07/02/1979 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 2, 1979 107 BID ADVERTISING APPROVED - PLASTER REPAIRS AT MORRIS CIVIC AUDITORIUM Patrick M. McMahon, Director of Public Works, requested permission to advertise for bids for plaster repairs at the Morris Civic Auditorium. Specifications were attached. Upon motion made by Mr. Mullen, seconded by Mr. Brunner and carried, the request was approved. CHANGE ORDER APPROVED - MONROE STREET WIDENING John E. Leszczynski, Manager of the Bureau of Public Construction, submitted to the Board Change Order No. l in the contract with Arco Engineering Construction Company for the Monroe Street Widening Project R & S 7902. The Change Order increases the contract by $14,718.00 and is to cover the demolition and reconstruction of an existing vault on Monroe Street alongside the Ries Furniture Company. Upon motion made by Mr. Mullen, seconded by Mr. Brunner and carried, the Change Order was approved. PURCHASE OFFER RECEIVED FOR PLAZA PARK The Board received an offer from Van E. Gates on behalf of the Gates Chevrolet Company of $150,000 for the purchase of Plaza Park. Jane Swan spoke in opposition to the sale, noting that the price set for the property was $247,750 and that the City actually paid $300,000 for the property during the depression. She said she did not think the taxpayers of South Bend should have to give this property to someone who could afford to pay $247,750. She noted that green space is needed and even though the park may not be used now, it should be retained. Glenda Rae Hernandez objected to the sale of the park for environmental reasons, since she felt green space was needed, for economic reasons, because the city paid $300,000 for the property, and because of the needs of children. Van Gates was present and advised the Board that the City initially wanted to sell the park. He did not bid at the time the property was offered for sale because bids had to be in the amount of the offering price. He got an estimate of the value from an established appraiser who is reputable and has done a considerable amount of appraisal work in the downtown area and that value was $150,000. Mr. Gates said he has observed the park from his office window for thirty -three years and the park is not used. The price offered is reasonable. A comparison of this property with the downtown Marriott project and Century Mall is not practical. Mr. Gates said he was making the offer because he wants to expand his business. The sale will put the property back on the tax rolls. He noted he recently purchased the Sears Building on which he pays taxes of $48,000. If the building had been purchased by a county or other governmental agency, there would be.no taxes collected. Mr. Gates said if the City is willing to sell the property, he is willing to purchase it for $150,000. James Seitz, Park Superintendent, was present and noted he has always been an advocate of retaining park land. However, other parks have been developed in the area and they are better equipped and have much usage. This park is not used. He pointed out that the $300,000 figure for purchase of the property originally is vague and records are not clear. It is possible that houses were demolished and /or people relocated when the land was acquired and that would increase the price. Floyd Carter expressed his feeling that the City should not sell the park for less than $300,000. Dennis Moran said there is some use of the park and the City should take into consideration that open space must be provided for the poor and the black who would be the ones using this park. He said the park is an asset and should be retained. Mr. Brunner said the Board would be interested in receiving some positive suggestions for solving problems the City faces. The City does face a monetary problem and some hard decisions have to be made. Money from this sale