Redevelopment Commission Meeting Minutes and Recordings 2020

CALL TO ORDER:

Town Council President Gerald Swets called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: None.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

President:

Mr. Panczuk nominated Michael Schilling for President; no further nominations were had. Nomination carried unanimously.

Vice President:

Mr. Schilling nominated Paul Panczuk for Vice President; no further nominations were had. Nomination carried unanimously.

Secretary:

Mr. Pondinas nominated Bryan Blazak for Secretary; no further nominations were had. Nomination carried unanimously.

Mr. Swets passed the gavel. Redevelopment Commission President Michael Schilling accepted the gavel and presided over the balance of the meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the December 19, 2019 Meeting Minutes; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Panczuk briefly reported a status update for the Shops 96 project: Items that have held up progress and are being addressed include the purchase of a lot for a change needed in the proposed roadway, the need for additional soil borings, and a resolution for an easement issue.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BAKER TILLY FOR 2020

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the Baker Tilly Professional Services Agreement and authorize the President to sign; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $1,070,979.57; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Blazak made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained. Also present: Cindy Sues; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: Wayne Pondinas.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve the January 22, 2020 Meeting Minutes; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider Second Amendment to the Economic Development Agreement with SJ-36, LLC, an Indiana Limited Liability Company

Mr. Panczuk explained that the Second Amendment to the Economic Development Agreement is a modification to the agreement for an extension of time and for the completion of the road using a better path atop firm soil.

Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve the Second Amendment to the Economic Development Agreement with SJ-96, LLC, and authorize the President to sign; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $343,624.21; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Blazak made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Special Meeting to order on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained. Also present: Cindy Sues.

Absent: Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Dennis DeVito (10341 Silver Maple Drive): I speak tonight on the pending purchase of land to purchase the Shops 96 project. Overall, I do support this project and know the redevelopment of the subject property can be beneficial to our town. One of the concerns I, as a resident, face is the constant changing what has been purported to be settled and finalized votes by the various commissions and boards only to find that sometimes, for one reason or another, decisions change. Sure the uncertainty of the future drives some of us residents back to this chamber is to see what’s changed in addition to what’s new. Tonight is a case in point.

It is not the purpose of these comments to inflict any negativity on this current RDC, Plan Commission, or Town Council. I actually understand your stress, the dilemma, the problems you, as a group, face; and I do support your best efforts to get ahead, once and for all, in this specific project. Like you, the residents were told almost a year ago that this project, road tangent, and various lots were finalized, and this information was used as part of a TIF agreement. Yet today, this new commission is discussing the purchase of land from the developer in a somewhat substantial revision of the original deal.

Repeating, I do not minimize or discount the work this group is doing to undo, resolve, redefine, a year-old, signed contract. Most likely, you are as frustrated at the need to fix this problem that initiated before your tenure. As you go forth to do town business and continuing to put your time, effort, energy into other, as of yet, undefined projects, remember this one as, take the time to get it right. Do not be rushed; do your homework. Make sure the engineering is complete. Projects are not necessarily right or beneficial just because someone says it is. It is your job to review, to analyze, and to pass judgment on how and what you vote. You are not rubber stamps, but rather a controlling commission. Make sure you have the necessary balance between the developing organization and the Town, especially when distributing funds. You were given a project that, while good for us, was approved with numerous, avoidable shortcomings. Hopefully this commission will leave no such mess. Thank you.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider Purchase Agreement for Acquisition of Real Property in Shops 96

Mr. Schilling turned the floor over to Mr. Panczuk to give an overview of the Purchase Agreement.

Mr. Panczuk explained that the Purchase Agreement is for the purchase of a portion of what used to be Shops 96, Lot 5, is part of a contractual agreement made last year by the previous council that is binding on the Town. The reason for the purchase is because the original road alignment would have required $3.3 million in soil improvements alone, and purchasing this land to realign the road is a cost-saving alternative for the Town. Soil borings have been taken for the new road alignment, and the engineers are confident that this is the right decision.

Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve the Purchase Agreement for the acquisition of real property identified as Outlot A, Outlot B, and road right-of-way on Amended Plat of Subdivision for Shops 96, and authorize the President to sign; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Panczuk gave an update on Shops 96, stating that work is underway. Additional soil borings will be taken soon for the detention basin. Design work on the road is proceeding nicely. The intersection for Joliet Street is designed. The design of the realigned road will be done in an expedient manner. By December 31, 2020, both 96th Place and the signal should be functional.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Swets made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Essential Business Meeting to order, which included virtual and live attendance by its members, on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Gerald Swets; Wayne Pondinas; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: Cindy Sues and James Sakalaris, Advisory Members.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider First Group Change Order No. 6

Mr. Schilling advised the first item on the agenda under new business is First Group Change Order No. 6, requesting an additional $1,374.72, for the US 41 & 96th Street Intersection Improvement, allowing Type III Barricades to secure the project for the winter.

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve First Group Change Order No. 6, requesting an additional $1,374.72, for the US 41 & 96th Street Intersection Improvement, allowing Type III Barricades to secure the project for the winter and authorize Craig Phillips, Town Manager, to execute the same. Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion.

Motion carried by call vote:
Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye
Mr. Swets Aye

B. Consider First Group Change Order No. 7

Mr. Shilling advised the next item on the agenda is First Group Change Order No. 7, requesting an additional $17,610.80, for the US 41 & 96th Street Intersection Improvement, at the request of the Town of St. John to have LED lighted street name signs.

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve First Group Change Order No. 7, requesting an additional $17,610.80, for the US 41 & 96th Street Intersection Improvement, at the request of the Town of St. John to have LED lighted street name signs and authorize, Craig Phillips, Town Manager to execute the same. Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion.

Motion carried by call vote:
Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye
Mr. Swets Aye

C. Consider First Group Change Order No. 8

Mr. Schilling advised the next item on the agenda is First Group Change Order No. 8, regarding US 41 & 96th Street Intersection Improvement, to include recent Indiana Department of Transportation Memorandum 20-04 QX/QA HMA pavement specification changes in the existing line items. It allows the usage of finer 9.5 mm aggregate in the surface mix designs, changes are void targets for 9.5 mm surface, and modifies air void tolerance on Type D certification for HMA pavement. This is a $0 change order.

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve First Group Change Order No. 8, US 41 & 96th Street Intersection Improvement, to include recent Indiana Department of Transportation Memorandum 20-04 QX/QA HMA pavement specification changes in the existing line items and authorize, Craig Phillips, Town Manager to execute the same. Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion.

Motion carried by call vote:
Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye
Mr. Swets Aye

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to pay the March Docket and April Docket individually.

Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the March Docket in the amount of $115,003.27. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion.

Motion carried by call vote:
Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye
Mr. Swets Aye

Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the March Docket in the amount of $948,799.87. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion.

Motion carried by call vote:
Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye
Mr. Swets Aye

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Blazak made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Swets seconded the motion.

Motion carried by call vote:
Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye
Mr. Swets Aye

The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at 7:12 p.m., via virtual and live attendance.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained. Also present: Craig Phillips, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: Cindy Sues and James Sakalaris, Advisory Members.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the February 26, 2020, Meeting, March 11, 2020, Special Meeting, and April 22, 2020, Meeting Minutes; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Bid Opening – U.S. 41 Relocation Project

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is the bid opening for the U.S. 41 Relocation Project. This project is to relocate the sewer line.

Attorney Westland advised that the proofs of publication are in order and that this bid opening may proceed. He further advised that there was one bid from Grimmer Construction in Highland, Indiana. The bid amount is $333,699. All the required attachments are present, including the bid security.

Mr. Swets made a motion to take the U.S. 41 Relocation Project Bid under advisement; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

B. Consider the 2021 TIF Pass-through Letters for the overlapping taxing units

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the 2021 TIF Pass-through letters for the overlapping taxing units.

Mr. Phillips advised that state statutes require that the Town determine whether we want to pass through any assess value to the underlying taxing units within the TIF Districts. He further advised that we are not in a position to pass through assessed value to underlying taxing units at this point; thus, Baker Tilly has been asked to prepare the letters.

