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At Monday night’s Public Safety & Welfare meeting, city attorney Ed Antaramian explained the two ordinances that were ultimately unanimously approved by the committee.  These were proposed due to the old Chrysler engine plant.

One ordinance had to do with non-structural demolition.  Antaramian explained that an ordinance is already in place which regulates the scrapping of vacant buildings. 

The current ordinance states that each person actor who participates in an auction would be required to get a permit.  The Old Carco Liquidation Trust has filed a lawsuit against the city and the city’s ordinance.  Old Carco would like to see an “umbrella permit” taken out by the Trust, not by each individual bidder.  They’ve also requested that the insurance requirement be lowered from $2 million to $1 million.  An omission in the prior ordinance is also being corrected.  Antaramian stated that they may ask to escrow money, which would be better than a letter of credit. 

The other ordinance had to do with the current raze ordinance.  There is a requirement that the foundation be removed one foot below grade and backfilled with non-combustible fill.  The proposed change gives the city the flexibility to allow for environmental remedial considerations.  The ordinance will not require grading, seeding, etc.

Other agenda items discussed at this meeting were:

• The approval for a ninety-day trial for a four-way stop at 31st Street and 14th Avenue;
• The approval of a ninety-day trial for a southbound stop sign at 68th Avenue and 56th Street;
• The deferral for two weeks of a proposed ordinance by Alderperson Patrick Juliana entitled “Ethics Board” and to repeal and re-create various sections of Chapter 30 of the Code of General Ordinances entitled “Code of Ethics.”  The committee wanted more time to review the ordinance; and
• The deferral for two weeks of a proposed ordinance by Alderperson Steve Bostrom to repeal Chapter 28 of the Code of General Ordinances entitled “Vacant Building Code.”  The committee wanted to review the repealed section before approving the repeal, and they wanted the sponsoring alderperson to explain his reasoning behind his proposal.  

A discussion item had to do with parking lot lights.  Alderperson Larry Green stated that he’s been receiving complaints from his constituents regarding the lack of proper lighting at the Dollar General parking lot on 80th Street and Sheridan Road.  Other parking lots were discussed:  ShopKo, and the old Wal-Mart store’s lot.  Alderperson Michael Orth stated that “we need a solution for public safety’s sake.”  A friendly visit with the owner of the Dollar General store was agreed upon.