City Council

Page 1 January 3, 2023 REGULAR “HYBRID/ZOOM” MEETING January 3, 2023 The Common Council of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in Regular session on Tuesday evening, January 3, 2023, at the hour of 6:30 p.m., Hosted by “Hybrid/Zoom” and streamed live on “My Michigan City” Facebook Page. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Deuitch. Roll call was authorized, and the following were noted present and/or absent. PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS Bryant Dabney, Sean Fitzpatrick, Michael Mack, Angie Nelson Deuitch, Don Przybylinski, Paul Przybylinski, Gene Simmons, Dalia Zygas, and Tracie Tillman (9). ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS None (0). A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT ALSO, PRESENT: Council Attorney Nicholas Snow, Gale Neulieb City Clerk and Stacy Dudley Deputy Clerk ELECTION OF OFFICERS President Deuitch stated the first order of business this evening is the election of officers; President Deuitch repeated three (3) times, “are there any nominations for the “President” seat, with Councilwoman Tillman nominating Sean Fitzpatrick, second by Councilman P. Przybylinski. Councilman Simmons nominated Angie Nelson Deuitch, with Ms. Deuitch declining and thanking thank him for his nomination. President Deuitch asked if there were any other nominations for President, there was no response and nominations were closed. Councilman Fitzpatrick was elected as the 2023 Council President by the following vote: AYES: Council members D. Przybylinski, Simmons, Zygas, P. Przybylinski, Tillman, Dabney, Fitzpatrick, Mack and Deuitch (9) NAYS: Council member None (0). Councilwoman Deuitch congratulated President Sean Fitzpatrick on his appointment as the Council’s 2023 President, with President Fitzpatrick taking over the meeting. President Fitzpatrick thanked everyone for their support. President Fitzpatrick stated his first order of business is to open nominations for the 2023 Vice President’s seat; repeating three (3) times “are there any nominations for the Vice President” seat; with Councilwoman Deuitch nominating Councilman D. Przybylinski, second by Councilman P. Przybylinski. President Fitzpatrick asked repeating three (3) times “are there any other nominations for Vice President”; there was no response and nominations were closed. Councilman D. Przybylinski was named as the 2023 Vice President by the following vote: AYES: Council members Simmons, Zygas, P. Przybylinski, Tillman, Dabney, Fitzpatrick, Mack, Deuitch and D. Przybylinski (9) NAYS: Council member None (0). Page 2 January 3, 2023 President Fitzpatrick congratulated Councilman D. Przybylinski as the 2023 Council Vice President. Councilman D. Przybylinski thanked his colleagues; stating that he will uphold the position to the best of his abilities. President Fitzpatrick stated his next order of business was to appoint Councilwoman Deuitch as the 2023 Parliamentarian. APPROVAL OF MINUTES President Fitzpatrick stated that we will be approving the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” Council meeting minutes that was held on December 20, 2022, the Special “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting minutes from December 27, 2022 and the Council’s Executive Session minutes from December 20, 2022, asking if anyone had any additions, deletions or corrections at this time, there was no response. Councilman Simmons made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular “Hybrid/Zoom” meeting minutes that was held on December 20, 2022, the Special “Hybrid/Zoom” minutes held on December 27, 2022 and the Council’s Executive Session minutes from December 20, 2022, a second was made by Councilwoman Deuitch. The motion carried and the minutes from the December 20, 2022 Council meeting, the Special meeting minutes held on December 27, 2022 and Executive Session minutes from December 20, 2022 were approved by the following vote: AYES: Council members P. Przybylinski, Tillman, Dabney, Fitzpatrick, Mack, Deuitch, D. Przybylinski, Simmons and Zygas (9) NAYS: Council member None (0) REPORTS of STANDING COMMITTEES President Fitzpatrick asked if there were any standing committee reports. Councilman D. Przybylinski stated that he being the liaison to the Human Rights Commission advised that two (2) of the commissioners’ terms expired and will be leaving; wanting to thank Nancy Moldenhauer and Judy Lange for the years of hard work, dedication, and professional services on this commission, they will be missed. President Fitzpatrick asked if there were any other standing committee reports, there was no response. FINANCE REPORT President Fitzpatrick asked Councilwoman Tillman if there was anything to report regarding finances. Councilwoman Tillman advised that the Finance Committee didn’t meet due to not having any claims from the Riverboat Fund or Boyd Development Fund; and reported that as of December 31 2022 the Riverboat Funds balance was $4,543,391.83. CLAIMS DOCKET January 3, 2023 Fund #2042 – Riverboat – Claims - $ 00.00 EFT $ 00.00 Fund #2031 – Boyd Development - $ 00.00 Page 3 January 3, 2023 EFT $ 00.00 TOTAL CLAIMS $ 00.00 President Fitzpatrick advised that there is no vote this evening on claims. REPORTS OF SPECIAL or SELECT COMMITTEES President Fitzpatrick asked if there were any reports of standing committees, there was no response. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER CITY OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENTS President Fitzpatrick asked if there were any reports from the mayor or other city officers and departments. MCFD Chief Legault reported on the December MCFD calls received. Total Calls – 411 Fire – 9 Good Intent – 45 Hazardous Condition – 7 Chief Legault advised Councilman D. Przybylinski that he had not heard that LaPorte EMS was going merge with the LPFD in LaPorte or that there was going to be a reduction of ambulances in LaPorte County; stating that he will call the LaPorte EMA Director and check on status of the ambulance matter and report back to the council. PETITIONS President Fitzpatrick asked the Clerk if there were any petitions. Clerk Neulieb stated that there were no petitions. COMMUNICATIONS President Fitzpatrick asked if there was any correspondence received in the Clerk’s Office for the Council. Correspondence was received in the Clerk’s Office on December 16, 2022 from Attorney Jewell Harris regarding a memorandum on the retention of City classification notwithstanding population decrease. RESOLUTIONS Clerk Neulieb stated that there were no resolutions this evening. ORDINANCES Clerk Neulieb stated that there were no ordinances this evening. Page 4 January 3, 2023 NEW BUSINESS President Fitzpatrick advised the Council has eight (8) appointments to the Michigan City Social Status of African American Male Board (term expires February 15, 2023 and is a 1yr term) Incumbent: Pastor Carroll- Human Rights Pastor Kimberly Williams- Ministerial Assoc. Linda Fay Conley- NAACP Willie Milsap- Swanson Center Rodney McCormick- M.C. Resident Dwayne Hurt- MCAS Pastor Robert Johnson- Minority Health Partners Tracy Tillman - Council President Fitzpatrick advised the Council has one (1) appointment to the Michigan City Tree Board (term expires February 15, 2023 and is a 1yr term) Incumbent: Laura Henderson representing Elston Grove Neighborhood Assoc. President Fitzpatrick advised that Mayor Parry is requesting the advice and consent of the Michigan City Common Council regarding his appointment of Mr. Dennis Brittan as a member of the Michigan City Tree Board Councilwoman Deuitch made a motion to support the mayor’s request of his advice and consent for the appointment of Mr. Dennis Brittan as a member of the Michigan City Tree Board, Councilman P. Przybylinski second her motion; with the motion being carried and approved by the following vote: AYES: Council members P. Przybylinski, Tillman, Dabney, Fitzpatrick, Mack, Deuitch, D. Przybylinski, Simmons and Zygas (9) NAYS: Council member None (0) UNFINISHED BUSINESS NOMINATIONS: President Fitzpatrick advised that the Council has one (1) appointment to the Michigan City Women’s Commission (representing a non-for-profit organization/women issues) (term expired December 21,2022): Incumbent: Ms. Nicole Coleman Clerk Neulieb advised that an application was received for this appointment from Ms. Linda Conley. Councilwoman Fitzpatrick nominated Ms. Linda Conley to the Michigan City Women’s Commission, second by Councilwoman Tillman; the motion carried with Ms. Conley being appointed to the Michigan City Women’s Commission by the following vote: AYES: Council members Tillman, Dabney, Fitzpatrick, Mack, Deuitch, D. Przybylinski, Simmons, Zygas and P. Przybylinski (9) NAYS: Council member None (0) NOMINATIONS: President Fitzpatrick advised that the Council has one appointment (business) to the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association due Ms. Esther Guncheon resignation from her appointment (term begins immediately and expires 12-31-2024) Clerk Neulieb advised that there were no applications received for this appointment. President Fitzpatrick advised this will be brought back at our next Council meeting on January 17, 2023. NOMINATIONS: President Fitzpatrick stated that the council has one (1) Democratic Appointment to the Fire Merit Commission (term expired December 31, 2022) Page 5 January 3, 2023 Nominations: Tommy Kulavik Mark Miller Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street, addressed the Council regarding the appointment he was nominated to on Fire Merit Commission; stating several things he would like to accomplish; asking the Council for their support. President Fitzpatrick asked Clerk Neulieb to take the vote, with Tommy Kulavik being appointed to the Fire Merit Commission by the following vote: Tommy Kulivak: Council members Dabney, Fitzpatrick, Mack, Deuitch, Simmons, Zygas, and Tillman (7) Mark Miller: Council members D. Przybylinski and P. Przybylinski (2) President Fitzpatrick congratulated Mr. Kulavik. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC President Fitzpatrick asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to speak. MCFD Chief Legault congratulated Mr. Kulavik on his appointment to the Fire Merit Commission. Chief Legault wanted the Council to know that he just received the information; advising that during the month of December 2022 there were nine (9) calls to use Narcan. Ernie Hallahan, 302 Gladys Street, wanted to congratulation President Fitzpatrick and Vice President D. Przybylinski on their appointments and wished everyone a Happy New Year with hopes of a better year. Tommy Kulavik, 1316 Ohio Street wished the best to Sherriff John Boyd on his retirement, and stated all the promotions that would be taking place within the Sherriff’s Department by our new elect Sheriff Heeg Rodney McCormick, 617 Union Street, addressed the council regarding how many appointments there are on the Social Status of African American Male Board; stating several reasons it would be good if the council could move forward nominate and vote on their positions to this board, that elections are supposed to take place at their next meeting, with them wanting to move forward elected new officers and start doing projects for 2023. Mr. McCormick thanked everyone for the calls he has been receiving thanking him for what he is doing in our community, stating it is upsetting the calls he receives regarding the council members comments about him and that he hopes that we can move forward and have a positive election. Mr. Kulavik wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow is the first day to for the municipal election wishing whoever is running the best of luck. President Fitzpatrick asked if there were any additional comments from the public, there was no response. COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL President Fitzpatrick asked if there were any comments from the Council at this time. Councilwoman Zygas distributed a flyer that was from the League of Women Voters of LaPorte County announcing that on January 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. they will be holding a Page 6 January 3, 2023 “City & Town Council Candidate Workshop” at City Hall in the EOC Room for anyone that is interested in running for office in our community this year. Councilman P. Przybylinski addressed the Council regarding what the responsibilities are of a Fire Merit Commissioner and comments made that Mr. Kulavik stated during his comments that he wanted to address if appointed as a commissioner. Councilman D. Przybylinski thanked Councilwoman Deuitch for her leadership as president last year that it was a busy year for the council and also congratulated Mr. Kulavik on his appointment to the Fire Merit Commission. Councilman D. Przybylinski thanked Mr. Kent Lange who has served as a Park Board Member the last four (4) years and has decided to step down. Councilman D. Przybylinski invited everyone in the community to attend a meeting tomorrow night being held at the Valparaiso High School at 6:00 p.m. January 4, 2023 to receive the public opinions and concerns regarding NIPSCO rates being increased. Councilman Mack commented on the correspondence he sent out to each council member asking for their support to pay for a scope of work study by American Structure Point, reading the following: Dear fellow City Councilmen, I am writing to solicit your support for building a large City-Sponsored Athletic / Community Center complex here in Michigan City. You have heard me speak my entire term on my belief that it is desperately needed in our community. I believe we must invest in structures that can build and unite people here in Michigan City. Attached is the proposal from Structure Point that will determine the size and scope of the facility and what we can offer, based upon market needs and community input. They do a full assessment and analysis which is outlined in the proposal. As you know, Michigan City is a growing destination for visitors. We also have a VERY strong youth sports history. We currently lack adequate facilities to meet the demand for organized youth activity. Many of our young athletes are forced to travel long distances to participate in organized sports, and this can be a burden for families and coaches. It also eliminates entire income groups from participating in potentially life altering activities. A new athletic complex would not only provide much-needed resources for our youth sports programs, but it would also bring economic benefits to our city. The construction and operation of the complex would create jobs and generate revenue through facility rentals and events. In addition, the complex could serve as a destination for regional and even national tournaments, bringing even more economic activity to the area. There are many potential locations for the complex and I believe that with careful planning and input from the community, we can identify the best site. I envision a state- of-the-art facility with multiple fields and courts for a variety of sports, as well as amenities such as concessions, restrooms, and seating for spectators. Hammond and South Bend have facilities of this caliber. Hammond is actually looking to EXPAND!!! I understand that any major construction project comes with financial considerations, but I believe that the long-term benefits of the athletic complex far outweigh the Page 7 January 3, 2023 upfront costs. I am confident that we can secure funding through a combination of public and private partnerships, grants, and sponsorships. I urge you to join me in supporting this important initiative for our community. Let's give our young athletes the facilities they deserve and create a bright future for Michigan City. It all starts with approving this funding. I will be introducing a resolution at our end of January meeting to seek funding through ARP funds, Riverboat funding or a mixture of the two. Sponsorship of the resolution is surely welcome. Sincerely, Michael Mack Councilman Mack talked about his visit to the Hammond’s facility stating several comments about what this facility has done for their city and their community and that there are many potential locations for this complex in our community and believes that with careful planning and input from our community, we can identify the best site. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilwoman Deuitch, second by Councilwoman Tillman and there being no further business to transact, President Fitzpatrick declared the meeting ADJOURNED (approximately 7:10 p.m.) . _______________________________ Gale A. Neulieb, City Clerk