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the 2021 TIF Pass-through Letters and authorize the Redevelopment Commission President to sign; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

C. Consider Ratification of Grimmer Construction Change Order No. 4

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider the ratification of Change Order No. 4, authorizing an increase of $5,613.80 for the West 96th Place and Earl Drive extensions project. Mr. Pondinas asked why there was an increase. Mr. Panczuk responded that there are three reasons for the increase in the Change Order:

1. Unsuitable pipe bed foundation soils were encountered. The engineer directed the contractor to undercut the problematic soils and replace with suitable materials at specified volumes at $61 per cubic yard;
2. Due to the demolition and excavation of the existing east-west site access drive, the contractor was unable to use the existing, designated construction entrance on U.S. 41. The engineer directed the construction of an additional entrance on Joliet Street to allow access for the construction vehicles into the eastern portion of the site consistent with the contract plans for erosion control; and
3. Due to the discovery of unsuitable soils in the detention basin construction area, geotechnical testing was required. The contractor provided engineer-directed assistance of equipment to provide necessary site access for the drilling equipment. Grimmer assisted on a time and materials basis to allow the borings to be taken at the specified locations.

Mr. Panczuk noted that we are still below the original contract price. The original contract price was $1,050,502.88, and the current price is at $982,068.83.

Mr. Pondinas asked if that is customary. Mr. Panczuk responded that if they encounter unexpected items, there typically are adjustments made like that. Mr. Panczuk commented that we approved Grimmer Construction to help obtain those borings a couple of months prior.

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Panczuk made a motion to ratify Grimmer Construction Change Order No. 4, authorizing an increase of $5,613.80 for the West 96th Place and Earl Drive Extensions Project and authorize the Redevelopment Commission President to sign; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Phillips advised that K & S was enlisted to obtain additional soil borings because environmental soil conditions were found, and the engineers requested three additional borings affiliated with the road construction in the vicinity of the Joliet Street and 96th Place intersection. The total of the proposed contract is $7800.

Mr. Panczuk added that another benefit to the additional borings is that they will be used for the other side of the site. We are looking for solutions to build a detention basin less expensively. We cannot build the detention basin where it was intended and designed to be placed without spending a lot of money, and Haas & Associates has come up with an alternate shape of the detention basin, moving it farther east and stretching it north-south, so it will be longer and narrower, allowing for the berms to be on better soil.

Mr. Panczuk advised that they discussed gaining some easement or property from Mr. Boyer, which could mean significant savings if we acquire the property at no cost; however, as part of that order, we want to do the borings first to ensure it is worthwhile to revise the plat and relocate the detention basin.

Mr. Schilling asked if the Joliet Street access is farther west, more on the Theil Cabinet Shop property. Mr. Panczuk responded in the affirmative and stated that the soil-boring section is the small segment of the Thiel property where it touches Joliet. Mr. Schilling asked for confirmation that the boring site for the detention basin is on the south side. Mr. Panczuk confirmed the same.

Mr. Swets asked if all the engineers we employ are recommending this procedure. Mr. Panczuk affirmed that K & S and Haas agree that these borings should be obtained.

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Panczuk made a motion to approve the contract with K & S Engineers, Proposal No. 12379-R, in an amount not to exceed $7,800, and authorize the Town Manager to sign; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $183,286.23; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Swets made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

Mr. Schilling adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Monday, June 15, 2020, at 7:07 p.m., via virtual and live attendance.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Craig Phillips, Town Manager.

Absent: Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; David Westland, Town Attorney; Cindy Sues, Advisory Member; and James Sakalaris, Advisory Member.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Bid Award – U.S. 41 Relocation Project

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is the bid award for the U.S. 41 Relocation Project. He further advised that the bid was opened at the prior month’s meeting, that the documents were reviewed by staff engineers, and that everything is in order to award this bid.

Mr. Phillips noted that Haas & Associates does recommend the issuance of the bid award to Grimmer Construction in the amount of $333,699.

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion.

Mr. Pondinas asked if it would be paid out of the Sanitary District. Mr. Schilling responded in the affirmative.

