1. MAYOR JOE’S PUBLIC FORUM
November 25, 2014

2. AGENDA CIC Introduction WCC – YMCA Lakefront Damage Lakefront Project
Quiet Zone
Mascot Hall of Fame (MHOF)
Miscellaneous
Q&A’s
WCC Tour

3. CIC INTRODUCTION
The CIC (Community Improvement Corporation) is an organization that was created when the Hammond Casino was applying for their license
The CIC has worked to raise $150,000 to match a $150,000 grant that the City had received to restore the WCC Lobby back to it’s original condition.
I’d like to introduce the CIC President Joe Shimala for a brief explanation of the organization’s mission
The CIC has also graciously provided the refreshments for today’s Forum

4. WCC – YMCA UPDATE Main Level renovations are now nearly complete
Only waiting on the replica period lighting fixtures
The goal was to replicate the original 1920’s design as close as possible on the Main floor area
Wallpaper – Water Fountains
3rd Floor changes are only minor in nature
Clean up – Painting – Carpeting, etc.
Lower Level has received a total makeover
Fully renovated, fitness areas, locker rooms, etc.
Whirlpool – will not be reinstalled - wrong info by me

5. WCC – YMCA UPDATE Timeline
The YMCA will begin occupying the building on Dec. 1
Construction will be complete in December
On January 1, the YMCA will begin equipment deliveries & set-up
Expected opening day for Members is February 1
Watch the Write Stuff for additional details
I’d like to thank our design and construction teams
Vavrek Architects – Berglund Construction

6. WCC – YMCA UPDATE YMCA Tour Representatives are with us today
Providing information about memberships and programming
Talking to people interested in applying for employment
Surveys available to help them understand which programs and equipment the community is interested in
Tour
Immediately following the Forum
Single file line and obey ushers for safety purposes
I’ll be in the Lobby after the tour if you have questions

7. Lakefront damage
Halloween storm caused significant damage to the Lakefront Park
How bad was it?
Early assessment on November 1st was depressing
21 mature trees down in Park
Surface damage to gazebo, pier approach, NE point & landscaping
Revetment failure in multiple spots
100+ years old East Sea Wall rock shifted dramatically

16. Lakefront damage Current Situation/Assessment
Clean –up and Tree Removal complete
Tree removal and replanting - $35,000
Surface damage minor - ~$75,000
Re-enforcement - ~$75,000
Revetment Repairs????
Insurance covers only flood damage up to $10K– Trees
Litigation – A law suit has been filed against revetment design firm - Can’t discuss any further than that
Delay projects to fund repairs until settlement is reached

17. Lakefront damage Key Points
The City’s Engineering Firm hired one of the countries largest Costal Engineers to design the revetment
Much of the surface design engineering worked as it was designed
It was always anticipated that water would reach the shore
The park was designed for all the water to drain to the south side of the road and then into the rain gardens or swales
These swales are daisy-chained and the overflow is then routed back to the lake
All standing water drained as planned within hours

18. Lakefront damage Explain State of Emergency
The boardwalk has a 2 foot thick, 8 foot deep concrete wall at the revetment line
No major shoreline damage occurred along this barrier wall
Explain State of Emergency
There was some noise on Social Media after I declared a local State of Emergency:
Gives us special authority to prohibit access to ensure safety
Gives us special authority to begin repairs and clean-up
Positions us to petition for relief

19. Lakefront damage Timeline
Surface repairs have already started and will be completed in the coming weeks
Revetment emergency repairs are being designed and we hope to have them started in the coming months
Full Revetment repairs will take place in the spring

20. Lakefront damage Impact on Restaurant
Decision made to delay construction until February 1
Re-design will raise building
Original structure will need to be demolished
Building will be rebuilt to replicate the existing structure and hopefully incorporate some original elements in the new design
This pushes the potential opening from Summer 2015 to Christmas time
Still negotiating with potential operator

21. Lakefront project Next Phase of Lakefront Plan Whihala Improvements
New Trail Connecting Boardwalk to Hammond
Phase 1 – 117th Street (Bercik Dr.) to Concession Stand
Phase 2 – Concession Stand to end of existing parking lot
Phase 3 – Parking lot to West Beach – Lake Street
Plan is to include lighting
Upgraded parking lot and entrance road
New Park Club House – WR Boat Club
Expansion of maintenance storage facilities
Renovations to Concession Stand and Restrooms

22. Quiet zone Finally had our Design Review last Thursday
Delayed several weeks by railroad cancellations
Now waiting game begins for the railroads to design the needed improvements and submit the final project costs to the City
Once City approves the costs, construction will begin
We are now being told that this can take up to 18 months
Z - Gates

23. MHOF Update Legal structure being drafted/filed
Search has begun for Executive Director
Retired Corporate CEO/Manager
Search beginning for Fund-raising Team
Conservative estimate is that construction will begin in 2016 for a 2017 opening
I am confident that construction can begin in 2015 for a mid to late 2016 opening
City Museum – contingent on acquisition timing

24. miscellaneous Archway NIPSCO Project
The archway has been up for several months now, based on the comments I have received, people either love it or hate it
The lighting system has still not been installed – when?
The goal is to bring people down 119th Street
It was designed to be dedicated to our 125th Birthday
NIPSCO Project
New pipeline
Estimated completion – Early December

25. miscellaneous Handicapped Parking
A new Handicapped Parking Ordinance has been passed in attempt to:
Better define a permit holders eligibility
Mirror the State BMV policy
Establish a renewal process
Prevent abuse
Authority has been transferred to the BPW&S from the WPD
All existing permit holders have been notified and the transition is in progress

26. miscellaneous Lakefront Parking Meters
Whihala parking revenue funds our summer staffing salaries including lifeguards
The new street parking jeopardizes the Whihala revenue
Meters are being installed across the entire park property to capture the needed revenue
Key Points:
46394 residents will still park free, but a small periodic fee may be accessed to process and track the free permit
People will need to come into City Hall to apply and receive sticker

27. miscellaneous There will be limitations and rules
There will no longer be Gate Keepers/Collectors, all non-residents will be required to purchase and post the receipt on the dashboards
A new Parking Enforcement Team will be established to patrol the Lakefront and the adjacent neighborhoods for violators
Neighborhood “No Beach Parking” signs will be replaced with prominent signage at both park entrances

28. miscellaneous Code Enforcement
In an older community like ours, maintaining and improving our existing properties is a critical component to our city’s future
One of the few tools at the City’s disposal are Code Enforcement regulations
A sound Code Enforcement Strategy will:
Improve the community in general
Increase property values
Decrease crime
In the past several months, there has been an increase in property maintenance violations

29. miscellaneous New Housing
We are still working hard on multiple housing initiatives
The MVP Project on the 1500 Block of 119th Street is progressing nicely
We are in discussions for additional Multi-Use buildings in the Stadium District
We are still in discussions for potential Condo development in the Stadium District
We are still in discussions for potential Senior Apartments in multiple locations
Financing, ROI & Suitable Sites are still the major hurdles

30. miscellaneous New Parking Projects
In 2015, several new parking projects are on tap
Expanding the lot behind the new MVP project
Partnering with the Whiting Baptist Church to expand the lot on 119th and Ohio
Paving and striping the smaller lot across from Oil City Stadium
Demolishing the former St. Mary School and expanding the parking area on Davidson Place

31. miscellaneous Indianapolis Boulevard
Proceeding as planned, although to slow for me
Omni Auto investment
117th Street complete – Safer Intersection
Schrage Ave Tree/Sidewalk Project
Illiana Hotel
Still working with developers
Cannot rule out demolition

32. miscellaneous Holiday Light Spectacular – Parade of Lights
Officially begins on Friday
Draw people to our business district
119th Street Pole Lights
Staffing
3 new Firefighters in 2014
3 more Firefighters on January 1
Taking us to full staff 17
3 new Police Officers on January 1
Taking us to full staff at 19

33. q&A’S