Common Council - Regular Meeting

We will open with prayer led by Councilman Washington. Thank you, Madam President. Let us bow. Dear Lord, heavenly father, allow the words of our mouth, the meditations of our heart. Lord, let them be acceptable in your sight as we conduct business for the greatest city in this United States of America. That is Gary, Indiana. In the precious name of our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen. Amen. Now stand with me for the pledge of

allegiance of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Roll call. Madam cler. Councilwoman Brown. Councilwoman Cwell. Present.

Councilman Hallebertton. Councilwoman Ivy. Present. Councilman Toiver. Present. Councilman Washington present. Councilman Wington present. Councilman Williams president present. President there are seven present two ab with seven present and two absent. The Gary comment council has a form to do business in the city of Gary. Colleagues, you have before you the minutes of our previous meeting. Is there a motion for acceptance? So move.

Second. It's been moved and second that we accept the minutes of our previous meeting. Any discussion? Roll call. Madam clerk. Councilwoman Brown. Yes. Councilwoman Cwell. Yes. Councilman Ivy. Councilwoman Ivy. Yes. Councilman Toiver. Yes. Councilman Washington. Yes. Councilman Wissington. Yes. And President Lincoln. Yes. President for the

with the vote of 720. Our minutes of the previous meeting have been accepted and are so ordered. Assignment of council pending ordinances and resolutions on first reading. CPO 2025-44, an ordinance providing for appropriations in the building renovations fund for the fiscal year 20226 expenses and forwarding to the common council for action and passage pursuant to IC 6-1.1-18-6 sponsored by Mayor Eddie Melton city gear lead city patrol finance

CPL 2025-45 in order to establish a fund for the city of Gary and Hard Rock Casino matches for the Lake County Convention Center and providing for additional appropriations in the casino operating fund for the fiscal year 2025 expenses and forwarded to the common council for action and passage pursuant to Indiana code 6-1.1-8-6 sponsored by Mayor Eddie Melton city garrison city control finance

CPL 2020 25-46 an ordinance provided for the transfer appropriations between series for the Gary city court for fiscal year 2025 budget and forwarded to the common council for action and passage pursuant to Indiana code 6-1.1-18-6 sponsored by mayor Eddie Melton city of Gary city green city controller and judge DL Monroe Gary city court finance mad President. Thank you, Councilwoman Brown. Councilwoman Brown.

Excuse me, Councilwoman Brown. I would like to to acknowledge and let the record reflect that Councilman Dwayne Howard is present for the meeting. Thank you. The finance committee has before CPO 202544. For the record, I approve this ordinance for reporting out to the council. Councilwoman Caldwell, yes. And Counciloman, yes.

Madame President, a majority of the finance committee has approved CPO 202544 for reporting out to the council. The finance committee has before CPO 202545. For the record, I approve this ordinance for reporting out to the council. Councilwoman Cwell, yes. And Councilman Wington, yes. Madame President, a majority of the finance committee has approved CPO 202545 for reporting out to council. The finance committee has before CPO 202546. For the record, I approve this ordinance for reporting after the council. Counciloman Caldwell, yes. And Councilman Wilson,

yes. Madam President, a majority of the finance committee has approved CPO 202546 for reporting out to Thank you, Councilwoman Brown. Now the finance committee has to report CPO 202544 2545 and 2546 for reporting out to the council. Thank you Brown. At this time any members for special elect? Yes. Councilwoman Brown.

Okay. First of all, I'd like to acknowledge the 16 weeks of summer where you have an opportunity to meet Councilwoman Brown. That's me, y'all. That's on Wednesday, August 20th from 300 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. That's in Talison Park in the third district at 1709 Elour Street Place, I'm sorry. And I'd like to announce the the third district has had a community meeting for some time and so we're going to have one on Monday, August the 11th at 5:00 p.m. at Talston Park Pavilion. Our special guests will be the Chief Derek Canon of the Gary Police Department, Miss Gerald Williams, directors of Gary Farms, and County Councilman Ron Brewer from the second district. And our other uh special guest will be councilman at large miles. So anyone is welcome to come. We look forward to seeing you as again and I said Monday, August the 11th at 5:00 p.m. at Charlton Park Pavilion and this will be the first community meeting we've had for quite some time. So I'm looking forward to residents coming out. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councilwoman Brown. Councilwoman Barnes Cwell. Good evening. Please join Councilwoman Caldwell in the fifth district community forum Monday, August the 25th at 5:30 at Rosville Park Pavilion, 2145 Harrison Street, Perry, Indiana. Our special guests will be Congressman Craig Maran, State Senator Mark Spencer, State Representative Dr. Bernie G. Smith, Lake Councilman Ronald Gore and I believe representative Reagan Hatch. We'll have legislative updates will be presented. So please join us Monday, August the 25th at 5:30 at Roosevelt building. Thank you.

Thank you Councilwoman Mars Cwell President.

Councilman Hallebertton. also like to har on what my colleague stated about the 16 weeks of summer. Uh you can meet me on Wednesday, August 6 at from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at this park. Um it's the city of Gary 16 week meet up and please stop by for on-site resources and services. That will be Wednesday, August 6 between 300 p.m. and 6 pm. Tell everyone that Brownsburg Park Councilman Hallebert will be there as well as Sydney Gary. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Hallebertton. Councilman Toiver. Um, yes. I would like to on behalf of myself and the Gary County Council, I want to wish everybody a great school year. I know 21st century started today and I know that the other schools will be starting. So, I want to give everybody uh wishing them the best this year. make sure we get that work done. And from our seniors, figure out what you want to do postsecary education or whatever you want to do in life, make sure you have a plan because the time is of the essence. We have to make sure that you have those career opportunities at your hands. So, want to wish them a great school year.

Thank you, Councilman Oliver. Any other members specialist? We have two August birthdays. the Gary Common Council. Um, our own the voice of the Gary Common Council, Cam Reynolds, Your birthday's in August, right? Has an August birthday. So, we wish you a happy birthday. And then in his absence, Councilman Dwight Williams also has a birthday in August on the 22nd. So, we wish Miss Kim Clerk, Madame Deputy Clerk Reynolds, as well as our Councilman Williams a very happy birthday. And then on August the 26th at 5:00 p.m., the air pollution advisory committee will be meeting here at the Gary Public Library. We have received notice of a number of air polluting permits from the NIPCO, the Gary Etna Indiana operating center, from the US Steel Corporation at Gary Works, from Carmoose Lime Incorporated are the three just this month. The um comment period on these applications are open and more information about the uh applications have been placed here at the Gary Public Library and can be accessible here. But we will talk more about these permits on August the 26th at 5:00 PM at the Gary Public Library, this branch.

Councilman Washington.

Thank you, Madam President. Um, I'd like to thank the public who came out to the Gary Planning Commission's um meeting where the a draft of the comprehensive plan was presented um before the public um was presented by MKSK planning director Corey Sharp um with an excellent job in presenting. Um we are going to have a public meeting with the planning and development committee meeting on August 12th at 5:30 here um at the Gary Public Library so the comprehensive plan can be presented to the common council. Um it was a great opportunity. under Madam President was there and it was a great opportunity to see the different properties and what the administration has come up with on how we're going to strategically plan um to get our city's properties in order and to be able to get them back on the tax roles. I want to say congratulations to the mayor and his staff, especially Corey um Sharp and Attorney Molina and um the planning commission who was in attendance also had a great um time that evening. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councilman Washington. Any other members for specialt 12 at 5:30 and that's in case you decide tonight that you want to have your budget and finance your finance meeting on the 12th on Tuesday. You do it at 5:00.

Hint hint. Thank you. You're welcome.

Thank you. Any other colleagues for specialists elect? Seeing none, we have come to the space in our agenda for public comment. We have three signed up to speak tonight. You have two minutes to speak. Our parliamentarian, Linda Barnes Cwell, will be keeping time. This is usually not a question and answer period. It's an opportunity for the public to make comments. However, um especially when questions, comments pertain to city services, we have members of the administration who are here who may be able to answer your questions. At this time, all members of the administration, can you please raise your hand? All right, we'll start with Marsha Coleman, followed by Mrs. Linda Collins Brown. Welcome. And then Oh, Brian and Bonnie look.

Welcome, Miss Coleman. Thank you. Okay, I'll be to the point closer to the mic. Can you hear? Make sure your mic is on. Text test. Okay, awesome. Okay, I have two questions. The first what I I'll deal with um for some of my elderly neighbors they're kind of concerned about reporting issues fearing that if they call the police that sometimes the police will go to that neighbor say hey you know so and so called on you so because of that I guess that's things that's happened in the past I don't know they feel they cannot report an issue so is there any way they can report anonymously let's say the Gary 311 apps I know I know about it but I don't know if they do so how do they report issues anonymously that's the first question and then keep going Yes.

Okay. Great. Okay. The second concern had to do with aggressive dog and I must compliment Congressman Hallebert and he's been very instrumental in assisting me in this matter. Jesus name. The reason being um I don't have any pets in the house because we have people with severe allergies. But yet I've been around dogs and this dog is kind of different. There's a gate separating us. However, because we have a detached garage and I have to walk from the garage to my house across the patio. this dog is kind of aggressive when like it's trying to rush the gate basically and it's drooling what have you. So of course I brought it to um Councilman Halleberg's attention. He told me of course not too much can be done because the dog was in the gate. It has to be out and about. I heard stories but because I couldn't verify I couldn't do anything. However, this past Saturday when I went out and this time stamp on my phone I was actually about to go out my front door because I could no longer park in my garage because of this dog. So when I went out my front door, I opened my drakes. That dog was walking around the neighborhood and he's a very big dog. So I went ahead, I did the Gary 311 app and also I did report it to my counselor as well. Um the questions and comments I have cuz the homeowner, my mother and I were kind of discussing this and I hopefully I can find all these questions. Of course can't find them when I need.

All right. As far as do we have any laws and Gary as far as Miss Coleman that's two minutes but I'll ask our chief of staff to address the anonymous tip line as well as reaching out to animal control during his report. Mrs. Linda Collins Brown. Welcome. Thank you. Good evening council.

I do appreciate the time afforded me to speak before you today. I do so with a heavy heart. I'm disappointed and I feel a little bit of anger. I wish the council would explain to us the citizens of Gary and trust me and believe me what I know that Dr. Vanessa Allen Mloud's tenure was up. I know all of that and I do know that the city council has the right to uh reappoint someone at their discretion. However, I've been around a very very long time. been involved with the Gary school board uh meetings and taking my children to meetings and the whole nine yards since the early 80s and the council the board that we had with Dr. Vanessa Alan Mloud was by far the best one that we've had in a very very very long time. So I am so extremely disappointed. You know, the city is moving forward in the right direction, and I applaud the mayor and his entire administration. Our school is getting back on track and was headed in the right direction. I think that was a very poor move. And I do believe now it's rumored that it was in retaliation because um a person on the city council felt the need to complain because they were parked in an illegal parking spot, a fire zone and nothing was done about it. She felt he or she felt the need to complain because she felt that or he that it should it's okay, but it isn't. It's a fire hazard. It's illegal, okay? And it's wrong. So, we must abide by the rules and we must set examples for our young people. And to the young people on the city council, stand firm with what you believe to be right. And I support, you know, us going back, rethinking

this, and then putting Dr. Mloud back on that board. Thank you. I appreciate the time. Thank you, Mrs. College Brown, Brian, and Bonnie Luick. Hi. Hi. My husband stepped out. He had a tickle in his throat and I don't know why I signed the paper to talk. We're just here to get reszoned. Thank you. So, thanks for having us. Thank you.

Thank you to everyone who came to speak. At this time, you will hear our council pending ordinances and resolutions on third and or final read. CPL 2025-41 or learners of viewing a special use permit for property located at 1040 North Union Street to be used as a short-term rental property by petitioners Jason and Tanya Platt sponsored by the Arizona department petition Jason and Tanya Platt 1040 North Street near him colleagues at this time I'll entertain a motion for a appro I'm sorry. Is there a motion on 2022-

attorney Molina is doing the overview?

Good evening, President Leam and council members. Uh on this uh CPO 2025-41, it is for a short-term uh rental uh special use at 1040 North Union Street. Um, as we discussed at the, uh, committee meeting, uh, last, uh, this came before the BZA on June 12th, 2025, and it received a unanimous vote, uh, to favorably recommend the grant of a special use permit. Uh, it had been duly uh, publicized. Uh, a public hearing was held. There were no remmonstrators and the board of zoning appeals felt that this uh property uh did indeed meet the seven requirements uh that we have as uh part of our ordinances uh for a special use permit to be granted. Um it is zoned uh residential uh and it will remain as residential use as a short-term rental property if it is approved. If there's any questions certainly happy to entertain those and the petitioners are present. Thank you, Attorney Molina. Any questions, comments, discussion from colleagues?

Seeing none, roll call. Madam cler,

we can read. Can you repeat it? it. We're voting on CPO 2025-41. Uh yes, it's for a short-term rental uh special use at 1040 uh North Union Street. And I'll just say um the there's a motion on the floor.

Does anyone object? I'll just give bit of an overview. Jason and Tanya Plant were both Platt were both at the planning and development committee meeting. Um I believe this is the pastor and pastor's wife who bought a piece of property who will be here shortterm and plan to retire here once they retire from their church and the and the parsonage the stands.

All right. Roll call. Madam clerk. Councilwoman Brown. Yes. Councilwoman Cwell, pass. Councilman Hallebert, yes. Councilwoman Ivy, yes. Councilman Talib, yes. Councilman Washington, yes. Councilman Wington, yes. Councilwoman Cwell, yes. President, yes. Madam President, vote is 8 to Z.

With a vote of 8 to 0, CPO 2025-41 is passed in so order. CBO 2025-42 an ordinance for resing property located at 5339 West 15th Avenue Gary Indiana by petitioner Robert L. Lewis sponsored by the Gary plan commission petitioner Robert L. Lewis on behalf of buying saving corporate. Madam President, Councilman Washington, I make a motion to refer CPO 2025-42 back to the planning and development committee

with the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. The petitioner in order the petitioner's representative show for the planning and development committee. Thank you, Council Washington. It's been moved and second that CPO 2025-42 is referred back to community to committee. Roll call. Madam cler. Councilwoman Brown. Yes. Councilwoman Cwell. Yes. Councilman Hallebert. Yes. Councilwoman Ivy. Yes. Councilman Toiver. Yes. Councilman Washington. Yes. Councilman Weston. Yes. And President Leo. Yes.

Madam President, the vote is 8 to Z. With a vote of 8 to zero, CPO 2025-42 has been referred back to committee. CPO 2025-43, an ordinance for reszoning property located at 925 North Shelby, Gary, Indiana by petitioner Brian Luick, sponsored by Gary Zoning Department. Petition Brian Lew 925 Shelby Street.

Colleagues, at this time I'll entertain a motion. It's been moved by Councilman Lisson. Second by Councilman Washington. Overview, please.

Yes. On the 2025-43, uh we're dealing with the property at 925 North Shelby Street. Uh, petitioner Brian Luick has petitioned uh the plan commission for a reszone. There was a public hearing held on June 18, 2025. Um, a unanimous vote uh recommended that uh the reszone be granted. It's currently reszoned as a B1. Um, and they're seeking a reszone to a B3 which allows for a full service restaurant. U, that was the issue. Um it did it basically B1 is limited as a retail district um more for cafes and things like that and this is a full service restaurant. Um at the public hearing uh there were no remmonstrators against uh there were two people who showed up to speak in favor um of having more dining options in the area. Uh if you recall Mr. was at the uh committee meeting uh last and explained his uh vision for the restaurant. Uh they have complied with everything that we have asked from the planning department. Uh there was a question raised about uh parking and whether they had enough spots. They do indeed qualify under our ordinance uh and do have enough spots. Um, so, uh, the city, uh, the plan commission is asking that this, uh, receive a favorable recommendation from the city or approval from the, uh, council.

Thank you, Attorney Molina. Any questions or discussions, Madam President? Councilwoman Ivy, attorney, is the petitioner here? Yes, sir. I have a question. Good evening. Good evening. I may have been uh on travel when we had the committee meeting. Um were you able to state um your vision for the restaurant? Like how much time do you anticipate before the full service restaurant will be open and active? Well, due to permits and whatnot, um, restaurant equipment, we're shooting for November. So,

of 2025. Yes. Yes, ma'am. And what type of, um, restaurant, I guess I should, pastas, pizza. So, like more like a formal kind of dining. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. All right. We'll be checking in November. It'll be worth it. Any other questions? Council member. Any other questions? Discussion. Seeing none. Roll call. Madam clerk. Councilwoman Brown. Yes. Councilwoman Cwell.

Yes. Councilman Hallebert. Yes. Councilwoman Ivy. Yes. Councilman Oliver. Yes. Councilman Washington. Yes. Councilman Wington. Yes. And President L. Yes. Madam President, vote is 8 to Z. With the vote of 8 to 0, CPO 2025-43 has passed. And so Madam President orders and resolutions on 30.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. The time Okay. Council pending ordinances and resolutions on second readings. CPL 2023-44 an orders provided for appropriations in the building renovations fund for fiscal year 2026 expenses and forwarded to the common council for action and passage pursuant to Indiana code 6-1.1-8-6 sponsored by Mayor Eddie Milton city of Gary city

colleagues I would like to entertain a motion to suspend the rules to pass CPO 2025-44 on all three readings. So move. Thank you, Councilwoman Ivy. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, Councilwoman Brown. Discussion, Chief. Oh, I'm sorry. Not on the No, no, no.

So, um, but can I discuss why? Um, so this is an appropriation needed in an emergency manner for the replacement of the city hall elevator. Um, as you all know, has been out of order for months. It's the reason why we're here in the library. Um, the elevator, to my understanding, is beyond repair. It needs to be replaced, which requires, of course, more money and additional uh budget appropriation. uh because of the sensitive nature and I guess emergency nature of it, we would like to get the replacement moving as fast as possible, which is why I'm requesting that we suspend the rules and do this on all three readings.

So, roll call on suspension of the rules. Councilwoman Brown, yes. Councilwoman Cwell, yes. Council Hallebert, yes. Councilwoman Ivy, yes. Councilman Toiver, yes. Council Washington, yes. Council Wington, president. Yes. President. Thank you. With a vote of 8 to zero, we have suspended the rules. And now we need a a motion for passage.

Thank you, Councilwoman Ivy. Is there a second? seconded by second by Councilman Wington. Now for the overview.

Good evening, Madam President and uh Steam Council. We thank you for um even um acknowledging um the issue that we faced. Um as you know, the city hall uh elevator um we believe was created or put in um it's either in the 30s or 40s had some remodel. Um since then, however, because of the age of the building um and the uniqueness of that elevator that was created, um we have to have a specially um built elevator um because our shaft is very small. So, a unique um elevator or a standard elevator, excuse me, will not fit our ele uh elevator shaft. Um so, what we did is initially the city had been working with KA um Ko N. Um they have been working with them multiple elevators throughout the city, but because of this emergency in nature, we wanted to reach out to any other uh elevator company that exists within the Chicagoland area. And so, we were able to make connection with All Types Elevator. All Types Elevator did come back uh with a more uh responsible and lower quote. That quote is attached in your packet and it's uh uh 20030

$230,000 uh code days uh information. Um if you don't have it, I can share. I thought it was attached to the package. Um I can't reord it to the email. I just fored it and shared it, but we did attach it to that original. I received it via email, but it's not printed. Okay. Does everybody else send it? And I can send it out right now. 44 is not in here. The ordinance or just the quote just I've seen it. Okay. I've seen it, but it's not.

I'll let um our public works director talk a little bit more about the elevator and the history and things like that, and I'll make sure I send it out right now to all of the council. You got it. We have the ordinance. Okay. But just not the attachment, right? Okay. He's going to send it right out.

So, excuse me. Good evening. Thank you uh for hearing us. Uh it is an emergency. It's been several months since the elevator has been down in city hall. Uh which is part of the reason that we're here in this room tonight. Uh Ellis is correct because the elevator is so old. the original build. It's just difficult to kind of come in. We actually had a line on an elevator, but it just simply would not fit. Con has been servicing our elevators across the city for the last few years. As far back as I can tell, I find that their prices are incredibly high, that they're not competitive with a lot of other vendors, specifically all types who this proposal is from. We have recently brought all types into our fold this year. They've been doing some work. Uh, one of the I won't call it a disadvantage, but they're not as big of an outfit as Kona, so we've had some challenges with scheduling. Uh, they're out of Illinois, but their price and their work I find to be comparable, if not better than that, than that of Kona. So, I'm completely comfortable with moving forward with their proposal, which is roughly half of what was presented by Kona maybe a year uh a year and a half ago. So, they've been working toward updating their proposal and they just haven't done so yet. But, I would expect that it would probably come in around a half a million dollars for and it's not a new elevator. It's a complete uh kind of a rebuild. They refer to it as a modernization of the elevator. So that's kind of where we are. All types is ready to go. If we agree on this tonight and to Ellis's point, it would be about 30 days before we could bring all the elements um and all the aspects of it together to start

the work. So thank you councilwoman Barwell. I have little understanding you have two quotes in and all types. We don't have con they still have not delivered the quote that we've been waiting on for about 3 weeks now from the other vendor. So the only one we have in hand right now, councilwoman, is for the one that uh all types. But we had previously million. No, no, this is 230.

But we had previously received a quote I believe last year, Ellis Labor, or the year before from Ket and that was coming in at least double the amount of all types. So adjusted for inflation and tariffs, I think we can anticipate that it would be higher uh even still this year. Those are the only two elevator services in the area. There are actually there is one other called South Suburban, but it's a very very small operation. It's been a real challenge. Uh but these are the only three that I'm aware of and that have been used uh in our for our city services over the years. South Suburban. I be your pardon. Did you get a quote from them?

