01-26-15 Public Works and Property Vacation

Home Browse Search

PUBLIC WORKS & PROPERTY VACATION JANUARY 26.2015 5:15 P.M. Committee Members Present: Valerie Schey (EAB), Dr. David Varner, Henry Davis, Oliver Davis (EAB) Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Derek Dieter, Gavin Ferlic Others Present: Eric Horvath, Bob Emery, Kara Boyles, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Erin Blasko Agenda: Bill 03 -15 Street & Alley Vacation Kemble - Norfolk & Southern RR /Scott St. & Indiana Ave. Bill 66 -14 Amend Code for Snow Removal Practices Two bills were up for discussion before the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee. Vice - President Henry Davis, in Valerie Schey's absence opened the hearing; but did not have a quorum in that Oliver Davis was absent as well. Henry began by announcing the Committee had received a request to continue bill 03 -15 from the sponsor, the Community Investment Department. This bill intends to vacate an area off of West Indiana Ave. to expand and enhance Ignition Park. The request was to delay action until March 9`h. The request was honored. The second item on the agenda was bill 66 -14, a bill sponsored by the Public Works Department asking for changes in snow removal practices and procedures. In the interest of efficient snow removal from the streets for public safety concerns the bill clarifies that only the Mayor or his designee can declare an emergency. The bill specifies 3 levels of snow removal conditions. The first, a basic main route clearance condition prohibiting parking on the arterials. The second called a street clearance condition which requires parking on the even side of the street with even numbered addresses on even numbered days and the other side on odd numbered days. The most severe designation is called winter weather emergency which bans all traffic except emergency and snow removal vehicles. The City proposed a $50.00 fine for non - compliance with the rules. However at the urging of Henry Davis the fine amount was lowered to $25.00. Derek Dieter suggested dropping fines altogether, but others felt a sanction was needed to encourage compliance. Both Tim Scott and Derek Dieter had several questions regarding enforcement of the bill. Derek spoke to a shortage of police manpower to take on ticket issuance. In response to Tim's similar concerns, Eric Horvath said the Neighborhood Code Inspectors would be the primary enforcers. With Eric Horvath agreeing to Henry's request to lower the fine to $25.00 the Council seemed to accept the City's proposals though again for lack of a Committee quorum no action could be taken. Henry Davis Adjourned the meeting at 5:32 P.M.