REGULAR MEETING - JULY 17, 2000

Transcription

1 REGULAR MEETING - JULY 17, 2000 The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Michigan City, Indiana, met in REGULAR SESSION on Monday, July 17, 2000, at the hour of 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers, in the City Hall Building, located at 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, Indiana - a regular meeting room of this Board. The meeting was called to order by Anthony Metzcus, who presided. Noted Present: Anthony Metzcus, and City Controller Charles Oberlie (2). Absent: Mayor Sheila Brillson (1). A QUORUM WAS NOTED PRESENT. Also noted in attendance: Deputy City Attorney John Espar City Planner John Pugh City Engineer Boyd Phelps Cpl. Mark Zummak, Traffic Terry Farmer, Director, Street Department Don Siddall, Emergency Management Director Dave Morlan, Director, Vector Control Bob Pomeroy, Superintendent, Central Maintenance Ron Plencner, Code Inspector Brandon Brooks, Fire Inspector Al Walus, Superintendent, Sanitary District Tom Fedder, City Clerk Pat Larsen, Deputy Clerk Erin Carey, News-Dispatch Ron Miller, Radio Station WEFM Joseph LaRocco, Councilman at Large APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Oberlie moved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 5, 2000, be approved as printed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Metzcus and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). NAVIGATIONAL SIGNS Mayor Brillson requested signs for those departing the City, advising how to get to Highway 421 and I-94. Held over from June 5 meeting, referred to Traffic, Planning, Engineering, Street. Mr. Pugh reported that he and Mr. Phelps had looked at this from the aspect of exiting Prime Outlets. They recommended using U. S. and Interstate highway standard ID signs pointing to U.S. 421 and Interstate 94 - to be placed on the Mall property (4 th and Wabash, 6 th and Wabash, and 7 th and Wabash), indicating right turn on Wabash to 11 th and then over to Franklin and out. There could be additional signs on Franklin Street. They suggested the signs be similar to the Blue Chip signs and mounted on existing standards. Cpl. Zummak felt any additional directional signs would be a definite convenience. On Washington Street, a sign could be used to direct automobiles coming from the park, directing them south to 11 th, where they would pick up the other signs. Mr. Oberlie moved the recommendations be approved, to include a sign on Washington on U.S. 12 directing the traffic south and one at Washington and 11 th, directing the traffic left. Mr. Metzcus seconded the motion, which carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). OPENING OF DEMOLITION BIDS West Eighth Street Bids received were as follows: Wagoner Excavating, LaPorte... $6, G. E. Marshall, Inc., Valparaiso... $14, Andy Salat Excavating & Construction, Michigan City... $7, Woodruff & Sons, Inc., Michigan City... $11,377.00

2 July 17, 2000 Page 2 Mr. Oberlie moved to refer the bids to the Engineer, EEO, and Planning, to be awarded at the next meeting. Mr. Metzcus seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). DEMOLITION HEARINGS 702 Lake Shore Drive - James Strezovski, owner Mr. Plencner distributed documentation and photos of the property in question. He estimated rehabilitation would be in excess of $60, Mr. Strezovski intended to demolish the property but was unable to obtain funding. Mr. Strezovski said he assumed ownership in October, 1999, with intentions of rehabbing the property or demolishing and rebuilding; however, he can t get the funds. He has found a buyer for the property and requested 60 days to complete the sale. He exhibited a copy of a purchase agreement between him and Illinois Avenue, Ltd. Mr. Plencner said Mr. Strezovski had a 30-day extension. Mr. Oberlie asked if the buyers were aware of today s hearing and was assured they were. Mr. Oberlie moved that the property be advertised for demolition, with bids to be received at the second meeting in August, and that the prospective buyer be instructed to be present to show cause why we should not accept the bids at that time. Mr. Metzcus seconded the motion, which carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). 220 Spring Street - 1 st Citizens Bank - Trust Mr. Plencner again distributed documentation and photos. He advised that it would cost in excess of $100, to rehabilitate this house. Tom Moss, 1949 Lake Shore Drive, a member of the trust, said the intention had been to try to redevelop the house, which was built around After a break-in, when the staircase, etc., were stripped, they came to the conclusion that it would not be probable. They had a potential buyer, who pulled out. They have received a couple of bids for demolition, but they seem to be excessive. He said he wanted to work with the City. He will board the building up again. Mr. Oberlie moved to proceed with bids to be received at the second meeting in August. Mr. Metzcus seconded the motion, which carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). DEMOLITION STATUS REPORT Ron Plencner gave the following report: Demolition - St atus Report Week ending W. 8th St. Bids due July 17th Holliday Board of W orks approved for bids, bids due August 21st 319 E. 9th St. Board of W orks approved for bids, bids due August 21st 347Lincoln Board of Works approved for bids, bids due August 7th 220 Spring Ordered title work, started demolition process, will present July 17th 702 Lake Shore Dr Ordered title work, started demolition process, will present July 17th 526 Michigan Blvd Ordered title work, started demolition process, will present Aug. 7th 2021 Plum Ordered title work, started demolition process, will present Aug. 21st Structures to be demolished by property owners Old Gas Station on W est 4th ( Pullman Park) - Com pleted 1615 W. 10th - Completed 1601 Ohio 706 W. Barker - W oodruff contracted by owner, demolition to be completed by W. 5th - Completed Demolition completed by City 305 Helen 234 Pleasant 216 E. 9th 810 W. 4th 412 Lincoln AWARDING OF BIDS - Sidewalk Program Mr. Phelps reported that Gregory A. Deutscher Construction, Inc., is the apparent low bidder and he (Mr. Phelps) has prepared a contract. Mrs. Davis has had a pre-award meeting with them and find they meet EEO requirements. Mr. Oberlie moved to execute the contract with Deutscher. Mr. Metzcus seconded the motion, which carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0).

3 Page 3 July 17, 2000 EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT - Between City of Michigan City and Michigan City Sanitary District - Central Services Building Mr. Oberlie presented a written amendment to section 2 to replace the existing section 2. The agreement, as amended is as follows: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF MICHIGAN CITY AND THE MICHIGAN CITY SANITARY DISTRICT DEFINING RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SHARING SPACE IN THE CENTRAL SERVICES BUILDING AND THE UTILIZATION OF THE CENTRAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT Whereas, the City of Michigan City has created a new, independent department to serv e as a Central Maintenance Department and has purchased and renovated a bui lding to serve as Central Serv ice Center housing the offices and equipm ent of several depart ments; and, Whereas, the city desires the Sanitary District's Refuse Department to participate in the Central Maintenance program; and Whereas, the Sanitary District participated in the renov ation of the new Central Serv ices building and desires the Refuse Department to be housed in said building; and Whereas, the Sanitary District desires the Refuse Department to utilize the Central Maintenance Department for the maintenance of its motor equipment. Now therefore it be agreed as follows: Section 1. Central Maintenance A. That the Sanitary District s equipment, operated by its Refuse Department, will be maintained by the Central Maintenance Department. B. That the Sanitary District will pay the eff ective labor rate (defined to mean the actual wage and fringe benefit cost of all employees in the Central Maintenance Department and the utili ty and insurance costs as provided in the annual city budget) plus the invoices for any and all parts and materials used. Section 2. Central Servi ce Center Recognizing the objective of the Central Service Center is to pool clerical responsibilities, the District, beginning January 1, 2001, will contract f or clerical services with the city. These services shall include phone answering, dispatching, payroll, disbursement, bookkeeping and record keeping. The hourly rate will be determined by the actual rate of pay plus benefits as adopted by the Common Council in the annual budget and salary order, with no administrati ve mark-up. The city agrees that the District s two employees will be accepted as city employees with recognition of longev ity and other earned fringe benefits. From the date of this agreement through the end of the year 2000, the Ref use Department, acting through the District, will prov ide two employees to work in the administrativ e clerical pool, who will be superv ised by the Central Servi ce Department office manager. Section 3. Office space A. At all times, the District shall be entitled to a suite of offices of sufficient size as to perform all functions necessary for the operation of the Refuse Department, and of sufficient size and space to accommodate the staffing needed for the management operations of the Refuse Department. Section 4. Building and grounds maintenance, snow remov al, grass mowing A. The parties agree that neither the Sanit ary District nor the Ref use Department shall be responsible for any maint enance to the building or grounds, either inside or outside, f or any snow removal from the premises, nor any grass mowing nor leaf removal. Section 5. Storage of motor v ehicles A. During the winter months (December 1 through March 31), the Sanitary District's motor vehicles, operated by the Refuse Department, may be stored in the north bay of the garage area of the Central Services building. B. During the non-winter months (April 1 through November 30), the Sanitary District's motor v ehicles, operated by the Refuse Departm ent shall be stored outside of the Central Serv ices building. Section 6. Term Dated this 17 th day of July, A. The parties agree that the term of this agreement shall remain in effect for a period of sev en (7) years from the last date hereon listed below.

