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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-29-01 Public Works & Proeprty Vacation Qommitt deport: 1PubUit 'Works' and Vroptrti1 11a ration QGommitt*e The May 29, 2001 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 3:33 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Coleman, King, Aranowski, Kirsits, White and Pfeifer; Carl Littrell, Gary Gilot, John Oxian, County Engineer Susan Al-Abaas, Joseph S. Fragomeni, Jr., Michael H. Wenning, Ali Al-Shawee, Terry Bland of the rout} tribunt, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member King welcomed everyone to the Committee meeting. He noted that the first item on the agenda was to receive an update on the Jefferson Street Bridge. Susan Al-Abaas, County Engineer for St. Joseph County then introduced Joseph S. Fragomeni,Jr and Michael H. Wenning,P.D. of American Consulting, Inc. Mr. Wenning then reviewed the "preliminary plans" which have been prepared, but not for construction purposes (copy attached). He noted that the plans are for a bridge rehabilitation project, noting that originally the demolition of the Jefferson Bridge was originally anticipated and that a new bridge would have to be constructed. He reviewed the time line page (last page of handout) noting that currently the project is in the"preliminary plan" stage, and are approximately one (1) month ahead of schedule. A public hearing will be scheduled on the project since the bridge is listed on the Historic Register. The construction phase will be approximately 1 l/2 ye [S. He then reviewed the two (2) phases of the traffic maintenance, noting that traffic on one/half of the bridge will be taking place throughout the construction phase. Mr. Wenning noted that he has met with the Park Department officials and that no pedestrian ways will be maintained in light of safety concerns. He further noted that the railing and lighting will not be like the original. The railing will be a "Texas type barrier rail" and he then showed a pictorial rendering of what the bridge would look like. The lighting would be moved onto the barrier rail for safety reasons. Council Member King inquired about the proposed rehabilitation since the original suggestion was a tear down. Mr. Wenning stated that the original analysis was correct, however with further concrete stress testing, they were able to propose a concrete compression which will add strength to the arches and therefore allowing the bridge to be saved and rehabilitated. Council Member White inquired about the impact on the merchants on Hill Street and Niles. Mr. Wenning stated that there has not been any contact with the merchants as of this date, however with one side of the bridge open at all times during construction, that that should benefit the merchants during that phase of the project. Council Member White then asked about the cost. Susan Al-Abaas stated that it will be an 80/20 split between the federal government and the County with the federal government paying $ 4 million for the project from federal highway funds. In response to a question from Council Member King, it was noted that the hearing will take place some time in September or October of 2001,or possibly in fate August. r ■ Public Works and Property Vacation Committee May 29, 2001 Page 2 Mr. Wenning noted that they are open to all concerns, noting that earlier today the Transpo routes were brought to their attention. Mr. Gilot commended the County for saving the bridge. Council Member King thanked the consultants and the County Engineer for their presentation. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 44-01 which is a request to vacate the 1st N/S alley east of Lawndale. Mrs. Ali Al-Shawee made the presentation. She noted that the petitioner plans to block off the alley in light of safety concerns, noting that several robberies had taken place. They own a car dealership located at 1406 Lincoln Way and many of the cars have been vandalized. She also noted that they pay $ 10.00 per day to have someone clean up trash from the area. She stated that they own the properties located at 1406, 1408, 1410, 1414 and 1422 Lincoln Way. Carl Littrell spoke against the proposed vacation. He noted that the Board of Public Works gave an unfavorable recommendation to the request in light of the fact that it would create a "T" intersection. Council President Pfeifer noted that the alley in question is located in her Councilmanic District. She inquired of the Petitioner whether they had discussed this request with LWW Development representatives. The Petitioner indicated that she was unaware of this organization. ICouncil Members White and Aranowski made inquiries about the t-alley, and whether a grader could fit through the alley and trash pick-up. The Council Attorney advised the Petitioner, that if the Council would turn this request down this evening,that state law requires the Petitioner to wait two(2) years before a similar request could be re-filed. Council Member Aranowski stated that the suggestion to have the Petitioner meet with the LWW Steering Committee was a good one. John Oxian, Chairperson of the Land Use Committee, noted that they meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month at the Colfax Center, and that Carl Littrell is a member of the Committee. He stated that he had not talked with the Petitioner but that he would welcome that opportunity. Following discussion, the Petitioner requested to have the Bill continued so that she could meet with the various groups suggestion. Council Member Aranowski then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 44-01 be continued until July 9th. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Council Member King noted that he had received a letter dated May 21, 2001 along with photos regarding the alleged unsafe condition of the parking garages at Jefferson and St. Joe. The Council Attorney noted that the grass had not been cut by the city garages. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member King adjourned at 4:18 p.m. ' d Public Works and Property Vacation Committee May 29, 2001 Page 3 Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karl King, Vice-Chairperson Public Works and Property Vacation Committee KCF:kmf Attachments i' I�I i. I 1 '