HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-13 Public Works & Property VacationPUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION APRIL 22. 2013
3:30 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, David Varner, Valerie Schey, Gavin Ferlic (3:34 p.m.)
Other Council Members Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Derek Dieter
Others Present: Chester Gamble, John Frank, Eric Horvath, Scott Ford, Mike Schmuhl, Carol Davis,
Jack Smith
Agenda: Bill No. 13 -13 — Vacate Alley St. Louis/Wayne
Bill No. 15 -13 — Vacate Assumption Dr.
Update — New Energy
Vice - President Oliver Davis, Chairperson the Public of the Public Works & Property Vacation Committee
opened the hearing with two bills to consider along with an update on the New Energy Plant from the
Public Works Director Scott Horvath.
Bill No. 13 -13 was first. This is a petition to vacate an alley from Wayne St. north toward Jefferson Blvd.
for 195 feet. Zion United Church of Christ filed the petition to expand parking while constructing a new
parish hall. This bill had been continued from a prior meeting to allow the petitioner an opportunity to
meet with a neighbor who was worried about the project negatively affecting his property nearby.
Mr. Chet Gamble representing the petitioner said the parties had met and any concerns were satisfied.
Mr. Gamble went on to briefly describe the proposal for the committee.
After brief discussion David Varner moved the bill go favorably to Council. Valerie Schey seconded and
all concurred.
Bill No. 15 -13 a petition to vacate Assumption Drive was second on the agenda. This 1750 foot long loop
from Locust to Locust had been dedicated to the city when the area was annexed. Provident Ministries
acquired the property from the former owner and would like to expand the campus to include a
warehouse and sanctuary.
John Frank described the project for the Committee. After brief discussion Valerie Schey moved for a
favorable recommendation. David Varner seconded and all affirmed.
The New Energy update was next. Oliver capsulized the events leading up to this point before calling
upon Eric Horvath, Director of Public Works to enlighten the Council. The update was divided into two
parts. Eric had Scott Ford, Director of Community Investment, described the city's continued efforts to
work with the new owner to find a buyer, interested in operating the plant. Mr. Horvath then briefly
described the city's ongoing effort to monitor ground water levels in the residential area near the plant.
He said to keep a water pump running and to provide security for it was costing the city approximately
$12 — $13 thousand per month. He went on to say he was working on long term plans and would be able
to detail associated costs at the next meeting on May 13. Oliver Davis expressed satisfaction that a long-
term solution for the homeowners was in the works. Henry Davis was less so commenting that the plight
of homeowners with damaged homes from the groundwater rise was not being addressed. Eric said
homeowners have been referred to the health department and legal aid in the interim. Karen White
asked how much sewage revenue was lost from the plant closing. The answer was about $190 thousand
per month. Dr. Ferlic was told a permanent relief well would cost about $500 thousand.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson Oliver Davis
adjourned the meeting at 4:16 p.m.
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