ordinance amending chapter 23 of the municipal - City of Appleton

MUNCIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
June 7, 2011
PAGE 5
Fails for lack of second.
Director Harkness stated all crossing closures are difficult and have ramifications. There
were a lot of meetings and discussions to come up with the three that staff is recommending.
Alderperson Hill will support Superior Street closing but not Locust Street because there is a
lot of negative neighborhood feedback regarding that closure.
Alderperson Croatt asked if this passes, do these two still close even if package not
approved?
Alderperson Clemons responded yes.
Motion to approve Superior Street closure by Hill, second by Clemons.
Vote on motion. (2/1-Konetzke)
Locust Street Crossing Discussion
Kathy Hartman, 1036 W. Eighth Street, Appleton – discussed the rules to petition railroad for
closures and read from 195.29 State Statute. She stated some people don’t care about the
trestles. She stated we are going to lose streets and there will a cost for developing the
trestles into trails.
Tammy Eastman, 745 W. Lawrence St., Appleton – lives on the corner of Lawrence Street
and Locust Street. She is concerned about cutting off access to businesses.
Alderperson Smith stated Alderperson Spears could not be here but had emailed him with
several questions. Her questions are-is there any other way to obtain the trestles? Does the
Fox River Navigational Authority have any jurisdiction on what is over the river? Does the
City have any rights to the trestles if they are considered abandoned property? Can we use
eminent domain to acquire them? Do we know how the Town of Menasha and the City of
Menasha acquired their train trestles?
Director Harkness stated the trestle was donated in Menasha and The Fox River Navigational
Authority has no jurisdiction. She also stated we would not use eminent domain to acquire
the trestles.
Motion to hold Locust Street crossing in order to hold a Informal Public Hearing at the July
11 th City Plan Commission and a Public Hearing at the July 20 th Common Council meeting
by Hill, second by Clemons.
Vote on motion. (2/1-Konetzke)
____________________________________
Alderperson Clemons
Chairperson
INFORMATIONAL
1. The minutes from the May 24, 2011 meeting of the Municipal Services Committee were
approved.
2. Director’s Report.