HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-12 Public Works and Property Vacation CommitteePUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE
MARCH 12, 2012
Committee Members Present:
David Varner, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Valerie Schey
Citizen Member:
Vacant
Other Council Present:
Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Derek Dieter
Others Present:
Chris Dressel, Mark Neal, John Murphy, Judy Lee, Bill Lee, Glenda LaMont,
Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand
Agenda: Bill No. 03 -12 — Vacation — Portion of United Drive (Prairie Avenue)
Bill No. 05 -12 — Appropriation Fund #217 Design, Production, and
Installation of Bike Wayfinder Signs
Dr. David Varner, Chairperson, opened the meeting at 3:40 p.m. noting full attendance of
both the committee and all other Councilmember's.
For the record he announced a request by the petitioner to continue consideration of Bill
No. 03 -12 until the March 26, 2012 meeting of the Council. Oliver Davis so moved. Dr.
Fred Ferlic seconded and all affirmed.
To begin discussion of Bill No. 05 -12, Dr. Varner called upon Chris Dressel to make the
presentation. Chris is on the staff of the Economic Development Department serving as
the newly appointed biking coordinator. Mr. Dressel explained the $5200 appropriation
request represented a gift from two organization's "Bike the Bend" and the "Michiana
Bike Coalition." It was to be used to produce and erect signs on two of the city's bike
routes. Those routes along Riverside Trail and from ND to downtown are seen as Phase
1 of a 3 Phase sign project.
Councilmember Henry Davis asked if biking was seen as a fad. Dressel said definitely
not. Henry suggested consideration of inexpensive bike rental stations along trail stops as
found in some major metro areas.
During the public portion Bill and Judy Lee from "Bike the Bend" expressed appreciation
for the city's efforts to encourage biking. Glenda LaMont from the "Michiana Bike
Coalition." Echoed those comments adding it was nice to have a contract person like Mr.
Dressel to coordinate and encourage biking.
Council President Derek Dieter asked if there was any way of telling how many bikers
use the bike lanes. Dressel said while empirical data doesn't exist, it was apparent there
was growing interest in their use.
Gavin Ferlic commented that he recently read there were more commuter bikers in South
Bend than any other city in Indiana.
On that Councilmember Oliver Davis moved for a favorable recommendation.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded and all supported.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson,
Dr. David Varner adjourned the meeting at 3:54 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. David Varner, Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee