05-23-05 Public Works & Property Vacation

Home Browse Search

Public Works and Property Vacation Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The May 23, 2005 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David A. Varner at 3:40 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Kelly, Varner, Kuspa, White and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Charlotte Sobel,Doug Marsh, Director of Public Works Gary Gilot, Rita Kopala, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Brad Poulan, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development Sharon Kendall, City Engineer Carl Littrell, City Clerk John Voorde and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Dr. Varner noted that the Committee members present included Council Members Rouse, Puzzello and himself. Dr. Varner then called for a presentation Bill No. 26-05 which would vacate a portion of the right-of-way beginning at the southeast corner of Lot 166 of University Heights, noting that the "tomb of the unknown football player"is no longer. Douglas K. Marsh from the University of Notre Dame made the presentation. He noted that the vacation would permit the University to construct a 5'2" wide by 5'2" deep limestone pier as part of the new campus-to-community gateway. He showed a colored artist rendering of the proposed gateway. He stated that the area in question affects the pier on the most westerly part of the gateway. Mr. Marsh stated that the University has an encroachment permit currently. Director of Public Works Gary Gilot noted that the Board of Public Works sends this request to the Council with a favorable recommendation(copy attached). Dr. Varner noted that the sign-off sheets from the various departments and bureaus were not attached to the Board's recommendation and requested that they be filed with the Office of the City Clerk. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Council Member White made a motion, seconded by Council Member Rouse that Bill No. 26-05 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Council Member Puzzello inquired whether there was any truth to that at one point the road and part of the surrounding property leading to the Morris Inn was in the city limits in order that proper permits for the Morris Inn could be issued. Mr. Marsh stated that all of Notre Dame Avenue was vacated some time ago up to the intersection which he believes was in the 1950's. May 23,2005 Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-