JANUARY 22 2013 The Common Council of the City of LaPorte met in regular session in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Pledge Councilman Galloway led the Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Mrozinske, Schmitt, Hammons, McAtee, Kirkham, Galloway and Luscomb Absent: None Minutes The Mayor stated each Council member received an advance copy of the minutes from the previous meeting in their packet and asked for a motion to approve same. Councilman McAtee moved to approve the minutes as presented; motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham. Mayor Milo asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. As there were none, the motion to approve the minutes was passed unanimously. Mayoral Awards Mayor Milo stated one of her favorite things to do is present the Mayoral Awards to students. The Mayor presented awards and gift certificates to Nathan Gerick, a senior at LaPorte High School, David Nouce, Kesling Middle School and Tomareya White, Kingsford Heights Elementary. Introduction of a Resolution Authorizing Economic Revitalization Area Statement of Benefits for 1500 Genesis Drive, Siefker Property Group, LLC on Real Property Councilman McAtee moved to introduce a Resolution; motion seconded by Councilwoman Hammons and unanimously carried. Councilman McAtee read a Resolution Authorizing Economic Revitalization Area Statement of Benefits for 1500 Genesis Drive, Siefker Property Group, LLC on Real Property in its entirety. The Mayor asked Bert Cook, Director of Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC) to come forward and address the Council regarding this matter. Mr. Cook stated by approving this Resolution, Siefker Property Group, LLC will have the opportunity to move their current business on Washington Street to the Thomas Rose Industrial Park and construct an addition to the building at 1500 Genesis Drive. He stated this expansion will not only create 12 new jobs but it will retain 31 current jobs. Mr. Cook stated another pleasing aspect of this expansion is that Larson-Danielson Construction Co. will be doing the work on the building, which supports another local company within our community. Mr. Cook noted Scott Siefker and Jim Kaminski, Attorney for Siefker Property Group, are present and Mr. Kaminski would like to address the Council.
Mr. Kaminski stated there are now three businesses the Siefker family operates; one is Showman Supplies and Scott along with his brother Mark, own Semcor Inc. and Great Lakes Sign. He advised there were some environmental issues with the building, which have already been remediated. The Mayor asked if the Council had any questions or comments. Councilman Kirkham asked if Siefker Property would be vacating their current site on Washington Street. Mr. Siefker advised they would be vacating that property until another use can be found. Councilman Mrozinske noted the Resolution states $780,000 not $780,000,000. Motion/Vote Adopt Resolution R-2-2013 Councilman Mrozinske moved to adopt the Resolution as presented; motion seconded by Councilman McAtee and unanimously carried. RESOLUTION R-2-2013 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA STATEMENT OF BENEFITS FOR 15000 GENESIS DRIVE, SIEFKER PROPERTY GROUP, LLC ON REAL PROPERTY Introduction of a Resolution Authorizing Economic Revitalization Area Statement of Benefits for 1900 Whirlpool Drive, American Licorice Company on Personal Property Councilman Luscomb moved to read a Resolution; motion seconded by Councilman Galloway and unanimously carried. Councilman Luscomb read a Resolution Authorizing Economic Revitalization Area Statement of Benefits for 1900 Whirlpool Drive, American Licorice Company on Real Property in its entirety. Mr. Cook stated this is a project that he has personally been focusing on for the better part of a year. The expansion of the Thomas Rose Industrial Park was driven by the need to add rail service, with the installation to begin this spring. He advised American Licorice would be adding a new line of equipment valued at about $10 million dollars, which will create 35 new jobs. Tracy Connor, Controller for American Licorice, stated one of the aspects of American Licorice that they are very proud of is the partnership they have with the City for giving back to the community. She reported American Licorice was honored to receive the Corporate Citizen Award this past year. She advised some of the programs they contribute to are Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, monetary donations to the LaPorte Community Schools and probably the one that they are most proud of is a program called Kids in Need, which provides backpacks to underprivileged children. She stated last year American Licorice provided over 1600 backpacks to five schools in LaPorte. Ms. Connor thanked the City and community in general for the opportunity to be here. The Mayor asked if there were any questions or comments.
Councilman McAtee commended American Licorice for the outstanding community involvement. Councilman Kirkham inquired if American Licorice will be expanding further into the Whirlpool building. Ms. Connor stated at this time that will not be happening however, they did just sign a 15-year lease for the space they currently occupy. Mayor Milo thanked American Licorice for their tremendous partnership with the City and their continued involvement in the community. Motion/Vote Adopt Resolution R-3-2013 Councilman McAtee moved to adopt the Resolution as presented; motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham and unanimously carried. RESOLUTION R-3-2013 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA STATEMENT OF BENEFITS FOR 1900 WHIRLPOOL DRIVE, AMERICAN LICORICE COMPANY ON PERSONAL PROPERTY Petitions & Comments Mayor Milo stated with large attendance at tonight s meeting and the fact that she would like to give everyone the opportunity to address the Council, along with the length of the agenda she is asking everyone to limit their comments to two minutes. Paul Morefield, 1201 Michigan Avenue, stated he disagrees with the prospect of removing Tim Stabosz from the Historic Preservation Commission. He stated the comments that have been made against Mr. Stabosz are a defamation to his character. D.E. Sonshine Troche, thanked the City and its people for the outpouring support for the Worthy Women Recovery Home. She stated there have been over 200 volunteers that have made a significant difference. Mason Fleisher, 301 K Street, stated he believes Mr. Stabosz made a mistake, but we all make mistakes and he sees no reason for Mr. Stabosz to be removed from the Historic Preservation Commission. Beatrice Owen, 1201 Michigan, President of the Historic Preservation Commission, stated one of the things she enjoys most is the ride into the City on Highway 35 down Indiana Avenue with all the historic buildings. She stated the goal of the Historic Preservation Commission is to ensure the City s heritage of our historic buildings. She stated she supports Tim Stabosz. Martin Chidalek, 409 F Street, requested the City grant Tim Stabosz leniency and allow him to continue to serve in this community.
Bill Basiker, 1405 Jefferson, stated as a police officer for a lot of years, if an officer wants a fishing expedition all they have to do is make several turns behind you and eventually you are going to get nervous and make a mistake. Whether Mr. Stabosz is guilty or not, he does not know. Mr. Basiker stated if you remove him from office for a traffic violations, there isn t anybody in this County in a political office or any volunteer office on that basis. He stated he drives these streets every day and nobody obeys the law. Adam Reed, 616 C Street, stated before voting on anything, let Mr. Stabosz God given rights of due process play out. Sierra Sue Jesch, Stone Lake Drive, stated she is not going to address Mr. Stabosz traffic problem. However, if you take that drive that Ms. Owen was referring to, Mr. Stabosz owns the worse looking house on Indiana Avenue. She stated he has had years to fix it up and it is still not done. Also, Mr. Stabosz owns a lot of houses in the City and he does not put them on the Historical Register because he does not want to be controlled by them. Sandi Tonsoni, 510 Upper Lakeshore Drive, stated she is here to support Mr. Stabosz. She reported she has not always agreed with everything that he has said but as a past member of the Historic Preservation Commission it is very hard to get people to serve. Ms. Tonsoni stated everyone makes mistakes and believes Mr. Stabosz is a good board member. Kevin Reed, 616 C Street, encouraged the Council to let the judicial system to what is supposed to do with regard to Mr. Stabosz traffic violations. Name inaudible, benefactor of the Namaste Center, reported Mr. Stabosz worked with them in keeping the historic value of the property. Laura Reed, 616 C Street, advised it takes a lot of time and money for a historic renovation and that should be kept in mind when addressing the property Mr. Stabosz owns on Indiana Avenue. She advised the HPC was very helpful with their renovation. Ms. Reed stated Mr. Stabosz was very supportive of them during their renovation and helped save a house from demolition. Tim Stabosz appealed to the Council that when he went to the Mayor s Office he would be given three minutes to address them. He advised he has prepared a statement that is three minutes long. Mayor Milo stated she would agree to give Mr. Stabosz three minutes to address the Council. Mr. Stabosz read a statement stating he always tells the truth, he told the truth to the media, the Mayor and the Council members that he talked to. Mr. Stabosz acknowledged and took responsibility for the nature of his actions for which is both embarrassed and regretful. He further stated the does not believe his actions rise to the level to justify the discontinuation of his service on the Historic Preservation Commission. He noted the Council received letters from both the president and vicepresident of the Historic Preservation Commission expressing strong support for his
retention on the commission. Mr. Stabosz advised he has spoken to the other four members of the commission and without exception and any reservations their support for his retention is unanimous. Mr. Stabosz listed his accomplishments with regard to People Engaged in Preservation, his involvement within the community, the houses he has restored and the time he has served on the Historic Preservation Commission. Mayor Milo stated Mr. Stabosz was over the three minute time limit and asked him to wrap it up. Mr. Stabosz challenged the Mayor, stating the Council could appeal the decision of the Chair. The Mayor stated that is not the typical process. Mr. Stabosz stated it is allowed under the City Code. The Mayor stated no one has made a motion. Motion/Vote Councilman Mrozinske moved Mr. Stabosz be allowed to finish his speech; motion seconded by Councilman Schmitt. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Luscomb, Mrozinske, Schmitt, Hammons and McAtee Nays: Galloway and Kirkham Mr. Stabosz finished his statement appealing to the Council of his broader record of service and affection for this community along with the very real fact that we are all human and we all make mistakes. He asked the Council to let the Court system deal with the citations he was issued. Mr. Stabosz stated with the encouragement and badgering from friends and loved ones, he has fixed the broken seatbelt and he has and intends to wear it without exception. Mr. Stabosz encouraged the Council to allow him to continue to serve as a member of the Historic Preservation Commission. The Mayor asked if there was anyone else who wished to address the City Council. No one came forward. Standing Committee Reports Airport Authority: Councilman Luscomb reported at the Airport Authority meeting held on January 9, 2013, it was announced that 40 years ago, Mayor Smith, appointed Ed Volk as a member of the Airport Board, for which is continues to serve. Councilman Luscomb stated Mr. Volk should be commended for his dedication and service to the Airport and City. Police Department: Councilman Galloway read a portion of a statement from Police Chief Klimczak regarding the apprehension of a suspect in connection with the robbery at 5 th /3 rd Bank on December 27, 2012. Officers involved and commended for their participation are: Sgt. Tom Owens, Officer Jennifer Lewis, Officer Nate Thode, Officer Victor Agulair, Officer Mike McCormack, Detective Brett Airy, Detective Matt Drangmeister and LaPorte County Detective Jeff Wright. Also, on January 3 rd officers responded to and incident at 1626 Ohio which involved a child. Those officers involved and commended are: Officers Agulair, Metcalf, Esparza and Uhlemann.
Mayor s Veterans Committee: Councilman Galloway reported the VFW will be holding fish fry on Friday, February 25 th and a spaghetti dinner March 1 st from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission: Councilman McAtee reported the Historic Preservation Commission met last week and will hold a special meeting, this Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall. BID Board: Councilwoman Hammons reported the BID Board met on January 14 th at which time it was noted the sidewalk at 614 Lincolnway had been repaired. Also, Clinton Worthington, the newest member of the BID Board, attended his first meeting. School Board Liaison: Councilman Mrozinske reported the School Board met on January 8 th and 15 th. They elected Mark Kosier as president as well as made other appointments. He reported The LaPorte Savings Bank has opened a Slicer Branch at the high school. A work session will be held on February 5 th and their regular meeting is scheduled for February 12 th. President Pro-Tem Appointment Mayor Milo opened nominations for Council President Pro-Tem. Councilman Luscomb moved to nominate Councilman Galloway; motion seconded by Councilman Schmitt. Councilman McAtee moved to nominate Councilman Luscomb; motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham. Councilman Mrozinske moved to nominate Councilman Schmitt; motion seconded by Councilman Luscomb. Councilman Galloway moved to nominate Councilman Kirkham; motion seconded by Councilman McAtee. Councilman Mrozinske moved to close the nominations; motion seconded by Councilman McAtee and unanimously carried. Councilman Kirkham noted he did not want to serve as President Pro-Tem. Mayor Milo stated each Council member would have one vote and it would be done by roll call. The votes were as follows: Galloway - Luscomb and McAtee Luscomb - Schmitt, Hammons, Kirkham and Galloway Schmitt - Mrozinske Kirkham -
Councilman Luscomb was elected to serve as President Pro-Tem for 2013. Urban Enterprise Association Board Appointment Mayor Milo advised an e-mail was sent to all Council members regarding the appointments to the Urban Enterprise Association. She advised Frank Cardello of Packaging Logic is willing to serve as the manufacturing representative and Father Ian Williams, Pastor of the Sacred Heart Church, lives in the zone and is willing to serve as the zone resident. Motion/Vote Urban Enterprise Association Board Appointments Councilman Luscomb moved to appoint Frank Cardello and Father Ian Williams to the Urban Enterprise Association Board; motion seconded by Councilman Galloway and unanimously carried. Redevelopment Commission Appointments The Mayor advised the Council has two appointments to the Redevelopment Commission and opened the floor for nominations. Councilman Schmitt nominated Donna McCleery, who is a current member, and Duane Miller, who has expressed an interest in serving. Councilman Galloway nominated Mark Krentz, who is a current member. Councilman Kirkham nominated Jed Nolan. Councilman McAtee moved to close the nominations; motion seconded by Councilman Schmitt and unanimously carried. The Mayor stated there are four individuals nominated of which the Council can cast a vote for two. She stated this will be done by a roll call vote: McCleery - Mrozinske, Schmitt, Hammons and Galloway Miller - Mrozinske, Schmitt, McAtee, Kirkham and Luscomb Krentz - Hammons, McAtee, Galloway and Luscomb Nolan - Kirkham Duane Miller received five (5) votes, with Donna McCleery and Mark Krentz tied with four (4) each. The Mayor stated there would be another vote to break the tie between Donna McCleery and Mark Krentz with each Council member having one vote. The votes were as follows: McCleery - Schmitt, Hammons and Mrozinske Krentz - McAtee, Kirkham, Galloway and Luscomb Mayor Milo stated the Council s appointments to the Redevelopment Commission are Duane Miller and Mark Krentz.
