Board waives late-license fees for two small businesses after appeals

The Hammond Board of Public Works and Safety voted on May 1 to waive late‑license fees for two businesses after brief hearings.

John Ruiz (speaker 8), owner of Unique Paving Seal Co., appeared at the late‑license hearing and explained that personal circumstances — including the recent death of his wife — delayed his attention to licensing. Ruiz asked the board to waive the late fee; the licensing administrator present indicated no prior problems and recommended waiving the fee. The board voted to waive the late fees.

At a separate hearing, Marcos Rivera (speaker 11), who identified himself as the owner of Steel City Trends, asked the board to waive a late fee that resulted from a communication breakdown and a missed mailing. Staff confirmed it was a first occurrence; the board voted to waive the late fee.

Chair (speaker 1) and Committee member (speaker 3) handled the motions; both waivers were approved by voice vote.