01-13-14 Public Works and Property Vacation

Home Browse Search

PUBLIC WORKS & PROPERTY VACTION JANUARY 13, 2014 4:20 P.M. Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Valerie Schey Citizen Members Present: Vacant Other Council Present: Dr. David Varner, Karen White, Derek Dieter, Gavin Ferlic, Oliver Davis Others Present: Cheryl Greene, John Murphy, Kathryn Roos, Brian Pawlowski, Cristal Brisco, Murray Miller, Jim Gardner, Lyn Coyne, Ken Bairel Agenda: Bill 79 -13 Vacate — Portion of Hildreth St. Bill 77 -13 Responsible Bidder Two bills were scheduled for review by the Public Works & Property Vacation Committee chaired by Henry Davis. The first bill 79 -13 was a petition sponsored by Indiana University of South Bend (IUSB) to vacate a portion of Hildreth Street. This would allow IUSB to consolidate, unite and beautify its local campus. The site plan provided is attached. Representing Indiana University was Lyn Coyne from Indiana University Bloomington, and Ken Bairel, the Community Relations person from IUSB. Mr. Coyne briefly described the campus master plan. Kim Bairel noted that the Board of Public Works (BPW) reviewed the proposal at their September meeting giving it a favorable nod. Valerie Schey who represents this area spoke in support of the vacation. On her motion seconded by Dr. Fred Ferlic, the bill was sent to full Council favorably. The second bill 77 -13 would establish responsible bidder requirements for Public Works projects. Henry Davis, primary author of the bill, made a brief presentation. He explained the bill, mirroring one from LaPorte County, could create incentives to use local contractors and local labor when contracting for publicly funded work. Jim Gardner representing the local building trade unions said he supports the bill, but asked it be continued for further tweaking. Murray Miller, another union official agreed. Henry Davis who himself was to ask for a continuance for further refinement took this opportunity to express some concerns. Henry objected to a meeting held last Thursday, January 9th between Valerie Schey, the Mayor and Union leaders at which time compromises affecting the bill were drafted. Henry said the meeting violated the state's sunshine status and was held without his knowledge. Henry then asked the bill be continued indefinitely.