Robert Johnson

The meeting agenda included new business items such as the approval of claim warrants dated January 13, 2026, and January 15, 2026, and the approval of the payroll dockets from December 19, 2025, January 2, 2026, and January 16, 2026. Other new business items involved approvals for several 2026 service agreements, including Comcast Business, Gateway Customer Service, Precision Control Systems HVAC rates, Allegiant Fire Protection rates, Valley Fire rates, Direct TV contract, and the NWI 2026 Rate Sheet. A transfer of appropriations was also scheduled, moving $4,000.00 from "R & M of the Marina" to "Other Operating Supplies". The agenda also listed executive reports, correspondence, and public comment sections.

The agenda for the Economic Development Commission meeting includes a call to order, roll call, pledge of allegiance, and the approval of minutes from the December 22, 2025 meeting. New business items involve the election of officers and discussion regarding the Sam's Place 3424 Fir Street Day Care Center. The meeting will also include informational items reviewing the Redevelopment Commission Meeting Minutes from December 16, 2025, and January 6, 2026. The agenda concludes with public comments, commissioner comments, and adjournment.

The special meeting included the approval of the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting. Key discussions involved the bid opening for the 2025 Phase IV Board of Safety Demolition of Unsafe Structures, which received only one bid. The Board reviewed and accepted 43 vendor rate schedules for 2026 across various departments, noting that these schedules guarantee prices but purchasing policies must still be followed. Approvals were granted for Johnson Controls proposals regarding Fire Safety Agreements for City locations and Recreation Centers, and for Ace Exterminating for monthly pest control at the Health Department. The Board approved a proposal from R & D Construction for the restoration of existing outfalls. Outstanding invoices from several vendors and law firms were also approved for payment. Several resolutions were approved, including modifications to legal services contracts with Smith Sersic and Faegre, Drinker, Biddle & Reath LLC, and the transfer of property located at 3734 Deodar to East Chicago Redevelopment. An interlocal agreement with the City of Hammond regarding matching payments for a pedestrian trail project was adopted. The Board conditionally approved a contract with Attorney Ricardo Hall, pending clarification regarding whether his services pertain to the Police or Fire Department Board. IT proposals for Fire Points Patch Manager software and consulting services were approved, as was the Pitney Bowes postage machine continuation contract. Two Special Events items were tabled as they required Port Authority approval, while two others concerning Senior Christmas events and Christmas decor were approved using CIDTF funds. Change Order #3 for the 2023 Phase 1 demolition project and the contract for the 2025 Phase III demolition project with JM Industrial Services were approved. Approvals were also given for NSP service reports for the Building Department, a demolition project by Royalty Construction, Lamar's 2026 billboard advertising contract, and multiple concrete and alley paving projects by R & D Construction, Martinez Construction, Pintos Concrete, and 360 Degree. Right-of-way applications were also approved. The next regular meeting was scheduled for December 11, 2025.

The Board meeting addressed several key operational and financial matters. New business included the approval of Claim Warrants A and B, totaling specific monetary amounts, and the approval of multiple Payroll Dockets. Furthermore, the Board approved several key items for 2026, including a Comcast Business Service Order Agreement, a Gateway Customer Service Maintenance Agreement, HVAC Labor Rates from Precision Control Systems, INC., and rate sheets/contracts from Allegiant Fire Protection, Valley Fire, and NWI. A Transfer of Appropriations was also approved, moving funds from 'R & M of the Marina' to 'Other Operating Supplies'. No old business, executive reports, or correspondence were noted.

The meeting agenda covered several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included the approval of warrants for payroll and accounts payable, and the presentation of various reports from the Director of Water, Director of Operations, Legal Counsel, and Accountant. New business involved consideration of a resolution for an additional appropriation for the Fire Suppression System Replacement Loan. Proposals and quotations were reviewed for vehicle repair and services from Semcor. Adjustments were discussed for several accounts related to water, sewer, and taxes. Unfinished business and public comments were also noted.