Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 25, 2006 The Highland Redevelopment Commission met in study session on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at 6:26 PM in the upper meeting room of the Highland Municipal Building, 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The meeting was called to order by President Keith Magiera. The minutes were prepared by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call was Commissioners: Rex Burton, Brice Johnson, and Keith Magiera. Pat Popa was absent due to a death in her family. Ed Dabrowski had informed the Town Council of his resignation on the Redevelopment Commission at their meeting of January 23, 2006. Also present were Town Council President and Liaison Joseph Wszolek, The Times newspaper reporter Charles Haber, and Director Cecile Petro. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE STUDY SESSION Ed Dabrowski’s Resignation The Director stated that she had spoken with Mr. Dabrowski and that for some time he has wanted to be appointed to the Park Board. He also stated that he would continue to work on the Wi-Fi program. Goals and Objectives for 2006 President Magiera directed the Director to email a revised copy of the 2006 goals and objectives for 2006 to each Redevelopment Commissioner. He then requested that each Commissioner send back any comments by January 27, 2006, so that the final document could be sent to the Town Council. Strategic Plan President Magiera asked that each member continue with feedback on the different portions of the Strategic Plan. He will email these sections on an on-going basis to each member. Presently he is working on the strategies which should be reviewed annually by the Commission. Loan to Hammond Commission Liaison Wszolek stated that any questions or comments concerning the possible loan to Hammond should be directed to Town Councilman Mark Herak because he is the contact person. Mr. Wszolek also provided the documents, including a proposed resolution, to the Commission. Attorneys for both parties are currently reviewing the documents. Best House on the Block Program 2006 Director Petro stated that she had met with Mr. Keith Speaks from Neighborhood Inc. on January 24, 2006 to begin contract negotiations for another BHOTB program. She stated that Mr. Speaks will be surveying the town for the best possible location for this year’s program. She also stated that we will be able to provide this program to 1500 homes this year. Director Petro also stated that she is continuing to explore possible private funding for an expansion of this program. The Commission directed her to meet with the vendors who were used for this program last year and ask them if they could underwrite this program in any way. Perhaps they could issue discount cards or give products to the entrants. The Director will follow-up with Neighborhoods Inc. on this item. Redevelopment District Loan Program (RDL) Director Petro stated that she is developing a brochure about the RDL program and it will be available shortly. She will also speak at the next Chamber and Downtown Association meetings about this program. In addition, she will try to meet with all of the businesses in the Redevelopment District to inform them about the loan program. Arsh Group Presentation Mr. Taghi Arshami and his staff met with the Commission to answer a number of questions before contract signing. The next step will be for the Commission’s attorney, David Westland, to review the contract and have it ready to sign by the Public Meeting of February 6, 2006. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. BACK TO MAIN MENU