Mr. Panczuk made a motion to award the U.S. 41 Relocation Project to Grimmer Construction in the amount of $333,699, per recommendation of Town Engineer Haas & Associates and authorize the Redevelopment Commission President to sign; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Swets made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at 7:13 p.m., via virtual and live attendance.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Cindy Sues, Advisory Member; Craig Phillips, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: James Sakalaris, Advisory Member.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the June 15, 2020, Special Meeting, and May 27, 2020, Regular Meeting Minutes; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider First Group’s Pay Estimate for Reith-Riley’s May Invoice

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider First Group’s Pay Estimate No. 4 to pay Rieth-Riley’s May Invoice for work completed between May 1, and May 30, 2020, on the U.S. 41 & 96th Place Intersection Improvements Project in the amount of $87,793.64. First Group Engineering has reviewed Rieth-Riley’s work invoice and finds the same to be accurate.

Mr. Panczuk made a motion to approve paying the Reith-Riley May invoice for the U.S. 41 & 96th Place Intersection Improvements in the amount of $87,793.64; Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

B. Consider Haas & Associates’ Pay Request for Grimmer Construction’s May Invoice

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider Haas & Associates’ Pay Request No. 5 to pay Grimmer Construction’s May Invoice for work completed on the W 96th Place & Earl Drive Extensions Project in the amount of $77,035.16. Haas & Associates has reviewed Grimmer Construction’s work invoice and finds the same to be accurate.

Mr. Panczuk made a motion to approve paying the Grimmer Construction May Invoice in the amount of $77,035.16; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

C. Consider GEI Proposal Addendum 1 – Ground Improvement

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider GEI Addendum 1 to Proposal for Ground Improvement Design, Drawings, and Specifications for the Proposed West 96th Roadway Phase 2 Connecting U.S. 41 and Joliet Street. Notice to proceed will be for the approval of an additional $25,072 requested for the detention basin work.

Mr. Panczuk made a motion to approve GEI Addendum 1 to Proposal for Ground Improvement Design, Drawings, and Specifications, at an additional cost of $25,072 for the detention basin work, for the Proposed West 96th Roadway Phase 2, connecting U.S. 41 and Joliet Street and authorize the Redevelopment Commission President or Town Manager to sign; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Phillips provided an update on the U.S. 41 Utility Relocation Project. Since the bid was awarded and a pre-construction meeting was to be had, INDOT, in conjunction with NIPSCO, relocated the electrical poles along the east side of U.S. 41 from 97th to 103rd, which impacts the area where the sanitary lines were to be installed. The placement location needs to be redesigned as a direct result, which may cause a delay in the proposed timeline as to when the Notice to Proceed may be given. INDOT notified us that they may not be able to start their project until next spring now because they wanted all the utility movement completed before starting their project.

Mr. Pondinas asked if this issue will change the bid. Mr. Phillips responded that it is unknown if the bid amount will change at this time, but he will let the Commission know of any change when he hears the same.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $239,599.49; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Swets made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

Mr. Schilling adjourned the meeting at 7:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., via virtual and live attendance.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Craig Phillips, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: Cindy Sues and James Sakalaris, Advisory Members.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the June 24, 2020, meeting minutes; Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

BID OPENING

Mr. Schilling advised that the bid opening is for a ground improvement project for West 96th Place, Phase 2.

Mr. Westland stated that three bids were received. The first bid is from Gough Construction for $1,411,273. The second bid is from Dyer Construction for $2,051,299.03. The third bid is from Grimmer Construction for $2,311,018.

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion regarding the bids.

Mr. Panczuk made a motion to take the bids under advisement and refer them to staff engineers at Haas & Associates for their recommendation and authorize the RDC President to sign the required documentation based on said recommendation; Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

NEW BUSINESS:

None was had.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Schilling reported that the work on US 41 should be completed within the week as the striping was being done today.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $944,309.00; Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Swets made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

Mr. Schilling adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at 7:04 p.m., via virtual and live attendance.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Craig Phillips, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: Cindy Sues and James Sakalaris, Advisory Members.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

None was had.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Bid Award – West 96th Place, Phase 2

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is to announce the bid award recipient for the ground improvement project for West 96th Place, Phase 2. The bid was awarded to Gough Construction in the amount of $1,411,273.

Mr. Scott Kuchta stated that there is a preconstruction meeting tomorrow morning, and they will be issuing the notice to proceed for the surcharge ground improvement to compact and settle those soils to prep the road for paving in the spring of 2021.

