11-14-11 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2011 Mr. Raphael Morton, 325 N. Studebaker, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is speaking as the Chairperson, of the St. Joseph County Housing Authority and as the President of the St. Joseph County Council. Mr. Morton stated that he is fully aware of the task and challenge before the Council tonight. Mr. Morton reiterated as Ms. Dent stated earlier that there is significance to existence and need to maintain and preserve the Chapin Street pedestrian bridge. However, he stated that he must share that he has gained a greater appreciation for and perspective about the value of this bridge. Particularly given the construction of the Kroc Center and the overall aesthetic of the area and opportunities currently existing that are underway in the area, such as Ignition Park, and also because Chapin and Western are two of our main thoroughfares in the city. For historical reasons alone he would be adamant about the City retaining and repairing the bridge. Mr. Morton stated that after attending the meeting at the Housing Authority and hearing the many residents speak so passionately about retaining the bridge and seeing the value and a need for the bridge. He stated that with the Kroc Center opening they definitely will use the bridge. Mr. Morton advised that the Board is in full support of this bill. He urged the Council to vote in favor of this bill. The following individuals spoke in opposition to this bill. Mr. Jesse Davis, 1333 S. Calvert Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is opposed to this bill because he just doesn’t seen anyone using this bridge very much. He questioned why the bridge wasn’t maintained over the years prior to the Kroc Center being built. He also sees the project at the Kroc Center not much different than the project for St. Joseph High School. Mr. Darryl McKinney, 501 Alonzo Watson Drive, Apt. 304, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is opposed to just fixing up the bridge. He stated that if the City truly believes that this bridge is in the best interest of the children who live in public housing then a new bridge should be constructed for their safety. In rebuttal, Mayor Luecke stated that the bridge is structurally sound. This bill would allow for the appropriate maintenance. Mayor Luecke asked the Council for their favorable consideration. Councilmember Dieter asked if bids were taken. Mayor Luecke advised that they have not taken bids. He stated that Public Works Director Gary Gilot and City Engineer Carl Littell sought outside expertise. He stated that they have estimates from professional engineer, Rick Keller. He stated that they took those estimates and added 20%. Councilmember Rouse asked how much money has been spent at this site. Mayor Lucked advised that with the donation of the land, the improvements at the Chapin & Western intersection, the Western & Laurel intersection, the donation to the Kroc Center, approximately 2 million dollars. Councilmember Henry Davis stated that he pledges his support for the pedestrian bridge; however, he has concerns about the traffic patterns and street restrictions. He stated that he fears people won’t use this intersection because it is going to be so heavily congested due to the change in traffic patterns and street restrictions. He stated that he has battled for the last 2 years on communication with the administration for the development of this nd intersection. Councilmember Henry Davis stated that the 2 District cannot take anymore hits. There being no one else present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Puzzello made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Dieter.) 12