City Council - Regular Meeting

Allegian to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. A moment of silence please. Thank you.

Roll call vote, please. Alexander Vatelli here. Kellinsky here. Selenus here. Tyler here. Emerson here. Warpole wrinkles here. Venez here. Um I I know there's two more coming. Uh so right now uh seven present, zero uh and two absent. All righty. Mayor, nice to see you.

Hi, thanks. It's good to see you all. This is my report for April 27th, 2026. Um, I know it's a busy council meeting today, so I'm going to go through my items and I'm going to stick around today. Uh, I'll talk about a couple of the other things we have coming up. I know you guys are ready to move forward with. So, uh, first off, I met with Bill Gust Gusto Gustiffson, president of Horseshoe Casino Hammond, regarding up claiming plans for the casino. As is most Hammond residents, they're watching particularly close. I think it has a big effect on their future plans for Horseshoe Casino should we become home to the Chicago Bears. uh met with developers interested in developing the old St. Margaret Mercy site in downtown Hammond. Um took a TV interview with Jaylen Jamon from the Hammond Area Career Center on their TV studio and the ACC. Met with the chiefs and captains of the Hammond Police Department for our regular monthly meeting. Met with the Hammond building code and fire officials to discuss vacant Hammond Clark High School as well as the vacant Hammond Gavit High School. Both schools are vacant for all intents and purposes. The Hammond school board has been made aware that Hammond city officials are prepared to move forward with demolition orders if not presented with the plan as to what the school city plans to do with these vacant buildings. They had no response to by the time we set a deadline. Uh I'm willing to take questions if on that right now if you guys want to. We all discussed this here. We gave the school city Hammond in midFebruary a deadline of um it was March 31st for them to get back to us with a plan. They didn't get back to us at all. So they have no plan at all. I think they think it's just going to go away if they keep ignoring it, which seems to be their plan. And if we keep doing that, we're going to keep getting complaints from residents that are worried about broken windows, vacant buildings, people hanging out. God forbid, you know, there's other cities that have had this problem and crime started occurring in these buildings. Uh

they're not monitored, there's no power, there's no water, and there's no plan from the school city Hammond. We have to move forward on this or else we're complicit with this failure. So, I'm not sitting back. We're issuing demolition orders immediately. Uh we're marching forward. Uh school city, like I said, for those that are listening, failed to respond. They haven't given us any word. whatsoever about what the plan is. I think so. Lucky for us, there's school board elections this year. I think we should take to the streets, ask the candidates when you see them applying, what's their plan with Gabit High School? What's your plan with Clark High School? Or what's your Those are just the high schools. What's your plan with these vacant city buildings across the city of Hammond?

We can't just let them sit there. That's the plan. There's supposed to be a process the school city goes through when they have empty buildings. They're not going through that process. That's a violation of state law. We've asked them nicely. They've blown us off. I don't know what else to do. So, if anybody has any question on this, I still have stuff I want to hit, but that's very frustrating because the fire department, building department, code enforcement, they're responsible for building code in the city and school city's in violation of building code. Yes. So, Mr. Mayor, um what does the timeline look like if we're issuing these orders to them? If they continue to ignore the orders,

I I would be speculating. It'll be months, I imagine, still, but we have a process we have to go through. And I imagine there could be litigation as a result of this because I I'm pretty sure the school city is supposed to put these buildings up for a charter school to bid on. That's state law. This isn't Tom Mcder law. It's not city ordinance. It's state law. I don't think they're following state law. I know they're not following state law. So, if we do a demo order on the building and we come in and we get ready to knock it down, that's a vi, you know, I think school city is going to have to say, "Hey, wait. We have to go through this process first, but this is a process that could have done 5 years ago. They just haven't. They don't want to. They're afraid maybe a charter school will pick it up. So, instead, they want to just sit on the buildings." And we get to look at them slowly dilapidated away. I mean, and there's people who live there. There's people who live right by Clark High School. There's people right by Gavit and they're concerned. Councilman,

has code enforcement gone in those buildings and cited violations? Not inside. That'll be next. But we do know that there's no water. We're a utility. We do know there's no power. That's was admitted to us. I think the school city wants us to believe they're integral to the school city operations and they're not. They're just failing to follow state law. That's it. and we get to live with the repercussions and it's unacceptable. So, I'm gonna keep you guys in the loop on this unless you have any more questions on that. Well, it is unacceptable because we we also have not just the two high schools, but we also have Kentwood, we have Lafayette, we absolutely there's a number of other schools that are still I agree with you. They're

vacant. So, we started with the high schools and I totally agree with what you're saying that we started with the high schools, but this is a problem in the school city. When a school goes vacant, they're supposed to So, Kenwood,

right? So technically, if Kenwood's in the same condition, I haven't verified that. I know Clark and Hammond are without water, without power. They're vacant. Okay. I'm pretty sure Kenwood may still have power and water. I don't know. But it's still there's no plan. There's no plan for Kenwood. So technically, the school city is supposed to put Kenwood up for sale to a charter school. And if no charter school takes it, then we could buy it in the city and I can knock it down. I could put houses there. I could do other things. But so the school city doesn't want to go through that process. They're afraid maybe somebody will buy it. And then what? We got a charter school where Kenwood used to be. So instead they say, "I'm just going to sit on it. We're not going to do anything with Kenwood forever. You guys could just sit there and watch Kenwood fade away." That's the answer. It's unacceptable, Councilman. It's unacceptable. I've seen with my own eyes what happens when cities ignore vacant schools. There's dead bodies get stored there. Crimes are committed there. Arson are committed there. It's not going to happen in our city while I'm the mayor. So,

good. Thank you. Please stay on it. Thank you. I promise I'll stay on it. I'll keep you all in the loop. Councilman, after we discussed this at the last meeting, I overwhelmingly heard from the residents around the Gav area and they're glad that we're taking a proactive approach on this. Thank you, Cong. You know who else is proud? Purdue Northwest. Yeah,

they have a legitimate use for Gabbit High School. They want it. But as long as the school city Hammond's sitting there doing nothing, even Purdue can't move forward with this. We're all at a stalemate. This is going to be a continuous stalemate unless we prompt, which is what I'm trying to do. Poke it. We can't sit here. We have to keep poking it. What's going on, guys? What's going on? Until they finally move forward or we beat them when they run for school board. We beat their butt. We put people in there that are going to move forward. That's the answer. It's one or the other. Mayor, thank you. Thank you for doing that. Um it it is such a disservice to our community um and our students.

Yes, ma'am. For uh these buildings to be vacant, not even making an effort to get children in those schools. It just um it's it's pathetic. We'll stay on it together, okay? All of us. I'll keep on bringing it up to you. We can keep talking about it. And like I said, lucky for us, there's school board elections this year. This should be a high issue on what they're dealing with. So, uh, still I got a few things. I'm sorry. Attended NERC full commission meeting. Held a groundbreaking ceremony in downtown Hammond for the new downtown Hammond train station. Tended by hundreds of excited region residents. That was a really big announcement. I appreciate Councilman Selenus, the host councilman that day. I appreciate all the councilmen that were there. That was really cool. Like

had to be a couple few hundred people there at that ceremony. So, um, met with 30 plus executives from the city of Hammond, the Chicago Bears organization, as well as representatives from Governor Mike Brown's administration, including numerous consultants to discuss the possibility of the Chicago Bears locating their new stadium to Hammond's Wolf Lake neighborhood. So, I was widely covered by the newspapers, so I didn't feel like I couldn't report that to you. It was obvious. They took a picture of me and Kevin Warren heading down the stairs. So, that's still happening. Uh Illinois is still scrambling. We're still the only city with an offer on the table. The Bears are not going to be playing in Chicago any longer. It's either going to be in Arlington Heights, Illinois or Hammond, Indiana. That's period. So hopefully hopefully they choose Hammond. So uh threw the first pitch out at Hesville Little League's opening day. Appeared on WJO's morning show with Jed to discuss Hammond happenings. A lot of Bears talk, believe it or not. I know it's not very surprising. participated in Hammond's annual bring your children to work day. It was very well attended by lots of kids. There was lots of things for the kids to do and the Hammond firefighters local 5.56 grilled hot dogs. It was really cool. I appreciate everybody that participated. Saw a lot of kids there. Uh a lot of people worked really hard. All the different departments that brought vehicles out, cleaned them up really nice for the kids. Uh you know, Alex and Christy in my office really worked hard on this. It was I thought it was great, honestly. So, I appreciate everybody participated. Uh, interviewed by the Chicago Morning Answer 5:60 a.m. WD radio show regarding possible bears relocation to the city of Hammond's Wolf Lake area. Interviewed by Channel 5 NBC News, Ro Schmidt at the Lost Marsh regarding a possible bears relocation to the city of Hammond's Wolf Lake area. Attended the Hammond Optimist annual smelt fry this weekend. Hundreds of people there from all across northwest Indiana. They did a great job. Thanks Scott Reikos and all and the Hammond

Optimist. super cool event. And last but not least, ended up in the third district at the Hammond Civic Center to watch armored MMA. Uh we had thousand plus people at that event. So busy times in Hammond. That's my report. I know I'm going to be here for the stuff that's coming out of committee unless you all have questions. So anyone Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Clerk, uh will you um uh please uh record that Councilman Warple and Councilwoman Alexander are in attendance now. So noted.

Thank you. Moving on to approval of minutes. I make a motion that we approve the April 13th meeting minutes and place them on file. Second. Motion by Councilman Selena, second by Councilman Emerson to approve the minutes of April 13th. Any discussion? Any discussion? Any discussion? All those in favor? I opposed. Minutes approved. Moving on to claims. Madam Madame President. Yes. Councilman Reiko.

I move that we pass claims begin beginning with the claims dated at 41426 and ending with claims dated at 4226. Claims number 2928 through claim number 3368 inclusive in the amount of 8,948,434.38. Second motion by Councilman Reiko, second by Councilman Warple to approve the claims. Any discussion? Any discussion? Any discussion? Clerk Olic, roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Spatelli, yes. Kowinski, yes.

Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warpole, yes. Rikos, yes.

Venez favor, zero opposed. Moving on to public hearings. Item A, ordinance 26-101, sponsored by Councilman Spatelli, an ordinance of the common council of the city of Hammond, Indiana, authorizing the issuance and sale of bonds of the city of Hammond, Indiana to finance the costs of certain public safety equipment and related costs and the issuance and sale of bond anticip ipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of such bonds appropriating the proceeds derived from the sale of such bonds and bond anticipation notes and other ma matters related thereto thank you clerk anyone wishing to speak on uh 2610 please approach the podium anyone wishing to speak on 2610. Anyone wishing to speak on 2610? Mayor,

just real quick, just to remind everybody, just in case they're just tuning in, this is a public safety bond in the amount of not to exceed $6 million. We think it's going to be closer to 5.2 million. It's there to purchase police and fire radios, which are 12 years old and outdated, including a new fire engine. We estimate the interest to be around 6% 5-year term annual payments of about $1.2 million being first payment being in 2027 and the repayment source is going to be from water sales revenue that are currently being used to pay for the station 2 debt. That's falling off of our budget. Once that falls on off if you all approve this, we're going to slap this into its place so we won't increase the tax rate or anything like that. Okay. Um our police and firemen obviously deserve to have top, you know, great radios. This is going to replace every single radio and police and fire and give us a new fire engine. I think it's a great deal.

Thank you, Councilman Kowwinsky. Uh, I want to thank the police and fire for being at the meeting and giving us some information. The radios they have now have an 8-year life and they're in their 12th year. So, they are obsolete. They're unable to get parts for them. Uh, and it and the new battery the new radios will have a seven to 10 year life span and will also have a built-in GPS. So, it's a good upgrade and it's more than high time to get those to them for their safety. Yes. And a Wi-Fi capability. Yeah. And fiveyear warranty.

Yes. All righty. Anyone else speaking to wish on 20 speak on 2610? Anyone else? Anyone else wishing to speak on 2610? All righty. Clerk Olic, if you would please move on to

item B. Ordinance 26-11 sponsored by Councilman Emerson. An ordinance vacating 125 ft portion of an east west alley south of 175th street in the 7500 block of Lynen Avenue, city of Hammond, Lake County, Indiana. Anyone wishing to speak on 2611, please approach the podium. Anyone wishing to speak on 2611? Mayor.

