2013 Annual Report - Public Works & Property Vacation Committee

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2013 Annual Report of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Page 2 Other major topics included: • Bill No. 1 -13 ADA Transition Plan • Two -way traffic discussions • Bill No. 08 -13 Updating the Block Party regulations so that valid 501(c)(3) non -profit corporations would be exempt from the $50 filing fee but would be required to comply with all other regulations • Discussion of the request for a change of the Martin Luther King Street designation • Discussion of concerns of problems in Lafayette Falls which focused on uncompleted or improper work by Weiss Builders & the negative impact on various public works • Discussion and request for more information on the Sample /Oliver Overpass There were two (2) primary additional areas which the Committee focused their efforts on the high water table and its effect on residential properties located near the former New Energy Plant when the plant closed. Many, many meetings were held by the Committee so that the City Administration, and in particular, the Department of Public Works had the opportunity to provide detailed information on a regular basis to both the Council as well as to the affected property owners. Monitoring the ground water levels and keeping a pump running resulted in lowering the levels on a temporary basis. The Council introduced Bill No. 18 -13 which amends the Building Code and requires a series of ground water tests and verification of data before new building permits would be issued. The new requirements were aimed at preventing the kind of basement flooding problems faced by homeowners living near New Energy. The Bill was passed and approved by Mayor Buttigieg. As a result of continued discussions and meetings, the 2014 budget has monies earmarked for a permanent solution to the ground water problems affecting the properties near the former New Energy Plant. With new ownership of the plant and continued dialogue between the Council, Administration, new plant owner and affected property owners, the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee should continue to carry out it due diligence requirements in monitoring this topic so that it will be amicable resolved. I wWad f the Committee meetings for their dedication in addressing these cono having the City Administration continue to work with the Council. es Co vis, Chairperson P Vacation Committee cc: Eric Horvath, Department of Public Works Director