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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRM 06-20-75June 20, 1975 10:00 a. m. Presiding Officer: 1. R04 CALL Comnissioners Pre ent: SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING 1200 County -City Building Mr. F. Jay Nimtz, 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard President South Bend, IN 46601 Mr. F. Jay Nimtz, President Mr. John E. Chenney, Vice President Mr. Donald A. Wiggins, Secretary Mr. A. Peter Donaldson, Member 1 Counsel: Mr. Kevin J. Butler Mr. Charles A. Sweeney, Jr. Media: Ms. Jeanne Derbeck, South Bend Tribune Reporter Mr. Dave Anderson, WNDU -TV Reporter Mr. James L. Marchelewicz, WNDU -TV Photographer Mr. Dan Caesar, WSBT -TV Reporter Mr. Dennis Charles, WSBT -TV Photographer Mr. Larry Ford, WSJV -TV Reporter Mr. Les Howard, WSJV -TV Photographer Othbrs Present: LPA Mrs. Janet S. Allen, Interested Citizen Mr. Allan C. Bloomquist, First Bank & Trust Company Mr. Rollin E. Farrand, P.E., Director, Dept. of Public Works Mr. John R. Kagel, Executive Director, Downtown South Bend Council Mr. Thomas A. Oesterling, P.E., Clyde E. Williams and Associates, Inc. Mr. Allen E. Schrager, Interested Citizen Mr. Bill E. Slabaugh, Department of Public Works Mr. Edward F. Soltesz, Chairman, Governmental Coordina- tion Committee of River Bend Plaza Advisory Committee Staff: Mr. C. Wayne Brownell Mr. William J. Parrish Ms. Helen S. King Mr. Louis N. Wilcox Mr. Keith P. Crighton 2. MR.1B. L. WADE - RESOLUTION Pre ident Nimtz called on Commissioner Wiggins to read the resolution pre ared by them on Mr. B. L. Wade, who has resigned from the Redevelop - men Commission, effective May 31,1975. -1- 2. MR.I B. L. WADE - RESOLUTION (Cont'd Co m issioner Wiggins read the resolution commending Mr. Wade's services on he Redevelopment Commission: R E S 0 L U T 1 0 N N 0. 515 HEREAS; The qua.P.ity o4 utcban ti4e .ins dependent in .lunge pate on the wiU i.ngne�ss o6 capabte Zeadeu to eontA ibute time and ejjoAt to ,cts advancement, and H ER EA S: Such teadeuh ip and commitment have been weft evidenced jjotL a substantiat peAiod of time in the peuonat expend.itutee o4 ej4o&t and tatent in the cause o4 community .impAovement; 0 G1, T H E R E F O R E, B E I T R E S 0 L V E D: That the Redeve,topment Commusz ion o4 the City of South Bend, Indiana, heAeby c te/s its 4o)rmeA membelt, B 0 B L. WAD E Lyon his unz e t6ish .s env,iee to the community and the Comm i ss,ion, and by thin token expness dtz a64ect%on and gtcatitude 4o& his 4A i,ends h i p and a6,s o c iat%o n. CTTV OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONERS /,s/ F. Jay Nimtz, Pnesident /.s/ John E. Chenney, Vice P&a ident /s/ Dona2d A. Wigg.in6, SectetaAy /,s/ A. PeteA Ddnatdson, MembeA Mot on was made by Mr. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Chenney and carried, tha Resolution No. 515 be adopted and spread on the minutes, and a cop_ be sent to Mr. Wade. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Mr. Chenney, seconded by Mr. Wiggins and carried, MINUTES for the approval of the Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 6, 1975, APPROVED as distributed. 4. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Mot on was made by Mr. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Chenney and carried, tha the claims, as submitted, be allowed and ordered to be paid, tot lling: $50,651.74. The claims, as authorized, are: - 2 - CLAIMS APPROVED 4. ;OVAL OF CLAIMS (Cont'd P.E A. R -57 Abs ract Company of St. Joseph County P.ELA. R -66 $ 15.00 Total 15.00 Sold Waste Disposal South Bend Tribune Tri County News Cly e E. Williams & Associates, Inc. and Environmental Tanning and Design - Joint Venture Total RED VELOPMENT REVOLVING FUND ayroll: May 17, 1975 through May 30, 1975 Cre it Bureau of South Bend - Mishawaka Indiana & Michigan Electric Company Int rnational Business Machines Corporation South Bend Water Works Swe ney, Butler & Simeri Positmaster N.D.P. A -10 Real Estate Purchase W: oseph Doran, Clerk Northern Indiana Public Service Company BUREAU OF HOUSING E -7 Ted Combs Decorating and Construction Company Ted Combs Decorating and Construction Company South Bend Hardware Company South Bend Hardware Company Sla ile Roofing & Sheet Metal Company New on Contractors Har y H. Verkler Contractors, Inc. RED VELOPMENT DISTRICT CAPITAL Al 3atcho Ros land Construction Company, Inc. - 3 - Total Total Total Total $ 10.50 38.59 41.27 41.25 131.61 $ 5,118.52 4.00 42.13 928.51 13.28 200.00 50.00 6,356.44 $ 1,200.00 14.29 1,214.29 $ 5,377.40 6,414.11 10.73 2.18 7,655.00 3,975.00 6,917.00 T30,351.42 $ 1,843.00 8,082.88 9,925.88 LET RE[ AL OF CLAIMS (Cont'd ELOPMENT DISTRICT CAPITAL BONDS OF 1972 Co1'p Brothers Electric, Inc. Sou h Bend Hardware $ 2,600.00 57.10 Total X2,657.10 GRAND TOTAL $ 50,651.74 5. COM14UNICATIONS a. iUD Area Office letter dated June 4, 1975: This letter, over HUD CONCUR - he signature of Mr. Stephen J. Havens, Acting Director, Com- RENCE, C.O. unity Planning and Development, advises of HUD concurrence NO. 2 TO n our Change Order No. 2 to Demolition & Site Clearance DEMOLITION ontract No. 38, Project Indiana R -66. CONTRACT 38, R -66 he change order is for a decrease in contract amount of 295.00, for a reduction of 100 feet of post and fence, with arner & Sons, Elkhart, Indiana. b. iUD Area Office letter dated June 6, 1975: This letter, over he signature of Mr: Stephen J. Havens, Acting Director, Com- unity Planning and Development, advises approval for extension f close -out date of the NDP Project Indiana A -10 to December 31, 1975. he approval for the extension of the completion date is based n the assurance of our having adequate budget funds for the ubject project through December 31, 1975. Mot on was made by Mr. Chenney, seconded by Mr. Wiggins and carried, to �eceive the above letters and place on file. 6. OLDS BUSIN a. plaza Continuation, between Jefferson and Washington I Streets, roject Indiana R =66: Mr. C. Wayne Brownell, Executive Director, aid the three 3 Alternate Plans have been discussed previously, n Commission Meeting of May 23, 1975, (Item 8, Public Hearing, p. 16 -29). Mr. Thomas A. Oesterling, with Clyde E. Williams nd Associates, Inc., gave a lengthy presentation with the sche- atics shown for Alternates as prepared by the joint venture team ith Environmental Planning and Design in that meeting as noted n Mr. Phil Simonds' letter dated April 4, 1975, with attached ummary of alternatives, cost data and recommendations for Plaza reas between Jefferson and Colfax: Alternate D: Minimum of $770,000 to $1,465,000 Alternate A: Minimum of $442,000 to $ 645,000 Alternate B: Minimum of $460,000 to $ 550,000* sically the original concept of design. - 4 - NDP PROJECT INDIANA A -10 CLOSE -OUT EXTENDED TO: DECEMBER 31, 1975 ORIGINAL DESIGN PLAN APPROVED FOR PLAZA CONTINUATION, R -66 1 1 BUSINESS (Cont'd) Alternate D would include a single unit stage in a simple pit with a minimum of controls and factors; Alternate B would basically be as originally planned for Block 7 and Block 8 modified to a reduced scale; Alternate A would be a plan for a fixed stage area of approximately 30' x 60' with a roof over the stage area, and Block 7 and Block 8 would have minimum treatment. he Chair requested Mr. Rollin E. Farrand's opinion on the alternate chemes for the continuation of the Plaza between Jefferson and Washing - on, and the City Engineer responded they prefer the original plan for conomy of maintenance and believe it is more compatible with what is here. He believes we would have a real problem with the maintenance f a hydraulic stage, and foresees that someone specifically would have o be placed on the staff to handle that problem as we don't have that apability now. He believes even a fixed stage will give us some pro - lems, as it will require a lot of hand sweeping and hand operation. e also have the Morris Civic Auditorium for activities and the Century enter is under construction, so that is not something that is just a ossibility now. We will have meeting room capacity, stage capacity there; e have the park development which is providing some small meeting capacity, lus what we already have on the Plaza that has been constructed. Mr. arrand's personal recommendation, as far as the Board of Works is con - erned, is "We really still prefer the original scheme of development in hat area." ommissioner Wiggins requested what capacity is anticipated on the stage n the Century Center (700 seat theater -- something of this nature), and hat is the quantity the Morris Civic can handle? Mr. Farrand advised here are two different areas in the Century Center: One is rather small 200 seat area); the other is going to be in the order of 800, depending n the plans for the final seating area. The Morris Civic will have a eating capacity of 2,500 to 2,800. e also need to be mindful of the fact that we only have 67 sunny days year, per Commissioner Wiggins in the last report he read. Mr. Farrand dded that is something else they are concerned about - -the use would only e for one half of a year- -and that we have other facilities, which further educes the demand for a stage. This seems like a lot of money for a hort intermittent use, with the availability of the funds that we have. resident Nimtz asked if the Commissioners have any further comments of r. Farrand; requested Mr. Chenney's opinion as one of the senior members f the Commission. Mr. Chenney said, "I fully concur in what the gentle - an just said." Mr. Wiggins asked what the recommendation of the consul - ant is? Mr. Thomas A. Oesterling, consultant, responded: "Back in the eginning, we certainly had no objection to Mr. Farrand's recommendation- - he original design. However, sometime ago, we were requested to make a tudy in response to the downtown Advisory Committee's input to the pro - ect that they would like to see a stage in the area- -for basically a 'people lace.' However, there are 'people places' throughout the Mall, but that - 5 - 6. OLDIBUSINESS (Cont'd hey are not where one can concentrate on a degree of crowd that the dvisory Committee suggested. The joint venture made a study of some lternatives. Basically there were three alternatives: One was with stage that was hydraulic; one was with a fixed stage; and the other as based on the original design. We recommended the fixed stage, imply because it could be constructed within the budget. That was ur recommendation, in response to the Advisory Committee, and we ere sympathetic with their needs and we felt the stage was a viable lement; however, I would agree with Mr. Farrand, insofar as a hydrau- ic stage is concerned. Maintenance will be more of a problem; it will ost more; you will have to have a man who can regulate this thing, nd that will be required basically by OSHA. Basically, this will de- end on what the Commission wants; what the community wants." Mr. rownell said he talked with Mr. Phil Simonds on the phone and he is greeable with the original design. Mr. Oesterling said they certainly ave no qualms with the original design ,. and are agreeable to whatever he Commission wants. They would like to see the original design. he Chair requested Mr. Louis N. Wilcox's response, as the Director f the River Bend Plaza. Mr. Wilcox said this boils down to talking asic philosophy and in yesterday's performance many of the people ould not see, in using the so- called stage that was put on our laza last year. I think again it is pretty well understood how feel as an individual. I think if we are sincerely wanting to m akE! he downtown South Bend a place for our fellow citizens -- grarted gain, it may have limited use - -I would favor a stage. I do know if e had a stage we could keep it used a good portion of the time in ctivities which presently we are not able to schedule. I am sym- athetic about what Mr. Farrand said regarding the Century Center nd the Morris Civic; however, the expense of using the Morris Civic s a problem for 'people kinds' of activity. I would assume from con - ersations with Mr. Everitt that it is his plan to have the Century enter facilities booked a good portion of the time when they may or ay not be available for the so- called people activities, and, again, fall back in closing, Mr. Nimtz, by saying, I think really it is a hilosophical kind of thing." ere being no further comments or questions from the Commissioners, e Chair called for comments from the public; I am sure Mr. Soltesz bursting at the seams. r. Edward F. Soltesz, Chairman, Governmental Coordination Committee f the River Bend Plaza Advisory Committee, responded: "Mr. Chairman, am not bursting at the seams, because I think I have made the miles n this. The