Yes, ma'am. Um, this is a 125 ft portion of the east west alley of 175th Street, the fourth district, 7,500 block of Lynen Avenue. Uh, this is basically the old gas station on 75th in Columbia. It's the alley behind the old gas station, including the homes that used to front 175th. This alley is being vacated so that we could build our future firehouse station number seven at that location. We are in the process of designing the new station number seven. It's getting real close to being complete and then after that once we identify a funding source we will be building that firehouse on this location. This is just site preparation work we're asking you to consider. So thank you madam president.

Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak on 2611? Anyone else wishing to speak on 2611? All righty. Public hearing is now closed. Moving on to communications. Madame President, uh, who was that? I'm sorry. Uh, Councilman Warp, I don't know if this falls under communications, but I would like to microphone. I said, "I don't know if this falls under communications, but I would like to congratulate the mayor on becoming a grandfather again." Yes.

Um I think you'll understand what I meant when I said it's a shame you can't have your grandkids first, but uh congratulations to you and your wife and Lindsay on the baby today. Thank you. Wonderful. That's right. Wonderful. Any other communications? Yes, Madam President. Yes, Councilman.

I'd like to just remind everyone that Hammond's 21st annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is this Friday, May 1st, at the Hammond Civic Center from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Thank you. All righty. Any other communications? Any other communications? Communications are now closed. Moving on to committee reports. Madame President, yes, finance committee met today and will be bringing out ordinance 2610 and 2612. Okay. Any other committee reports? Yes, Madam President.

Yes, Councilman. The streets and alleys committee also met today and we will be bringing out 2611. And for the record, the capital improvement board did not meet so there is no report.

Okay. Thank you. And um I will as usual read a list of the upcoming community and crime watch meetings. Uh the East Ham and Pullman Crime Watch will meet on Tuesday, May 19th, 6:00 p.m. at the Oilia Stein Center. Edison Community Watch will meet Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 p.m. at Edison School. Harrison Park Crime Watch. Uh because uh they would normally meet on a Tuesday and that happens to be election day. They will not be meeting until June 2nd, which is a Tuesday, 6:00 p. p.m. at the VFW on Homeman Avenue. Hville Crime Watch will meet uh Thursday, May 21st, 6:00 p. a.m. at the HZ3 Community Center. Irving Community Watch will meet Tuesday, May 12th, 9:30 a.m. at Irving School. South Homeman Avenue, it's going to start. I'm sorry. South Omen Avenue Neighborhood Watch will meet uh Thursday, April 30th, 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church on 173rd in Homeman. Whiting Roberts Dale Crime Watch will meet Thursday, May 14th, 6:30 p.m. at Calmeck College. uh they're kind of moving things around over there due to some remodeling. So, it may be room 200 or perhaps 300. Um, and as usual, I encourage everyone to go to a crime watch meeting and learn what's going on

in your neighborhood and safety tips for you and your family because community is not just about me, it's about us. Madame President. Yes, Councilwoman.

Um just for a scholarship um committee, um the applications are now available. Um and I'll give each one of you a copy today as well. Um they're going to go out. Um but I did have a question um for all of us. The meeting that would typically be the meeting that we would do the drawing um is Memorial Day. So, we would need to make a switch for the May 25th meeting to hopefully May 26th. Um, and that's something that I put on the application as well. Okay. Wonderful. Wonderful. Any other committee reports, Madame President? Yes, Councilman.

Uh, the Economic Development Committee is in the process of scheduling a meeting for May. Um, so I'll keep everybody posted on when we land on that date. Thank you. All righty. Any other committee reports?

Any other committee reports? Committee reports is now closed. Moving on to ordinance, third reading, final passage. Ordinance number 26-10 sponsored by Councilman Spatelli an ordinance of the common council of the city of Hammond Indiana authorizing the issuance and sale of bonds of the city of Hammond Indiana to finance the cost of certain public safety equipment and related cost and issuance and sale of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the ISS. issuance and sale of such bonds, appropriating the proceeds derived from the sale of such bonds and bond anticipation notes and other matters related there too. President

yes Councilman Spali final passage of 2610 second motion by Councilman Spali second by Councilman Warple. Uh Mr. President, yes. Uh the money for the new radios are for the Hammond Fire Department and also the police officers also. So going to have to replace engine number eight which is on the Hesville engine. Thank you. Thank you Madam President. Yes. I would also like to be added as a sponsor to this u ordinance please. Thank you.

Okay. Got that clerk? Yes, we do. Okay. Thank you.

Okay. So, that was a motion by Councilman Spatelli. Who was the second? Uh, Councilman Warple. Uh, for approval of 2610. Any discussion? Any discussion? Any discussion? Cleric, roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Spatelli, yes. Kowinsky, yes. Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warpel, yes. Rikos, yes. Venez Um, excuse me. Uh, that was 2610.

Yes. Yes. Passes. Nine in favor, zero post. Ordinance 26-11, sponsored by Councilman Emerson, an ordinance vacating a 125 ft portion of an east west alley south of 175th Street in the 7500 block of Lynen Avenue, city of Hammond, Lake County, Indiana. Madame President. Yes, Councilman Emerson. I move for the third and final reading for ordinance 2611. Second.

Motion by Councilman Emerson, second by Councilman Spatelli for final passage of 2611. Any discussion? Madame President? Yes, Councilman. There will be a closing of an alley in order to build the new station and it's enclosed in the ordinance 26-11. I am very proud to sponsor this ordinance 2611 for final passage. Thank you. Any discussion? Any discussion? Any discussion? Cleric roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Yes. Kowinski, yes.

Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warpole, yes. Rake, yes. Venez Yes. Uh 2611 passes. Nine in favor, zero opposed. Ordinance 26-12 sponsored by Councilman Warpole and Ordinance of the City of Hammond to amend and adopt certain sections within Title 3, Chapter 37 of the Hammond Municipal Code as it pertains to travel rules and regulations. Madam President, yes, Councilman,

I move for final passage and adoption at 2612. Second. Motion by Councilman Warple, second by Councilman Reikos for approval of 2612. Any discussion? Madam President? Yes, Councilman Warple. This updates the ordinance pertaining to travel by city employees and elected officials. It's my understanding the ordinance hasn't been updated since I was 40. So, um, it just brings it up to mo to modern cost.

