to adjourn; second by Councilwoman Boy. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilman Hamilton, supported by Councilwoman Boy and there being no further business to transact, President Przybylinski declared the meeting ADJOURNED (approximately 7:23 p.m.) ______________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk