HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-08 Public Works and Property Vacation CommitteePublic Works and Property Vacation Committee
2008 South Bend Common Council
The January 14, 2008 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 4:20 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Rouse, Davis, Varner, White, and
Puzzello, Davis, Dieter, and LaFountain, Acting Mayor Charles Leone, Chief Assistant
City Attorney Aladean DeRose, Interim City Controller John Murphy, City Engineer Carl
Littrell, Ramadan A. Salameh, Marlin Mlliken, Martha Lewis, Mrs. Kopola, Jamie Loo of
the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Dr. Varner welcomed every one to the first meeting of the Committee in the new year.
He noted that the Committee members include Council Members Derek Dieter, Henry
Davis, Tom LaFountain.
Dr. Varner then called for a presentation on Bill No. 86-07 requesting a vacation of the
first north/south alley east of Meade Street. He further noted that the Bill received an
unfavorable recommendation from the Board of Public Works.
Bill No. 86-07: Vacation Repuest of the first N/S alley east of Meade Street
from Kenwood Avenue South to the 1S ENV alley in Kaley's 1S Subdivision
The petitioner, Ramadan A. Salameh of 5811 Sterling Drive, # 10, Granger, Indiana
made the formal presentation. He stated that he has owned the property for five (5)
years. He has experienced problems of persons stealing the electric meter, persons
hanging out in the alley who make noise, drink and leave trash. He has talked with the
neighbors and believes the vacation would make the area safer.
City Engineer Carl Littrell noted that he met with the petitioner in October when the
original request was to close two (2) alleys. The request now is just for one (1) alley as
addressed in Bill No. 86-07 which has the proper legal description. He is in favor of the
request.
In response to a question from Council Member White, Mr. Salameh stated that he
understands that if he desires to have the east/west alley vacated, that he would have
to start with a new petition and new ordinance.
Dr. Varner noted that only the north/south alley is before the Council tonight.
Council President Rouse noted that there appear to be public safety concerns related to
the east/west alley.
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Meeting Minutes
January 14, 2008
Page 2
Marlin Mlliken, a local real estate agent, noted that he was been working with the
petitioner. They received a call from the South Bend Police Department noting that
there have been vagrants drinking at the property. The for sale sign was gone in two
(2) days. The property is currently vacant and has problems.
Council Member Dieter made a motion, seconded by Council Member LaFountain that
Bill No. 71-07 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Miscellaneous Business:
Dr. Varner noted that he would be calling a meeting of the Information and Technology
Committee for January 28th to receive an update from Public Works Director Gary Gilot
on the video taping of the Common Council meetings.
Council Member Dieter noted that he and Council President Rouse are looking into
making upgrades to the Council Informal Meeting Room with City Clerk John Voorde.
He requested any suggestions, thoughts or ideas be sent to them.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned
the Committee meeting at 4:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
`~~
Council Member David Varner, Chariperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
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