Thank you. Any discussion? Any discussion? Any discussion? Quick roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Smatelli, yes. Kowinsky, yes. Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warpole, yes. Reikos, yes. Vanz, yes. 2612 uh passes, nine in favor, zero opposed. President Vanz, that concludes the ordinances for final passage. Okay.

Okay. Thank you. Moving on to introduction of ordinances. Item A, ordinance 26-13, sponsored by Councilman Warpo and ordinance creating new funds. Funds number 3384, 3326, 3327, and a 3343 for municipal food and beverage tax monies. Madame President, yes, Councilman Move for passage on first and second reading. Second.

Motion by Councilman Warp, second by Councilman Selenus for 1 and 2 of 2613. Any discussion, Madame President? Yes, Councilman.

Contrary to what people believe on the internet, this has nothing to do with raising the food and beverage tax. This creates four new funds that are requested by the controller to distribute the food and beverage tax money we've collected which we passed on June 24th of 2024 uh to specific projects. Um I believe one of them was the sports plex, the other one was the downtown Hammond station and I was there I I think there might have been a third one in there but it creates three funds or four funds. Fund number 3384, the food and beverage DSR-m account. Fund number 3326, the food and be beverage redemption account. Fund number 3327, food and beverage rebate fund. And fund number 3343, the food and beverage depository. Um, like I said previously, this doesn't raise any new taxes. There's no new funds being discussed. So, it's just creating the accounts for the money that's already been appropriated into to go into. So, there is no need for a public hearing or a committee hearing on this. We're just creating the accounts for the money to go into.

So, it's the distribution of funds as they come in. We've done this on several different issues. Exactly. based on the recommendation of the controller and the state board of accounts. Yes. Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Click roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Spatelli, yes. Kowinski, yes. Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warpel, yes. Rikos, yes. Venez Yes. 2613 passes. Nine in favor, zero opposed.

President Venez, that concludes the introduction of ordinances. Moving on to resolutions.

Resolution 26R-07, sponsored by Councilman Selenus. a resolution ratifying the city of Hammonds through the redevelopment commission making a good faith offer to purchase pursuant to IC chapter 32-24-1-5 and authorizing the city of Hammond through the redevelopment commission to file a condemnation lawsuit pursuant to IC chapter 32-24-1 one at SQL.

Yes. I uh ask that we adopt 26R7. Second. Motion by Councilman Selenus, second by Councilman Warple. Any discussion? Madam President. Yes, Mayor.

I appreciate Councilman Selenus for bringing this forward this resolution. This resolution has around 7 acres of vacant land that has sat unused and undeveloped for the last three decades. I've been mayor for 22 years and I've never seen one tax dollar generated off of this land other than what vacant land generates. So, it's not going forward to help us run our government, help us run our schools. It's not doing anything for the immediate neighbor neighborhood, which is a beautiful neighborhood in North Hammond. Real strong area. Sits right off the Indiana toll road. Uh in close proximity to hotels that are probably haven't been redeveloped in over 20 years. So, uh, we offered the owner fair market value for this land in 2024. Not only was this offer rejected, but the land remains vacant with no plans to move forward with any development. The city would like to see this land put to its highest and best use, things like new restaurants, hotels, class A office buildings, kind of stuff that we've done on the south side of the city very successfully. We already did it at Oxbow on the south side. We did it at the Cabela Cabela's development on the south side. We're in the process of doing it. What we call River North, which is the old haunted house. It that's going to be very successful. This part of our city in North Hammond also could easily be redeveloped. Uh this land is not being put it to its highest and best use. And quite frankly, finding seven acres of undeveloped land in a city is a challenge and it's here. So, um this resolution on tonight's council agenda will start the condemnation lawsuit so that we could acquire those two parcels. once we acquired them requ acquired them. It's clean land. We'll put an RFP out on it and there will be there will be a tremendous amount of interest in developing this land. So, this is a a good project. It's stuff like I said that we've done on the south side of the city very successfully. There's no reason for that part of our city to not be developing the same way other parts adjacent to 8094 are developing. I think

you guys move forward on this in two years. We fast forward two years, you'll see brand new hotels, brand new restaurants in that area. Um, and quite frankly, all due respect to the to people that own the hotels over there, those hotels haven't been upgraded in a long time. If we have brand new Hampton Inn right off the toll road and I get off the toll road and I want to stay in Hammond for the night, I look at the brand new Hampton Inn and I look at the other hotel offerings there. I think a lot of people are probably going to go with the newer the newer hotel which may incentivize the owner of the current hotels to clean up those hotels as well. And if we play our cards right, we could have a completely redeveloped area over there. And I think this is the kickstarter. So I appreciate council people for listening. Councilman Mark invited me to the Mohawks. I reported on it last time I was here. There was some concern in the Mohawks that this may have something to do with their building. Has nothing to do with their building. This piece of property is identified by address. Uh what's the address on it? Just to be straight at 4500

425 4205 C Avenue through 49. You're correct. It's s it's 7 acres just south of the toll road exit off of the toll road. Yes. So I don't know if you have any questions about this. I appreciate Councilman Selenus for bringing it forward. I appreciate Councilman Kowinsky. Obviously, this is adjacent to his district and I think we've put out some fires over there as well. So, I don't know if you have any questions about this. Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Cleric, roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Spatelli, yes. Kowinsky,

yes. Selenus, yes. Taylor, yes. Emerson, yes. Warpole, yes. Rakels, yes. VenezR7 passes, nine in favor, zero opposed. Madam President, item B. Uh uh, one moment, clerk. Yes. I I think we attempted to pass in uh on on when the ordinance was introduced. I think we have to suspend the rules. That was a resolution. Oh, that was Yes. Thank you. Okay. Thank you.

All righty. Clerk Oick. Resolution 26R-08 sponsored by Councilwoman Vanz and Councilman Spatelli. A resolution of the common council of the city of Hammond, Indiana, affirming its commitment to transparency, open government, and public access through the advanced posting of meeting agendas and supporting documentation. Councilman Vitali, I move for I move for passage of resolution.

Did you say something? Madame President, I move for passage of resolution 26R8.

Okay. Thank you. Motion by Councilman Warp, second by Councilman Selenus. Um, Councilman Spatelli and I put our heads together on this uh to uh formalize our um uh meeting agenda and the supporting documents to be on goammon.com. Uh hopefully by uh Friday afternoon. Uh in some cases we may have changes as we did today that happened on Monday. So, uh, hopefully this gives the public, uh, an opportunity to read the documentation that we get.

