CALL TO ORDER:

Town Council President Gerald Swets called the St. John Town Council Meeting to order on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 7:01 p.m., and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Councilmen present: Michael Aurelio, Councilman; Bryan Blazak, Councilman; Wayne Pondinas, Councilman; Michael Schilling, Councilman; and Gerald Swets, President.

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

NEW BUSINESS:

Mr. Pondinas asked to move the Election of Officers to the beginning of the meeting. Mr. Swets responded that the agenda will stay in the order as posted.

A. Financial Matters of the Corporation

i. Motion to approve an Agreement with K2M for St. John Fire Station Needs Assessment/Concept Design amount not to exceed $16,000

Mr. Wiszowaty reported that K2M made a presentation to the Town Council at the last meeting with a favorable recommendation from the Board of Safety. Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve the Agreement with K2M for the St. John Fire Station Needs Assessment. Mr. Schilling seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

ii. Motion to authorize the Clerk-Treasurer to remit payment of $53,000 for the Groen Settlement from the Fund Balance in the Cumulative Capital Development Fund (#4402)

Mr. Westland explained that the Town sent a uniform offer in late 2019 to Mr. Groen regarding property required for the widening of Parrish, which was rejected. The construction on the road was completed without finalizing any compensation. Now Mr. Groen and his attorney contacted the Town to negotiate the price. Mr. Schilling made a motion to authorize the Clerk-Treasurer to remit payment of $53,000 for the Groen Settlement. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

B. Ordinances and Resolutions

i. Ordinance No. 1789: An Ordinance creating a Department of Parks and Recreation and repealing and/or amending Chapter 15, Parks and Recreation

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that the ordinance reestablishes the Parks & Recreation Board. Mr. Aurelio made a motion to consider Ordinance No. 1789 on first reading. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 1 nay by Mr. Pondinas.

ii. Resolution No. 2023-01-11: A Resolution declaring an emergency and approving an extension for repayment of loans until not later than December 31, 2023

Mr. Wiszowaty reported that this resolution allows for a loan from the Cumulative Capital Development Fund (4402) to TIF #1 Fund (4445) as recommended by Cender Dalton in order to make the payment on the bonds. On December 21st, 2022, the County Auditor’s office certified the December tax distributions to each of the units of the County. The Target Corporation filed a tax appeal in November 2021 for their 2015 to 2020 assessed valuations. The notice of determination by the Indiana Board of Tax Review should have been sent to the Town Officials on the date the case was settled back in November 2021. The appeal was unexpected, and the Town now struggles to make the payment for the 2018 Redevelopment District Bond amount. It is the recommendation of Cender Dalton to approve the loan and extend the repayment of the loan until December 31, 2023. The Town will continue to assess the impact of this discovery, what our options are, and continued recommendations. Mr. Wiszowaty reported distributions from prior years. The Council members asked some additional questions and a discussion ensued.

Mr. Aurelio made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-01-11. Mr. Schilling seconded the motion. The motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

iii. Resolution No. 2023-01-11A: A Resolution providing for the transfer of appropriations for the various funds of the Town of St. John, Lake County, Indiana, for the Year 2022, for the Actions and Passable by the Town Council pursuant to IC 6-1.1-18-6 (Water District)

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that this resolution allows for various transfers of $30,739.98 appropriated funds within the Water District for FY2022. Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-01-11A. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

iv. Resolution No. 2023-01-11B: A Resolution providing for the transfer of appropriations for the various funds of the Town of St. John, Lake County, Indiana, for the Year 2022, for the Actions and Passable by the Town Council pursuant to IC 6-1.1-18-6 (Sanitary District)

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that this resolution allows for various transfers of $71,772.50 appropriated funds within the Sanitary District for FY2022. Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-01-11B. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

C. Council Action

1. Motion to remove a specific appointed member of the Board of Safety for cause pursuant to 18-1(e) and 16-47 of the St. John Town Code and Indiana Code 36-8-9-3.1 (a)(6)

Mr. Blazak made a motion to remove Rob Kmetz from the Board of Safety immediately. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 1 nay by Mr. Pondinas.

2. Consider Appointment of a specific individual(s) to the Safety Board

Mr. Swets reported that there are two (2) positions to fill, one position being a citizen appointment and one position being with Fire experience. One of the candidates is Randy Palmeter for the citizen appointment and Scott Swets for the Fire appointment. Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve. Mr. Schilling seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 1 nay by Mr. Pondinas.

3. Motion to remove specific appointed members of the Stormwater Management Board pursuant to 2-102 of the St. John Town Code

Mr. Swets reported that the Council is removing Bill Manousopoulos and Joseph Gomeztagle from the Stormwater Management Board effective immediately.

4. Consider Appointment of specific individual(s) to the Stormwater Management Board

Mr. Swets reported that the recommendations are Ken Gembala, Democrat to expire December 31, 2023 and Vanessa Merkle, Republican to expire December 31, 2024. Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve the candidates. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 2 nays by Mr. Pondinas and Mr. Schilling.

5. Motion to approve an Independent Contractor Agreement with Michelle Velez

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that this is for a Communication Event Coordinator. Mr. Aurelio made a motion to approve the Independent Contractor Agreement with Michelle Velez. Mr. Schilling seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 1 nay by Mr. Pondinas.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS – 2023

A. Town Council President (effective meeting of January 25, 2023)

Mr. Aurelio nominated Mr. Schilling for President. Mr. Blazak nominated Mr. Swets for President. The following voted via roll call vote: Mr. Aurelio-Schilling, Mr. Blazak-present, Mr. Pondinas-Schilling, Mr. Schilling-Schilling, Mr. Swets-Schilling. Michael Schilling is appointed as President with a 4-0 vote, with 1 present by Mr. Blazak.

B. Town Council Vice-President (effective meeting of January 25, 2023)

Mr. Blazak nominated Mr. Swets for Vice-President. The nomination is approved with 4 ayes and 1 nay by Mr. Pondinas.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made to adjourn. The Town Council Special Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Town Council

Approved This 25th Day of January, 2023:

___________________________________
Michael Schilling, Town Council President

Attest:

________________________________
Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer

CALL TO ORDER:

Town Council President, Michael Schilling, called the St. John Town Council Meeting to order on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 7:27 p.m., and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Councilmen present: Michael Aurelio, Councilman; Bryan Blazak, Councilman; Wayne Pondinas, Councilman; Gerald Swets, Councilman; and Michael Schilling, President.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Vanessa Knutsen 11745 W. 105th Ave.: Ms. Knutsen addressed concerns with the Town Council decisions with the Park Board, Park Advisory member selections and other members removed from other Boards. She questioned the purpose for those decisions and asked the residents to pay attention to the actions of the Council.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Town Council Regular Meeting – December 29, 2022
Town Council Special Meeting – January 11, 2023

Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve the December 29, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes and the January 11, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

BID OPENINGS:

Mr. Westland confirmed the proofs of publication are in order for both bid requests.

1. 93rd Avenue Project
Milestone Contractors North - $3,850,781 base bid, with Alternative 1-1 - $72,440
Reith Riley - $4,066,030.98, with Alternative - $72,440
FH Paschen - $3,686,221.31, with Alternative - $72,735.79

Evan Laviolette, with First Group Engineering, addressed concerns with the timetable on construction if not approved at this meeting and suggested granting the Town Manager authorization to approve the contract, based on First Group’s recommendation. Mr. Blazak made a motion to accept the bids under advisement and pending engineering review, allow the Town Manager to execute. Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Mr. Wiszowaty confirmed that the recommendation will be shared with the Council and the Clerk. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

2. Parks Grass Mowing for 2023
Great Lakes Management - $2,670 per week for a total of $77,430.

Mr. Aurelio made a motion to defer to the Park Advisory Committee or upon the creation of the Park Board. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Ordinance No. 1789: An Ordinance creating a Department of Parks and Recreation and repealing and/or amending Chapter 15, Parks and Recreation

Mr. Blazak made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1789 on second reading. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Mr. Pondinas addressed a concern regarding a newspaper article and how it is perceived that he is against the Park Board because he voted nay in the last meeting. He stated he is not against the Park Board, but against the action that was taken previously. He listed off accomplishments of the previous Park Board. Mr. Pondinas asked Mr. Westland if the Town would need a Park Board to qualify for grants. Mr. Westland responded that he is not fully knowledgeable about the subject, but that there are some that require it. Mr. Aurelio mentioned some issues with a couple of Parks projects that did not get completed as scheduled. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

2. Motion to rescind prior Town Council Action which authorized payment of no greater than $297,650.00 for certain right of way and construction access at 11211 W. 93rd Avenue, St. John, Indiana

Evan Laviolette, first Group Engineering, explained that the original number provided was under the assumption that the Church was going to be donating the permanent right-of-way, as well as the improvements, trees, landscaping and fence. The Church, after review, opposed the offer as they stated the home, itself, is worth $315,000 per their independent appraisals. The proposal now would be to pay them for the temporary right-of-way and the home, which brings them closer to the $309,000.

Mr. Swets reported that he received a request from someone whether it was possible to purchase the building and move it, as it is a historical building. Mr. Laviolette responded that it could become part of the process, but would not know the cost. A discussion continued on the topic of moving it. Mr. Laviolette added that it wouldn’t affect the project for much of it and they would pull the demo cost from the project.

Mr. Aurelio made a motion to rescind prior Town Council Action which authorized payment of no greater than $297,650.00 for certain right of way and construction access at 11211 W. 93rd Avenue, St. John, Indiana. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

3. Motion to acquire certain property for public right of way and construction access at 11211 W. 93rd Avenue, St. John, Indiana for no greater than $309,600.00, and to authorize the Town Manager to sign the offer, agreement, closing documents, and any other related documents for FY2023 West 93rd Avenue & U.S. 41 Intersection

Mr. Blazak made a motion to acquire certain property for public right of way and construction access at 11211 W. 93rd Avenue, St. John, Indiana for no greater than $309,600.00, and to authorize the Town Manager to sign the offer, agreement, closing documents, and any other related documents for FY2023 West 93rd Avenue & U.S. 41 Intersection. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Financial Matters of the Corporation

1. Requests to Purchase (RTP) – Town of St. John

Ms. Hernandez reported that there are 11 Requests to Purchase: 1 for Austgen Electric, 2 for Bosak Ford, 1 for Fence Masters, 1 for Fire Services, 1 for HECC, 1 for Mad Bomber, 1 for Precision Concrete, 1 for Superior Engine, 1 for Vigilant Solutions and 1 for Webb Ford for a total of $268,317.42.

Mr. Swets made a motion to pay the Requests to Purchase in the amount of $268,317.42. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Mr. Pondinas reported that two (2) Requests to Purchase were received today for two (2) vehicles, one for the Building Department and one as a Town pooled vehicle, coming out of ARPA funds. He said that the Town didn’t need the pooled vehicle at this time. A discussion about the vehicles ensued. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 1 nay by Mr. Pondinas.

2. Payment of the Bills

Mr. Swets made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Voucher dated January 25, 2023, representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, and services rendered to the Town of St. John in the combined total of $3,577,275.15. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

3. Consider encumbrances for FY 2022 totaling $517,302.74.

Mr. Blazak made a motion to consider encumbrances for FY 2022 totaling $517,302.74. Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

1. Resolution No. 2023-01-25: A Resolution authorizing Appropriation Transfer

This resolution authorized the transfer of appropriations within the 2023 budget for the American Recovery Plan Act funds for the Police Department in the amount of $197,002.00, from Fire equipment to uniforms, contractual and vehicles. Mr. Swets made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-01-25. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

B. Council Action

1. Consider Agreement of Services between St. John Township and the Town of St. John for firefighting and other emergency service protection for 2023

Ms. Cathy Lareau, St. John Township Trustee, referred to the Agreement which is mandated by State statute to be executed by January 31st. She added that the Agreement is the same as last year with the exception of a Board approved 5% increase. Mr. Aurelio made a motion to approve the Agreement of Services between St. John Township and the Town of St. John for firefighting and other emergency service protection for 2023 and authorize the Town Council President to sign. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent by Mr. Blazak.

2. Amendment to Interlocal Governmental Agreement by and between the Town of St. John, Schererville and Lake County, Indiana

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that the numbers were corrected to reflect the actual amounts due from each entity with respect to the W. 85th Avenue project. He provided the corrected dollar amounts due from Schererville and Lake County. These amounts were paid out of the General Fund and will be reimbursed accordingly. Mr. Aurelio made a motion to approve the Amendment to Interlocal Governmental Agreement by and between the Town of St. John, Schererville and Lake County, Indiana and authorize the Town Council President to sign. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

3. Consider Acceptance of Performance Surety for St. John Commons, Phase 1 in the amount of $158,289.00 (Received Favorable Recommendation from the Plan Commission on January 4, 2023) Irrevocable Letter of Credit issued by Peoples Bank, NA

Mr. Aurelio made a motion to consider acceptance of Performance Surety for St. John Commons, Phase 1 in the amount of $158,289.00. Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

4. Consider Independent Contract Agreement with Soccer Shots Northwest Indiana for 2023 Soccer Program for the Parks and Recreation Department

Mr. Blazak made a motion to defer the Independent Contract Agreement with Soccer Shots to the Parks Board. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

5. Consider appointments of specific individuals to the Parks and Recreation Board

Mr. Aurelio explained that the Board requires a specific mix of political affiliation, therefore he asked to consider the same members from the Committee that fit the mix. Mr. Aurelio made a motion to nominate Mr. Moffitt to a four (4) year term, Mr. Beezhold to a three (3) year term, and Ms. Toosley for a two (2) year term. Mr. Swets seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 1 nay by Mr. Pondinas.

6. Appointments of Council Liaisons

Mr. Schilling reported that the liaisons will remain unchanged from 2022. Mr. Blazak will serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Plan Commission and the Storm Water Management Board. Mr. Aurelio will serve on the EDC and the Park Board. Mr. Pondinas will serve on the Water and Sanitary Boards. Mr. Swets will serve the Safety Village and NIRPC. Mr. Schilling will serve on the Safety Board, the Lake County Solid Waste and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Aurelio made a motion to approve the Liaisons as listed. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 ayes and 0 nays.

STAFF REPORTS & CORRESPONDENCE:

Town Engineer - Tom Nagel, Robinson Engineering LTD: Mr. Nagle prepared a report summarizing the activities from the past three (3) months, and described the action and status of each.

Special Project Engineer - Evan Laviolette, First Group Engineering, Inc.: Mr. Laviolette provided updates on the 93rd Avenue project and what types of activities will be starting. The job should be completed by the end of November. He added that First Group has a massive detour mapping underway.

Town Manager - Joseph Wiszowaty: Mr. Wiszowaty reported that the Town was approved for the CBDG grant for 2022-23 for $80,456 for the pathways at the Gates Park. The Town submitted the application for the CCMG-23.

Clerk-Treasurer - Beth Hernandez: Ms. Hernandez explained that they did not have any requests for write-offs for sanitation for 2022. She reported on uncollectable accounts, billing totals, and the status of the investments.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Blazak made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. The Town Council Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Town Council

Approved This 22nd Day of February, 2023:

___________________________________
Michael Schilling, Town Council President

Attest:

________________________________
Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer

CALL TO ORDER:

Town Council President, Michael Schilling, called the St. John Town Council Special Study Session to order on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Councilmen present: Michael Aurelio, Councilman; Bryan Blazak, Councilman; Wayne Pondinas, Councilman; and Michael Schilling, President.

Councilmen absent: Gerald Swets

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

STUDY SESSION DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Riverfront District Licenses

Mr. Westland referred to two documents and described the items that will be in the Ordinance. The Compliance document sets the criteria and the compliance requirements for the liquor licenses for the area. One of the statute requirements is that the establishment must have at least 51% in food sales. Discussion about the proof of sales and compliance ensued. Mr. Westland encouraged the Council members to read through the two documents provided in preparation of adopting the Ordinance on Wednesday. The Formal Written Commitment document commits the establishment to the statutory requirements. Questions and discussion continued about TIF districts and whether TIFs can be extended.

(Mr. Westland left the meeting at 7:20 p.m.)

2. 93rd/US41 Project

Scott Pruit, First Group Engineering, reported that the contract documents are in order and that AT&T submitted a Permit with the Town to relocate their facility by mid-March. He referred to a distributed document with fencing options. Closing documents were presented to the Town for review. The job was awarded under-budget. The anticipated project estimate was $4.1 million and Paschen came in at $3.756 million. The water items are $889,585 and the road items are $2,867,354. Lane closures would begin about mid-March to mid-April and the estimated time of completion is November 30th. Lighting details were discussed. Discussion about the justification of adding the conduit to 93rd Avenue ensued.

3. EMS Write -offs

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that there is a total in uncollectible debt of $265,738.96 for the period of January 1 through June 30, 2022. He read off the breakdown per category. He added that this is completed every six months.

4. PD Speed limit Ordinance Amendment

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that this is an amendment to the Town’s traffic code covering the speed limit and stop signs. The State law establishes a minimum speed limit for urban districts of no less than 25 mph and no greater than 30 mph. Mr. Wiszowaty listed the affected roads and intersections.

5. ARPA Authorization

Mr. Wiszowaty reported an additional need of $415,975.52 be transferred from ARPA. Mr. Pondinas asked for a breakdown on all ARPA expenditures. Mr. Aurelio asked if the Communications Director could publish the ARPA activity on the Facebook page or the Website.

6. Dollars for Scholars

Lake Central requests $500 for the annual Dollars for Scholars program. Ms. Hernandez added that the Council authorizes both Lake Central and Hanover at the same time.

7. Proposed Indoor Storage Facility

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that this is coming to the Council with an unfavorable recommendation from the BZA. He reported that the area they are looking at is unique because of the elevation changes, which makes it challenging for development. The reason this went to the BZA was for a use variance, as storage buildings are not permitted in a commercial area. Mr. Blazak, as the BZA liaison, added that it is an impressive, environmentally controlled facility and provided some insight as to the benefit of the storage facility.

8. Revisions to Town Meeting Schedule

Mr. Wiszowaty reported that the Board of Storm Water Management and the Park Board established their meeting schedules for the year.

9. Stale Dated Checks Resolution

Ms. Hernandez are checks that have remained outstanding for a period of two or more years and need to be cleared from the books.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aurelio made a motion to adjourn. The Town Council Special Study Session was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Town Council

Approved This 22nd Day of February, 2023:

___________________________________
Michael Schilling, Town Council President

Attest:

________________________________
Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer

CALL TO ORDER:

Town Council President, Michael Schilling, called the St. John Town Council Meeting to order on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 7:12 p.m., and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Councilmen present: Michael Aurelio, Councilman; Bryan Blazak, Councilman; Wayne Pondinas, Councilman; and Michael Schilling, President.

Councilmen absent: Gerald Swets, Councilman

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

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Town Council Regular Meeting – January 25, 2023
Town Council Special Study Session –February 16, 2023

Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from January 25, 2023. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve the Special Study Session Minutes from February 16, 2023. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

PRESENTATION & RECOGNITION:

A. Proclamation Honoring Adam Lung – Eagle Scout

Adam Lung described his accomplishments as an Eagle Scout. Mr. Schilling read the Proclamation honoring Adam Lung. The signed Proclamation was presented to Adam Lung.

B. Proclamation Honoring Trevor Polaski – Eagle Scout

Trevor Polaski’s father described Trevor’s accomplishments as an Eagle Scout. Mr. Schilling read the Proclamation honoring Trevor Polaski. The signed Proclamation was presented to Trevor Polaski’s parents.

OLD BUSINESS:

There was no Old Business.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Financial Matters of the Corporation

1. Requests to Purchase (RTP) – Town of St. John

Mr. Aurelio asked to have the RTP for Wonderware North pulled. Mr. Aurelio stated that he did not receive a full explanation on the SCADA system, which involves this RTP and seeks further explanation about proprietary software. Ms. Hernandez reported that there are 7 Requests to Purchase: 1 for CDW-G, 1 for EJ USA, 1 for Grimmer Construction, 1 for Hall Signs, 2 for Peerless Midwest, and 1 for Rhomar Industries for a total of $62,729.94. Mr. Pondinas made a motion to approve the eight (8) Requests to Purchase for a total of $68,020.94. Mr. Aurelio amended the motion to withdraw the Wonderware North for a total of $62,729.94. Mr. Dravet confirmed that the price remains until March 30th. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion to amend. Motion carried with 3 ayes and 1 nay by Mr. Pondinas. Mr. Aurelio made a motion to approve the amended motion to pay the $62,729.94. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. The motion carried with 3 ayes and 1 nay by Mr. Pondinas.

2. Payment of the Bills

Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Voucher dated February 22, 2023, representing payment for payroll, purchases, supplies, equipment, and services rendered to the Town of St. John in the combined total of $3,867,157.27. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

B. Ordinances and Resolutions

1. Ordinance No. 1790 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 1776, as to the designation and regulation of Speed Limits in the Motor Vehicle and Traffic Code of the St. John Code of Ordinances in the Town of St. John, Indiana

Mr. Blazak made a motion to consider Ordinance No. 1790 on first reading. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

Mr. Blazak made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1790 on first reading. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

2. Ordinance No. 1791: An Ordinance Establishing Ten Additional Alcoholic Beverage Permits, Establishing the Criteria for License Allocations and Application Compliance Requirements and Requiring a Formal Written Commitment for Liquor Licenses in the St. John Riverfront Development Project Area

Mr. Blazak made a motion to consider Ordinance No. 1791 on first reading. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

Mr. Aurelio made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1791 on first reading. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

3. Resolution No. 2023-02-22: A Resolution Authorizing ARPA Funds

Mr. Aurelio made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-02-22. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Mr. Pondinas asked if they were going to receive the total that was spent. Mr. Wiszowaty responded that it will be distributed to the Council and placed on the website. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

4. Resolution No. 2023-02-22A A Resolution declaring uncollectible accounts of the Town of St. John, Lake County, Indiana as “Bad Debt” and Authorizing Collection efforts to cease and allowing the Town to write off said accounts

Mr. Blazak made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-02-22A. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Mr. Aurelio clarified that the majority of this is an unfunded mandate due to Medicare and Medicaid, not that the Town was not able to collect the money. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

5. Resolution No. 2023-02-22B A Resolution to Void State Dated Checks Outstanding and Unpaid for a Period of Two or More Years and all matters related thereto

Mr. Aurelio asked to postpone this action if there is no urgency. Ms. Hernandez responded that there is urgency by law and that it needs to be passed by March 1st. She explained the reason for the resolution and the process by which to remedy any forward action. Continued discussion ensued. Mr. Aurelio made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-02-22B. Mr. Blazak seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

C. Council Action

1. Consider Use Variance at 10045 Earl Drive for an Indoor Self-Storage within a C-2 (Commercial Highway) Zone and the US-41 Overlay District.

Mr. Wiszowaty reported that this comes to the Town Council with an unfavorable recommendation from the BZA. Mr. Aurelio made a motion to deny the Use Variance at 10045 Earl Drive. The motion dies for lack of a second. Mr. Westland read the state statute for petition. If no action is taken by the legislative body within 90 days, the action would be deemed approved. Mr. Blazak made a motion to defer. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

2. Consider waiver of Park Impact Fee ($1,868.01) and Road Impact Fee ($2,815.64) for building permit to be issued for 10652 Manor Drive due to house fire.

Mr. Blazak made a motion to waive the Park Impact Fee and the Road Impact Fee for building permit to be issued for 10652 Manor Drive. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

3. Consider Authorizing Contributions $1,000 each to Lake Central and Hanover Township Schools for Dollars for Scholars and authorizing and directing the Clerk-Treasurer to remit contribution

Mr. Blazak made a motion to authorize Contributions of $1,000 each to Lake Central and Hanover Township Schools for Dollars for Scholars. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

4. Consider designating Meyers Glaros Group as the Town of St. John’s Broker of Record

Mr. Aurelio made a motion to defer. Mr. Pondinas seconded the motion. Motion carried with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

D. Information to be Accepted and Placed on File with the Clerk-Treasurer

1. Revisions to 2023 Town Meeting Schedule

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that this is for informational purposes to be placed on record with the Clerk’s Office as she indicated that no action was needed.

STAFF REPORTS & CORRESPONDENCE:

Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer: Ms. Hernandez reported that new legislation has taken effect where the Town no longer has to re-establish the CCD fund on an annual basis and will automatically reset to the maximum amount. Therefore, there will be no action required. She explained a distinct difference between the CCD Fund and Cum Sewer and Cum Fire and that the CCD is outside of the Town’s maximum levy. Cum Sewer and Cum Fire is within the Town’ maximum levy, so if those are re-established, the Town would be taking from somewhere else, causing a negative impact in the other fund. Re-establishing Cum Sewer or Cum Fire would need to be done in May.

Tom Nagle, Town Engineer: Mr. Nagle provided updates on current projects:
1. Community Crossing Grant was submitted for a million dollar grant and response expected sometime in May. The project would need to be started within four (4) months of receipt.
2. The Acorn water main has been submitted to IDEM and expect to receive the permit by April 1st.
3. Robinson Engineering is assisting Teska with the Corridors Study and the community workshop is scheduled for March 9th.

Joseph Wiszowaty, Town Manager: Mr. Wiszowaty reiterated Mr. Nagle’s comments about the Corridors Study. He explained the process thus far and the actions moving forward.

TOWN COUNCIL
Wayne Pondinas: Mr. Pondinas provided the background and history of the SCADA system.

Bryan Blazak: Mr. Blazak expressed his approval of the progress with the Riverfront District actions.

Michael Aurelio: Mr. Aurelio reported that the Economic Development Committee met today and approved action to seek proposals for a Strategic Plan for the area west of US 41 starting at US 231 going North.

Michael Schilling: Mr. Schilling thanked the Boy Scouts for attending the meeting.

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The Town Council Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:14p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Town Council

Approved This 22nd Day of March, 2023:

___________________________________
Michael Schilling, Town Council President

Attest:

________________________________
Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer

CALL TO ORDER:

Town Council President, Michael Schilling, called the St. John Town Council Special Study Session to order on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Councilmen present: Michael Aurelio, Councilman; Bryan Blazak, Councilman; Wayne Pondinas, Councilman; Gerald Swets, Councilman; and Michael Schilling, President.

Also present: Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer and Joseph Wiszowaty, Town Manager

STUDY SESSION DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Safety Village - William Jarvis

Bill Jarvis with Tri-Town Safety Village described the programs available to the surrounding school students and requested monetary participation from the Town of St. John. Discussion about the budget continued.

2. West 93rd Avenue/US-41 Project - Construction Engineering, First Group

Evan Laviolette, First Group Engineering, was asked to discuss the Consulting Engineers (CE) Agreement for the 93rd Avenue project. He explained that the CE Agreement was divided into the Water project and the Roadway project. He reported that the total worst case approximation for the Roadway project is $254,531.60. He added that the Water portion is roughly $80.000 or 24% of the total amount. He provided an update on possession of the property.

3. Health Insurance - Meyers-Glaros, Rob Adlard

Rob Adlard reported that Meyers-Glaros reviewed and evaluated the Town’s Health Plan and provided recommendations. The biggest determination was to maintain the current plan, BSA/HealthComp and Cigna. He explained that one item of concern is the stop-loss insurance and described the various programs. He then explained the proposed contract language. The fee to manage the plan would be $2,500.00 per month. There would be a reduction in the stop-loss premium.

4. Emergency Operations Plan - Chief LaDuke

Chief LaDuke reported that the most current Emergency Operations Plan on record is from 1996. He explained the proposed changes and the reasons for a Plan. He explained the NIMS training and who in the Town should receive the training.

5. Emergency Service Contract - Chief LaDuke

Chief LaDuke explained the program with the Emergency Services Billing Contract (ESBC) as an additional revenue stream and how the process would work. ESBC would not cover ambulance billing. There is no cost to the Town, as ESBC takes their portion of the collection before paying back the Town.

6. Use Variance - 10045 Earl Drive (proposed Indoor Storage Facility)

Mr. Wiszowaty reminded the Council that this will be up for action at the next Council meeting and unless the Council votes to deny at that time, it will default to approval.

7. Request to Purchase - SCADA Software, Wonderware $5,291.00

Mr. Wiszowaty explained that this RTP was pulled from approval at the last Council meeting and will appear again for a motion at the next meeting. Mr. Aurelio explained that Wonderware is a proprietary system and his concerns with it. Mr. Swets asked why this is before the Council and not the Water Board and Sanitary District. Ms. Hernandez explained the Council only wanted the RTPs that affected the Bond to go to the Water Boards. Mr. Dravet added that the Town currently own the licenses, therefore it is imperative to continue the maintenance plan. Ms. Hernandez advised the Council to study the RTPs to determine which RTPs should be going to the Utility Boards. She continued to explain that the current Purchase Policy states that the Council approves expenditures greater than $4,000.00.

8. Requests to Purchase 11 in the amount of $450,745.02

Mr. Wiszowaty added that there may still be a few more added before the meeting which will be forwarded to the Council after the Friday deadline.

9. Miscellaneous Matters - Town Manager

a. Arbor Day – Mr. Wiszowaty reported that there will be a Proclamation on the next Council agenda for Arbor Day on April 28th per the request of the Parks Superintendent.
b. Move to Indiana – Mr. Wiszowaty referred to a Move to Indiana document which came with a favorable recommendation from the EDC. This would market to families and businesses looking to move into Indiana. Mr. Aurelio added that this program would be another tool for growth in St. John.
c. Strategic Plan for the Town of St. John – Mr. Wiszowaty is working on the Strategic Plan and will present it to the Council for recommendation.
d. 5-Year Plan – Mr. Wiszowaty will be working with Cender Dalton and the Clerk-Treasurer on the Town’s 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan. It would be presented to the Council at a Study Session for review.
e. Student Government Day – Mr. Wiszowaty reported that he is bringing back Student Government Day to the Town of St. John on April 26th. He described the program in greater detail.

10. Chief LaDuke reminded the Council that there will be a large scale incident tomorrow at Clark School from Noon to 3:00 p.m.

11. Mr. Schilling provided a reminder of the Community Event tomorrow from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the Corridor Study. He identified the Corridor.

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The Town Council Special Study Session was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Town Council

Approved This 22nd Day of March, 2023:

___________________________________
Michael Schilling, Town Council President

Attest:

________________________________
Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer

CALL TO ORDER:

Wayne Pondinas called the St. John Town Council Workshop to order on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 3:15 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Councilmen present: Michael Aurelio, Councilman; Bryan Blazak, Councilman; and Wayne Pondinas, Councilman.

Also present: Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer and Joseph Wiszowaty, Town Manager

(Michael Schilling joined the meeting at 3:20 p.m.)

PRESENTATION:

St. John Corridor Study Workshop led by Francesca Lawrence and Michael Blue with Teska Associates, Inc.

Town Manager, Joseph Wiszowaty, and Building and Planning Director, Sergio Mendoza, gave a brief overview of the corridors that are being studied, which include 101st Avenue, Calumet Avenue, and US Highway 231/W. 109th Avenue.

Francesca Lawrence, Senior Planner with Teska Associates, Inc., addressed the present Council, Commission, and Committee members and began her presentation on the St. John Corridor Study. See Exhibit A.

After the presentation, all members broke out in to small groups and were given various challenges, opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses to discuss. They were also tasked with adding to the list of examples and sharing their thoughts with the entire group. See Exhibit B. Members were also given examples of community design and streetscape imagery to review and note which ones they felt would most enhance the corridors and community. See Exhibit C. Lastly, each group reviewed the Town’s Future Zoning Map from the 2017 Comprehensive Plan and used that to notate what types of development they would like to see along the corridors. See Exhibit D.

It was explained by Ms. Lawrence that the discussions that were had at today’s workshop will be compiled with the information that was received from the stakeholder groups as well as what will be gathered from the public open house tonight, and will then be presented to the Town Council, Plan Commission, and Economic Development Committee for review and discussion at a later date.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Blazak made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Aurelio seconded the motion. The Town Council Workshop was adjourned at 4:49 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Anastasia Lowery, Recording Secretary
St. John Town Council

Approved This 22nd Day of March, 2023:

___________________________________
Michael Schilling, Town Council President

Attest:

________________________________
Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer