05/29/12 Board of Public Works Minutes

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AGENDA REVIEW SESSION MAY 24,. 2012 178 The Agenda Review Session of the Board of Public Works scheduled for May 24, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. The Clerk posted notice of the cancellation and sent notice to the media and other persons requesting notice of the meeting agenda. BOARD OF PUBLIC WO S j( j --.L-- - - Z�VJ �A� - Michael Mecham, Member ark Neal, Member ATTEST: �o 4ia M. Martin, Cle k REGULAR MEETING MAY 29 2012 The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was convened at 9:40 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, by Board President Gary A. Gilot, with Board Members Kathryn Roos, Michael Mecham, and Mark Neal present. Board Member Donald Inks was absent. Also present was Board Attorney Cheryl Greene, Mr. Gilot informed those present that Mayor Pete Buttigieg appointed the two additional members to the Board, which now consists of five (5) members. PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED LEASE OF OFFICE SPACE AT 319 NILES AVENUE SUITE A Mr. Gilot advised that this was the date set for the Board's Public Hearing concerning the lease of office space at 319 Niles Avenue, Suite A, from 319 Niles, LLC, in the amount of $3,555.00 per month for a period of five years for the Human Rights Commission. It was noted that in preparation for this, the Board approved Resolution No. 27 -2012 on May 15, 2012, which included a petition filed with and certified by, the St. Joseph County Auditor's office on May 14, 2012, containing fifty (50) signatures of citizens in favor of the lease. Ms. Greene noted the process under State law requires the Board of Works to hold a Public Hearing to allow the public to speak for or against the proposed use of tax dollars. Ms. Greene stated the lease contains a provision to allow an extension for five (5) years if desired. She noted the proposed space is desirable, providing ADA compliant access and a certain amount of privacy for people utilizing the business. Mr. Gilot opened the public hearing to those wishing to speak for or against the lease. Nobody present spoke. Ms. Greene stated since nobody spoke, it is now up to the Board to determine if the lease of the building is necessary. Ms. Aladean DeRose, City Attorney, stated the problems with the current facility for the Human Rights office have been brought to the attention of the City over the last couple of years. The current location has offices in the basement that offers no ADA access and there are safety issues with the flooring. When investigated further, more problems were determined and the cost to fix all of the issues was found to be substantial. She noted there are commission meetings held in the building and it needs to be large enough to accommodate large crowds. Ms. DeRose stated due to the considerable expense to redress a City owned facility, it was determined that it would be necessary to look outside City owned facilities. There being no one else present wishing to address the Board concerning this matter, the Public Hearing was closed. Ms. DeRose stated the Common Council must conduct their own Public Hearing before the lease is presented for approval. Ms. Greene added the Board can accept the criteria presented by Ms. DeRose as