Mayor Milo stated she would like to ask the Council s discretion on the appointment she previously made to the Historic Preservation Commission regarding Mr. Stabosz. The Mayor stated she would like to make it clear to Mr. Stabosz, the members of the Council and those present, that her call for Mr. Stabosz resignation has to do with a pattern of behavior. She does not believe he is best representing the City or herself in a capacity as an appointment onto a commission. This has been demonstrated through first the incident that happened and then the statements that were made to the officer at the time of the incident and then statements that were made to her after the incident about why it happened and his belief on whether we should be enforcing those laws. The Mayor stated that leaves her to question whether this is an individual that she wants to have representing her and representing the best light of the City. The Mayor stated as this has continued and it has certainly not continued in any manner that she would have wanted to move forward as she does not believe it is portrayed the City in a positive light, nor an accurate depiction of the stance that she took. She stated as this has become a major issue, she understands that many folks here were talking about a seatbelt violation or a traffic violation and it goes much further than that. The Mayor stated there is a pattern of behavior that is documented in the police report, which is what led her to have the discussion with Mr. Stabosz and then when she had that discussion with him, that he felt the City should not be enforcing those laws. She stated that her first instinct was to question whether this person should be in an appointed position on a board that is supposed to represent the best interest of the City. Mayor Milo stated she does not want to be in this situation any more than she wants Mr. Stabosz to be in this situation. She stated she understands and appreciates his apology, but as this has now played out over the last week and a half since the incident occurred, she is only further resolved in her position that this is not someone who represents the best interest of the City. This does not have to do with a seatbelt violation. The Mayor stated she is not accusing Mr. Stabosz of a seatbelt violation and at no point did she ever say that she was. The Mayor stated it has been misconstrued in that manner. She stated as she has expressed to Mr. Stabosz and tried to express to the Council, the problem is not that he violated a seatbelt law. There are laws and we should be following them and she understands that people make mistakes, but at this point Mr. Stabosz has expressed to her that he did not think the City should be enforcing the laws that he broke. The Mayor said she has no question of his great knowledge and dedication to the City, which is why she now finds herself in a very regrettable position. The Mayor stated her call to the Council this evening has to do with a pattern of behavior where Mr. Stabosz showed disregard for the enforcement of laws and then disregard and disrespect for this City government. She stated that is where the basis for her judgment comes from. The Mayor asked the Council to consider her judgment this evening and in traditional practice when there are appointments made, and the person who appoints you to that position asks you to step down, they usually comply with that request. The Mayor stated she asked Mr. Stabosz to represent her and now she is put in a position where she does not feel confident in that any more.
Motion/Vote Councilman Galloway moved the LaPorte Common Council withdraw its approval of Tim Stabosz as a member of the LaPorte City Historic Commission; motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham. The Mayor asked if there was any discussion or comments. Councilman McAtee stated while Mr. Stabosz can be hard to get along with, he feels he still can be of value to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Council should wait until the traffic violation issues are resolved. Councilman Mrozinske stated he agrees with Councilman McAtee. He stated he doesn t know Mr. Stabosz that well but had the opportunity to talk with him during the campaign and they don t see eye to eye on every issue. He stated there are a lot of issues he does not understand, especially when it comes to historic preservation. Councilman Mrozinske stated he believes Mr. Stabosz is an asset in that field. He stated he believes this was blown up out of proportion in the media. Councilman Mrozinske stated to set a precedent to remove people is bad judgment. He stated Mr. Stabosz admitted his mistake. He stated as a Council member he values the input that we receive from these boards and commissions and feel comfortable with the fact that he is going to protect the City of LaPorte. Councilman Mrozinske stated we advertise ourselves as an historic downtown and commend Mr. Stabosz for the passion his puts into that position. He stated he does not agree with what he did and how it was handled. Councilman Kirkham stated he has known Mr. Stabosz for a number of years and has to admit he is very smart and dedicated to the Historic Preservation of the City, but he has made a mistake that has been an embarrassment to the City. Councilman Kirkham stated we have all made mistakes, he himself has made mistakes, but it has never been an embarrassment to his family or the City of LaPorte. If it goes on, the City becomes a laughing stock of the region. Councilman Galloway reported he attended the Historic Preservation Commission meeting Wednesday night. He stated he knows they have rules, regulations and Ordinances, but you still have to treat people with respect and courtesy, which Tim Stabosz did not. His attitude was unprofessional and showed a bad light on the City. Councilman Luscomb stated his first hope was that this matter would be resolved before it came before the Council and the Council would not have to make a decision regarding a decision that was just made at the previous meeting. Councilman Luscomb stated since the circus first started a week and a half ago he has been conflicted with the situation. He stated he can see the Mayor s point of view and the fact that it doesn t have anything to do with a traffic violation but behavior representing the City of LaPorte. Councilman Luscomb stated one of the issues he has with this situation is a letter the Council and Mayor received from Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission and in that letter there were accusations and assumptions. He stated when he first read the letter he thought it was a joke but was later assured that it was a real letter. The accusations and aspersions that were cast upon the Police Department and Mayor as to their professionalism and the way that they conduct themselves representing the City and their
care for the City is totally baseless and unfounded. Councilman Luscomb stated it was probably the most unprofessional letter he has ever read since he has been on the Council. He stated he was ashamed to read it and give it out to the press. He stated that being said, he feels their characters were besmirched and they are owed an apology. Councilman Luscomb stated he has seen Mr. Stabosz in good light and bad, but he believes he is an asset to the HPC and would like to see him continue. Councilman Luscomb stated at the same time he is conflicted with the contents of the letter and if more than one member of the commission agrees with the content, if that is the attitude they are giving to the public and portray to individuals who come before them, then that is an issue. Councilman Luscomb stated he will vote to have Mr. Stabosz continue his position with the HPC, but he does have serious conflicts that were presented to all of us. Mayor Milo asked if there were any other comments. As there were none, she called for a roll call vote on removing Tim Stabosz as her appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. Ayes: Kirkham and Galloway Nays: Hammons, McAtee, Luscomb, Mrozinske and Schmitt Second & Final Reading of an Ordinance Clarifying Parallel Parking Provisions of the Municipal Code Councilman Kirkham moved to read an Ordinance for the second and final time by title only; motion seconded by Councilman Schmitt and unanimously carried. Councilman Kirkham read an Ordinance Clarifying Parallel Parking Provisions of the Municipal Code by title only. Motion/Vote Adopt Ordinance 1-2013 Councilman McAtee moved to adopt the Ordinance as presented; motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham. The Mayor asked if there was any discussion or questions. As there were none, the motion to adopt was unanimously carried. ORDINANCE 1-2013 ORDINANCE CLARIFYING PARALLEL PARKING PROVISIONS OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE Introduction of an Ordinance Creating an Additional Handicapped Parking Space (Indiana Avenue) Councilman Mrozinske moved to introduce an Ordinance; motion seconded by Councilman Schmitt and unanimously carried. Councilman Mrozinske read an Ordinance Creating an Additional Handicapped Parking Space (Indiana Avenue) in its entirety. Councilman Kirkham reported a cardiologist is located in the building just north of the alley and requested a handicapped parking space be created. He advised after further investigation there are no handicapped parking spaces in the entire block.
Second and final reading of this Ordinance will take place at the next regular Council meeting. Councilman Galloway inquired about an Ordinance for one-hour parking on Indiana. Don Baugher, City Attorney, advised it was brought to his attention tonight and he will draft something for the next meeting. He noted, in addition, there is currently one-hour parking on Lincolnway. Introduction of an Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 19-2012 (Alexander Street) Councilwoman Hammons moved to read an Ordinance for the first time; motion seconded by Councilman Schmitt and carried by a majority vote with Councilman Galloway voting nay. Councilwoman Hammons read an Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 19-2012 (Alexander Street) in its entirety. Councilman McAtee reported the Council passed an Ordinance for one-way traffic at an earlier Council meeting after which time the residents went to the Traffic Commission requesting the Ordinance be repealed. He stated those residents who came before the Traffic Commission stated they didn t like it but weren t specific as to what they didn t like. So after the Traffic Commission meeting, he went to each resident to discuss the situation to determine what they wanted. Unfortunately, they couldn t agree. Since that time a new business has moved into the old Little House building and if there are restrictions with one-way traffic either direction or no parking at all it will hinder their business. Councilman McAtee reported he took his findings back to the Traffic Commission and as the signs for one-way traffic were never posted, they are recommending the Ordinance be repealed. Discussion was held regarding this Ordinance. Several Council members expressed their concern on when a committee or commission makes a recommendation to the Council that the matter is investigated prior to Council consideration. Councilman Kirkham reported originally the Council approved the one-way traffic because of safety issues with school bus traffic. He advised he approached the LaPorte School Bus Superintendent regarding the issue and they in turn told their bus drivers to use Plummer Street. Since then it has been determined that special needs school buses from other areas were using the street and have been told to stay off the street as there are no student pickups on the street. Second and final reading of this Ordinance will take place at the next regular Council meeting. Introduction of an Ordinance Prohibiting Parking on a Portion of Wabash Avenue Councilman Schmitt moved to read an Ordinance; motion seconded by Councilman Luscomb. Councilman Schmitt read an Ordinance Prohibiting Parking on a Portion of Wabash Avenue in its entirety.
Councilman Kirkham reported this item was brought before the Traffic Commission. It appears the residents are parking on the grass very close to Second Street, which makes it very difficult for the Fire Department to maneuver around. Councilman Luscomb confirmed the Fire Department had a call last night and it was an extremely tight corner with cars parked in the area in question. Councilman Mrozinske inquired if the Traffic Commission has spoken to the residents in the area. Councilman Kirkham stated he did not know if the Traffic Commission talked to anyone but believes the Police Department and Code Enforcement have as the residents are parking in the grass. Second and final reading will take place at the next regular Council meeting. Other Business Mayor Milo informed the Council the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) has asked her to be Mayor of the Day at the State Legislature on February 4 th. She asked the Council to move the February 4, 2013 Council meeting to Tuesday, February 5 th. Motion/Vote Move Meeting Date Councilman Galloway moved the next Council meeting be moved to February 5, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.; motion seconded by Councilman McAtee and unanimously carried. Councilman Kirkham noted the Traffic Commission meeting is held the same night but can be moved. Teresa Ludlow, Clerk-Treasurer, advised the Council every year she is required by State Statute to give an Investment Report to the Council. She reported last August, the Council authorized her to invest funds outside LaPorte County. The Clerk-Treasurer provided to the Council a breakdown of the funds invested for 2012 by month and fund. She reported currently the City is earning.32% on the monies invested in the Hoosier Fund and there are a few funds that are invested in CDARS. She stated for three (3) months the City earned a total of $6,544.79 and if that continues we should realize an investment income of approximately $26,000 for a year. The Mayor noted the Clerk- Treasurer is taking the initiative to move forward in looking for opportunities like this and should be commended for the hard work she put forth in working with Umbaugh and making this a possibility. The Clerk-Treasurer noted these funds are not with a local bank; however, local banks were given an opportunity to compete. Councilman Kirkham reminded everyone Winterfest is this next weekend with activities on both Saturday and Sunday. Councilman Galloway stated they will be holding their bi-weekly Town Hall meeting tomorrow morning at the Rocky Mountain Café.
Councilman Mrozinske reported Reilly Combs, representing Culver Academy, rode a horse in the Inaugural Parade the other day. Adjourn There being no further business, Councilman McAtee moved to adjourn; motion seconded by Councilman Schmitt and unanimously carried. Approved: Blair E. Milo, Mayor Attest: Teresa L. Ludlow, Clerk-Treasurer Approved: February 5, 2013