05-29-01 Public Works & Proeprty Vacation

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Qommitt deport: 1PubUit 'Works' and Vroptrti1 11a ration QGommitt*e The May 29, 2001 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 3:33 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Coleman, King, Aranowski, Kirsits, White and Pfeifer; Carl Littrell, Gary Gilot, John Oxian, County Engineer Susan Al-Abaas, Joseph S. Fragomeni, Jr., Michael H. Wenning, Ali Al-Shawee, Terry Bland of the rout} tribunt, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member King welcomed everyone to the Committee meeting. He noted that the first item on the agenda was to receive an update on the Jefferson Street Bridge. Susan Al-Abaas, County Engineer for St. Joseph County then introduced Joseph S. Fragomeni,Jr and Michael H. Wenning,P.D. of American Consulting, Inc. Mr. Wenning then reviewed the "preliminary plans" which have been prepared, but not for construction purposes (copy attached). He noted that the plans are for a bridge rehabilitation project, noting that originally the demolition of the Jefferson Bridge was originally anticipated and that a new bridge would have to be constructed. He reviewed the time line page (last page of handout) noting that currently the project is in the"preliminary plan" stage, and are approximately one (1) month ahead of schedule. A public hearing will be scheduled on the project since the bridge is listed on the Historic Register. The construction phase will be approximately 1 l/2 ye [S. He then reviewed the two (2) phases of the traffic maintenance, noting that traffic on one/half of the bridge will be taking place throughout the construction phase. Mr. Wenning noted that he has met with the Park Department officials and that no pedestrian ways will be maintained in light of safety concerns. He further noted that the railing and lighting will not be like the original. The railing will be a "Texas type barrier rail" and he then showed a pictorial rendering of what the bridge would look like. The lighting would be moved onto the barrier rail for safety reasons. Council Member King inquired about the proposed rehabilitation since the original suggestion was a tear down. Mr. Wenning stated that the original analysis was correct, however with further concrete stress testing, they were able to propose a concrete compression which will add strength to the arches and therefore allowing the bridge to be saved and rehabilitated. Council Member White inquired about the impact on the merchants on Hill Street and Niles. Mr. Wenning stated that there has not been any contact with the merchants as of this date, however with one side of the bridge open at all times during construction, that that should benefit the merchants during that phase of the project. Council Member White then asked about the cost. Susan Al-Abaas stated that it will be an 80/20 split between the federal government and the County with the federal government paying $ 4 million for the project from federal highway funds. In response to a question from Council Member King, it was noted that the hearing will take place some time in September or October of 2001,or possibly in fate August.