Any discussion, Madame President? Yes, Councilwoman. I asked to be a sponsor added to this um, or um, resolution. All righty. Councilman, I mean, clerk. Okay. Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Any other discussion, Madam President? Yes, Councilman.

Uh, sorry, just a quick question. I know we've been talking about this for a while. Um, and there's been plenty of requests from the public regarding it. At one point, we were talking about exploring, I think, different platforms to be able to do this. But this um solves for I guess pretty much everything that we've been wanting to do in terms of uploading the documents. Um, and of course if it's being presented in front of us, I'm guessing the mayor and his administration are behind this too and feel like this is feasible for staff to be able to adhere to that it's feasible for what for the staff to be able to adhere to to the additional postings of the information. Yes. Okay.

Yes. And we there are continuing meetings. So um we will be able to um upgrade expound whatever uh because this is new to us. So thank you. Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Click roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Spatelli, yes. Kowinsky, yes. Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warpel, yes. Reikos, yes.

VenezR8, passes. Nine in favor, zero opposed.

Item C, resolution 26R-09, sponsored by Councilman Selenus. A resolution of the Hammond Common Council approving the development agreement among the city of Hammond, Indiana, the city of Hammond Redevelopment Commission, Usco Industries Incorporated, and the Bogey Club LLC regarding 509 Kim Avenue in Hammond, Indiana. Selenus. Yes.

Yes. Uh so as Cler Golick mentioned, this is an agreement. U this is a $25 million investment. Need a motion to adopt. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. My apologies. Out of term. I make a I make a motion to adopt 26 R9. Second. Motion by Councilman Selenus, second by Councilman Warp. Any discussion? Councilman Selenus. Yes. Oh, okay. Mr. Mayor, I'm sorry. I'll let Councilman go.

I got Thank you. Uh this is a $25 million investment. Um in exchange, this company will be receiving a 10-year 100% real estate tax and personal property tax abatement. The tax abatement is subject to the annual imposed fee of 15% per year. Again, this is a $25 million investment. This project is supported through a combination of state, local, and federal programs, including new market credits. This is exactly the type of project that the city um type of programs that are I'm sorry. This is exactly the type of project that these programs are designed for driving investment into communities and creating real economic impact. This project brings real careers, not just jobs to Hammond. I personally met with the owner of UCO and he is committed to long-term growth and stability for our residents. The company is committed to hiring locally and training from within, creating opportunities for people to enter the workforce and grow. They offer a structured training program with multiple levels, allowing employees to continually build skills and advance. Employees receive regular raises tied to skill development and performance, creating a clear path and rewarding and a rewarding career path. These are accessible, familyup supporting jobs with strong wages, full benefits, and long-term stability. This project is an investment not just in a building, but in people, workforce, and the long-term growth of Hammond. Thank you,

Madam President. Yes, Mayor.

I appreciate Councilman Selenus's introduction. I agree wholeheartedly. Uh this is for those of you that are unaware of what we're talking about. This is basically the 5,000 block Came Avenue on the east side of Cayman Avenue, just south of 150th place. Um $25 million investment, 100 new jobs, 70,000 square foot industrial building. It's going to manufacture cranes, distribution. The national headquarters is going to be located in Hammond, Indiana, which is wonderful. Uh this is 7 acres of under underutilized parcels on the southeast corner of 150th in Cayamett. This is land that basically again since I've been mayor hasn't generated a single penny because basically it was owned by the sanitary district and we stored equipment there. And Jack Smith and his su uh sanitary district sewage department that's where they met in the morning and we've used it that way for decades in Hammond. We ran into a space crunch. If you all remember when Hammond's Riverside School came in and there was two competing proposals for that school or for that site, the Old Spone School, Hammond Riverside School was one of them and the other was Uco Cranes and we all at the time made the decision to go with school at that location since it was school to school. And we started getting creative with the space across the street. We talked to Jack Smith, talked to the Hammond Sanitary District to see if they could do something with the the men and women that report to that building every morning. and we relocated it to the sanitary district plant, freed up all this property and then Brian Poland and planning department got ahead uh got together and started subdividing this property and Uco stayed with us through this whole process.

This is a great project. Uh we're asking for a 10-year tax abatement and the value of the land through a forgivable mortgage. This is unusual request because these guys stuck with us. So, we stuck with them on the incentive package. It's more lucrative than we would normally take here. We're asking for 100% tax abatement as part of the incentive package. These guys could have left us and gone in other cities. They stayed with us. I don't like doing 100% tax abatements. We're asking you to please consider this one because it's such a good project and they could have built and they didn't. They stuck with us. Um it's great for Hammond to bring a 100 new jobs to this corridor along Came Avenue. And like I said, even though they won't pay property taxes under this for 10 years, in year 11, it's a by that time it's probably a $35 million company paying a full load of taxes on property that's never generated taxes before. So even though it's delayed by 10 years, it's still a great project for Hammond and we're asking for your consideration, council. Thank you, Council.

Thank you for mentioning that. It's important that important to note that they did stick with us. Yes, sir. Because they've easily could have turned around. Absolutely. and thought the opportunity they could have easily. There's multiple communities that would love to have this business councilman. I'm glad to see this development. We actually won times. We actually won times two in this because not only did we get the Hammond Riverside school, we also got this huge development right across the street. So, thank you. Yes, sir. Okay. Any other discussion? Madam President, yeah, we're not entertaining questions from the audience. Public expression you may ask. Uh yes, Councilman Warp,

just for a point of reference, this is across from the fire station, correct? And it's the old Hammond Distill. At one time, it was the old Hammond distillery plant. Yes, sir. Back in before prohibition. Then when prohibition came, they shut it down. I can't tell you what's been used at that piece of property since then. It might have been Jack Smith's guys going there. It hasn't generated a penny of property tax since I've been mayor. I can tell you that. So, thank you, Madam President. Yes, Councilman. Thank you. Do we have a projected start date to get dirt dug and a finish?

I know, Councilman. I don't. I'd be guessing. I could tell you that they're antsy. They were antsy on the first iteration and then when we passed them up, going back to what Councilman Al said, we thought we might lose that development and thankfully we kept them around. But all I can tell you is once we clear this up, Councilman, I imagine they're going to be working this summer. That's my guess though. Okay. just from talking to the developers. The developers 219 development two and they're very successful development company. They've been doing multiple projects throughout the region and in Hammond in particular. They're based out of Hammond. So, thank you. Yes, ma'am. Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Cleric roll calls, please.

Alexander, yes. Spatelli, yes. Kowinski, yes. Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warple, yes. Reikos, yes. Venez Yes. 26R-9 passes. Nine in favor. Zero opposed. Thank you, President Vanz. That concludes the reading of the resolutions. All righty. Moving on to new unfinished business. Any new and unfinished business? Madame President. Yes, Councilman Tyler. Uh, I would like to introduce for consideration ordinance number 26-14.

Uh, Councilman, I do believe we need to suspend the rules first. Okay. Madame President. Yes, Councilman. I make a motion to suspend the rules. Second. Motion by Councilman Tyler, second by Councilman Selenus to suspend the rules to introduce 26-14. Uh, any discussion? Any discussion? Any discussion? I I understand. Roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Smatelli, yes. Kowinsky, yes. Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warple, yes. Rakels, yes. Vaness,

yes. Uh, motion carries. Nine in favor, zero opposed. Councilman Tyler. Uh, Madame President, I make a motion to pass ordinance uh 26-14 on first and second reading. Second. Motion by Councilman Tyler. Uh, second by Councilman Selenus. Yes. for s first and second reading of 2614.

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to step on your toes. Quick. Ordinance 26-14 sponsored by Councilman Tyler. an ordinance recognizing the Burns family for their contributions to the city of Hammond and designating the 100 block of Mason Street as honorary Thomas J. Burn Street. All righty. So, there was a motion by Councilman Tyler, second by Councilman Selenus for first and second reading of 2614. Any discussion? Madame President. Yes, sir.

I would ask that clerk read the ordinance in its entirety, please.

Whereas the Burns Funeral Home was founded at 5840 Homeman Avenue in Hammond by James and Mary Burns in 1908. Whereas after he passed away in 1948, James youngest son, George Burns, took over the family business and managed it until retirement in 1993. Whereas George's son, Thomas Burns, took over the business in 1993 when his father retired. Whereas Thomas has been an active member of the Hammond community by serving on the board of health as the president of the Hammond Exchange Club and by sending all five of his children to the school city of Hammond. Whereas Tom was president until his youngest son, Brian, became owner in 2017 when he retired after working over 70 years in the family business. Whereas four generations of the Burns family lived in Hammond and maintained the family business for over 117 years. Whereas the Burns family has offered quality service for families in need from all over Northwest Indiana. And whereas in recognition of their services and dedication to the community, the f the council finds it appropriate to acknowledge their contributions by designating an honorary street in his memory.

Therefore, be it resolved by the common council of the city of Hammond, and it duly recognizes the Burns family for their ongoing contributions by designating the 100 block of Mason Street as honorary Thomas J. Burn Street. Thank you, Clerk Olic. Any discussion? Any discussion, Madam President? Yes. I'd like to be added on as a sponsor to this as well, please. Clerk noted. Thank you. Thank you.

Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Click roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Spatelli, yes. Kowinsky, yes. Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warpel, yes. Rikos, yes. Venez favor, zero opposed. Madame President, yes, Councilman, I make a motion to move for final passage and adoption of ordinance.

What is it? 2614. 2614 second. We just did we introduced it on first and second rules first. We're not under the same suspension for first and second. Wait a minute. Now pass. You need to suspend the rule again. Okay. Even though we're under a suspension of the rules. I make a motion to suspend the rules so we can move to pass this. Okay. So that was first and second. Now we want to pass it. Okay. So um Uh motion to suspend the rules by Councilman Warple. Is there a second? Second. Motion by Coun uh second by Councilman Tyler. All those in favor?

Oh, no. I need a roll call vote. Roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Spatelli, yes. Kowinsky, yes. Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warpel, yes. Rikos, yes. Vanz. Yes. Motion carries. Nine in favor, zero opposed. Councilman Tyler. Uh, I'm not sure where to go from here now. Okay. I'll make a motion to pass it on third and final reading. Okay. Motion by Councilman Warp, second by

Councilman Councilwoman Alexander uh for final passage of 2614. Any discussion? Any discussion? Madame President. Yes, Councilman. I will just add that um unfortunately in 2024 I had two unexpected deaths in my family and the Burns family handled both of them. It was my mother and my son and they treated us with dignity and class. Wonderful. Thank you. Fantastic. Thank you. Yep.

Very nice. Very nice. Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Cler, roll call vote, please. Alexander, yes. Spatelli, yes. Gowinski, yes. Selenus, yes. Tyler, yes. Emerson, yes. Warp, yes. Rikos, yes. Vaness, yes. 2614 passes, nine in favor, zero opposed. Now I have a question. I make a motion that we go back to the regular suspension of the rules. Regular,

not the second suspension, the regular suspension of the rules. No, just go back to the regular order. Correct. That suspension was to consider the ordinance. That's all that suspension. I make a motion we go back to regular order of business. Thank you. You made that one easy. Is there a second? Second. Second by Councilwoman Alexander. Uh to go back to the regular order of business. All those in favor? I opposed. Motion carries. Okay. So, Madame President.

Uh yes, Councilman Tyler. I'll make a motion uh that we suspend the rules and allow for someone from the Burns family to speak. Second. Yes. Uh motion by Councilman Tyler, second by Councilman Reikos to suspend the rules to allow the Burns family uh to make a statement. Uh any discussion? Any discussion? Any discussion? Cleric, roll call vote, please. Alexander. Yes. Spatelli. Yes. Kowinsky. Yes. Selenus. Yes. Tyler. Yes. Emerson. Yes. Warple. Yes. Rakels. Yes.

Vaness.

Yes. Uh motion carries. Nine in favor. Zero opposed. Well, first of all, I'd like to thank the city council for considering the Burns Kish or the Burns Funeral Home uh to to be honored with my name on a street sign. Uh my name is Thomas Burns. I'm 92, born and raised in Hammond, graduated Hammond High. All my five kids graduated Hammond High. So, Hammond is our town. Uh, of course, I grew up in the glory days of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and I'm happy to see the councils trying to bring back the city back to the glory days again. Uh before I forget, but I What's going on in Harrison Park? Of course, it's right across the street, so I see all this dirt. I don't know if they're going to fill the pond. I used to ice skate that pond all the time. But a little bit about the business. Uh, it was started by my grandfather in 1908 and I think the first location was right downtown Ham and on State and Homeman and then they moved uh down on State Street or on Yeah. on State Street across from All Saints Church. And then in 1926 they bought the home on Homeman and Avenue where we've been now all these years. But that home was owned by the family of Kaufman and the next door neighbor was the Wolf family. Those two families owned Gold Blatz. Uh that's

just some of the uh and then the home next to the funeral home was a owned by the Hammond family. Eventually we bought that. I don't know if anybody remembers there used to be a Kings dancing school there. Uh not too many people know it except me at my age, but uh uh I even lived in the funeral home all the the years I was in high school cuz when it came time to go to high school and I was living at the funeral home, my dad says, "You walk right across the park and go to school, don't have to pay anything." And uh so I've I've been um I used to run the ambulance service in town. In fact, my dad told me our our name had the first mobile or motorized ambulance in Hammond. And uh so our business has really been active in this community for a long time. Um what else? at 92 you can't remember everything you want to say but uh I really appreciate uh you considering this situation and I I'd really be proud to have my name up on the street sign in Hammond. So at this time I want to thank everyone for their attendance.

I have a question I have a question for Mr. Burns. Yeah. unrelated to what you said. I mean, this has to do with Harrison Park. Do you recall a baseball field and a football field over there that the semi-pro teams Oh, I don't know, say the Hammond pros might have practiced at that was before my age. Okay.

Yeah. I mean, and here was a picture back in the 50s. Uh this chapel was added on in the early 30s during the depression and in those days the funeral homes were going to make them look like a church. So we had the stained glass windows and the pews and everything inside. And then later on families wanted it to look like at home. So we got rid of the pews, kept the stained glass windows and everything. But times change and what people want in the funeral home is uh and then one other thing I have here is the original ledger

1908. I mean it shows in their carriages $5 and all the prices were like unbelievable. So it's quite the thing to have. Yes. Yeah. Madam President. Yes. Councilman. Mr. Burns, I just want to say congratulations uh and thank you for all your family has done for the city. And to answer your question about Harrison Park, we're expanding and deepening the pond so that it is remnant of circa 40s, 50s, 60s. Um and we're going to put a liner in it as well so that it actually retains water and we can stock it with fish so people can go fishing there once again.

Yeah. I used to bring the toads there that I had in my yard. I put them in there because I figured they'd eat the mosquito larve because I didn't want to kill them. They're awesome. Well, thank you again for your time, Madam President. Thank you. Thank you. Madame President, Madame President.

Yes. I was just going to say it it's a blessing to be able to give someone their flowers while they're actually here to see it. A lot of times when we do those honorary street names, it's because the person is already gone. So, it's a beautiful thing to be able to see him here and for him to be recognized. Yes. Absolutely. Thank you. would anyone else from the group like to come up and say anything at this time. You're good. Okay. Okay. So, Madam President, thank you. You're very welcome. Thank you. So, I'll entertain a motion to return to the regular

I make the motion to return to I make the motion return to regular order of business. Second. A motion by Councilman Reiko, second by Councilman Selenus to return to the regular order of business. All those in favor? I opposed. Motion carries. Moving on to special zoning action adopted under Indiana Code 36-7. There uh isn't anything. Uh now public expression Uh, the first one, Lori Zolno.

Good evening, Lorie Zulno, 7142 Forest. I just want to thank the council. Um, it's been a long time coming, but I'm delighted to see the ordinances out there so we can look things over. I do like the fact that they are put right after the agenda. I think it makes it convenient. The only thing I would ask is the website does currently have a tab for proposed ordinances and it is blank. It is empty. So I would suggest if you're going to leave them after the agenda that you ask that that tab be removed from the website so as not to confuse people. But thank you very much for all your efforts to get that done.

Thank you. Thank you, Lori. Next, Jim, uh, please help me. Aurso. Yes. Yes. All righty.

Madam President, Jim Aurso. I'm a public affairs specialist with the Small Business Administration, Office of Disaster Recovery. We are here in Indiana in Lake and the surrounding counties. I believe everyone got a fact sheet per this disaster declaration that was that's recently come down following the tornado that uh hit and destroyed part of Lake Village. Uh Lake County and your Hammond residents are therefore eligible for our economic injury disaster loans. So, if any business in Hammond had a shortfall in working capital related to that tornado during the time frame uh occurring March 10th and 11th, they could be eligible for a business loan of up to $2 million. Uh so, we're encouraging anyone to consider that over the time frame of up to January 11th, which is the end of the application date. So, if they notice that they have a shortfall in in in business and they can attribute it to the tornado, either they couldn't get to residents down in Newton Newton and uh Jasper counties or vice versa, we would encourage them to apply online. Uh we had centers open through last week. We do happen to have centers over open over in Cana Key because it was the same tornado. It's a different declaration, but if anyone has any questions to do, please consider that. Um, and if we can work with them, uh, get all their paperwork in, hopefully we can get them some money very shortly,

uh, over the life of the loan. Thank you. Interest rates are 4% less. So, thank you. Okay. Thanks. Thank you very much. Sure.

Next is Mary Jones. Good evening. What I wanted to say before you voted on uh 26R9 is that now that area will no longer collect revenue for 80 years. Why are we giving 100% a 10year 100% tax abatement in this area? Uh, Pilaski Park has a filledin swimming pool that's been there since I've been there. I got it 10 years ago. The uh the skating rink that was put in, never once put up. So, we're giving these tax abatements to these uh places. What happens after 10 years? See you. And we get nothing from that except a bunch of vacant buildings that, you know, nobody wants to buy. What I the but my main point is I wanted to talk uh to talk about the Grand Avenue overpass and just give like a just a recap of everything that has happened. In uh April of 2023, there was the ProPublica article that was showing that kids were climbing over trains in order to get to school and uh in the Hesville neighborhood. So the the feds uh stepped up and at the time the Northick Southern stepped up uh and then and then they suddenly backed out of it. So that 2 million, you know, they're not going to put in that 2 million and then the city decided not to put in the pedestrian bridge there. Instead, we're going to spend 20 10 times that. We're gonna spend $20 million. This is in 2019 money, so I'm sure it's more. So, we're going to spend

$20 million to put a pedestrian bridge a mile over a mile away from where it's needed. So, this project has turned into, you know, like state and railroad money, and now it's turned into $20 million of state money, which Scott Miller said, well, it's it's state money. Well, well, you know, we live in Indiana. did we live? You know, we're all going to pay for this. So, in the end, we get we spend $20 million of city of of state money to put in a pedestrian bridge where it's not needed and enact untold environmental devastation. And the person that is probably the most forceful person to against this project is

Should we start doing some analysis? Is this worth $2 million of city money that's hard to come by for a bridge that's going to be used once a year maybe? And then 364 days a year sitting there unused. And I talked to Councilman Councilman Scott. This I can see it already. Mayor Tom's Bridge to Nowhere. The bridge that nobody ever uses. We paid that bridge. Does anybody from INDOT listening to this? The bridge to nowhere he's talking about is the bridge that is going to the schools that the kids would use to cross. Thank you, Mary. It would be nice if she knew what she was talking about. Uh, next up is George Stroya.

How are you, George? Is this working? Yes.

Oh, okay. Uh, I'm okay. Thank you. Um, wow. I must say I I uh share and probably even more so the mayor's concerns about uh all this tax statement stuff. Uh especially uh 100% for 10 years. Um yeah, he may have stood by the city, but city was also a good deal for him too. Otherwise, he wouldn't have. They're businessmen. I don't know how much of uh you know how much of that is can be construed otherwise but uh I'm sure he's a nice guy. Don't get me wrong. I'm just saying. Um you know we seem to every new business that comes around is assigned a uh tax abatement or some other form of tax credit tax cut. And have we forgotten the massive tax cuts that have just taken place last year downstate in Indianapolis? They gutted us and we're going to be seeking here pretty soon local tax income tax uh uh legislation here right here in Hammond certainly in Lake County because I think they have to read uh some of that uh local option income tax stuff. I could be wrong. I could be wrong. I haven't read it with fine print yet. But um uh it's not just creating a tax and let it sit there. I think some of that new legislation entailed that you have to read or reaffirm it and there's some sort of sunset I think it's 2029 sunset provision in it. Um anyway, uh one other thing, uh would have been nice to learn what the offer was to, uh on that land that you guys are now using under the uh what do you call it? The fifth amendment taking the uh the legis the uh litigation

you've authorized uh against that property owner. um under the Kilo case, Kilo versus the city of New London, I believe it's called, and where you're taking the city takes private property to give it to another private entity. It's not it's not the city doing something with it, which is a nice little new twist in the law, but they've justified it. It seems like sound reasoning, but anyway, it would have been nice to know how much you guys offered them. Uh cuz you know we're going to get caught in another litigation thing. Obviously the guy did not like the offer. If the mayor correctly said in 2024 you made an offer. Well, it's now 2026. Uh it's two years now. I wonder if it has anything to do with the bears. I could be wrong. Maybe not. But uh you know it's kind of like playing Monopoly. You hold on to this property and somebody finally lands on your on your property and you get to collect. So don't pass go. Anyway, um, one last thing, uh, the resolution with respect to transparency, looking that over briefly, one thing jumped out at me, the idea of practiceable. Do you think since you guys are going back to the drawing board on that somewhat, if I understood you correctly, uh, the word practiceable, that's that's got too much wiggle room in it, too. It's too ambiguous. You think you could hammer out something a little more specific? I mean you can give it scope but I mean what what what's practiceable? I mean in what's every situation is going to be subjected to a variant practiceability.

I don't know. Thanks anyway for the effort. I do appreciate it. Thank you George. Next is Ken Rosk.

How you doing council? Um, one of the things that I wanted to talk about, go back to the pedestrian bridge that has been cancelled by the city. Um, why was a pedestrian bridge canled? Why was it designed in the first place? Why were we going to have one? Um, because the governor's bridge design failed to meet the mission to solve the problem it was supposed to solve. Okay? and that was public safety to help school kids. Um, we went and it this governor's parkway bridge was supposed to solve this problem and then when it came up at our INDOT public hearing, we found out it didn't didn't solve it. So, that's why the pedestrian bridge was designed. That's basic. Councilman Warple um said about this and kind of redid the history of what was going on. He says, "I've gone over those tracks a lot during school days and you might see a kid every now and then do something like it would wind up on TV, but it's not a huge issue. I mean, one kid's huge issue, but it's not like there's 20 kids doing that a day. The truth of the matter back then, you can go you couldn't go a month without seeing a video on Facebook of somebody who had posted on Facebook with dozens of kids hopping that train. What he said was completely ridiculous and comes nowhere near reality. Um, Inside Edition did an interview with the crossing guard at 173rd Street. She

felt helpless as she witnessed dozens of kids crawl under and climb over trains every time they stopped. Does that sound like a kid here and there? Does it really, Mr. Warp? Um, I took footage of that crossing myself and I emailed it to every one of you and I didn't get one reply. So, this was long before uh ProPublica ever did the video and put it on the news. At the end of INDOT public hearing in April of 23, hundreds of residents showed up and dozens testified Governor's Bridge is a failure at providing safe passage for school children. We all saw it. Okay. ProPublica released video of numerous kids hopping trains there. That's when the bridge, the pedestrian bridge idea was born. Right then and there when everyone found out that this Governor's Parkway bridge failed in its main mission. Completely failed. It was a ruse just to get money. It's a boondoggle. What has changed between that time and now? Well, the mayor didn't like the pedestrian bridge. Number one, he didn't like that it was going to take out additional homes. So, public safety really didn't have anything to do with it. It was all about money. It was all about money. It didn't matter about the kids safety at all. And that's what's going on. And the council should know this, but you all voted it in. And if

something happens, it's on you. The public safety issue is not being solved. And I wish you would take these things into consideration. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else for public expression? There isn't anybody there. Public expression is now closed. Motion to adjurnn. I make a motion to adjurnn. Second. All those in favor? I opposed. Everyone have a good evening. Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry. I invited Mr. Burns to stay so we can get a picture with the council for any council.

Absolutely. So, yeah, of course. Thank I