05-09-05 Public Works & Property Vacation

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Public Works and Property Vacation Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The May 9, 2005 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David A. Varner at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner,Kuspa, and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Director of Public Works Gary Gilot, Rita Kopola,Don Inks, Connie Tooley, City Clerk John Voorde, and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Dr. Varner noted that the Committee members present included Council. Members Rouse, Puzzello and himself He then called for a presentation Bill No. 22-05 which would vacate a portion of the 1st north/south alley east of Taylor Street from LaSalle Avenue. Connie Tooley of 514 W. LaSalle Street made the presentation. She noted that BradConn Development, LLC owns both lots on each side of the affected alley, namely 427 & 429 W. LaSalle. The portion of the alley is currently dead-ends into a chain link fence surrounding the parking lot of the Oriental Market. They hope to eliminate the problems of trash and to prevent further vagrancy and nuisance behavior. She noted that the Board of Public Works has given a favorable recommendation to the request; and that they may close off the area in the future. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Mr. Gilot stated that they prefer that openings be removed but in this case it will be need for access to the garage and parking. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill. • Council Member Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Council Member Rouse that Bill. No. 22-05 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Mr. Gilot then highlighted items from the summary sheet of today's Board of Public Works meeting(copy attached). He noted that he would provide monthly summaries to the Committee. Council President Pfeifer noted that she received 2 phone calls regarding the LaSalle Park Soil Testing. She noted that she has been trying for 9 years to find out if the area is a health hazard; and further noted that she does not believe that the hill has ever been tested. Mr. Gilot stated that Community Development staff developed the scope of the project. He noted that there appears to be a lack of trust by some from the earlier findings reported by IDEM and the State Board of Health. No health hazard has been revealed and that the levels have not risen to be a health hazard. He added that he would not be worried to live next to it. Council Member Rouse added that this has been an issue for 50 years. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m. Respec bmitted, p, Council - ber David Varner,Chairperson KCF:kmf Attachments Public Works and Property Vacation Committee May 9,2005 Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-