04-27-98 Public Works & Property Vacation

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Qtommittte *sport: Public Works and Property Vacation Committee to tbt COmmon 4tOUittil Of Ott tit Of §Oitth to : The April 27, 1998 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 4:00 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Kelly, Ujdak, Varner, Coleman, Pfeifer, Broden and Hosinski; Terry Bland, David Thorla, James Crance, Mary Wood, Mary O'Rueben Katz, Sue Hodgson, Randy Rompola, James Frick, Julie Kaser, John Kaser and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Varner noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 38- 98 which is a request to vacate the first north south alley west of Iroquois Street. Dr. Varner noted that the Board of Public Works sends the request to the Council with an unfavorable recommendation (copy of report attached). Mr. David W. Thorla made the presentation. He noted that the vacation is being requested to "ensure the safety and well being of the children and family members residing at the property". Mr.James Crance of 608 West Angela s poke against the proposed vacation. He noted that he would present a petition at the Common Council meeting this evening signed by thirty- seven (37) property owners who oppose the vacation. He further noted that twenty-nine (29)properties would have their ingress and egress to their properties negatively impacted; that it would add to the traffic volume; that direct and short routes are necessary and that children would be impacted negatively if the vacation is approved. He cited several high risk safety factors to children if the vacation moves forward. He further noted that neither the Douglas family nor the Thorla family who have petitioned for the vacation have any dependent children. Mary Wood of 620 West Angela spoke against the proposed vacation. She stated that she is concerned for the safety of the children. Mary O'Rueben Katz a resident of the area for over fifty (50) years spoke against the proposed vacation. Council Member Broden, the District Council Member for the area, noted that he had received numerous telephone calls regarding this vacation request. He noted that he has visited the site and believes that the alley should remain open. Council Member Broden then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Aranowski that Bill No. 38-98 be recommended to the Council with an unfavorable recommendation. The motion passed. Dr. Varner noted that the next item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 39-98 which is a request to vacate the first north south alley east of South Michigan. The Board of Public Works at its meeting of April 27th took favorable action con the request. (report attached) 1 ,