03-12-12 Public Works and Property Vacation Committee

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PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE MARCH 12, 2012 Committee Members Present: David Varner, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Valerie Schey Citizen Member: Vacant Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Derek Dieter Others Present: Chris Dressel, Mark Neal, John Murphy, Judy Lee, Bill Lee, Glenda LaMont, Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand Agenda: Bill No. 03 -12 — Vacation — Portion of United Drive (Prairie Avenue) Bill No. 05 -12 — Appropriation Fund #217 Design, Production, and Installation of Bike Wayfinder Signs Dr. David Varner, Chairperson, opened the meeting at 3:40 p.m. noting full attendance of both the committee and all other Councilmember's. For the record he announced a request by the petitioner to continue consideration of Bill No. 03 -12 until the March 26, 2012 meeting of the Council. Oliver Davis so moved. Dr. Fred Ferlic seconded and all affirmed. To begin discussion of Bill No. 05 -12, Dr. Varner called upon Chris Dressel to make the presentation. Chris is on the staff of the Economic Development Department serving as the newly appointed biking coordinator. Mr. Dressel explained the $5200 appropriation request represented a gift from two organization's "Bike the Bend" and the "Michiana Bike Coalition." It was to be used to produce and erect signs on two of the city's bike routes. Those routes along Riverside Trail and from ND to downtown are seen as Phase 1 of a 3 Phase sign project. Councilmember Henry Davis asked if biking was seen as a fad. Dressel said definitely not. Henry suggested consideration of inexpensive bike rental stations along trail stops as found in some major metro areas. During the public portion Bill and Judy Lee from "Bike the Bend" expressed appreciation for the city's efforts to encourage biking. Glenda LaMont from the "Michiana Bike Coalition." Echoed those comments adding it was nice to have a contract person like Mr. Dressel to coordinate and encourage biking.