HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-27-08 Public Works and Property Vacation CommitteePUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE PAGE #1 OF 2
The May 27, 2008 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee of the South
Bend Common Council was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member Thomas
LaFountain at 4:00 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Committee Members present: Thomas LaFountain, Vice-Chairperson; Derek D. Dieter
Persons in attendance included Council Member's Kirsits and LaFountain. Others in attendance
included John Sellers, Steve Luecke, Rita Kopala, Martha Lewis, Gary Gilot, Pam Meyer, Don
Inks, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Catherine Fanello, Karen White, Beth Leonard, Jamie Loo, Carl
Littrell, Tim Sexton, Marti Murphy
Vice-Chairperson, Thomas LaFountain in Chairperson Varner's absence, noted there was no
quorum so there could be no official action taken by the committee.
BILL NO.20-08 ALLEY VACATION REQUEST (GOLDEN ~ WOODWARD)
Vice-Chairperson LaFountain recognized Council Member Dieter who proceeded to provide a
lengthy list of neighbors who opposed the vacation request.
The petitioner Mike Neises of 1043 Riverside Drive, outlined the basis for the vacation request.
He focused primarily on safety concerns due mainly to the proximity of structures to the alley. He
expressed concerns about cut-through traffic, vandalism, teens hanging out, and automobile
break-ins in the alley. Without a quorum, no action was taken.
BILL NO.32-08 ALLEY VACATION REQUEST ILASALLE & NOTRE DAME AVENUE)
Tim Sexton, a VP of the petitioner, the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC), explained
the reason for the requested vacation. He stated the SJRMC had given, the Women's Care
Center property to expand their facility requiring alley space for the expansion.
Marti Murphy of James Childs & Associates, the architectural firm designing the expansion said
meetings with nearby property owners had resolved access and water runoff concerns of
neighbors. Ann Puzzello described an on-site meeting with representatives form the SJRMC, the
Women's Care Center, the neighbors, and the design firm where turn-radius concerns were
accommodated.
Council Member Rouse, in receipt of opposition from Mr. Breen, a nearby resident, questioned
whether an accord addressing neighbors concerns had actually been achieved. Council Member
Puzzello maintained there was an agreement.
Again without a quorum, there was no action taken.
BILL NO. 30-08 APPROPRIATION FROM LOCAL ROAD AND STREET (LRBS) FUND FOR
MCKINLEYIIRONWOOD INTERSECTION.
At Vice-Chairperson LaFountain's request, Gary Gilot, Director, Public Works, explained the
$2,000,000 appropriation request of state funds fully finding the project. The city along with the
State and an ad hoc neighborhood group cooperated to design improvements acceptable to all.
Bids on the work and completion was expected this construction season.
PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE PAGE #2 OF 2
MISCELLANEOUS
Gary Gilot, Director, Public Works, asked the Council for approval of the design of the Ryan
Newman signs to be posed at arterials into the City. A unanimous approval was given by the
Council.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Vice-Chairperson LaFountain
adjourned the meeting at 4:35 p.m.
Respectfully,~ub n~dl ,,~
Thomas LaFountain, Vice-Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee