01-14-08 Public Works and Property Vacation Committee

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Public Works and Property Vacation Committee 2008 South Bend Common Council The January 14, 2008 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 4:20 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Rouse, Davis, Varner, White, and Puzzello, Davis, Dieter, and LaFountain, Acting Mayor Charles Leone, Chief Assistant City Attorney Aladean DeRose, Interim City Controller John Murphy, City Engineer Carl Littrell, Ramadan A. Salameh, Marlin Mlliken, Martha Lewis, Mrs. Kopola, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Dr. Varner welcomed every one to the first meeting of the Committee in the new year. He noted that the Committee members include Council Members Derek Dieter, Henry Davis, Tom LaFountain. Dr. Varner then called for a presentation on Bill No. 86-07 requesting a vacation of the first north/south alley east of Meade Street. He further noted that the Bill received an unfavorable recommendation from the Board of Public Works. Bill No. 86-07: Vacation Repuest of the first N/S alley east of Meade Street from Kenwood Avenue South to the 1S ENV alley in Kaley's 1S Subdivision The petitioner, Ramadan A. Salameh of 5811 Sterling Drive, # 10, Granger, Indiana made the formal presentation. He stated that he has owned the property for five (5) years. He has experienced problems of persons stealing the electric meter, persons hanging out in the alley who make noise, drink and leave trash. He has talked with the neighbors and believes the vacation would make the area safer. City Engineer Carl Littrell noted that he met with the petitioner in October when the original request was to close two (2) alleys. The request now is just for one (1) alley as addressed in Bill No. 86-07 which has the proper legal description. He is in favor of the request. In response to a question from Council Member White, Mr. Salameh stated that he understands that if he desires to have the east/west alley vacated, that he would have to start with a new petition and new ordinance. Dr. Varner noted that only the north/south alley is before the Council tonight. Council President Rouse noted that there appear to be public safety concerns related to the east/west alley.