HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-13 Public Works & Property Vacation PUBLIC WORKS& PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE JANUARY 28.2013
4:20 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Dr. David Varner, Valerie Schey, Gavin Ferlic
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Dr.Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Derek Dieter
Others Present: Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Erin Blasko, Mike Schmuhl, Mike Danch, James
Lietzen, Roger Nawrot, Scott Ford, Eric Horvath, Aladean DeRose, Dave Mathews
Agenda: Bill No. 1-13—Adopting ADA Transition Plan
Bill No. 2-13—Vacate Calvert St. from Webster to Kemble
Bill No. 3-13—Vacate ROW East side Niles&Jefferson
Bill No. 4-13—Vacate Indiana at Kemble
Bill No. 5-13—Vacate Alley West of Michigan
Update Two-Way Traffic Studies
Chairperson Oliver Davis opened the hearing of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee with
full attendance and six items to be reviewed.
The first was Bill No. 01-13 requesting Council approval of the city's ADA Transition Plan for Pedestrian
Facilities in the Public-Right-of-Way. The plan contains information how South Bend intends to remove
barriers for disabled persons in the right-of-way. Interim City Attorney Aladean DeRose provided the
background for this plan the federal government requires cities to develop. Aladean said three criteria
would determine priority for action to remedy. First-access to government buildings. Second—access to
businesses. Third—all others. Her handout is attached. Oliver Davis noting a need to clear sidewalks of
snow wondered if such language should be made a part of the plan. After discussion it was determined
that specific language would be a part of a later document addressing these problems.
David Varner moved to approve. Gavin Ferlic seconded and all agreed to send favorably.
Bill No. 02-13 was a petition to allow the vacation of a platted but unimproved Calvert Street from
Webster to Kemble. This would allow the expansion of the Reserve Center. James Lietzen from DLZ,
explained the need for the vacation. David Varner moved to send favorably. Valerie Schey seconded
and all approved.
Bill No. 03-13 was presented by Roger Nawrot an engineer for Abonmarche. It requests a vacation of a
small right-of-way on Niles Avenue, north from Jefferson. This would ease the development of a parcel
on the corner. David Mathews the owner of the lot was present to answer questions. After brief
discussion Gavin Ferlic moved to recommend to full Council favorably. Councilmember Valerie Schey
followed and all assented.
Bill No. 04-13 was a petition to vacate an irregularly shaped parcel at the intersection of Indiana Ave. and
Kemble. Mike Danch representing the city, made the presentation. After brief questions Councilmember
Dr. David Varner moved to recommend favorably. Gavin Ferlic seconded an all affirmed.
Bill No. 05-13, a petition to vacate a portion of an alley surrounded by lots owned by Memorial Hospital to
allow more parking. James Lietzen from DLZ made the presentation. All agreed to send favorably after
motions by Gavin Ferlic and David Varner.
The final agenda item was an update on two-way traffic studies presented by Community Investment
Director Scott Ford and City Engineer Eric Horvath. Scott took the lead stating safety and traffic
circulation were the guiding criteria. Beyond that was the economic rationale in that recent studies
support an increase in retail activity in two-way traffic areas. Eric Horvath followed. He answered Karen
White's question about the cost of the current sturdy and the two proceeding it all of which seemed to
study two-way traffic. He said a 2006 study cost$118,000, a 2011 study cost$281,000. He defended
the cost and need for the studies.
This generated a flurry of Council questions all to be deferred to a later meeting to be scheduled when
more time was available.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson Oliver Davis
adjourned the meeting at 4:54 p.m.
Respectfully Sub��
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Public Works a . Property Vacation Committee