HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-2022 Public Works and Property VacationI ~57 j
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
D AWN M. J ONES, C ITY CLERK
PUBLIC WORKS & PROPERTY VACATION OCTOBER 10, 2022, 3:30 P.M.
Committee Members Present:
Others Present:
Agenda:
Sheila Niezgodski *, Karen White, Carl Littrell,
Lori Hamann, Jason Piontek
Dawn M. Jones*, Victoria Trujillo, Bob Palmer*,
Justin LePla*, John B Harlan*, ZoeTembo*, Jakob*,
Angela M. Smith*, Rachel Boyles*, Chris
Boardman*, Sharon McBride*, Lori K. Hamann*
Bill No. 52-22 -An Ordinance to Vacate Property at
Keller Park Neighborhood
Members marked with an asterisk (*) are present digitally
Please note the attached link for the meeting recording:
https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/browse.aspx?dbid=0&mediaid=358012
Committee Chair Sheila Niezgodski called to order the Public Works and Property Vacation
Committee meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Bill No. 52-22 -An Ordinance to Vacate Property at Keller Park Neighborhood Text
Angela Smith, Zoning Specialist with offices on the fourteenth (14th) floor of the County-City
building, reported that the recommendation from the Department of Community Investment and
from city engineering remains unfavorable and has not changed, nor has the recommendation from
the Board of Public Works. The item was brought to the Board of Public Works in 2021 and has
not been brought back to the board. The ordinance would create a dead-end alley by creating a
sharp tum. It would inhibit future development. If the alley was used as a driveway, the curb cut
would need to be removed. There are existing public head utilities in the alley. If the residents wish
to improve the alley, there are mechanisms for them to do so. When an alley is vacated, the
approach is removed, and the curb is restored. There are concerns with how the ordinance is
worded.
David Laughlin, 217 Riverside Drive, reported that there are utilities running through all the alleys
that service the residents. The intention is not to move the utilities. The issue is that the alleys are
not maintained by the city. Currently the transformer prevents vehicles from making a tum into
the alley. He confirmed that as a neighbor, he is in favor of the bill.
Councilmember Lee reported that the homeowners are looking for a beneficial solution and that
he is in favor of the bill.
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTAB ILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Bvld South Bend. Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TT0574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov
CI1Y OF SOUTH BE D OFFI CE OF THE CLERK
Councilmember Hamann asked if the new policy and budget for the equipment to tend to the alleys
will address the residents' concerns.
Dan Parker reported that in the 2023 budget there are two proposed additional positions to create
a second alley grading team and funding for the equipment necessary which would double the
city's capacity to grade alleys.
Citizen Member Carl Littrell expressed concerns about citizens paying money to manage public
property and reported that it is the responsibility of a citizen to manage the property adjacent to
their lot.
Committee Member Hamann motioned to send Bill No. 52-22 to the full council with no
recommendation, seconded by Citizen member Littrell, and carried by a vote of five (5) ayes.
Committee Chair Sheila Niezgodski -Aye Committee Member Karen White -Aye
Committee Member Lori Hamann -Aye Citizen Member Jason Piontek -Aye
Citizen Member Carl Littrell -Aye
With no further business, Committee Chair Sheila Niezgodski adjourned the Committee meeting
at 4:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Niezgodski, Committee Chair
NOTICE FOR HEARING AND SIGHT IMPAIRED PERSONS
Aui.iliary Aid or Other Sen-ires may ht Available upon Request a, No Ch2rgc.
Plcasc 1-,riYC Reasonable Advance Rct1ucst when Possible
EXCEL LENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Bvld South Bend. Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov
2