MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS & SAFETY

VALPARAISO, INDIANA

January 14, 2022

The Board of Public Works & Safety of Valparaiso, Indiana met January 14, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall. Present were Mayor Murphy, Steve Poulos, and Holly Howe. Mayor Murphy called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion: Holly Howe moved that the minutes of the December 22, 2021 meeting be approved, seconded by Steve Poulos and so approved.

Motion: Holly Howe moved that the claims be approved for payment and subject to appropriation balances, seconded by Steve Poulos and so approved.

Vale Park Road Traffic Calming and Realignment

Mike Jabo requested approval of Supplemental Agreement No. 1 with DLZ. An opportunity arose that would facilitate a modification of the realignment of Vale Park Road between Keystone Commons and Brooks development. Engineering staff also requested some additional features in the traffic calming design on the Vale Park Road portion within the Villas of Beauty Creek. Supplemental Agreement No. 1 provides such changes and increases the original fee of $60,240.00 by $41,980.00 to $102,220.00. The Engineering Department recommends that the Board of Public Works and Safety accept Supplemental Agreement No. 1 between the City and DLZ as presented.

Motion: oweHhhl;ll;H Holly Howe moved to approve Supplemental Agreement No. 1 between the City and DLZ. Seconded by Steve Poulos and so approved.

Mark Worthley Contract for Legal Services for Plan Commission

Beth Shrader requested approval to enter into an agreement with Mark Worthley to serve as special counsel of the City of Valparaiso’s Plan Commission. His fee is $625 per month.

Motion: Steve Poulos moved to approve the Agreement with Mark Worthley to serve as special counsel of the City of Valparaiso’s Plan Commission. Seconded by Holly Howe and so approved.

Comprehensive Façade and Sign Improvement Program

Beth Shrader requested approval of Resolution No. 1, 2022 which creates a comprehensive façade and sign improvement program. This is an adaptation of the existing program. Beth explained this is a grant, so it makes sense to have it approved by the Board of Works. The yearly budget is $125,000. It will be administered through the Plan Commission. The Redevelopment Commission will fund this amount in lieu of the City funding it as with the previous program. The maximum grant is $50,000. If this program is successful, they will look for alternative funding. They will market the availability of the program with contractors, sign companies and architects.

Motion: Steve Poulos moved to approve Resolution No. 1, 2022. Seconded by Holly Howe and so approved.

Grant Agreement for Façade Improvements at 8 Lafayette Street

Beth Shrader requested approval of a Façade and Sign Improvement Agreement for property at 8 Lafayette Street. Diane Worstell is the property owner. Only one side of the building is eligible for an amount up to $25,000. They meet all the criteria.

Motion: Holly Howe moved to approve the Grant Agreement for Façade Improvements at 8 Lafayette Street. Seconded by Steve Poulos and so approved.

Tandem Mobility Bike Share Agreement

Kevin Nuppnau requested approval of an Agreement with Tandem Mobility for bike rentals. The annual cost is $64,800. He will look for sponsors to help cover the cost. This fee covers 10 stations and 36 bikes. With the previous company, three stations were on VU property. They have opted out of the program, so they are looking for three new spots. The previous company went bankrupt due to covid. Tandem Mobility is using the previous company’s equipment and putting their logo on it. They are putting the new branding of the City of Valparaiso on the bikes. Attorney Lyp has reviewed and approved the Agreement. Previously they raised approximately $50,000 in corporate sponsorship to go towards the annual fee. They will work with Leo’s Bike for service on the bikes. With this, he will go out weekly and make sure the bikes are distributed evenly between the 10 stations.

Motion: Steve Poulos moved to approve the Bike Share Agreement with Tandem Mobility for an annual cost of $64,800. Seconded by Holly Howe and so approved.

Indiana Dunes Tourism Grant

Attorney Patrick Lyp requested approval to apply for a Grant from the Indiana Dunes Tourism. If awarded, the money will be used for an art project in downtown.

Motion: Holly Howe moved to approve the grant application check list for the Indiana Dunes Tourism Grant. Seconded by Steve Poulos and so approved.

College Hill Neighborhood Sign Toppers

Mike Jessen presented the College Hill Neighborhood sign toppers to be placed at 21 locations in this neighborhood. Funding for the toppers was received through a grant. Four spare toppers will be purchased. Any more if needed will be at the expense of the Neighborhood.

Motion: Holly Howe moved to approve the sign toppers for College Hill Neighborhood as presented. Seconded by Steve Poulos and so approved.

Citizen Requests

• Extra Mile/Race the Region/ VHS Boys Cross Country Valentine’s Day Run 5K, February 6, 2022 from 9:00-10:30 a.m.
• YMCA Ringing in Spring Race, April 2, 2022 from 7:15-10:00 a.m.

Motion: Steve Poulos moved to approve Extra Mile/Race the Region/ VHS Boys Cross Country Valentine’s Day Run 5K, February 6, 2022 and YMCA Ringing in Spring Race, April 2, 2022.

There was no further business, and the meeting was adjourned.