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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-25-05 Public Works & Property Vacation Public Works and Property Vacation Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The April 25, 2005 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David A. Varner at 4:18 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa,Kirsits,White and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis,Director of Public Works Gary Gilot, Rita Kopola, Building Commissioner Don Fozo, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Development Sharon Kendall, Don Inks, Doug Marsh, City Engineer Carl Littrell, City Clerk John Voorde, and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Dr. Varner noted that the Committee members include Council Members White, Rouse, Puzzello and himself. Dr. Varner noted that the presenter for Bill No. 22-0 has requested that it be continued until May 9, 2005. Council Member White made a motion, seconded by Council Member Puzzello that Bill No. 22-05 be continued at the request of the petitioner until May 9,2005. The motion passed. Dr. Varner then called upon City Engineer Carl Littrell to give an update on energy savings with regard to traffic signals. Mr. Littrell stated that two (2) items are necessary for the program to go forward, a contractor who is qualified and a contractor who pays federal income taxes of $1/4 million or more per year. He stated that two (2) firms are interested. The process would include advertising, developing proposals, review, and negotiating a price. He stated that last Fall, Assistant City Attorney Thomas Bodnar determined that the Common Council would be the contracting agency; however now he is saying that the Council is not needed, but would be kept informed. Bulbs could be changed as soon as possible to LED's. Dr. Varner noted that$250,000 was budgeted from the operating budget. Mr. Littrell stated that $1.3 million was budgeted for all programs and that it would be reduced by the amount used for the LED's. Gary Gilot stated that they would have to negotiate a pay back period which must be less than ten(10)years. He would like to have two (2)Council Members involved to review proposals, so that hopefully the program could begin yet this year. Council Member Puzzello inquired whether street lights are timed to be at different intervals during the day, noting in particular the street light at Colfax and Eddy. Mr. Littrell stated that they do change within accepted parameters. Under miscellaneous business, Dr. Varner noted that Jack Smith of Design Packing has agreed to serve on the TRANSPO board, and would be appointed this evening. April 25,2005 Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1- Gary Gilot then introduced Doug Marsh, the University of Notre Dame architect. It was noted that the Board of Public Works has the ability to issue a revocable permit for a short period of time. Mr. Marsh showed an artist's rendering of the proposed main entryway to the university which will have one pier located in the current right-of-way. A shift of 8' for a distance of 560' will be requested from the Council at a later point. Mr. Gilot stated that the location is acceptable from a safety point of view, since 10' from the curb is the standard. Dr. Varner inquired whether paving would begin this Summer. Mr. Marsh stated that it will be done before the first home game. Mr. Gilot then passed out a summary agenda from today's Board of Works meeting. It was noted in response to a question from Dr. Varner that emergency powers may be invoked by the Board of Public Works to address such things as a sewer collapse, etc., with the final approval taking place at a public meeting with a full explanation. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned the meeting at 4:39 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lam// J2k — C. ncil Member David Varner, Chairperson Public Works and Property Vacation Committee KCF:kmf Attachment April 25,2005 Public Works and Properly Vacation Committee Meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council. -page 2-