No, I don't believe so. I don't think South Suburban the size of their operation that they're even prepared to take on a job of this magnitude. So, if we were with all types, when would the project be completed? That's a great question and I would dare not give an answer to that tonight, but I could if we agreed to move forward tonight, I could certainly get a better timeline for when we could expect to begin through completion of the work. And how much is that again? 230,000 is the amount of the quote. Oh, Councilman Wington.

Oh, thank you very much. Uh, I want to impress my hesitency was not with your work. I'm thoroughly impressed. I mean, you do amazing work especially with limitation that we do have. So I do appreciate you hesitency was excuse me it's just that I've just now seen the documentation um even when we worked with like HUD you always requested three estimates just to figure out but I thank you for answering and talking about the limited scope uh being the size of the groups and we have to retrofit the elevator. So my next question would be since you answered that the allocation says 337,000 but you said the estimate that we got today that's all was 230,000. I'm making sure I'm looking at the most recent updated.

Yeah, that's that is it. Correct. We're not going to use additional appropriation. What we didn't want to do is find ourselves in a situation where there's any change order whatsoever because it is an outdated and a retrofit which we know have come into play and then have to come back and ask for it again for an adjustment. Of course, we will continue to keep uh Chief of Staff Brooks as well as council president up to update the entire council on these things, but we just wanted to make sure we had enough room to build in any type of change whatsoever. So, that was in regards to it. There's some other building improvements that needed, but again, they're not urgent, but they do comply with ADA. The railing outside, as you guys have seen, climbed up is shaky. All of those things that we know we're working with the council. We appreciate their support in the uh guaranteed segments which are going to address a lot of these things. But the only emergency tonight is the elevator because we know the timeline and the goal is to get the city hall back open. All of our public meetings including council of course have been inconvenenced outside of city hall because it's not ADA compliant as well as our staff who right now anybody who has to we've had to make accommodations to make sure they can be in law.

No, I appreciate you and thank you for the explanation. Uh my only concern is not creating precedence going forward. And I I don't say this out of disrespect. Uh I appreciate everything you're doing. I just really like being in the know. And I think for the city's sake, especially as we talk about, you know, expenditures and we talk about limited budget, everyone just deserves to know ahead of time what we're working with and the full scope of it because looking at this 337, I appreciate the explanation. It just comes out of nowhere. And you ask us today to vote for it and I'm like I'm looking at my email. I'm pretty consistent. I haven't seen anything. So, that was my onlyation, but I do appreciate you. So, thank you.

Yeah. Thank you. And let me take responsibility for that because it was um I've had it since last week at least and should have passed it on to my colleagues. I appreciate. So, with travel and everything, that's something that I didn't do, but I take responsibility for that. I appreciate you. Thank you. Um, attorney well, Councilman Washington and then Attorney Williams. Yeah. My question, have we provided an estimate for some type of chair lift coming from the parking lot up the steps to city hall? So, so, so let me say this. In order to get our building truly, honestly, it is a fair question.

And the reason why I asked that, chief of staff, is that we got some money that's available and those stairs ain't no joke. And I know not only with Councilwoman Brown, but other people in the public have problems going up those stairs. So our ADA, to answer your question, our ADA route, Fort City Hall technically is an ADA ramp. You take the sidewalk to the ramp on the west side of the building,

down that ramp into the basement, and the elevator will go to whatever floor you need in this ADA assessment. The problem with that is that we've now fixed that door. So the handicap button works. We got that taken care of with the appropriations we already have. So, at least that door works, but now our elevator's out. Um, also, like I just mentioned, the railing, even not being ADA, that railing, I would dare to have a person grab onto that railing in this current state. We've already got estimates for that. Um, I'm happy to share that with the council. Again, we have enough appropriations thankfully for that because it's deemed situation, but I don't think a chairlift would be necessary, okay,

for that. If it it has a ADA route, should our elevator be up to par? So we get that elevator straight to ADA.

Correct. We are now back into ADA compliance. We we did in this we assessed again. CO took a lot of things out of plas shame to any other previous administration or what the resources were, but a lot of our buildings did not have up-to-date coded elevators. So all of our elevators were inspected at this point under u um director um Morgan Caesar's leadership. So Hudson and Campbell is good. The Marquette Park is good. Health department is good. Um uh police department is almost there but getting there. Uh but again we don't need additional appropriations in regards to those because they are good. Their repairs were within scope. Never none of them roll to six figures. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you Councilman Washington. Um, yes, Councilwoman Ivy and then Councilman Oliver. Councilman Oliver.

Yeah, I just had a quick question. So, with these repairs, what's the longevity? What's the life expectancy? Because I know you said that this is a was built in the 30s and 40s. So, with this, are we looking at that the elevator is not going to have any issues for what, the next 10 or 15 years? Maint with this package includes the warranty and maintenance plan. So what we've already communicated with now is ongoing maintenance schedules both for HVAC but also with our elevators. So they'll come out and do routine maintenance and of course bar any foreseen situation it'll be covered under warranty all of our belts motors u essentials. Again uh we don't want to set expectations unreasonable. So this does not change the cart. Cart is fine. I would have loved to just swap out the whole cart for this price. Um but unfortunately again our elevator shaft is small. So, a standard cart to purchase doesn't fit. We tried that route already. Um, and so we can't we have to they're going to modernize all of it. So, all of that's going to be in. So, to answer your question, it'll all be covered under warranty should there be any issues.

Councilwoman ID. Well, that was part of my question. My next question uh would be you stated that KA um had not come in with their proposal yet. No. So, if you have all of this information from all types, does that mean that proposals are closed? Was there a due date? Are you still going to evaluate both or are we pretty much set on using all types of elevators?

So, because it is an emergency and this was not an official bid in terms of receiving quotes. If we get one from Kone, I'm saying within the next 24 hours, we've literally been waiting for weeks. We'll look at it, but I know it's going to be at least twice this amount for the same scope of work. Madam President, so how does that work with a vote on the floor right now for this ordinance? How does that work for this conference? Correct me if I'm wrong, Attorney Williams, but we're just approving the budget appropriation. We're just making the money with whomever, right? They would like South Suburban from South Suburban

from anyone. And I I would just interject here before Attorney Williams speaks. There are a lot of things that I would shop for and buy and price would probably be the number one criteria. Paint, chairs, tables, carpet. I may go with the lowest price. I'm not necessarily comfortable with just getting the cheapest That's right.

elevator. Get Yeah, getting on an elevator requires a tremendous amount of trust. So um I would ask that you know we be diligent in making sure that whoever we pick has that they're reference they have references reputation and quality of of work because again um for something like an elevator safety accessibility for sure um even the maintenance plan warranty I think those are things that would warrant us even paying more. Yes.

Just to sleep at night than than just the cheapest price. Attorney Williams. Yes. Thank you. I I I think Miss Caesar did a good job clearing it up. We we use the word be it in quotes interchangeably and they're not.

Um this would have triggered a bid requirement given the amount of money. Uh but it is an ADA violation and it definitely qualifies as an emergency. So they're not required to get the standard three bids that they otherwise would have been required to do because of the ADA violation that the chief of staff has pointed out. So rest assured we are within the statute's authority. Um I think we probably waited a little too long. We probably should have brought in sooner but it still nevertheless I think satisfies an emergency and the one bid would suffice. This is definitely not a quote situation. This is a be situation. Just wanted to clear that up. Thank you. Former public works director, attorney,

Williams. But I take your point, um, Madame President, with regard to the quality and not being fixed on price exclusively. I know K has a a reputation. I think they're a national, if not international firm. Can you speak to all types elevators, the work that they've done for us? The work that they've done.

Uh, can't speak to their regional work. I can do more homework on them. But the work that they've done for us in our buildings has been more than satisfactory and they were actually given and I'm actually kind of curious when we do receive the KA quote because I suspect we will get it eventually but it's for the exact same scope of work. So sometimes uh nationally or internationally recognized companies the additional cost is for that recognition. So, while we don't have money to pay double just because of their name, we are certainly looking for uh comparable um services or outcomes.

Thank you. Any other questions, comments, discussion? Yes, Councilman Wington. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. Attorney app. My question is uh why don't we allocate half a million dollars now? I mean if we if you're going to expect it's going to be half a million to get it done right and then just throw the uh the rails in there as well.

So um our deputy controller is present. Um and I have to say that because our uh before controller green left um she made sure that the appropriations in which they where they came from was appropriate. Um, and so I would have to defer that to our deputy controller to make sure where we're pulling the appropriations from, okay, the money exists. That's all. So I I appreciate that, though. Um, but I and I assure you we won't spend more than we have to, but um, you can use Councilman Wisson's credit cards, too. Name it the Wiston elevator. People move.

Um, good evening, council. I would definitely have to go back and look at some more numbers to try to pull some more finances for that piece. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. I appreciate you.

Thank you, Councilman Wington. Any other questions, comments, discussion? If not, the motion on the floor is for passage. Roll call. Madam Clerk, Housewoman, yes. Councilwoman Yes. Councilman Hallebert. Yes. Councilwoman Ivy. Yes. Councilman Tower. Yes. Councilman Washington. Yes. Councilman Wizington. Yes. President. Yes. Madam President, vote is 8 to Z. With the vote of 8 to 0, CPO 2025-44 has passed on all three readings.

CPO 2025-45. in order to establishing a fund for the city of Gary and Hard Rock Casino matches for Lake County Convention Center and providing for additional appropriations in casino operating fund for the fiscal year 2025 expenses and forwarded to the county council for action and passage pursuant to Indiana code 6-1.1-8-6 counciloman Brown I move for passage of CPL 202245 on Second reading with the finance committee meeting on Monday, August the 18th at 5:00 p.m.

She said Tuesday. No, she said Monday the 18th.

I'm okay. That's when you guys That's the preference. Well, the reason why I said that because the the presentation, we saw the presentation and it's kind of lengthy um for the comprehensive plan. So, I want them to be able to have as much room as possible to have questions asked by council members regarding plan. That's only reason. Yeah. So, can you do the 12? I mean, do you think there's time to do both?

Whatever you say, ma'am. I mean, I'm 12 is fine. I'm okay with doing the 12. She said the 18. That's okay. Miss Lane, the library available on the 18th.

Tuesday if that's okay. It's easy. We already have Tuesday the 12th at 5:00. Okay.

It's been moved to second. Roll call. Madam clerk. Councilwoman Brown. Yes. Councilwoman Cwell. Yes. Councilman Hallebert. Yes. Councilwoman Ivy. Yes. Councilman Toiver. Yes. Councilman Washington. Yes. Councilman Lington. Yes. and President Le. Yes. Madam President, vote is 8 to Z. Thank you. With the vote of 8 to Z, CPO 2025-45 passes on second reading with the finance committee meeting on Tuesday, August the 12th at 5:00 p.m.

Thank you for your patience with us, Councilwoman Brown. CPO 2025-46 and orders providing for transfer appropriations between series for the Gary city court for the fiscal year 2025 budget and forwarded to the common council for action and passage pursuant to Indiana code 6-1.1-8-6 sponsored by Mayor Eddie Melton city of Gary Sel city controller and jud judge DBL court counciloman Brown. I move for passage of CPL 202546 on second reading with the finance committee meeting on Tuesday, August 12th at 5:00 p.m.

Second. It's been moved and second. Roll call. Madam clerk. Councilwoman Brown. Yes. Councilwoman Cwell. Yes. Councilman Hallebert. Yes. Councilwoman Ivy. Yes. Councilman Toiver, yes. Councilman Washington, yes. Yes. And President, yes. Madam President, the vote is 8 to Z. With a vote of 8 to 0, CPO 2025-46 pass on second reading. Madam President, resolutions on second reading. Thank you, Madam Clerk. At this time, we'll have reports and questions of city officials.

Councilwoman Barcelo my question. Um, I know that we uh hired gay contracts out to grass cutters. What's the process? Because I've requested some lots be cut. Uh, they haven't been cut. U one particular lot code enforcement told me who the lot belonged to which was two of the lots half of a block office redevelopment owned a couple private citizens of others that weren't in the area. My question was can we go ahead and site those people who own it and do whatever. The contractor came out and cut two lots and left the rest. It looks a mess. Um I'm tired of citizens asking me why the grass can't get cut, why it's this high. And like I said, I even a block club asked me, they're having an event. Can Can you get the grass cut for us? I put the request in and the grass is still as tall as I am.

Yes. Thank you, Councilwoman, for that question. Um, in reference to what you just referenced, um, we have if it's city-owned property, um, and or any other, uh, municipal or government entity property, of course, we should take care of our own, period. There's no questions or debate about that. So, if you bring any others to our attention, myself or, uh, chief operating officer, Mr. Subs, we have to see him get right on that. Um, in regards to privately owned properties, um, you may by public information seem that the city can be held liable for going on private property without a judge order or permission from that owner to cut in at her site. And so, we're just following the process when they go out on a site, understand that it's then assigned to court. Then, from there, um, if they appear at that first court hearing, um, the judge will, and I appreciate Judge Monroe, she has been acting on those, uh, individuals very promptly but if they don't then there's a requirement legally for them to perfect service to that individual which only delays it. We understand it is very frustrating. Uh trust me um I just wanted to go on and cut some myself because it is unacceptable. Um I understand that Mayor Milton stresses the need to keep our city as clean as possible. Um, and so I just ask you to stay uh work working with us in regards to just getting on top of it. Again, I tell you all the time, you never bug us. Continue to ask, continue to press and we'll do our best to try to fast line fasttrack that process as quickly as we can, but if nothing else, give you an answer on the status. Madam Chair,

Councilman Washington,

um I wanted to ask um if the administration had a stance on Airbnbs and this is why I asked this. Um, I'm for home ownership and renting for home ownership, but since I've been on the council, we've had a plethora, a large amount of Airbnbs come through the council, especially in the first district. And I want to make sure that we are aware that I want to make sure, maybe this is something that Miss Sharp can work with you all on to see. I want the city as we begin to rise and begin to have opportunities and jobs. I want people to be able to rent or either to home have a home that they can own as compared to renting an Airbnb. And I'm hoping that certain parts of the city does not come vacation destination spots because people have bought a lot of property and they are just using them as Airbnb. I know me and Hollbert would love ownership, home ownership from renters in the second. I know Marian would like it in the fourth, Miss Brown in the third, was in the bronze pile, especially in the fifth, which is a large portion. And um we've had a discussion we haven't finalized, but the concern is about the Airbnbs just and I know this is something that they did downstate, but we want to make sure that um we are not literally pricing people out or pushing people out of eventually as the beginning begin as the city begins to bring more development, more business, jobs that people are not able to actually live in the community that they're working in.

Um, so I'll take that back again. I think that, um, if you go back and replay some of those planning and zoning meetings, um, a lot of these have existed in our community for quite some time. What I will speak to is that I believe we have as a collective um the council as well as our team has done a good job of telling people on what they need to do to comply with the law and we're just starting to see it come to fruition. It's the same with the daycarees. They've been there. Um we've just been very diligent thanks to our code team council knocking on doors, our planning and development team. um they've just been consistent about answering those calls and tell people what they need to do to become compliant, talking to state um individuals and it's helping us police that a little bit better. Um as a far as far as an ad an official statement, I believe that should come best from the mayor um who sets the vision for the entire administration and our team um on how we path a treasure pathway for in regards to these. Um it'd be hard to blanket and say what the process can be. Um but to speak to also your point of Airbnbs in other communities, there's an Airbnb that was a surprise to myself and the chief of police um recently in the fourth district um she just left but in the fourth district um that right by Palaskki school and I was actually shocked and it has very positive glowing reviews on it. Um um but um they exist I think a lot more than if you go on Airbnb or Verbbo and put in um you'll see there's probably more than what we realized. We're just seeing all of these people starting to become compliant. Um, so I do think we work together like we've done so far this entire process since 2024 on what is best and the ones that won't comply, of course, they should not be within our city because they have to first get the zoning

approvals and the special use permits. Um, and then go from there in regards to at least addressing those that are not going to be good stewards in the neighborhood. those are the ones that hurt our neighbors uh our neighborhoods the most our neighbors and the residents of Gary and so I think that's the first start um as we move forward. So, and I'll make sure I get an official um perspective from the mayor.