4 July 17, 2000 Page 4 Mr. Oberlie moved to approve as amended. Mr. Metzcus seconded the motion. Mr. Walus said the Sanitary District Board has approved the original agreement; he has had conversation with Mr. Kintzele concerning the amendment and the Commissioners would support and approve the amendment at their next meeting. The motion carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). OLD LIBERTY TRAIL BRIDGE The following letter, dated June 30, 2000, was received from Councilman Charles Lungren: This letter is in regards to the area by the old bridge for Liberty Trail that was discussed at the last Board of Works meeting. Thank you for the expeditious manner in which new signs were put up to thwart overnight camping and campfires. Some new facts have com e to my attention. Directly across from the dirt road that allows access to the creek by cars is an existing D.N.R. parking lot named after a Mr. Robert Peo. The lot has a grav el base and has a large wooden sign designating it as a D.N.R. parking lot for fishermen. The sign however is at the Western end of the lot and is difficult to see from the road. I talked with the D.N.R. today and suggested they move the sign closer to the road as well as sprucing up the area and they were receptive. My request of the Board is to erect an aesthetic barricade to the dirt road that is the source of the neighbors complaint. The D.N.R. lot is easier to patrol and its use is suggested by the neighbors in the area. Furthermore, the grass cutting crews do not use this dirt road as an access to cut the grass in that area, they park on Liberty Trail and cut the grass from the road down. I believe by barricading that dirt road that most of the problems would come to pass that plague that fishing site. T hank you for your consideration. Mr. Oberlie stated that Mr. Lungren had called him, indicating he had been discussing the parking situation along the creek area with representatives of the Department of Natural Resources, related to their property, and evidently there are some other privately-owned parcels along there that are also being encroached upon. Mr. Oberlie told Mr. Lungren that, if he brought a report to us, we would refer it back to the Planning Office, with support from the Engineer, to pull the tax records and determine exactly what the impact of our previous recommendations are on those owners and see if we can come up with a better solution to the problem. The bridge has not yet been removed. There is a problem there because of the desirable fishing spots in the area. He moved to refer the letter to Planning and the Engineer. Mr. Metzcus seconded the motion, which carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Mr. Oberlie submitted a letter from Midwestern Electric with the traffic signal maintenance rates for the period of September 15, 2000 through September 14, This was filed for information only. AUTOMATED PAYROLL SYSTEM Mr. Oberlie moved authorization be given to the Chairman to proceed to upgrade the automated payroll system to be installed in various departments. In a meeting the previous week, it was determined that the Police Department would prefer to have their Commanders be responsible for the entry of the data. This requires a license upgrade of five positions as well as some manner software work. The total price for the adjustment would be $5, Mr. Metzcus seconded the motion, which carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). HARBORSIDE Mr. Oberlie noted the City has been working with the Housing Authority toward the purchase and eventual demolition of the former Harborside site. He moved the Board authorize the attorney to immediately enter into an option for the purchase of the former Elite Youth Center on Michigan Boulevard - the option price to be determined by appraisal subject to statute of the State of Indiana and the authorization to purchase also needing approval of the City Council after appraisal - the objective being to enter into a first position and option position on the property as soon as we can. Mr. Metzcus seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). CLAIMS AND PAYROLL Mr. Oberlie moved that the claims set forth in the Register of Claims (in possession of the City Controller) and appearing in the Register be severally allowed and ordered paid and proper warrants for payment thereof hereby

5 Page 5 July 17, 2000 ordered issued in the stated amounts to person(s) and/or firm(s) as set forth, and payrolls approved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Metzcus and carried as follows: AYES: MEMBERS Metzcus and Oberlie (2). NAYS: None (0). The Board signed: Payroll Items in Register of Claims for informational purposes (which Register is in the possession of the City Controller) as follows: No. Date Amount $ $1, $11, $62, $30, $8, $473, $588, Allowance of claims as set forth in the Register of Claims as follows: Page Date Amount 2 of $216, of $60, $276, The presiding officer inquired whether there was anything else to be considered by the Board at this time and, there being none, declared the meeting ADJOURNED (approximately 10:00 a.m.). Thomas F. Fedder, City Clerk