B. Geotechnical Pavement Corings – Joliet Street

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider approving geotechnical pavement corings on Joliet Street to Advanced Engineering Services in the amount of $6120 as recommended by Haas & Associates Engineering. The work will run from US 41 to Parrish Avenue.

Mr. Scott Kuchta stated that bids were sought to perform up to 15 cores from US 41 to Parrish avenue to assess better what is going on underneath that road. We understand an old concrete road and some other base issues exist.

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve pavement corings on to Advanced Engineering Services in the amount of $6,120; Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

C. First Group Engineering, Change Order No. 9 – US 41 and 96th Place

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is to consider First Group Engineering’s Change Order No. 9 in the amount of $12,892 for pavement grooving and flexible tubular markers as required by INDOT for the US 41- 96th Place project. They grooved the surface so the white and yellow road markings could be put below the pavement a little bit so that snowplows don’t hit it, which is an INDOT requirement. Some delineators will be placed in the area of Joliet and US 41 for the curve coming off of US 41 onto Joliet Street.

Mr. Pondinas asked if they will be on or outside of the white line. Mr. Schilling stated that they would be on the outside of the white line towards the tire shop. Mr. Pondinas remarked that the turn lane for the area between Avgo and Schoop’s is kind of crazy. Mr. Schilling advised that eventually, the left turns onto Joliet Street from southbound traffic will be blocked off.

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion.

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve First Group Engineering’s Change Order No. 9 in the amount of $12,892 to allow Rieth-Riley to perform the required pavement grooving and tubular delineation as required by INDOT for the US 41-96th Place project; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Panczuk reported that there is one contract left for the road to be built. Haas & Associates have been working on that, and the design is complete. That should be going out for bids soon.

Mr. Kuchta advised that the intention is to get the information back from the cores because there is a discussion about folding in the Joliet Street extension into the contract. The primary design for the West 96th extension is approximately 95 percent complete. Once the corings are back, advertising will be in about a month, and the bid would be awarded at the October meeting.

Mr. Panczuk further reported that Reith-Riley still has a few items to do on US 41, like the median that would be put across Joliet Street next year and some curb and sidewalk work that needs to be completed. Mr. Panczuk noted that it is more cost-effective for the Town to pave that section of Joliet Street at the same time as the extension into Joliet Street, so Mr. Kuchta will get an alternate bid for repaving Joliet Street from the tracks to Parrish Avenue, which needs to be done and on the list. That may be bundled together for cost savings.

Mr. Pondinas asked if that would be coming out of TIF funds. Mr. Panczuk stated that we could use TIF funds and bundle it together if we choose to add on that bid alternate, and Mr. Kuchta will have more complete numbers by the next meeting.

Mr. Pondinas asked how long it will take to do the remediation work for the ground. Mr. Panczuk stated that those ground improvements would not be completed until early next year, and road construction can’t start until the asphalt plants reopen. The target completion date is May 31, 2021, at the latest.

Mr. Kuchta stated that the benefit of awarding it this fall is that there will likely be some deep patching required on portions of Joliet Street, which will allow the contractor to potentially work on that, depending on the mildness of the winter, during the winter.

Ms. Hernandez stated that Cedar Lake’s RDC has been issuing an “Explore Every Day Community” recognition award. They are recognizing some of their local business. It might be something to consider for the businesses in St. John.

Mr. Schilling asked if they do that every month. Ms. Hernandez stated that she did not know the frequency.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Panczuk made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $316,912.90; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Swets made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

Mr. Schilling adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 7:02 p.m., with all members present in person.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Cindy Sues, Advisory Member; Craig Phillips, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: James Sakalaris, Advisory Member.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

None was had.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

None was had.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Panczuk stated that the Haas & Associates Highway 41 Utility line item on the docket for $6,165.85 needs to be moved to the Sanitary District.

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Panczuk made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $97,119.43; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Swets made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Schilling adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., with all members attending in person.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Cindy Sues, Advisory Member; Craig Phillips, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: James Sakalaris, Advisory Member.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion regarding the July 22, 2020; the August 26, 2020; and the September 23, 2020; meeting minutes.

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the minutes the meetings of July 22, 2020; August 26, 2020; and September 23, 2020; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

BID OPENING:

A. Joliet Street-Thielen Street Paving Project Bid Award

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is the bid opening for the 96th Place extension, Joliet Street, and Thielen Street paving project.

Mr. Westland opened the bid submissions.

Base Bid	Alternate A	Alternate B	Alternate C
Walsh & Kelly:	$947,874.39	$105,246.05	$149,452.80	$128,920.25
Reith-Riley:	$1,113,125.00	$154,999.45	$232,160.50	$184,419.35

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to take the bids under advisement.

Mr. Blazak made a motion to take the bids under advisement, allow the Town engineers to review, and authorize the RDC President to sign; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Grimmer Construction, Change Order 6

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is Grimmer Construction, Change Order 6, which will be for the final bill for work completed in March of 2020.

Mr. Phillips noted that the change order is for a decrease in the total cost of $195,820.38.

Mr. Swets made a motion to authorize Grimmer Construction, Change Order 6 reflecting a reduction of $195,820.38; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Scott Kuchta with Haas & Associates reported on the progress of 96th Place stating that the instrumentations are being done by K&S. Once that is completed, they will start placing the surcharge fill that will compact the mucky soils into a strength-bearing capacity. The site was prepped with the drainage system installed during the dry weather. The site has been performing very well with the recent wet weather.

Mr. Kuchta noted that the white pipes sticking up out of the ground are settlement plates, which are steel plates welded to a steel rod used to track settlement. He added that the weigh is loaded in a series of lifts in order to ensure the whole thing isn’t blown out with too much weight. The drainage stone and sand layers have been put down, and the proper surcharging will begin in the coming days.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Blazak made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $144,168.38; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Swets made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Pondindas seconded the motion. Mr. Schilling adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Tuesday, November 23, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., with its members attending in person and remotely.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Craig Phillips, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: Cindy Sues and James Sakalaris, Advisory Members.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

None was had.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Joliet Street-Thielen Street Paving Project Bid Award

Mr. Schilling advised that the next item on the agenda is to award the bid for the 96th Place extension, Joliet Street, and Thielen Street paving project to Walsh & Kelly.

Mr. Panczuk advised that upon review of the submitted bids, Haas & Associates sent a letter that recommending that the bid be awarded to Walsh & Kelly, who presented the lowest bid for every possible combination of the project. Mr. Panczuk noted that the project to extend 96th Place from the current ending point to Joliet Street with an intersection included an alternate bid option for additional paving to be completed on Joliet Street and Thielen Street in conjunction with the project for cost-saving measures.

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion.

Mr. Panczuk made a motion to award the bid to Walsh & Kelly for the base bid and additional alternates A, B, and C for paving work for the 96th Place extension, Joliet Street, and Thielen Street and authorize the RDC President to sign; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

None was had.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $364,439.54; Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Pondinas made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Mr. Schilling adjourned the meeting at 7:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Mr. Schilling called the St. John Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting to order on Tuesday, December 30, 2020, at 7:01 p.m., with its members attending in person and remotely.

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Bryan Blazak, Secretary; Paul Panczuk, Vice President; Wayne Pondinas; Gerald Swets; and Michael Schilling, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Craig Phillips, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer; and David Westland, Town Attorney.

Absent: Cindy Sues and James Sakalaris, Advisory Members.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion regarding the October 28, 2020, and the November 23, 2020, meeting minutes.

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 28, 2020, meeting; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 23, 2020, meeting; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None was had.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Professional Services Agreement with Baker Tilly for 2021

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion regarding the 2021 Baker Tilly professional services agreement.

Mr. Panczuk made a motion to approve the agreement with Baker Tilly as the Financial Advisors for the RDC; Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Panczuk reported on the ground improvement project for the 97th Place road extension noting that the earthwork had over 20 inches of settlement overnight in one spot on the outer edge of the road's curve, where the deepest wet area is located. The engineers are trying to work up countermeasures to address that issue. Everything else has been going well.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion. Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $1,065,791.42; Mr. Panczuk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Schilling entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Blazak made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Mr. Blazak Aye
Mr. Panczuk Aye
Mr. Pondinas Aye
Mr. Swets Aye
Mr. Schilling Aye

Mr. Schilling adjourned the meeting at 7:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission