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Mayor reports development interest, Sanitary District litigation and public-safety equipment needs
Summary
Mayor summarized district visits and local business outreach, described a developer interested in property near 165th and Calumet, said litigation between the Hammond Sanitary District and Munster is ongoing and suggested the city "get divorced" from Munster’s partnership, and previewed a council request for radio and fire engine funding limited to public safety.
Mayor delivered a broad district-by-district report at the March 23 meeting, describing visits to local businesses, outreach with labor representatives, and several operational items he said will come before the council.
He said he toured Corrales Roofing and met the company’s new CEO, and met with Northlake Auto Recycling’s CEO Marty Hollinshead, noting the company has operated in Hammond for 45 years. The mayor said a developer expressed near-term interest in a large parcel near 165th and Calumet and that an incentive request for a $20,000,000 project at 3518 Sheffield Drive is under review.
On litigation, the mayor characterized ongoing proceedings between the Hammond Sanitary District and the town of Munster as moving “very slowly” and said city attorneys think it may be time for the sanitary district to separate from Munster, telling the council, "I think it's time for us to head in our own direction." He offered to brief council members further in an executive session if desired.
On public safety, the mayor said the police and fire departments need replacement radios (he estimated they are 10–12 years old) and an additional fire engine. He said the administration will present a funding plan "that won't cost any additional money that we're paying right now" and that it will be limited to public-safety purchases. He also noted the city is finishing interviews for the vacant assistant police chief position, aiming to select a candidate by April 13.
The mayor's remarks combined local economic development updates, personnel recruitment, litigation context, and a previewed funding request for public-safety equipment.