whole project still stands in the public eye, and I con - ur with what Mr. Wilcox says. This was the obligation for which we ere placed on the Committee that we are on - -the Advisory Committee. he consensus of opinion was that there was a need, so if.we want to orget the 'little people of this community as a place for them to erform,'everybody here has the power to do just that today. We are oing to say to the little people of the community that have come down ere and made a part of downtown South Bend alive- -the people that come own and perform for nothing - -those same people that had community spirit 6. OLU BUSINESS (Cont'd) in mind to say, look, this is my town; I want a place to perform. But, if this is what you want to do, you can wipe the slate clean today and say, 'No, you people were not important to the whole project that we have as a downtown. "' Not too many months ago, we were all interested in getting people acti- ated to come to the downtown area of this City. There are some of us ho have worked very hard in the past year and a half to make this illu- ion that became a reality -- starting with the Press's help, with Hallo - een and everything on down.the line, and I have to agree with what r. Farrand has to say, but we have parks all over this community that re not utilized to their fullest extent either, and by the ratio if e were going to run some sort of a chc:rt as to which was used more- - he parks vs. the downtown area by the young people, the oldsters, and he people who were wanting to perform and did perform by the efforts f those few people who sit on the Advisory Committee who made it possi- le, and enlightened to them. If this is what we are going to do and ipe it out today, then let's do it, but not with any generosity. Let's of hesitate any longer, because we are in the third session of this ommission on this subject. Just say, we don't need it: We don't need ou people -- PERIOD:" e Chair called on Mr. Kagel, if he had anything to say? Ir. John R. Kagel, Executive Director, Downtown South Bend Council, - esponded, "I can only say, that you, gentlemen, have it within your ower to meet the dreams and wishes of the people of this community. Ir. Soltesz has pointed this out. This is something.which the people f the community are entitled to; the youth of our community are ntitled to; and, if we - -in this City - -do not have the 'gray matters,' o use an innovative method for this expression by the people of our ommunity - -if we have to place our hands in a stock catalog order ook, to say, this is what you are going to have, I think we have allen to a new low:" r. Allen E. Schrager said, "I feel that it would be nice to have the tage if we could afford it; but, if we can't afford it, we have to ut forth with what finances are available, and it is up to the Com- issioners to make the decision." rs. Janet S. Allen added, "Well, I still say and support the state - ents that have been made on the parks. The parks, as has been mentioned, ave not been used too much in the winter either. The Century Center's ees for operating and having shows in there- -those are going to be retty high. This is the only place for free entertainment. Insofar s completing the Mall the way the original plan was set up, I don't hink the plan is that good: There isn't that much room among the rees and around the boxes and the walls and fountains for the people o stand and watch the things that are going on. I do think the plan hat I submitted- -and I haven't seen anything more of that- -and it is simplified plan: I realize that, at the time, it was too simple - -to e executed, really -- because it didn't involve enough money. All the oney that would have gone into the trees, the planters, the boxes, - 7 - BUSINESS (Cont'd he walls and everything else,.could have gone toward the stage. I on't approve at all of the fixed stage, but I guess we could compromise. f we had some arrangement whereby the fire engines could still get across. e do need a stage; we do need to have this for people. If you look at obertson's block and down below, you will find °it is much too crowded or people to gather there. You can'.t have these events down there." Ir. Allan C. Bloomquist, First Bank & Trust Company, said "I have othing additional to add. I.think' there is a cost problem. If it is - easonable and feasible within the cost to have a stage, I would cer- ainly say a stage would be desirable. I would also say, I think it is mportant to get some action going as soon as possible." n requesting to speak further, Mrs. Allen asked, "I have one more uestion - -I read in the paper, I believe- -that the Mayor spoke of using he $440,000 that was supposed to be for the finishing of the Mall on ne of these- -Pier Park, Island Park - -or something. Now, if he does hat, where do you get the money to finish the block, and, in the mean - ime, why can't we come up with at least...a month ago, we couldn't come p with $1,000 for paint to renew the supergraphic, and we can't seem to ven get $1,000 for paint. As this could go on for months, the: super - raphics should be renewed and we couldn't even get the money for the aint." Mr. Brownell advised, "The money the Mayor talked about in he South Bend Tribune is money that is supposed to come through under ommunity Development, and has nothing to do with our funds for the laza itself. Actually, it was $450,000 in the applicaton to HUD." rs. Allen asked, "What is to be used to finish the block? What are you oing to use for money to finish the block ?" Mr. Brownell advised, "We till have our bond money for the Plaza. ommissioner Wiggins said he thought this may be, perhaps to some degree, part of what we are talking about. In the original concept of the- fall- -the Plaza - -an area was set up in the block, in front of Baer's, hat was an open area and was supposedly for the assemblage of people hen there were occasions to get a crowd together, that we would have a lace for a crowd. At the point of the original concept here, the dea of a stage never really came into play, or was even discussed. But he idea of having crowds and having a place for them was, and this was hat was proposed in answer to that and was so constructed. The ques- ion was directed to Mr. Wilcox if there have been any occasions when hat area has been used and how has it worked? Mr. Wilcox advised