City of East Chicago Board of Public Safety
4525 Indianapolis Blvd. • East Chicago, Indiana 46312 • (219) 391-8355 • Fax (219) 391-8401
Carla Morgan, President; Richard Trembczynski, Vice-President; Thomas Davis, Member
Minutes for the Regular Meeting
Board of Public Safety
Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at 5:30 pm
City Hall Council Chambers
1. Call to Order: The regular meeting of the Board of Public Safety was called to order by
President, Carla Morgan with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call: Ms. Carla Morgan, President Present
Mr. Richard Trembczynski, Vice-President Present
Mr. Thomas Davis, Member Present
3. Minutes: Regular Meeting; January 27, 2016:
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan
Regular Meeting; February 10, 2016:
Motion was made by Mr. Davis to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Trembczynski second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Davis, Trembczynski, Morgan
Special Meeting; February 2, 2016:
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan
4. Correspondence: Carl L. Dahlin Jr.; 4720 Ivy St.: Ms. Morgan reported his building has
been the subject of an order. The letter indicates financial responsibility, losing his wife and it is not his intention to abandon the property. He wants more time to repair the property.
Millenna-Rental Registration for Lakeside Garden Apartments: Ms. Morgan reported the letter submitted refers to the Business License and Business License Ordinance; however, they are trying to discuss the Rental Registration Ordinance. Ms. Morgan recommended taking under advisement and the Law Department will work with the Building Department to make a recommendation at the next meeting.
5. New Business: Crossing Guard Manual: Ms. Morgan reported Sergeant Sullivan who
submitted the manual is not present to discuss it; however, he recommended the Board’s review. The Board recommends his presence at the next meeting to explain. Ms. Morgan reported the Police Department requested this Board accept the manual because the Crossing Guards are under the jurisdiction of this Board. This item will be placed on the Agenda of the next meeting.
Fire Department:
Review of the Fire Department recruits’ test results:
Ms. Morgan reported she, as Board President, has not had an opportunity to review the results. She will begin the process tomorrow. This item will also go before the Board at the next meeting.
Building Department:
4815 Melville and 4821 Melville-
Attorney Kantar reported Attorney Price represents the owner Bell. Attorney JoAnn Price indicated she just tendered her appearance on behalf of her client. Attorney Price requested time for the owner to secure bids to determine if he will self-demolish. Attorney Kantar recommended the Board enter the Order to Demolish for both properties and set for status on April 27, 2016.
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to enter the Demolition Order on 4815 and 4821 Melville. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to stay the Demolition Order to April 27, 2016. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan
3734 Alder-
Attorney Kantar reported the owners picked up a copy of the agreement and permits were issued on Friday, February 19, 2016. They are pending electrical permits. It is the Building Commissioners recommendation to continue to status on March 23, 2016.
4612-14 Baring-
Attorney Kantar reported the property was previously ordered demolished on September 23, 2015. Justin Murphy requested a continuance for today’s hearing. The Board was waiting; Fountain Real Estate LLC was going to be receiving the Tax Deed. At the last hearing, last month; they submitted an order for a Tax Deed but have not received it from the County. Neither inspection nor rehab has occurred. Ms. Morgan questioned the number of times Attorney Murphy requested a continuance. Attorney Kantar reported he continued in October and November and was present in December. Ms. Morgan questioned whether Attorney Murphy or the client contacted anyone. Ms. Guzman reported Tom Wiesniewski went to the Building Department for a Rehab Agreement; however, there is no deed to the property. When the Deed is obtained a Rehab Agreement will be entertained. Ms. Morgan reported the President of the Company should sign the Rehab Agreement. Ms. Guzman recommended continuing to April 27, 2016. Ms. Morgan recommended Attorney Kantar communicate with Attorney Murphy to make an appearance.
3818 Deal-
Attorney Kantar reported the owners will be entering a Rehab Agreement, building permits have been issued and roof repairs have commenced. The property will be continued to March 23, 2016.
3925 Deodar-
Attorney Kantar reported Mr. Morales was present. He is making progress. The property will be continued for status on April 27, 2016.
3804 Drummond-
Attorney Kantar reported Mr. Murphy requested a continuance; however, there is a furnace installation pending as well as Certificate of Occupancy. Attorney Kantar requested a continuance to March 23, 2016.
3434 Fir-
Attorney Kantar reported there has been discussion to donate the property; however, not sure if Redevelopment is interested in the property. Ms. Morgan reported there are a few issues with the property including the woman renting after the order was issued – had to remove her personal property.
Ms. Morgan questioned whether the demolition has been bid. Attorney Kantar reported the demolition order has been previously entered. Ms. Guzman reported the property has been bid out. Ms. Morgan requested the property be continued to March 23, 2016.
Ms. Morgan questioned whether the demolition order has been stayed. Attorney Kantar reported no; however, there was discussion whether the property would be donated. Ms. Morgan questioned whether the Building Department would give the woman access to the property for her belongings. Ms. Guzman reported yes.
3512 Grand-
Attorney Kantar reported there is a Rehab Agreement that does not expire until next month. The progress is very slow. Attorney Kantar requested a continuance to March 23, 2016.
3902 Grand-
Attorney Kantar reported the Building Permit has been issued for the front staircase repairs. Attorney Kantar requested a continuance to March 23, 2016.
3844 Guthrie-
Attorney Kantar reported Ms. Jordan is present. The Building Commissioner met with Ms. Jordan on February 19, 2016. They are looking at more work being done and will hopefully be complete by March 23, 2016.
3610 Hemlock-
Attorney Kantar reported the property owners are not present. A Rehab Agreement has been drafted and will be mailed. Attorney Kantar requested a continuance to April 27, 2016.
4720 Ivy St.-
Attorney Kantar reported Mr. Carl Dahlin is the property owner and an Order to be Demolish has been issued and bids have been opened. Attorney Mathews sent a letter asking for more time. There was stay to make repairs; however, no repairs have been made. Ms. Morgan reported the Board received a copy of the letter.
Ms. Guzman reported the Board has been dealing with this property for quite some time and a Rehab Agreement was entered. He was speaking with a contractor “STM” to bring the property up to code but to date there is no compliance. Ms. Guzman recommended the Board continue the process and move along with the demolition. Ms. Morgan reported the Board is inclined to give him a little more time. Ms. Morgan recommended the Building Department reach out to him to be present for the March meeting and the Board has to see some progress. Ms. Guzman reported if she sees good faith effort, she is inclined to assist him through the process; however, she has not seen that. Ms. Morgan requested Ms. Guzman try to reach him by phone.
4029 Melville-
Attorney Kantar reported the property belongs to Mr. Morris. A Rehab Agreement has been issued and it expires next month; however, he has resided the property and has been working on property. The Building Commissioner requested a status date of April 27, 2016.
3940 Pulaski-
Attorney Kantar reported property is owned by Mr. Jose Casillas. He picked up another copy of the Rehab Agreement. The Building Commissioner requested a status date of March 23, 2016.
New Demolitions:
1814-18 135th St.-
Attorney Kantar reported no one appeared. The Building Department recommended the Board issue an Order to Demolish based on the condition of the property.
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to accept the Order to Demolish said property. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan
605 E. 150th (Garage)-
Attorney Kantar reported the owner is listed as Mr. Washington. No one appeared. The garage has collapsed, part of a wall is missing and debris is laying in the yard. The Building Commissioners recommendation is to enter an Order to Demolish.
Motion was made by Mr. Davis to accept the Building Commissioners recommendation to enter an Order to Demolish. Mr. Trembczynski second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Davis, Trembczynski, Morgan
3915 Alexander-
Attorney Kantar reported the owner is Ewing. It is a tiny brick and cinderblock house that is both boarded up and open to the elements. No one appeared. The Building Commissioners recommendation is to enter an Order to Demolish.
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to accept the Building Commissioners recommendation to enter an Order to Demolish. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan
4944 -50 Alexander-
Attorney Kantar reported it is a long brick structure with boarded up doors and a failed roof. No one appeared. The Building Commissioners recommendation is to enter an Order to Demolish.
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to accept the Building Commissioners recommendation to enter an Order to Demolish. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan
3813 Deal-
Attorney Kantar reported the property has been rehabilitated/renovated and the Building Commissioner is requesting the property be removed from the demolition list.
Motion was made by Mr. Davis to accept the recommendation to remove the property from the demolition list. Mr. Trembczynski second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Davis, Trembczynski, Morgan
3907 Deal-
Attorney Kantar reported the owners are listed as Dukes/Cash. The photos show a single family frame house with gutters laying in the yard and a collapsed front and rear porch. The windows are open to the elements. Ms. Cash appeared (Dukes is her mother). Attorney Kantar questioned whether she has plans for the property. Ms. Cash reported she has been residing in the property over forty (40) years and she got hurt on the job but reported on the following:
· Someone is maintaining the yard
° There is no vegetation
· The fence was bent by the neighbors’ children playing basketball
· The wind knocked down the gutter on one side of the property; however, it has been reinstalled
· A new porch was installed in the front of the property
· One window is boarded-up; however, it will be replaced in the Spring/Summer
Ms. Guzman indicated that she can have the property inspected to determine what has been done. Ms. Cash reported she is on fixed income. Ms. Guzman reported she will give her information to speak with Redevelopment. Ms. Morgan recommended Ms. Cash communicate with the Building Commissioner. Ms. Cash reported she will be removing the fence in the Spring. A status report will be provided on April 27, 2016.
3922 Deal-
Attorney Kantar reported the owner is listed as Ms. Crawford. Photos show boarded up stucco two story residence with rear door open and gang graffiti on the walls. Ms. Crawford reported the property was a three (3) unit building: she was told the first unit ceiling was too low and should be boarded-up and not rented. The City requested it be boarded. Attorney Kantar reported there is graffiti on the garage also. Attorney Kantar questioned whether she was willing to repair the property. Ms. Crawford reported yes. Attorney Kantar recommended Ms. Crawford contact the Building Commissioner to enter into a Rehabilitation Agreement. A status report will be provided on April 27, 2016.
4207 Drummond-
Attorney Kantar reported the owner is listed as Flores. Photos show a boarded up two story frame residence with siding falling off and a collapsed roof on the garage with debris in the yard. No one appeared. Attorney Kantar recommended the Board enter an Order to Demolish the house and garage.
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to accept the recommendation to enter an Order to Demolish the house and garage. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan
4760 Drummond-
Attorney Kantar reported Mr. Valles was present. He is working on the property and has had success with two (2) other properties. A status will be provided on April 27, 2016.
3735 Guthrie-
Attorney Kantar reported it is an overgrown brick home with bad front steps, and damage from a partially collapsed roof. Bricks are lying in between the houses, due to a wall collapsing. Rear door is open. No one appeared. Attorney Kantar reported she spoke with one of the owners about donating to the City; however, the issue is they are owners of 1/5 of the property. Attorney Kantar recommended the Board enter an Order to Demolish.
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to accept the recommendation to enter an Order to Demolish. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan,
3819 Ivy-
Attorney Kantar reported the owner is listed as Flores. It is a boarded up two story frame house with asphalt shingles. Siding is missing, window on top is open and fence has collapsed. No one appeared. It is the recommendation of the Building Commissioner to enter an Order to Demolish.
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to accept the recommendation and enter the Order of Demolition. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan
4010 McCook-
Attorney Kantar reported the owner is listed as Harvey. No one appeared. It is a single story boarded up resident with a bad porch. It is the recommendation of the Building Commissioner to enter an Order to Demolish.
Motion was made by Mr. Trembczynski to accept the recommendation and enter an Order to Demolish. Mr. Davis second. No discussion.
Ayes: All Trembczynski, Davis, Morgan