HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-09 Public Works and Property Vacation Committee~ ...
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PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 23, 2009
Committee Members Present: David Varner, Chairperson; Tom LaFountain, Vice-
Chairperson; Timothy Rouse; Henry Davis
Other Council Members Present: Karen White; Ann Puzzello; Derek Dieter; AI
"Buddy" Kirsits; Oliver Davis
Others Present: Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand; Rita Kopala; Jamie Loo; Derek Spier; Gary Gilot;
Brian Miller; Don Inks; Mayor Stephen Luecke; Paul Phair
Agenda: Bill No. 04-09 -Alley Vacation - Turnock/Kalorama Streets
Bill No. 11-09 - Auten Road Connector -Major Moves
Bill No. 09-17 - Auten Road BPW Approval
BILL NO. 04-09 -ALLEY VACATION TURNOCK/KALORAMA
Chairman Varner recognized Derek Spier of Abonmarche representing NNRO and Weiss Homes.
Mr. Spier told the Council he had contacted the nearby residents who had expressed opposition
to the vacation at the last meeting. He said a letter had been sent to these folks asking if they
had further objection in light of the fact that they would have continued access to their rear-load
garages. According to Mr. Spier the residents had been mollified as the Council required.
Councilmember Puzzello assured other Council Members that accommodations were made for
the neighbors and access would not be denied. Tim Rouse suggested Ann should disclosure her
connection to NNRO. Rouse asked Spier if he had directly interfaced with the remonstrators
personally. Spier said he had by phone.
As the committee had favorably sent the bill to Council at the last meeting pending placation no
action was necessary.
BILL NO. 11-09 APPROPRIATION OF MAJOR MOVES MONEY FOR ACQUISITION OF
PROPERTY
BILL NO. 09-17 APPROVAL OF ACQUISITION OF AND DESIGNATING BPW TO PROCEED
WITH ACQUISITION
Chairperson Varner allowed both bills to be heard jointly and recognized Don Inks, Director of
Economic Development to make the presentation.
Mr. Inks explained the money from the Major Moves fund would be used by the BPW to acquire
the corridor of land, thus securing it for the Auten connector should the proposed Auten
interchange become a reality. All of this is geared toward the development of Holladay's mixed-
use proposal in the Northwest.
Both Chairperson Varner and Councilmember Rouse asked for clarification regarding
reimbursement of Major Moves.
Councilmember Rouse in particular expressed a word of caution wondering if this use was
stretching the law regarding eligible uses of Major Moves dollars.
Councilmember Henry Davis asked how many dollars were available and was there a list of
projects for their use. He stressed that our priority for the money should be to fix what we have.
Mayor Luecke allowed, in response, that the project was eligible, that the money would be repaid
to the fund with interest, and that this project was a good example of pre-planning for traffic flow.
Councilmember Rouse cautioned that the present street maintenance paradigm was inadequate
and needed review.
Paul Phair from Holladay was present to answer any specific questions about the proposed
development.
There being no further questions, a motion was made by Councilmember Rouse and seconded
by Councilmember LaFountain to recommend favorably to Council. All supported except
Councilmember Henry Davis.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson Varner
adjourned the meeting at 4:27 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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David Varner, Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee