HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-16 Public Works and Property VacationPUBLIC WORKS & PROPERTY VACATION
Committee Members Present: Jo M. Broden and John Voorde
APRIL 11, 2016 3:30 P.M.
Absent: Randy Kelly and Gavin Ferlic
Other Council Present: Regina Williams- Preston, Karen White, Oliver Davis,
David Varner and Tim Scott
Others Present: Kareemah Fowler, Alkeyna Aldridge, Kathleen Cekanski-
Farrand, Adriana Rodriguez, Jitin Kain and Corbitt Kerr
Agenda: Bill No. 14 -16 — Alley vacation at first north/south alley
west of Cushing from Lincoln Way West to the first
east /west alley
Jitin Kain, Smart Streets Briefing
Chairperson Jo M. Broden called to order the Public Works and Vacation Committee at 3:30
p.m. explaining committee members Gavin Ferlic and Vice -Chair Randy Kelly were absent.
Chairperson Jo Broden went on to explain that in those members absence the committee did not
meet a quorum and would not be able to vote on the bills in question. The committee would send
items forward to Council with no recommendation.
Bill No. 14 -16 — Alley vacation at first north/south alley west of Cushing from Lincoln Way
West to the first east /west alley
Jitin Kain explained Corbitt Kerr who would present on Bill No. 14 -16 was not present yet. In
lieu of his absence, Jitin asked to present on Smart Streets first.
Chairperson Jo Broden agreed and introduced Jitin Kain as presenting the department overview
for Public Works.
Smart Streets & Department of Public Works Briefing
Jitin Kain, Department of Public Works with offices on the 13th floor of the County -City
building presented a brief update on the two -way street project.
Mr. Kain described the boundaries of the two- street project and presented an overview of the
new roundabouts. He explained, roundabouts facilitate the balance of a two -way street system
by shifting traffic to other streets as opposed to a signaling system which encourages drivers to
keep straight overloading main streets as a consequence.
Councilmember Davis asked a question pertaining to pedestrian access near the light at South
Street and Main Street at the Transpo station. The removal of the stoplight has caused safety
concerns for pedestrians near the Transpo station. Councilmember Davis asked what can be done
about the issue.
Mr. Kain explained that the Smart Streets team is in their evaluation period and have received
concerns about this intersection among others that are being revisited by Public Works for safety
concerns.
Regina Williams- Preston asked who the point of contact for community concerns is.
Mr. Kain replied that correspondence could be sent to him or the project manager. He agreed to
send the project manager's contact information to the Council.
Chairperson Broden asked a question relating to bike lanes in the project.
Mr. Kain discussed various bike nodes and pedestrian uses were focused in the downtown.
Councilmember Davis asked how many users are utilizing the bike lanes.
Mr. Kain explained the complete streets philosophy and its advocacy of various modes of
transportation versus a heavy reliance on vehicles and the focus on safety for all users of the
street. He went on to explain that bicyclists should always move in the direction of traffic. Most
bike lanes are one -way in the downtown with the exception of the bike trail near the river.
Dr. Varner inquired about angled parking on Michigan Street near the Chocolate Factory and
whether or not Public Works intended to address that safety concern as well.
Councilmember Davis echoed his concern.
Mr. Kain explained that Public Works would not be changing the parking to angular at this time
due to concerns regarding reducing the number of parking spaces, but Public Works would visit
concerns of Michigan Street parking in a few years after the Smart Streets project ends.
Councilwoman Broden redirected the conversation for the sake of time and noted the problem as
a priority to follow -up with later.
Mr. Kain went on to discuss the details of aesthetic features of the plan that are purposed to
create a sense of place; including, streetscape furniture, signage, markings, benches, and creating
more opportunities public art.
He stated construction began this week and explained the construction phasing strategy and
schedule with most of the road closures occurring throughout the summer. The goal of the
project is to complete the conversion by the end of this year, October or November. The
conversion of the street system itself will be completed by the first football game.
Councilmember Davis raised the question regarding contractor penalties for missing the
deadline.
Mr. Kain explained that there are daily damages built into the contract if the contractor fails to
meet the deadline at $5000 per day. He went on to discuss the website and how people get
updates regarding the project through interactive apps and social media.
President Tim Scott raised a concern of driver safety as people speed to make up lost time due to
detours near the downtown. President Scott asked if speed bumps could be installed along
detours through neighborhoods.
Chairperson Broden asked about traditional modes of media like television and radio to inform
the public about project updates because many people still rely on traditional modes of media.
Mr. Kain discussed the department's plan for face -to -face public meetings, and other meetings to
engage the downtown community.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand asked about additional regulations for cycle tracks
and how people would know how to properly use them as it relates to right -of -way and rules of
road.
Mr. Kain responded that Public Works would engage in some bicyclists' education and that there
would be signage and markings on the track to alert users.
Council Attorney Cekanski- Farrand expressed that updating the City code to reflect the complete
street philosophy would be important.
Councilmember Davis raised a concern related to a construction project in his district at Sample
and Olive in his district. Davis expressed concern regarding communication between Public
Works and the Council.
Corbitt Kerr, City Engineer, addressed concerns related to the overpass construction and agreed
to send the pre -con schedule to Council before May 6th
Chairperson Jo Broden invited Corbitt Kerr to present Bill No. 14 -16.
Bill No. 14 -16 — Alley vacation at first north/south alley west of Cushing from Lincoln Way
West to the first east /west alley
Corbitt Kerr, City Engineer offices on the 13u' floor expressed that Public Works sends the
recommendation forward favorably and without concern.
The petitioner was not available for comment, but would be available for comment at the 7:00
p.m. Council meeting.
Chairperson Jo Broden asked if there any questions concerning the vacation petition.
Dr. Varner expressed a concern regarding the general upkeep of Family Dollar stores and what
Council can do to ensure the property and parking lots are maintained properly. He wondered if
it was possible to include comments or written commitments to this effect.
Jitin Kain expressed that written commitments can come along with the rezoning process.
Council Attorney Cekanski- Farrand shared that written commitments aren't a part of the
vacation process.
The City Clerk's office clarified that a rezoning for the same property would come to Council at
the next meeting.
Chairperson Jo Broden opened the floor to the public hearing.
No one wished to speak in favor or opposition of Bill 14 -16. The public hearing session was
closed by Chairperson Broden.
The Public Works and Vacations Committee did not have quorum. Bill No. 14 -16 was sent to
full Council without a recommendation.
With no further business before the Committee, Chairperson Jo Broden adjourned committee at
4:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Broden, Chairperson