05-13-02 Public Works and Property Vacation

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tommtttcc Uport VOW 1orkz anti IlDroperty Vacation (ommtttcc The May 13, 2002, meeting of the of the Committee of the Whole of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 4:15 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, King, Varner, White, Kirsits and Coleman; Department of Community and Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Angela M. Furore, Jessica Payne, Citizen Member Khadihah Muhammad, Terry Bland of the §0Attb WOO vIrtbU1c, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Varner noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Substitute Bill No. 5495 which is a request to vacate the first east-west alley north of State Road 23 for a distance of 118' and a width of 10' ,which is located in Harman and Miller's Plat. Public Works Director Gary Gilot noted that it received a favorable recommendation form the Board of Public Works. Council Member King stated that the neighbors are in favor of the vacation. Council Member King then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Aranowski that Substitute Bill No. 54-95 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 27-02 which is a request to vacate the first east/west alley south of Napoleon Street for a distance of 129.71 ` and a width of 14', with this alley being located in Sorin's 2nd Addition. Mr. Gilot reported that the vacation would create a short dead-end alley, however with proper cross-access or utility easements he does not see this as a problem. The Board of Public Works made a favorable recommendation on this matter as reported in their letter dated May 9,2002(copy attached). Jessica Payne, the Petitioner, then made a presentation. She showed a picture of the alley in question noting the close proximity of it to her yard. She noted several safety concerns and that there were several property items stolen from homes in the area. Dr. Varner then noted that the sisters of Holy Cross oppose the alley closing as indicated by the letter from Sister Mary Eliza Martin, C.S.0(copy attached). Council Member King spoke in favor of the alley vacation. He noted that there was quite a mess in this area and a major clean-up has taken place. Following discussion, Council Member Aranowski made a motion, seconded by Council Member King that Bill No. 27-02 be recommended favorably to Council. Under miscellaneous business, Mr. Gilot stated that he would have a map showing areas not serviced by city water or sewer services by the next Council meeting. He noted that approximately 400 parcels are affected.