05-08-17 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2017 What I see, in terms of that parcel, is that it represents one (1) of the best opportunities that we have as a city to do something really creative and interesting there. I just don't want to make a decision now that prevents something potential in the future.Now, when that point comes, and if that alley is no longer needed, we are very happy to vacate any alley that we don't see as being necessary. Councilmember John Voorde stated, Let me defend the City Street Department. In the spring, the alleys are always in their worst condition because no one is going to be able to maintain them•all winter. From my experience working for the Street Department,this is the time of the year when the calls come in because an alley has potholes in it or has water standing—things like that. Alley maintenance for unpaved alleys is an ongoing, seasonal thing, so I don't think we should jump on the City for not particularly maintaining this alley. I would guess this alley is seldom used, by the look of it. I don't think the City ought to be incorporating or keeping it in advance or in limbo until you may or may not need it. I think if you envision what you're going to do with that block, you should just, in my opinion, forget this little twelve (12) foot wide alley and let the Baumgartners have it and improve it. Councilmember Broden stated she was leaning toward an easement solution that would allow for the City to smartly develop the area in the future. She stated, I guess I would like to be in the position of charging you both to go back to the table and work on this, and to figure out something that could work temporarily for all of us. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated that unless the City was willing to purchase the alley, he sees this as an opportunity to make an improvement that may last for twenty (20) years if the Baumgartners' request were honored. He stated, If Mr. Baumgartner is going to make the improvements that he says he's going to make, that alone makes it worth our effort, because we have no plans in the near future. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic recommended, without making a motion, that this bill be continued for two (2) weeks to see if a temporary use agreement can be reached that benefits both parties. Councilmember Davis stated that the City does not currently have a plan for the alley but Mr. Baumgartner does. Councilmember Scott stated that in the business world, things cannot be run under the promise of future potential sales. Councilmember White stated that she agrees with her colleagues' comments and is ready to vote. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to send Bill No. 21-17 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Jo M. Broden). 23-17 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: FIRST NW ALLEY RUNNING N APPROXIMATELY 170' AND 14' WIDE FROM INDIANA AVE., W. OF HIGH STREET AND E. OF MARIETTA STREET Councilmember John Voorde, Chair of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Andrew Pich, 717 East Indiana Avenue, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter and petitioner of this bill. Mr. Pich stated that he owns the property next to the alley. Mr. Pich stated that intends to have off-street parking, since there is no parking space on his property. He stated, To do that, according to Code, I would have to have a break in the curb because of the alley, because I can't have parking off-alley. So, that would just be adding another curb and driveway through the whole lot. So, I would like to combine them and make it a little better. 6