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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/18/1981 Board of Public Works MinutesREGULAR MEETING MAY 18, 1981 The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was convened at 9:35 a.m., on Monday, May 18, 1981, by President John E. Leszczynski, with Mr. Leszczynski, Mr. Richard L. Hill and Mr. Joseph E. Kernan present. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING APPROVED Upon a motion made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Leszczynski and carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of May 11, 1981, were approved as submitted. ACCEPTANCE OF DEED FROM FBT.BANCORP, INC. (MORRIS CIVIC AUDITORIUM PARK SPACE) Mr. Leszczynski stated that, at the May 11th Board meeting, the -city had transferred ownership of the Morris Civic Auditorium Park Space, being Disposition Parcel No. 2 -13, Ind. R -66, to FBT Bancorp, Inc., for the sum of $39,958.00. He stated that at this time, FBT was quit- claiming the property back to the city for use as open space or park land. Upon a motion made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Kernan and carried, the deed was accepted. APPROVE ERECTION OF EMERGENCY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS IN TREE LAWN AREA (MEMORIAL HOSPITAL) Mr. Leszczynski stated that, at the May 11th Board meeting, representa- tives of Memorial Hospital and North American Signs had appeared before the Board concerning the hospital's request to install emergency directional signage in the tree lawn area around the hospital. He advised that the Board members had made an inspection of the areas in which the signs were proposed, and he asked if there were any comments from anyone in the audience. Mr. Peter Brockhaus, Vice - President of Memorial Hospital, thanked the Board for coming out to the site and for taking the time to review the materials submitted by the hospital in support of the signage. He assured the city that, since its major concern dealt with the liability problem, the hospital would assume all liability for the location of the signs in the tree lawn areas and would include the City.of South Bend as an additional insured under the policy. He referred to the request made last year by the hospital for permission to construct a bus shelter in the tree lawn area near the hospital. He advised that that request had been approved by the Board; however, the hospital had not gone ahead with the bus shelter because it felt the signage was more important and dealt with public safety rather than public convenience as the bus shelter would have done. Mr. Noel Yarger, President of North American Signs, stated that he understood the reasoning in holding back on the.erection of numerous signs because of the confusion caused to motorists; however, he stated that it has been carefully demonstrated that public safety in this instance would definitely be served by using the area for the emergency directional signage. He stated that he appreciated the Board's concern over setting a precedent by allowing the signs in the tree lawn area; but he asked that the Board consider this request and any future cases on their own merits. He stated that the Board had the capacity to make individual judgments on similar requests if brought before the Board. Mr. Hill asked how many of the signs would refer to the emergency room, and Mr. Brockhaus stated that all three signs would refer to the emergency area. Mr. Leszczynski stated that about 90% of the wording on all the signs referred to information such as visitor parking, main hospital entrance. Mr. Yarger stated that the wording pertaining to the emergency room was the overriding factor and was very important. Mr. Brockhaus explained that the main emphasis was the direction of persons to the emergency area; however, there was also a need to identify the visitor parking and other functions of the hospital. Mr. Kernan thanked the hospital representatives for their assistance in providing the Board with the information it had requested concerning the signs. He stated that he had given some thought to the location of only one sign on Navarre and Michigan which would refer to the emergency room only. He felt 3 REGULAR MEETING MAY 18, 1981 that the argument of the public safety being involved was valid in this instance. He stated that the proposed signs contained much more information than just the referral to emergency. He wondered if the hospital was getting away from the original intent of the emergency signage by including all the other information. He stated that he was not totally convinced that, with the erection of two other signs on hospital property, the volume of information con - tained in the emergency sign was actually required. Mr. Yarger felt it would be to the motorists' advantage to have all of the informa- tion in one place and putting the emergency information first would highlight that aspect. He felt that, if the signs must be separated and the informational signs placed farther back on the hospital property, it would still cause confusion with motorists trying to read all the signs. He felt it was a more appropriate and safer method if all the information was contained on one sign. Mr. Hill commented that, based on the amount of traffic coming to the emergency room, he wondered if there was a need to include the other information on the sign. A representative of the hospital stated that, because of the one -way traffic pattern around the hospital, all three signs at the various locations containing all the information would be preferred. She stated that people have, in the past, experienced problems in getting back to the hospital when they have missed the first turn. Dr. Phil Myers, in charge of the emergency room, spoke in support of the signage. He did not feel that too many signs could be installed around the hospital complex. He talked about the large amount of traffic coming to the hospital from out of the immediate city limits and those individuals unfamiliar with the layout. Mr. Leszczynski agreed that the emergency signs were necessary. He stated that he was concerned about the necessity of the informational -type signs and the precedent which the Board would be setting if approved. Councilman Joseph T. Serge felt the more effective place for the signs would be on the tree lawn area. Council- man John Voorde asked if the city had any plans to revise the inter- section near the hospital as far as signalization. He talked about the overhead signage at other intersections, and wondered if this could be done at Navarre and Michigan. Mr. Kernan stated that this had been discussed and, if it would be of assistance, the Board would be happy to work with the hospital for the overhead signage. Mr. Leszczynski stated that, at the present time, there were no plans for improvements at that intersection. Mr. Kernan stated that the hanging of a sign at the intersection had been discussed. Mr. Gene Nichols, a representative of North American Signs, stated that originally the signs were proposed and referred to only the emergency room, but it was felt there would only be confusion with the cluttering of the other information the hospital wanted on the signs. Mr. Hill stated that the Board must consider the fact that the city currently had an ordinance which prohibits the use of the tree lawn area for this purpose. He stated that the city has received many complaints in the past concerning the use of the signs in the tree lawn area, and the city must, therefore, be very careful in terms of the effect any approval of the signs would have on the city's ability to enforce the ordinance. He stated that the Board recognized the public safety aspect of the proposed signs at the locations around the hospital, and he stated that the Board could only justify the location of the signs because of the emergency signage contained in the signs. Upon a motion made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Kernan and carried, the Board authorized the hospital to place the signs at the three locations proposed in the plans presented to the Board, (Navarre & Michigan, Michigan & Bartlett & West side of emergency room entrance), with the stipulation that the city be named -as an additional insured on the hospital's liability policy. A represen- tative of the hospital indicated that, if the city received complaints or comments in the future concerning the erection of the signs, the hospital would appreciate knowing about them. 1 1 REGULAR MEETING APPROVE INTENDED USE HEARING ON REVENUE SHARING FUNDS MAY 18, 1981 Chief Deputy Controller Sherrie Petz submitted for Board approval a request to advertise to hold an intended use hearing on the proposed use of $466,000.00 of revenue sharing funds for the 1981 street paving program. Upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Leszczynski and carried, the request was approved and the intended use hearing scheduled for June 1, 1981. APPROVE REGULATIONS REGARDING INSPECTIONS OF SCRAP DEALERS Ms. Eugenia Schwartz, Assistant City Attorney, stated that the Legal Department, Neighborhood Code Enforcement Office and the Fire Inspection Bureau had met concerning the inspections required of the current holders of scrap dealers licenses in the city. She advised that, according to Section 7 -71 of the Municipal Code, the Board of Public Works is permitted to adopt rules and regulations governing the scrap yards. After a review of the matter, the follow- ing recommendations were submitted to the Board: 1, Adoption of revised check lists for inspections by the Neighborhood Code Enforcement Office and the Fire Inspection Bureau. 2. Authorization of quarterly inspections by the above bureaus to insure maintenance of operations in conformity with ordinance requirements. 3. Adoption of "drive -away rule" for the condition of vehicles permitted outside the opaque fencing which would allow only those vehicles which are operational to be parked outside the screening. Ms. Kathy Barnard, Director of the Neighborhood Code Enforcement Office, felt it was important to keep in contact with the scrap dealers and treat them all equally. She felt the quarterly inspections were needed to assure maintenance of the premises for the duration of the license. Mr. Hill asked when the next inspection would be conducted if the Board approved the above policy, and Ms. Barnard stated that inspections would be conducted this week. Upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the above policy was approved. APPROVE BOOTH ON RIVER BEND PLAZA - SALVATION ARMY Ms. Mikki Dobski, River Board and stated that tl Emergency Disaster Cante to 5:30 p.m., in conjunc stated that the Board h�: the request because coff donation from the van. wanted to park the van c distributing literature. denied the original regt been in front of the Dai request not to serve col the location of the van Bend Plaza Coordinator, appeared