HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-04 Public Works & Property Vacation Committee Report
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
The November 8, 2004 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
was called to order by its Chairperson, Dr. David Varner at 4:43 p.m. in the Council Informal
Meeting Room.
Dr. Varner noted that the Committee consists of Council Members Kirsits, Pfeifer,
Coleman and himself.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly, Kuspa, Varner, Puzzello,
Coleman, Pfeifer, Kirsits, Dieter and White; City Clerk John Voorde, Executive Director of the
Department t of Community
& Economic Development ent Sharon Kendall, Bill Schalliol, Bernie
Feeney, Director of the Division of Economic Development Don Inks, Kent Maden, Jennifer
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Hughes, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Director
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Development Pam Meyer, Rita po ,
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Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
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Dr. Varner noted that the first item to be reviewed by the Committee was Bill No. 80-04
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which is a request to vacate a portion of Kaley Street, Kenwood Avenue, Linden Avenue,
Washington Street and two nearby adjacent alleys.
Bernie Feeney of Lang, Feeney & Associates, Inc. with offices located at 715 South
Michigan Street in downtown South Bend made the presentation. The vacation request is being
submitted on behalf of Robert Bosch Corporation so that they may consolidate ownership of
adjacent properties and create one basic campus site. It would permit safe travel on the site for
various machinery. It would be consistent with the development of the relocated Bendix Drive.
Jennifer Hughes of the Division of Economic Development noted that they have been
working with the surrounding neighborhood and in particular, Cindy DeLeone who is the
Coordinator of the Near Westside Neighborhood Partnership Center.
Mr. Kent Maden, Facilities Manager, of the Robert Bosch Corporation was then
introduced to the Committee and was available to answer questions.
Council Member Pfeifer voiced concern that there had not been meetings in the
neighborhood area. She stated that at the last meeting they were assured that they would be
called together to discuss any changes or deviations. She urged that better communication needs
to take place since there was an agreement with the affected area residents.
Ms.Hughes stated that she had contacted Chris Dressel.
Council Member Pfeifer indicated that she had not been contacted by Mr. Dressel She
noted that the last meeting was held at Kennedy School.
Ms. Hughes stated that the time line and strategies have not been hidden.
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Meeting of November 8.2004 Page 1
Committee Report
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
Mr. Littrell stated that he believes that there have been no major changes, noting that the
last meeting was held approximately two (2) years ago. They have been in contact with the
persons who would be most affected. There is one exception, namely Hoosier Tank Company,
which will be relocated.
Council Member Pfeifer suggested that another meeting be held. She noted that the city
"should always error on the side of the community, since the neighborhood is so fragile" She
suggested that another meeting be held at Kennedy School during the first week of December.
Council Member Kirsits then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pfeifer that
Bill No. 80-04 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Dr. Varner noted that the Council is in receipt of a letter dated November 3, 2004 from
Michael J. Danch who is representing the petitioner for Bill No. 59-04, which is requesting that
the Bill be continued until the November 22nd Council meeting(copy attached).
Council Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill
No. 59-04 be continued until November 22nd, at the request of the Petitioner. The motion
passed.
Under miscellaneous business, Council Member Dieter inquired whether the
Administration has a start-up date for the Portage Street scape. Mr. Littrell stated that he did not
know.
There being no further business to come before the Committee,Dr. Varner adjourned the
Committee meeting at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member David Varner,Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
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Attachments
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Meeting of November 8.2004 Page 2