03-26-01 Public Works & Property Vacation

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ammxttu mart. bftc Waltz ant( irkopirrtp Varation (ommitfr The March 26, 2001 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 3:50 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Pfeifer, King, Kelly, White, Varner, Ujdak, Coleman and Kirsits; Community and Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, City Engineer Carl Littrell, Citizen member Khadijah Muhammad, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Anne Bruneel, John Hosinski, Bernie Feeney, Richard Hebard, Sheila Bergeron, Dr. Fred Stump of the South Bend Community School Corporation, Chuck Lennon, Dave Shadinger,Joyce Harrington, Diane Wright, Dennis Whitacker, John Phair, James Harris, Kimberly Minter, Ken Fedder, Terry Bland of the &MO n tribunt, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Varner then noted that the first item on the agenda was to continue discussion on Bill No. 6-01 which is a request to vacate a portion of Greenlawn Avenue. Dr. Fred M. Stump, Deputy Superintendent of Administration for the South Bend Community School Corporation made the presentation. Dr. Stump stated that the vacation is necessary to accommodate the Adams High School renovation and expansion project. The final proposal includes a shared use agreement for the softball diamond and the meadow area. There was a drawing prepared on June 16, 2000, which called for a multi-use athletic facility which would not require the closing of Greenlawn, however this plan was abandoned. In the final proposal the School Corporation will provide a running track and tennis courts for both school and public use. It was noted that Greenlawn is not currently used by emergency vehicles. He then presented a summary of comments made at the community meeting held on March 1, 2001 (copy attached), as well a copy of the Park Board Memorandum approved at their meeting of March 21, 2001 (copy attached). Mr. Hebard, the architect for the project, then reviewed the proposed final site plan. He noted that the replacement of trees in the Meadow will be on a 2 to 1 ratio. The fence will be five feet(5') in height in order to discourage people from lifting their bicycles over the fence onto the walking path. Council Member Coleman inquired about a round-a-bout. The School Corporation representatives stated that they have not had any further discussion with the city on that issue. Council Member Coleman also suggested that the basketball court be relocated from the northern portion of the site plan in light of consideration for the residential neighborhood immediately to the north. He stated that often a basketball court is considered a "mixed blessing for nearby home owners". Council Member Coleman inquired about traffic from Twykenham onto Ironwood. Carl Littrell, City Engineer, then reviewed a handout (copy attached) which addresses traffic counts.He stated that a left turn prohibition from Wall onto Ironwood may be proposed for peak hours. Council Member White voiced concern about traffic exiting Wall onto Ironwood. She noted that in light of the current design of that intersection that there is a visibility problem currently which should be addressed. Council Member White inquired whethcr a signal at that location would be a better alternative.