And chief of staff, it's not really asking for a perspective, but just something to think about as we go forward because I know we have a lot of contractors in the city that would like to rehab homes and sell them and to rent them and eventually people can become home owners. And I believe as the first district begins to be airbed out, it's going to spread across into other cities if we don't get these other properties rehabbed or built so they can people can actually become homeowners. And it's to a certain extent it's it's about supply and demand and you really can't make people not use their property for a certain and as long as they're paying property taxes because they pay a different tax bracket that benefits the city. But from the standpoint of council members and the home ownership, um it's always great um to have homeowners or renters living in the community. Thank you. Um Mr. Chief of Staff,

thank you, Councilman Washington. I'll just speak briefly on the first district and the short-term rentals um in saying that I've actually I can only speak to my experience. I haven't heard a lot of um I haven't gotten the same amount of complaints this summer as I have gotten it in previous summers. Um a the proliferation I guess of short-term rentals came during COVID and shortly after CO when there were limited travel options. Um, since then, and again, I used to live in between two short-term rentals on either side, and both of them have gotten out of the short-term rental business. Um, I'll say a couple of things. One, all short all Airbnbs are not the same. When the owner lives locally, a lot of residents in the first district also have other properties that are Airbnbs. They take a lot more care. They're in the properties more often. there are certain rules that they can implement even on the platform saying no local renters. They're more diligent about who they accept as renters because they're in and out of the property more often. Um so those tend to be better as opposed to um owners. I think at the last meeting Councilman Wington talked about these larger outfits that have a larger portfolio of properties. So the owner may not necessarily be local. They may have 10 or 12 even on the platform and a handful of them are in the first district. That's a little different. Um also it must not have been important because it left line.

Thank you Councilman Washington. It happens. All the middle-aged women out there know. So, um, just a couple updates and I won't be long. Um, just to answer the question that was posed a little earlier, um, the city of Gary, Gary Police Department does have an anonymous text to tip line. You can also, um, send those information anonymously to the Gary Police Department. So, our text to tip line is 2192078477. That's 219207 tips. Um, you can text that line 247. It does go through anonymously. Um, they may sometimes respond and ask follow-up questions, but none of your information is captured other than those anonymous tips. There's also a various number of emails that you can see on our city of Gary website that you can send those anonymous tips to. We always encourage people if you feel like something's going on, call 911. You can say, "I don't want to give my name." And they'll say, "Thank you." That's how it works. You can also call the non-emergency number 2196606000000000000 our police chief um who Derek Cannon who you can talk to or our fire chief they will tell you you're not a bug. We do not mind. It is our job. It is our service to come out and service the public and we do it proudly. Um Miss uh Mayor Meltton has talked about the initiative that he put before our administration and the acronym is I serve. We serve our community. So, please, it's never hesitant. I don't care if you thought you heard gunshots and it was fireworks. That's fine. Call it in. It is our job to look at it and make sure it's not a gunshot because you never know. You may have called something that we did not know and it helps us land a case. Um, and to that point, I wanted to share a release that just came out today. Um, that was shared

with all of the council in the community and you'll probably see it in your local paper tomorrow. Um, we released the midyear numbers and Chief Canon has shared this at Councilman Hallebertton's uh uh uh committee meeting, I'm sorry, uh community meeting along with Councilman Tolliver. Um the midyear numbers from January 1 to uh uh 2025 to June 30th, 2025, we are down 55% in homicides. 55% in homicides compared to this time last year. I think that's amazing. It also shares additional data on that on that report that will come out that there's a 8.4% rise in patrols. Um that that we had a 49% decline in nonvatal overdoses. That is what the work is happening in our community that we are having less people overdose. Almost 50% decline in overdoses. 33% down in fatal traffic accidents, a 26% decline in non-fatal shootings, and they have a 88% homicide saw rate.

88% the national average is 57%. So to put that in perspective, they are way surpassing the national average. I say that to say that don't let the people out there persuade you to think that good things are not happening in our community. They are. The our men and women of public safety are kicking tail. And so because of that, if you don't believe me, come asking yourself. They will be there tomorrow at our national night out. You can come and join us tomorrow beginning at 5:00 p. p.m. at the Gary Railcat Stadium. It is a free event. Bring your children, bring your loved ones. Everybody can come and enjoy a great night engaging with our public safety officials. Um, we ask you to ask them about this data. Ask them about the smoke alarms they're coming install in your home. Ask them about the run times that they're doing. They are working night and day to make our city make us proud of for our city. And so we appreciate them. We appreciate the council for pivoting um to move your council meeting to tonight. We don't take that lightly. we could have had to choose between the two, but um and in the spirit of collaboration that's been all so much, you guys were happy to make this adjustment. And so on behalf of Mayor Wilson, we just thank you for that. Um and then the last thing I want to put out there is that if you are not already planning to this weekend, please, please make your way down to our lovely beach for our 2025 Gary Air Show. The air show right now, the weather is looking amazing, y'all. We are expecting rain for the first time in three years. So, we encourage everybody come out. Please um enjoy. This is your city. You deserve to enjoy it. The Thunderbirds are the headliner this year and they're so hard to get. Um they are expecting it. If you see or hear planes flying across your head on Thursday and Friday, that is their test runs. There is no

emergency or no war going on. That is just them practicing. But the official air show is Saturday and Sunday. So we encourage you all to come enjoy it. We do have a space where you can sit down and enjoy some of our council who will be there in a tent that's right outside the aquarium for our council and some of our city officials who will sit there and engage with our public um to also just enjoy a great evening and a great couple days out. So again, on behalf of Mayor Milton, we just thank you for your continued partnership and the residents for just always being so gracious to us. Thank you.

Thank you, Chief. If there aren't any other questions, comments for city officials, I entertain a motion for adjournment. Excellent.