it as been and just Sunday afternoon there was a performance there. A ubstantial number of people cannot congregate there in its present orm as it is a little difficult for people to see that kind of per - ormance. People pressed around the performances at the same level s the people make the performances difficult to see. In this respect, ommissioner Wiggins suggested it would either be necessary to raise he performers or to depress the performers and raise the crowd. If ou depress the performers and don't elevate the crowd, it accentuates he original problem. As to whether there is'any possibility of acco- modating the stage idea in that area, Mr. Wilcox said in his opinion, e sees no reasons why it could not be done. He does not think a stage as to be on any given block and believes the philosophy of a stage is sound one. 6. OLD BUSINESS (Cont'd Commissioner Wiggins said he is certainly in sympathy with the philosophy of the stage and can see where this can be of real benefit to the Plaza. Also, he has to be aware of cost factors, but also feels that we have an obligation perhaps to be aware of creating activities throughout the length of the Plaza and that they not be solely concentrated in one very small part to the exclusion of the rest of it, because this then means that we have created a facility here and we are only going to use 30% of it, which is ridiculous. Mr. Wilcox said he couldn't agree with this statement more, and that they are under duress occasionally- - frequently- -from the extremities of the existing Plaza as to why the activities may or may not be in a particular given area, and I think again the philosophy was to use 100% of the length of the Mall, not to be necessarily bound by blocks, because we have to have at this point more or less pedestrian traffic - -100 block south /200 block south- - and certainly our business people, and I include them in our supporters of our Plaza activities, are entitled to and are asking for activities in their areas. "We are just now in the process of developing a major activity in the block in fron the Morris Civic Auditorium. It's been a problem for us, and as it happens there is a group of craftsmen in one of those shops and will do a street fair kind of thing in that area. de have a couple of dance groups who are going to take advantage of the iifferent elevations in that area. The block specifically asked about prior, there has not been as much activity down there as I would like. , ertainly if a stage would be put down there, I could see that becoming i major traffic block." s I thought about this, Commissioner Wiggins said, "several other things lave come to mind. I happen to believe that the economy in this country is in thE: process of turning around; that it will turn around. That this ountry and this City have a real_ future. That things can and will happen. ow,.as a part of that, I am willing to make the assumption that the uperblock will come to pass. That it will come in being, and that in the rocess of this kind of a development, there is going to arise immediately need to program things that will pull people into it; that there will be pace within it by virtue of the streets that go through it that create of only stages but present performances, and that this will probably, 1s a logical matter of course, happen. Then we might then wind up with the tage outside of the door of another stage, and we might then wind up ith a problem of trying to create more attention of getting things further own a little more remote from that, because that, in itself, will be a raffic generator. And, I wonder if we might not be able to accommodate oth of these things: That we might not be able to go with the original lan in this block, and, at the same time, create a stage where we have pace for people to be. I can foresee some problems with the permanant tage with the depressed seating and the Commission will have no real ontrol over the maintenance in the future, and the depressed seating rea can present a lot of real maintenance problems that we can't be sure ill be handled, and that we will have no real input to see that they are 'and led. " 6. OLP BUSINESS (Cont'd) Mr. Kagel interrupted, "Gentlemen, the City of South Bend, through this Body, has asked for the citizens to be heard, as to whether there should, or should not be a stage. It's rather obvious that the citizens have asked that there be a stage. It's a matter of what kind of stage. It was rather ironic, and I ask this question: That it appeared - -or at least there was a consensus by the citizens- -that there be a hydraulic -type of a stage. Now, you can go to any street corner in the City of South Bend and find the bases of the stage that we are talking about. To me - -I think it is rather difficult - -I don't comprehend why that type of stage could pose such a great problem to this community that that dream couldn't be ful- filled." I ask this question, "Why is it that a hydraulic stage is so difficult, if it's in operation in every street corner in the community in a filling station ?" 'resident Nimtz requested Mr. Oesterling to address himself to that ques- ,ion. Mr. Oesterling advised: "I certainly will not advocate that I am n exact expert in the hydraulics of the stage, but as we studied this, ,e went to two well` -known firms: the Dover Company of Chicago, and the oyce Company out of Dayton, who specialize in this type of construction nd erection, and our cost estimates came basically from them. The pro - lems associated with the hydraulics, with this particular problem, as elated to a hydraulic lift of a filling station - =which I think was made eference to - -is a little different than what we are proposing here, in hat the elements of safety have to be taken into account. We have a much arger element here than what is in a filling station. Skirts if they re operated independently - -we have two stage lifts -- skirts will have to e provided for; on size they will have to be provided for maintenance - ree,dirt intrusion, ice and things of that nature. We've got utilities nvolved which will include additional cost here; the construction of a it which you do not ordinarily have with a filling station operation hat will have to be constructed here. It's not something that can't be one; we're not saying that at all,-but the cost has got to be recognized. he Chair asked what the depth of the pit that would have to be constructed e, and Mr. Oesterling said approximately four (4) feet. The Chair thE:n sked Mr. Farrand what that would do in relation to the various utilities hat are along Michigan Street - -the old Michigan Street - -Mr. Farrand replied e sees a real significant cost of relocating those utilities because every ne of the utilities extends right up through that block- -the power, tele- hones-- everything is there. 1rs. Allen asked if Mr. Oesterling hadn't said in the previous meeting's liscussion that if the stage were placed along the east sidewalk that :his would save about $6.5,000 in relocating all those utilities? Mr. Oester- ing said that the major utility that would be involved is I &M - -it's true- - iutting the stage, the long part - -60 ft. length part -- parallel with the :enter line of the street is a solution, but they don't feel it is a viable olution. Mrs. Allen again said that she had thought he said, 'right along :he east sidewalk, just below those.' Mr. Oesterling replied, "Right, re did discuss that in our meeting with you and that could be developed n that way, but it doesn't lend itself to the viewing total like it would f it was transversely with the center line." - 10 - 6. OLD BUSINESS (Cont'd n response, Mr. Kagel directed his statement to the Chair, "Mr. President, n God's name, why can't this community be innovative enough to come up ,ith a simple thing. Now, one design firm came'up with a solution- -they ug a hole in the street and had an elevation and tiered seating arrange - ient. The people would sit on the street to watch the performance." r. Schrager felt "the important thing is not whether or not we have a ydraulic stage or not, but the important thing is that we keep moving orward and that we do something. I, myself, after listening to every - ne, I like Mr. Wiggins's suggestion. I would like to see this block- - rom Jefferson to Washington -- completed. We have the 300 block. It's of being used very much. We have a very large area and I don't see why, f the people want a'stage- -and it would only be in the warm weather- - hy we couldn't compromise to some sort of a fixed stage that wouldn't ost as much money and something that we can do, and we can do it now nd move forward." :ommissioner Wiggins directed his question to Mr. Brownell, "Would it ie possible, in your feeling, within our budget to put a fixed stage, if say 18" elevation, in that area in front of Baer's, and to put some ighting on pylons or poles that would eliminate this? It wouldn't ive you as much advantage, I'll grant you, but it still would be con - iderabiy cheaper than the overhead flying bridge construction that has ,een proposed on the fixed stage down here, that could carry both sound nd light equipment. I think this possibly could be done at a rather ,easonable kind of figure." Mr. Brownell said he would have one diffi- ulty in answering the question, as he does not know what the cost would e for that. He would need to get the cost figure from Tom Oesterling, hil Simonds and Jeff Rausch, before he can answer the question. Com- issioner Wiggins said he would guess the whole thing could be accom- lished for $50,000. President Nimtz asked,. "-Then you would proceed ith the Jefferson to Washington Street block according to the original lan, is that it, Don ?" Commissioner Wiggins answered in the affirma- ive and added, "And also put a stage down there. Mr. Brownell advised e does not see any reason; in terms of that many dollars, we could do t. We do have that much money available for that particular project. Mr. Kagel asked if they are not going to help the north end as well, and Mrs. Allen being in agreement added, "You cannot tell me, gentle - en, that it would cost so much more to have it a simplified version in this half block than it does for that original plan with all that clutter--with the raised places for people to sit, where I have never seen anybody sit- -and you wouldn't have that great big stage that you have in front of Robertson's that was supposed to be used for an outdoor restaurant. You wouldn't have to have another fountain over which you have had all kinds of problems. You certainly don't need complicated problems by extending what you already have. Let's have s mething that is compatible, but let's get something open. A Plaza i for people to stroll in. It isn't one in which you have to watch y ur every step for fear you will bump into something that is raised up o to the sidewalk. I just can't believe that you would want to have the same congested situation in another half block that you have in front of R bertson's--curbing, walks, sidewalks - -all the impediments are there." - 11 - 6. OLDIBUSINESS (Cont'd 'he Chair requested action from the Commissioners on the subject, and :ommissioner Donaldson said he was kind of confused on all this, and are you talking about the question on whether we want a hydraulic lift tage or a fixed stage ?" President Nimtz said there are various ques- tions involved: 1) Shall there be a stage, or shall there not be a stage? 2) If there is a stage, shall it be a permanent -type of stage, or shall it be a hydraulic stage? 3) Do we proceed with one of the proposed three plans [Alternates A, B, D] that we had from the architects and the consultants concerning the Jefferson to Washington Street, without any stage? 4) Commissioner Wiggins has made another suggestion here now that we proceed with the original plan from Jefferson to Washington Street, without any stage in that block, and that the stage be relocated near thE: Baer's Furniture Store area. 'he Chair said one of the above has to be the answer. The new sugges- tion added is by Commissioner Wiggins here this morning that we go ihead with the original plan, between Jefferson and Washington Street, end if the cost factor is about thE: same, that the stage be relocated :o another block. r. Soltesz's response, "Mr. Chairman, the original idea that we had as strictly on the idea to have a 30 x 40 hydraulically - operated stage- - hat was the original idea; to that was added another area, to contain full performance orchestra - -a 30 x 60. Am I right? ' Mr. Wilcox aid that was correct. [11 -1 -74 Commission meeting]., Mr. Soltesz ontinued, "Now, is there any opinion here that we don't need a stage? haven't heard it yet'. I haven't heard anybody say that we don't need a tage. Needless to say, the 30 x 30 stage, as we talked about it with he people that were the designers from Pittsburgh and they came down nd suggested other areas also for a stage to contain bigger crowds of eople, but the items here was something for the immediate downtown area hat would not be in contest with the Morris Civic Auditorium or with he Civic Center. That was not the idea it was projected for. So the 0 x 30 stage really was realisti;cal.ly, something that would have been easible, that we wouldn't have had to tear up all of the street and ake up all the big excavations. Those that made the recommendation f the 30 x 60 stage have not been here in any of the meetings, or been n any of the discussions for the fight for it, so in the art of com- romise, I hope that you, gentlemen, will take a view of the size of he stage - -No. 1; it's geographic location and its purpose - -No. 2." ommissioner Wiggins asked Mr. Soltesz, "What is your feeling about the uggestion that I made, and the reasons that I made it? Mr. Soltesz nswered, "I don't disagree. The only thing, Don, as I' stated, it was n idea that was projected out of the Committee assigned to that particu- ar end. Now where the stage is, is something else, but the need for a - 12 - 6. DCD BUSINESS (Cont'd) eographic location needs to be considered. I think we have already stablished the fact that - -Yes, there is `a need for a stage- -the deter - ination is where are we going to put the stage? What is going to be n this block- -from Washington through Jefferson - -or is it going to be lsewhere? The fact is NEED!" ommissioner Wiggins said, "The thing that I am trying to crank into his thing is the appreciation fcr what may the foreseeable future: he fact that stages are not easily relocated and not without consider - le expense. Mr. Kagel emphasized that we have expressed deep con - ern about: 1) the firms in those businesses on the north end- -the rea north of Jefferson Street. "We know and we share your confidence n superblock;'we think that when that day arrives, you'll have that ross traffic. You'll be able to utilize that to its fullest and uring the interim period, do help the balance of the downtown area, y placing that stage in that area north of Jefferson Street. I think he area south of Jefferson Street, that they have been taken care of y the design and the construction of:the building, and to all intent nd purposes, that's complete, as we see it at the present time. I hink there is an obligation to do this north of Jefferson Street." lotion was made by Mr. Wiggin s that we complete the block from Jeffer- on to Washington, in accordance with the original design plan, and hat we, at the same time, move to provide a permanent stage in the rea between Wayne and Western, and to provide sound and lighting on ylons, or in some fashion that will be reasonable and within our udget to obtain. Motion was seconded by Mr. Chenney, and unanimously arried. s. Jeanne Derbeck, South Bend Tribune Reporter, asked if that motion lso includes seating? Mr. Wiggins replied, "No. There will be no eating. If any necessity develops, and if temporary seating can be ade available, this can be a part of it, but the original plan was hat the people would be seated on the pavement and this is as pretty f a pavement as we contemplated in the other- -maybe prettier." As o the size of the stage asked by Mr. Dan Caesar, reporter for WSBT -TV, r. Wiggins advised that we will have to leave the size of the stage omewhat flexible at this point, until we can get some definite plan nd input into it. r. Schrager asked if this went through, when would it be completed, nd whether it would be started this season or next year? Mr. Wiggins eplied that we are talking about moving on with this within this con - truction season. It has to be done expeditiously. "I think that is ne reason why we have to make a decision on this thing today. I think e have delayed on this as long as we can. We have to move." tion carried. - 13 - 6. OLD I a BUSINESS (Cont'd 1 "B " -- Three - Column Fountains At Jefferson and St. Joseph Streets nd at Jefferson and Main Streets, R46e Mr. Rollin,E. Farrand, P.E irector, Dept. of Public Works, submitted his recommendation, in riting dated June 17, 1975. He has placed concrete flower urns, n a trial basis, to control pedestrian movement at the pool at efferson and Main Streets. These urns have served this purpose ith limited success. Observations of the various pedestrian move - ents through the fountain area indicates a minimum of twelve urns ould be required. These would have to be removed from the area or which they were originally intended or new units purchased. r. Farrand said they have placed enough flower pots at this pool hat they felt receives the most traffic,-.and--depending on the ommission decision here today, will treat both of the pools in he same manner. This suggestion was made by the architect engineer. r. Farrand said this only solves the one problem of traffic control round the pools; it does not solve the debris problem. Even if the ommission will say to go with the flower pots, they will still have o do something with the additional screening effect to keep the ebris out of the pools. r. Farrand said he did not recommend the flower pots. He recommended permanent type of barricade there or a planter. He believes the lower pots can be made to work; the traffic can be controlled with he flower pots. He is making the recommendation only on the part he Commissioners requested information on. Mr. Farrand stated he s "perfectly willing to go on record saying the pedestrian traffic an be controlled with the flower pots. This has been monitored. n his letter, he points out that the planter does serve all three urposes." 1r. Brownell advised he has discussed this with Mr. Simonds on the hone and Mr. Simonds- advised if we are going to put anything around he pools, that he would recommend we use the same type brick that e have around the trees on the Plaza, so it will be compatible with ther things; however, this would require more space than Mr. Farrand's uggestions in his letter. Mr. Oesterling said the reason they chose he planters in lieu of the raised curbs or the planters all the: way round is the way the pools are presently designed. They are designed hat way to get the full effect of the pools, and to observe those articular pools. They are beautiful from the ground up- -with the ighting on in the evenings- -even with the grating -- and to imagine riving down the street with a 12" or 18" raised planter all the way round the pools. It would take away the total effect of the pools s it was designed, and they feel very strongly about it, and if we Ian to do that, we may as well not have the pools- -the effect will e destroyed. rs. Allen added that nobody is going to walk that close to those ools anyway. If you walk close to it with the spray there you will et soaked, and if we place the mesh under.the grille, someone can till catch their heels on it. Mrs. Allen suggested a small planter round it, or if necessary artificial green ones. - 14 - POOL "B" R -66 6. OLD IBUSINESS (Cont'd Mr. Farrand said they also were real concerned with the spray problem and thought they had those fountains running about as slow as possible,.but since have gone into those fountains and reduced he flow. Except under extreme high wind conditions, he thinks hey have really eliminated the spray problem now. The last few ays with the wind blowing, there was no spray coming off. They have not received any.comments on the change in flow rate; at least it has not been discernible to the public. r. Chenney made the motion we try out the flower pots. Mr. Dnaldson raised the question, that this suggestion is just emporary and not anything that will be permanent on the decision. resident Nimtz said, "No. We know that we have a problem and Mr. arrand has suggested that we use the flower pots that are around here now which was Mr. Oesterling's recommendation. There is some uestion by us and by a member of the audience whether that will ork, or whether we will need a permanent planter." he Chair said the motion is that we try these flower pots for a eriod of time this summmer and see if they do work to control the raffic. A second to the motion was requested, and was so seconded y Mr. Donaldson and carried. ommissioner Wiggins said he has one question he would like to raise DAMAGED ight now. In addition, down there by the Federal Building, [Old GRATING, ost Office Building], some repairs apparently have been done to BY FEDERAL ome grating that exists on the sidewalk. The repairs are very poor BUILDING, n that the grating extends above the sidewalk and is a hazard to R -66 nybody walking by who can trip over it. "I don't know who put it n the first place, or who did the repairing, but I think they have n obligation to us to do it over." Mr. Brownell said he concurs nd has seen it and asked Mr. Slabaugh who put that in there. Mr. labaugh advised it belongs to the Post Office. Hickey had put thE: oncrete in for the sidewalk but put the grating back in that was here. He said he called the Plant Engineer over there and that e felt it was Hickey's responsiibility to set the grating in there traight. He had said to turn it over, but that's not the solution, nd even though he says he has turned it over before, that particu- ar grating will not straighten up. It has to be shimmed up or some - hing like that. As to the Chair's quE'stion on who damaged it in he first place and whether it was Hickey, Mr. Slabaugh said it as not Hickey's fault. It is an old installation- -over 40 years ld- -and just through age, rusting and use, it's become warped. If ou shim it out, weld it, repair it, or replace it - -only recommenda- ion for the correction. Mr. Wiggins' question, "Did we rework that idewalk; was it part of our Project ?" Mr. Slabaugh advised we id rework the sidewalk. As to the contractor being responsible, Mr. labaugh said it was not indicated in the plans and he had questioned r. Oesterling prior to calling the Post Office and Mr. Oesterling ad said he believed the private owner was responsible for that rating. Mr. Wiggins said it needs to be shimmed 'down' not up; it's lready 'shimmed up.' - 15 - 6. OLDIBUSINESS (Cont'd he Chair felt this item should be brought.to the attention of the Board of Public Works, and that they request the General Services Administration, who has the: legal title to that building, to.fix it. r. Wiggins added, "With any luck they may get it done; by next year." r. Kagel commended Mr. Wiggins for his hasty action, because "I can foresee a copy of the Minutes of this meeting winding up i'n some court case in the afore- not - too - distant future, and you are to be congratulated in getting the Commission 'off the hook' on this post- haste. r. Farrand advised they are working on that to try to get it taken are of, and will continue to do so. He agreed it is a GSA problem. Commissioner Wiggins said he also feels it is a community problem, and rather than wait on GSA, if there is a way to get it done, then we should. r. Farrand requested time to work: on this with Mr. Slabaugh "until our next regular meeting. Mr. Wiggins said he would appreciate any- thing that can be done. r. Soltesz asked the Chairman if he may have the material back that e submitted as an idea for the correction of the Pool B fountain problem, along with the booklet, as it has not been used. The Chair requested Mr. Oesterling to return it to Mr. Soltesz. c. inal Chance Order No. 16 to Contract No. 5, Phase III, R -66: This CORRECTION hange Order was approved in Commission meeting of June. 6, for a de- APPROVED rease in contract amount of $1,324.08. The change order has a TO FINAL otal of 84 pages. An error in addition was found and the total C.O. NO. hould be: decrease in contract amount of $19808.24, in lieu of 16 TO he $1,324.08 approved. CONTRACT 5, PHASE III, otion for the approval of the corrected change was made by Mr. R -66 Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Chenney and carried. Also subject to Legal Counsel approval. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Cause No. G -580, Cit of South Bend vs. Pe ues: Letter was re- APPROVAL ceived from Mr. Charles A. Sweeney, Jr., orwd ssion Legal Counsel, FOR SETTLE- on this subject, with the recommendation the Commission approve MENT OF ettlement in amount of $2,850.00. CAUSE NO. G -580 otion was made by Mr. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Donaldson and arried, to authorize the settlement in the amount of $2,850.00. b. t6sbluti6h No. 514: This Resolution authorizes the execution RESOLUTION f the Redevelopment Agreement for the: disposition of land and. NO. 514 he execut on of Quit Claim Deeds for the transfer of title ADOPTED, hereto in connection of land to be disposed of in thE: LaSalle R -57 ark Project, Indiana R -57, for the following: - 16 - 7. NEW I BUSINESS (Cont'd arcel No. Name Amount 8 -39 Henry Lawshea (N. Illinois Si) $ 614.00 7 ft. of Willie Wilks (N. Chicago St.) 272.00 8 -23 Motion was made by Mr. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Chenney and carried, o adopt Resolution No. 514. c. Rehabilitation Work, R -57: Commission authorization was requested to lave A. Batcho, Contractor, to do rehabilitation wGrk at the follow- ng addresses, in the LaSalle Park Urban Renewal Project, Indiana -57, and the plumbing work to be done by Al Spromberg & Son Plumbing. Heating Company: arcel No. Address A. Batcho Al Spromberg Total 1 -13 118 S. Meade St. $ 1,158.00 $ 130.00 $ 1,288.00 19 -7 238 N. Kenmore St. 1,771.00 138.00 11909.00 1 -18 109 S. Kentucky St. 1,655.00 85.00 1,740.00 8 -18 301 S. Iowa St. 685.00 - 685.00 r. Brownell advised HUD representative, Mr. Richard Ball, inspected he rehabilitation work on Parcels 19 -7 and 31 -18, along with our inspector, and we have been requested to repair these as itemized on he work sheets. Parcel 38 -18, Mr. Brownell said water was going into the basement. is was inspected by Mr. Wilcox and Mr. Batcho, and the work is commended as noted on the work sheet. lso, on Parcel 1 -13, the work is recommended as noted on the work heet. Wiggins moved for the authorization of the work, as noted above A. Batcho, Contractor, and Al Spromberg & Son Plumbing & Heating mpany, in amounts specified. Motion seconded by Mr. Donaldson and rried, subject to Legal Counsel approval. he question was raised by Commissioner Wiggins as to how many are eft in terms of the problem areas in R -57. Mr. Brownell advised hat all forty -five (45) of the complaints are completed, with the xception: 1) One complaint was received that Mr. Wilcox will check out relating to a storm door complaint; 2) One other, we do not believe is our responsibility -- varnish stain was placed over paint on cabinets and the homeowner is requesting the varnish be removed and the cabinets be repainted. This complaint will be checked out. 3) One complaint pending that is unresolvable is being handled by our Legal Counsel. - 17 - REHAB. WORK AUTHORIZED, R -57 7. NEW] BUSINESS (Cont'd d. ehabilitation Contracts, E -7: Per recommendations of the E -7 Ad- REHABILITA- isory Committee, Commission approval was requested to award the TION CONTRACT ollowing contracts, subject to Legal Counsel approval, in Project APPROVED FOR -7, Bureau of Housing: AWARD, E -7 ontract o. Address I Bid Amount Contractor 5 625 E. Broadway St. $ 4,940.96 Combs Decorating & Constr. 6 215 E. Haney St. 3,482.00 " Slatile Roofing E. 8 718 E. Broadway St. 1,975.00 Slatile Roofing 9 217 E. Haney St. 2,003.30 Combs Decorating &.Constr. 0 1511 S. Fellows St. 3,760.85 Combs Decorating & Constr. 1 709 E. Wenger St. 3,520.00 Slatile Roofing 4 522 E. Haney St. 4,730.00 Slatile Roofing 5 605 E. Indiana Ave. 3,912.00 Madison Builders, Inc. 8. PR( a. 9. SPf r. Wiggins moved for the approval of the recommendation of the E -7 dvisory Committee, and that the above contracts be awarded to the ow bidders, in bid amounts, as noted, subject to Legal Counsel ap- roval. lso, Commission approval was requested to award the following rehabi- itation contracts, per recommendations of the E -7 Advisory Committee, ubject to approval of the South Bend Common Council and Legal Counsel pproval [all over $5,000.001: ntract Address Bid Amount Contractor 7 610 E. Indiana Ave. $ 5,546.00 Slatile Roofing 2 416 E.'Indiana Ave. 5,030.00 Madison Builders, Inc. 3 510 E. Pennsylvania 6,218.00 Madison Builders, Inc. r. Chenney moved for the approval to award the above rehabilitation ontracts, as recommended by the E -7 Advisory Committee, to the low idders, in bid amounts, as noted, subject to the approval of the outh Bend Common Council and Legal COUnsel approval. 3RESS REPORTS fiver Bend Plaza Mr. Louis N. Wilcox, Director of the fiver Bend Plaza, advised that the 1st Anniversary of the River end Plaza is set for the 29th of June -- Sunday. There are major ctivities scheduled, including the Fireworks on Monday, the 30th, nd the Ethnic Festival on the 4th, 5th and 6th, and everyone is nvited. The whole community is invited. IAL COMMISSION MEETING The opening and the receipt of bids for Block 6 will be on Friday, Juna 27, at 10:30 a.m. The Chair said he has consulted with members of the Commission and it was recommended we have ,a special meeting on riday, the 27th, at 10:00 a.m. PLAZA ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING, FRIDAY, 6 -27 -75 9. SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING (Cont'd) Mot on for the Special Commission Meeting, Friday, June 27th, at 10:00 a.m., was made by Mr. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Chenney and carried. The meeting will be in this office. 10. DATA CHANGE OF COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, JULY 4: 11. 12. C. Mot on was made and duly passed in Commission Meeting of May 23, 1975, to have the Commission Meeting, Thursday, July 3, 1975, in lied of Regular Meeting scheduled for.Friday, July 4th (holiday), at 0:00 a.m. >TION'AND ANSWER SESSION: 1) ortable parking meters for merchants at the north end of the lock was brought up by Mrs. Janet S. Allen. President Nimtz advised the parking situation is not under this Commission's jurisdiction. It is under the Board of Public Works, and is not apropos in this meeting. 2) Comments from Mr. Allen E. Schrager requested by the President f the Commission. r. Schrager responded, "I just hope that we can move with very ast speed in getting this block done on Jefferson to Washington." 3) s. Jeanne Derbeck, South Bend Tribune Reporter, asked if we �re going to advertise for the work on Jefferson to Washington. r. Brownell advised it will be as soon as the engineers can et this ready. URNMENT Motion was duly made by Mr. Wiggins for adjournment, at 11:18 a.m. (SEAL) eii, txecutive - 19 - , President COMMISSION MEETING, THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1975, AT 10:00 a.m. QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION ADJOURNMENT