HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-08-10 Public Works & Property VacationPublic Works and Property Vacation Committee
2010 South Bend Common Council
The March 8, 2010 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee of the
South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member
David Varner at 4:22 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Rouse, Kirsits, Oliver J. Davis, Varner,
White, Dieter, LaFountain, and Puzzello, Rita Kopola, Phil Byrd, Don Inks, Jeff Parrott
of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Dr. Varner noted that the Committee members include Council Members Henry Davis,
Jr., Tom LaFountain, Timothy Rouse and himself; and that a quorum of the Committee
was present.
Bill No. 7-10 Request to Vacate a portion of Allen's Alley
Dr. Varner noted that a request has been received from the Petitioner to continue Bill No.
07-10 until the March 22, 2010 meeting (copies attached).
Council Member Rouse made a motion, seconded by Council Member LaFountain that
Bill No. 07-10 be recommended to be continued until March 22, 2010 at the request of
the Petitioner. The motion passed.
Bill No 12-10 Request to Vacate a portion of the First North/South Alley East of
LaPorte Avenue
Dr. Varner called for a presentation on Bill No. 12-10 which is a request to vacate the
first north/south alley east of LaPorte Avenue along Colfax Avenue to the first east/west
alley for a distance of 198 feet and a width of 8 feet.
Phil Byrd, Executive Director of South Bend Heritage Foundation (SBHF), stated that
SBHF owns and operates the historic Dunbar Corners Apartments which are located to
the west of the alley in question. Part of those apartments are 7" over the property line
and into the alley. The proposed vacation would address this. He also provided a map.
In response to questions from Dr. Varner, Mr. Byrd stated that it is their intent to split the
eight feet (8') in half. He added that the house would stay and would be remodeled. The
vacation is needed to correct the defect found in the survey for a proper title.
Dr. Varner voiced continuing concern in light of being contacted by individuals. He
requested that the petitioner put their intent and use commitments in writing. Dr. Varner
suggested that the Bill be continued so that everyone is properly informed.
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
March 8, 2010
Page 2
Mr. Byrd stated that he would agree to the continuance.
Council Member Rouse made a motion, seconded by Council Member LaFountain that
Bill No. 12-10 be recommended to be continued until March 22°d at the request of the
Petitioner. The motion passed.
Miscellaneous Business:
Dr. Varner noted that he suggested two (2) weeks ago that he believes that it would be
worthwhile for the Council to discuss what there priorities would be for 2010 TIF
Projects. He stated that as the Council's Redevelopment Commission representative that
he believes that that would be very worthwhile and informative. Dr. Varner suggested
that perhaps Council Member Rouse would schedule such a discussion under his
Community and Economic Development Committee.
Council Member Rouse stated that he has the information from the CED website. Don
Inks noted that he had a more detailed listing of the 2010 TIF Proposed Projects, and
would be happy to share that with the Council.
Dr. Varner also noted that it was his understanding that the City Attorney recently issued
an opinion on the sign ordinance, which differs from the Building Commissioners 2006
letter on file in the Office of the City Clerk. He suggested that perhaps the Zoning and
Annexation Committee could receive an update from the Administration.
Council Member Kirsits, Zoning and Annexation Committee Chairperson stated that if
the City Code is going to be amended to address that concern, that he would also like the
City Code amended to address all of the 4' x 8' For Rent plywood signs which are going
up all over the city causing more visual blight.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned the
meeting at 4:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~~/ ~~~ _~
vid A. Varner, Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
Attachments