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Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
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The April 27, 1998 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 4:00 p.m. in the
Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Kelly, Ujdak, Varner,
Coleman, Pfeifer, Broden and Hosinski; Terry Bland, David Thorla, James Crance, Mary
Wood, Mary O'Rueben Katz, Sue Hodgson, Randy Rompola, James Frick, Julie Kaser,
John Kaser and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Varner noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 38-
98 which is a request to vacate the first north south alley west of Iroquois Street. Dr.
Varner noted that the Board of Public Works sends the request to the Council with an
unfavorable recommendation (copy of report attached).
Mr. David W. Thorla made the presentation. He noted that the vacation is being requested
to "ensure the safety and well being of the children and family members residing at the
property".
Mr.James Crance of 608 West Angela s poke against the proposed vacation. He noted that
he would present a petition at the Common Council meeting this evening signed by thirty-
seven (37) property owners who oppose the vacation. He further noted that twenty-nine
(29)properties would have their ingress and egress to their properties negatively impacted;
that it would add to the traffic volume; that direct and short routes are necessary and that
children would be impacted negatively if the vacation is approved. He cited several high
risk safety factors to children if the vacation moves forward. He further noted that neither
the Douglas family nor the Thorla family who have petitioned for the vacation have any
dependent children.
Mary Wood of 620 West Angela spoke against the proposed vacation. She stated that she
is concerned for the safety of the children.
Mary O'Rueben Katz a resident of the area for over fifty (50) years spoke against the
proposed vacation.
Council Member Broden, the District Council Member for the area, noted that he had
received numerous telephone calls regarding this vacation request. He noted that he has
visited the site and believes that the alley should remain open.
Council Member Broden then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Aranowski
that Bill No. 38-98 be recommended to the Council with an unfavorable recommendation.
The motion passed.
Dr. Varner noted that the next item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 39-98 which is a
request to vacate the first north south alley east of South Michigan. The Board of Public
Works at its meeting of April 27th took favorable action con the request. (report attached)
1 ,
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
April 27, 1998
Page 2
Mr. Randy Rompola, the attorney for Mr. James D. Frick, the Petitioner, made the
presentation. He noted that Mr. Frick would like to renovate the buildings next to the
subject alley. He showed pictures of the renovated buildings which will cost between
$ 250,000 to $ 300,000 to complete. The specific purpose of the vacation would be to
"obtain and maintain a transition between the buildings facing South Michigan Street and
the parking lot located at 101 and 101 1/2 Irvington Street." There was no remonstrance.
Following discussion, Council Member Broden made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Aranowski that Bill No. 39-98 be sent to the Council with a favorable
recommendation. The motion passed.
The last item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 40-98 which is a request to vacate the
first north south alley east of South Olive Street. The Board of Public Works sends this
request to the Council with a favorable recomme ndation.
Mr.John Kaser,the President of Kaser Concrete, made the presentation. He noted that the
purpose would be to extend the depth of the property
listed as lot numbers 127 and 128 of
the South Bend Industrial Addition.
ion Council Member Udjak made a motion, seconded by Council
Following discussion, J
Member Aranowski,that The motion assed.
passed.
No. 40-98 be recommended favorable.
There being no further business to come before the Committee,the meeting was adjourned
at 4:20 P.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member David Varner
Chairperson,Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
Attachments
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