before the e Salvation Army was desirous in parking its en on the Plaza on May 21, 1981, from 9:00 a.m. tion with Salvation Army Week. Ms. Dobski d, at its meeting held on May 11th, denied ee and doughnuts would.be served for a She stated that the Salvation Army still n the Plaza solely for the purpose of Mr. Kernan stated that the Board had est because the location of the stand had my Maid Bake Shop. In light of the revised fee and doughnuts, he made a motion to approve on May 21st, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried. APPROVE COUNTER -OFFER FOR PURCHASE OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY (208 CHAPIN Mr. Leszczynski advised that an inquiry into the purchase of the city - owned lot at 208 Chapin Street had been received by the Board pre- viously by a Mr. David Inman, 626 Marquette. Subsequent review by the various city agencies determined there was no need to retain the property for any reason, except for a strip of land 12 feet off the west side of the lot for the possible future widening of Chapin Street. Mr. Leszczynski advised that the necessary approval for the sale of the lot had been received from the Council and an offering price of $1,160.00 established. He explained that, in view of the REGULAR MEETING MAY 18, 1981 fact that the offering price was more than a $1,000.00, according to the Municipal Code, the property was legally advertised for sale with sealed bids to be received by the Board at its meeting on May 11th. He advised that no bids had.been received at that time, and the prospective purchaser was notified that, if he was still interested in the property, he should submit a counter -offer for same. Mr. Inman submitted a letter to the Board dated May 14, 1981, and a counter -offer of $700.00 for the property. After due consider - ation,.upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Leszczynski and carried, the counter -offer was approved in the amount of $700.00 subject to concurrence by the Common Council. REQUEST TO PURCHASE CITY -OWNED PROPERTY (1806 JACKSON STREET) A letter was received from Betty Vedner, 52132 Santa Monica, Granger, Indiana, inquiring into the possibility of purchasing a city -owned lot located at 1806 Jackson Street. It was noted that a similar request had been received on May 11th from Mr. Charles Lenya for the same property, which property was one of the vacant homestead lots which the Bureau of Housing was interested in selling. Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Kernan and carried, the request was filed. It was noted that, because more than one individual was interested in purchasing the lot, the property would have to be legally advertised for sale with sealed bids to be received by the Board. REQUEST TO LEASE CITY -OWNED PROPERTY (NORTHWEST CORNER OF WESTERN AND CHAPIN) A request from G. E. Garrett, 117 North Ellsworth Place, was received asking for permission to lease from the city property at the north- west corner of Western and Chapin Street. Mr. Leszczynski advised that the city had plans to construct a turning lane from Chapin onto Western Avenue in the future using a part of that property; however, this was dependant on the availability of funds. He stated that a vacant gas station was situated on the lot. Upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the request was referred to the City Engineer for review and recommendation. APPROVE MAURICE MATTHYS LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE - MAY 23. 1981 Mr. Ralph J. Wadzinski, Manager of the Bureau of Traffic and Light - ing, submitted his favorable recommendation for the annual Maurice Matthys Little League Parade to be held on Saturday, May 23, 1981, starting at 9:00 a.m., in accordance with the route used in previous years: East from the Little League Park on Meadow Lane to Edison, north on Edison and Villageway to Washington, east on Washington to Gladstone, north on Gladstone to Linden, west on Linden to Lombardy Drive, south on Lombardy Drive to Ford, west on Ford to Sample, east on Sample to Evergreen and south on Evergreen to the Ball Park. Upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the recommendation was approved. REMOVAL OF STREET LIGHTING - MUNICIPAL SERVICES FACILITY Mr. Leszczynski noted that the rear portions of the Municipal Services Facility had recently been lighted with four high pressure sodium floods and the re- lighting would necessitate the removal of nine 7,000 lumen and three 20,000 lumen mercury vapor fixtures, for a reduction in the street lighting bill of $770.40 per year. Upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the removal of the above- mentioned lights was approved. J C 6r1__ REGULAR MEETING MAY 18, 1981 DENY REQUEST FOR STOP SIGN INSTALLATION - BOWMAN AND ROBINSON Mr. Leszczynski noted that the Board had, on December 29, 1980, received a request for the installation of a stop sign at the inter- section of Bowman and Robinson. Following a study of the request and traffic counts by the Bureau of Traffic and Lighting, it was the recommendation of that bureau that the stop sign not be erected based on the following: 1. The traffic volumes on both streets were too low to warrant the multi -way stop signs (highest volume recorded on Robinson was 354 cars in a 24 -hour period and highest volume recorded on Bowman was 160 cars in a 24 -hour period). The warrants used for the erection of multi -way stop signs required 500 vehicles per hour for eight consecutive hours. 2. Further, no accidents were found in the files for a five -year period at that intersection The Bureau of Traffic and Lighting recommended that "Watch Children" signs be installed to inform motorists of the presence of children and the Police Department be notified concerning the complaint of speeding in the original request. Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the recommendation was approved. APPROVE BLOCK PARTY - RUSH STREET BETWEEN OHIO AND KEASEY Mr. Ralph J. Wadzinski, Manager of the Bureau of Traffic and Lighting, recommended approval of the request of Frank Love, 5282 East Ohio Street, for permission to have a block party on Sunday, May 24, 1981, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, on Rush Street between Ohio and Keasey. Upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the block party was approved. APPROVAL OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE Mr. Ralph J. Wadzinski, Manager of the Bureau of Traffic and Lighting, recommended approval of the new installation of a "30- Minute Parking Zone, 6 A.M. - 6 P.M." in the 900 block of East Madison (side street adjacent to 335 North Notre Dame Avenue). Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the traffic control device was approved. APPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN -UP OF LOTS A request from the Neighborhood Code Enforcement Office was received for permission to have city environmental crews clean the following lots within the city: 208 East Monroe 1126 W. Jefferson 1054 North Burns Lot S. of 1504 Swygart Lot across from 1504 Swygart 749 S. Sheridan 832 Lancaster 1311 California Lot N. of 902 Beale 741 Lawndale Lot N. of,1930 Elmer 1135 McCartney 1112 Nepier 710 W. LaSalle It was noted that property owners had been advised to clean up the lots and had failed to comply. Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Kernan and carried, the request was approved. REQUEST TO TEMPORARILY BLOCK 200 WEST WASHINGTON - VFW MEMORIAL SERVICE A request from Red Connery for permission to hold memorial services at the Courthouse monument on Washington Street and to close Wash- ington Street in the 200 block from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., on REGULAR MEETING MAY 18, 1981 Sunday, June 28, 1981, was received. Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the request was referred to the Bureau of Traffic and Lighting and the Police Traffic Division for review and recommendation. APPROVE HANDICAPPED PARKING PERMITS Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Kernan and carried, the following handicapped parking permits were approved and referred to the Deputy Controller's Office for issuance: Charles & Sandra Maichen, 52236 Shenandoah Dr. Col. George Byers, 3104 Corby, S.B. FILING OF CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the Certificate of Insurance for Arco Engineering Con - struction Corporation, 705 Beiger Street, Mishawaka, Indiana, was filed: FILING OF STREET LIGHT OUTAGE REPORT The report indicated a total of 16 outages for the period of April 27 through May 13, 1981. Upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Kernan and carried, the report was filed. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Chief Deputy Controller Sherrie Petz submitted Claim Docket No. 8176 through No. 8477 and recommended approval. Upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the report was filed and the claims approved. CANCELLATION OF MAY 25TH BOARD MEETING Mr. Leszczynski announced that the next regularly- scheduled Board of Public Works meeting would be held on May 25, 1981. It was noted that Memorial Day was being celebrated on May 25th and the County -City Building would be closed for the holiday. Upon a motion made by Mr. Kernan, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the May 25th meeting of the Board was cancelled. The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on June 1, 1981. STATUS OF PRENCO SOLUABLE OIL DISPOSAL FACILITY Councilman Joseph T. Serge stated that the residents near the Prenco site on Riverside Drive were concerned about the removal of the storage tanks left at the site when the Prenco operation was ordered stopped by the city. He wondered when the wastes would be removed from the site. Mr. Leszczynski stated that the city would attempt to remove the waste left in the tanks, but he stated that the materials must be disposed of. Mr. Hill stated that it would be difficult to remove the waste material. He advised that it was Prenco's responsibility to remove the wastes, but rep - resentatives of the firm maintain that someone broke into the premises and filled the tanks after Prenco vacated the premises. He stated that the city would proceed legally against Prenco for all costs incurred by the city, and the city would likewise take care of the removal of the waste materials. INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER LEGAL INTERN STAFF Ms. Eugenia Schwartz, Assistant City Attorney, introduced the follow- ing summer legal interns who were familiarizing themselves with city government and its operations by attending the Board of Works meeting: Ellen Groetch David Hasper Gina Cosper John Mirocha Shawn Newman Chet Zawalich REGULAR MEETING MAY 18. 1981 There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Kernan and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m. (3xn E. Leszcz3Fnslkf A 44;L' s Kernan ATTEST: Barbara J. Byers, Ci6tk