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Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
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The August 23, 1999 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 3:47 p.m. in the
Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Coleman, Varner, Kelly, Aranowski,
Sniadecki,and King; Carl Littrell, Larry Magliozzi, Dea Andrews, Mary Jane Kline, Phil
Faccenda,Tom Wojciechowski, Cecilia Wojciechowski, John Kline, Patrick Nowak, Jon
Hunt,Terry Bland, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Dr. Varner noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 59-99 which
would vacate the 1st north/south alley east of Kemble Street. He noted that it received a
favorable recommendation from the Board of Public Works(copy attached).
Patrick Nowak of Zahoran Funeral Home made the presentation. He noted that the funeral
home paved the alley in question in 1981 and again in the 1990's. The vacation would
permit access to handicap parking at the funeral home and would control traffic for better
safety of the area. They plan to install a retractable gate so that access for trash pick-up
could be had.
Mary Jane Kline the daughter of Cecilia Wojciechowski who has resided at 919 West
Calvert since 1947 voiced concern, as did other relatives Tom Wojciechowski and John
Kline.
Carl Littrell noted that the alley would be split in half and that no one could drive thru the
alley if it was vacated. He noted that the Board of Public Works gave a favorable
recommendation subject to an easement for the property at 919 West Calvert and for trash
removal services, since Mrs. Wojciechowski puts her trash in the alley for pick-up.
The Council Attorney suggested that Section V of the ordinance be amended to read: "This
ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the recording of an ingress/egress
easement for the property located at 919 West Calvert, and an ingress/egress easement for
trash removal services provided by the City of South Bend, and its passage by the
Common Council and approval by the Mayor."
Council Member Aranowski noted that District Council Member Ujdak is in favor of the
proposed vacation so long as access to Mrs, Wojciechowski's property could be
addressed.
Following discussion, Council Member Aranowski made a motion, seconded by Council
Sniadecki that Bill No. 59-99 as amended be recommended favorably to Council. The
motion passed.
The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 60-99 which would vacate the first east/west alley
north of Lincolnway West near Cushing Street. Dr. Varner noted that it received a
favorable recommendation from the Board of Public Works(copy attached).
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
August 23, 1999
Page 2
Dea.Andrews of South Bend Heritage Foundation made the presentation. She noted that all
of the properties affected are owned by the petitioner. It would allow SBHF to develop
parking behind the future location of its offices. It would also allow them to incorporate
two(2) parcels of land it owns into one site plan. Traffic would be permitted to traverse
through the lot.
Following discussion, Council Member Sniadecki made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Aranowski that Bill No. 60-99 be recommended favorable to Council. The
motion passed.
Under miscellaneous matters, Dr. Varner noted that he had been contacted by residents on
Reasor Street in his District questioning why they have not received sewer or water
services since being annexed into the City almost 30 years ago. He also noted that curbs
and the condition of the streets are not up to city standards in this area. and that many of the
residents are on 45 year old septic systems. Dr. Varner stated that as the City looks toward
the future that the Council needs to know what services have and have not been provided to
annexed areas throughout the City.
Larry Magliozzi noted that the Council Attorney contacted her on this matter last week. He
noted that sewers were constructed on Widener Lane between 1974-75 and the installation
of water services on Widener Lane at an unknown date in the 1990's. 24 of the 32
properties on Widener Lane are hooked up to sewer; and 13 properties are hooked up to
water.
Mr. Magliozzi stated that he does not know why there are no water or sewer services being
provided on Reasor Street.
Mr. Magliozzi noted that he has been working for over a year on determining all areas
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throughout the city where sewer and water services are not being provided. He showed a
map indicating these locations. He noted that most areas not served are those areas which
were annexed in the 1970's and 1980's. The City is trying to develop a policy on how to
provide services and a program to market these services.
Jon Hunt stated that the City is looking at a comprehensive program and would like to
come back and talk with the members of the Public Works and Property Vacation
Committee on their proposals.
Council Member Varner stated that there are legitimate concerns throughout the city in these
annexed areas, especially since the City is laying pipe north of the City limits. He stressed
that those previously annexed should not be overlooked. Mr. Hunt agreed to discuss
strategies in these areas.
Carl Littrell noted that the upcoming residential tax abatement is an example of the City
willing to work with individuals where each would be paying one-half of the cost to
provide service to the area. An overall development concept is needed.
Council Member Aranowski noted that worked with ,hose on Gagna to provide a sewer
line.
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
August 23, 1999
Page 3
Council President Coleman suggested that the issues involved may go beyond the scope of
the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and that other committees may have to
become involved in the process.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned the
meeting at 4: 25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member David A. Varner, Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
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Attachments
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