Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 14, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“Commission”) met in Study Session on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 6:33 PM in the Council Chambers within the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The Study Session was called to order by Commissioner Adam Gawlikowski. The minutes were prepared by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call included Commissioners: James Kessler, Rich Garza, Adam Gawlikowski, and Brice Johnson. Commissioner Dominic Noce was absent with notice. Also in attendance were Economic Development Commissioner George VandeWerken, Town Council Vice-President Joseph Wszolek, and Town Manager Rich Underkofler. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE STUDY SESSION Redevelopment Commissioners reviewed the agenda for the Public Meeting. The Redevelopment Director requested that the Commission review the minutes and claims. No comments were received. The Commission discussed the open position of Vice President of the Redevelopment Commission for the remainder of the year. A discourse among the members ensued. Commissioners James Kessler and Dominic Noce (through a telephone call) indicated that they would be open to the position. The Commission reviewed the Annual Report for 2007. Commissioners commented on the thoroughness of the document. No additions or corrections were given. Commissioners asked for a clarification of the item, Coastal Grant Match. Attorney Westland and the Director provided clarification for the Commission. Director Petro and Town Manager Underkofler provided information on the Memorandum of Understanding. ADJOURNMENT: The Study Session was adjourned at 6:52 PM for the Public Meeting. HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING FEBRUARY 14, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“Commission”) met in a Public Meeting on February 14, 2007 at 7:03 PM in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. Redevelopment Commission President Adam Gawlikowski called the meeting to order. ROLL CALL: Present on roll call included Redevelopment Commissioners James Kessler, Rich Underkofler, Adam Gawlikowski, and Brice Johnson. Commissioner Dominic Noce was absent with notice. Also in attendance were Town Manager Rich Underkofler, Economic Development Commissioner George VandeWerken and Town Council Vice President Joseph Wszolek. Taking minutes for the meeting was Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSIONS: Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes of the Public Meeting and Study Session of January 17, 2007 and the Study Session of January 24, 2007. Commissioner Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. ACTION TO PAY ACCOUNTS PAYABLE VOUCHERS: Commissioner Johnson made a motion to pay claims. Commissioner Kessler seconded the motion. Motion passed 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. SPECIAL ORDERS: Commissioner Johnson nominated Commissioner Kessler for Vice President of the Redevelopment Commission. Commissioner Garza seconded the motion. Motion passed 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Commissioner Adam Gawlikowski introduced Ms. Carolyn March from the Sand Ridge Audubon Society to begin her presentation. Ms. Carolyn Marsh 1804 Oliver St. Whiting, Indiana Ms. Marsh stated that the Sand Ridge Audubon Society was not aware of the grant application until after it was completed. Therefore, the Sand Ridge Audubon Society was not able to provide review or comment. In addition, she stated that the Sand Ridge Audubon Society was promised an interagency meeting in June 2006, but that did not occur. The Society did not become aware of the grant until October 2006. The Sand Ridge Audubon Society is requesting that the Redevelopment Commission rescind the match in order to reconsider the scope of the project and to develop a master plan of the area. Lastly, she stated that there are other monies available to preserve this area and that the Sand Ridge Audubon Society would work with the town in order to secure these grants. Commissioner Gawlikowski introduced Ms. Jenny Osburn from the Lake Michigan Coastal Program. Jenny Osburn Lake Michigan Coastal Program 1600 N. 25 E. Chesterton, IN. Ms. Osburn read a letter from Mr. John Costrade, an expert on birds. The letter stated that the planning grant through the Lake Michigan Coastal Program is a planning grant and would not impact the Blue Heron. After reading the letter, Ms. Osburn read her statement that stated the grant application from the town has met the guidelines for the grant and will go forward to the federal government unless the town withdraws its match. Commissioner Gawlikowski asked for comments from the Commissioners. Brice Johnson Mr. Johnson stated that he appreciated the information given by the Sand Ridge Audubon Society. He continued stating that this grant application will consider the needs of the Blue Heron. Richard Garza Mr. Garza asked the Society how they have worked with Hammond on their lakefront. Ms. Marsh responded that the bird sanctuary is there, but it has been a struggle. It is the only area that isn’t developed along Hammond’s lakefront. She hopes that Highland will have more respect for nature. Adam Gawlikowski Mr. Gawlikowski asked Ms. Osburn if this grant would entail construction. Ms. Osburn said no, it is a planning document. James Kessler Mr. Kessler asked for specific boundaries of this area. Ms. Marsh stated that the entire river should be considered in a master plan. Commissioner Gawlikowski asked for comments from the public. Marcella Ciucki 8723 Oakwood Avenue Munster, Indiana Ms. Ciucki asked if this grant included boating in the area. She also asked if the public would be given another opportunity to comment after the town receives the grant. Ms. Osburn responded that there is a minimal amount of boating planned and public comments will be a required at several points throughout the grant process. Andrew Slager 2252 Ridge Road Highland Mr. Slager stated that Hammond has experienced damage through its attempts at development. He also stated that it is important for Highland to take the right steps to protect the birds. Connie Wachala 9241 Kennedy Avenue Highland Ms. Wachala stated that there was a lack of communication during this process. She wants the area considered green space without boardwalks. Mike Goodson 3221 Grand Boulevard Highland Mr. Goodson requested that the town take a minimalist approach because the birds need this area. Ruth Mores 234 Southmoor Highland Ms. Mores was concerned about the damage done by the Army Corp of Engineers near the Rookery. Joseph Wszolek Vice President of Highland Town Council Mr. Wszolek stated that the Rookery and surrounding areas are in his ward. He continued stating that the town needs to contract with professionals to provide protection for the birds and other wild life, and yet provide people with recreational opportunities. If nothing is done, then others will or can destroy this area. He added that we have to protect this area or we will loose control over it. He believes that Highland must control access. Ronald Baker 8333 Grace Street Highland Mr. Baker stated that he wanted the study to be more comprehensive. Tim Rosing 9007 Richard Street Highland Mr. Rosing stated that he distrusts the town because the Sand Ridge Audubon Society was not involved in the process of developing the grant application and should have been. He wants the Society to be involved before there is any development. Carolyn Marsh 1804 Oliver Street Whiting, IN Ms. Marsh stated that the grant states that a tower will be built. Rich Underkofler Mr. Underkofler stated that there will be no motorized vehicles allowed on the island and that the tower is a viewing platform. Jenny Osburn Lake Michigan Coastal Program 1600 N. 25 E. Chesterton, IN. Ms. Osburn stated that there is flexibility in the planning phase. Public comments are needed at various points in the process. COMMUNICATIONS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND GENERAL ORDERS: Commissioner Johnson made a motion to reaffirm the local match for the Coastal Grant application. Motion seconded by Commissioner Kessler. During discussion of the motion, Commissioner Kessler stated that this Grant application calls for a plan and that the plan will be undertaken with community input. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to remove the Redevelopment Commission from the Memorandum of Understanding. Commissioner Garza seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner Kessler made a motion to accept the 2006 Annual Report. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. During discussion Commissioner Johnson stated that he appreciated the thoroughness of the report and commended the Director on the document. Other members agreed. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. BUSINESS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: Carolyn Marsh. 1804 Oliver Street. Whiting, Indiana. Ms. Marsh requested information on the process for community comment if the grant is approved at the federal level. Jenny Osburn Lake Michigan Coastal Program 1600 N. 25 E. Chesterton, IN. Ms. Osburn stated that the town will be informed whether or not it will receive the grant by July 2007. If the grant is approved, then the town will be meeting with the public at various points in time during the grant process to provide for community participation. NEXT MEETING: President Gawlikowski informed the public about the dates of the next public meeting and the next full study session. The Redevelopment Commission will meet in a full study session on February 28, 2007. The next Commission public meeting will be March 14, 2007. There will be study sessions before and after the public meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Kessler made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. By a unanimous voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM. HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION RECONVENED FEBRUARY 14, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission reconvened the Study Session at 8:42 PM in the lower Conference Room within the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Redevelopment Commissioners Adam Gawlikowski, Brice Johnson, Jim Kessler, and Richard Garza. Commissioner Dominic Noce was absent with notice. Also in attendance were Town Manager Rich Underkofler, Town Council Vice President Joseph Wszolek and Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE RECONVENED STUDY SESSION 1. Economic Development Course attended by Director The Director summarized her written comments about the Economic Development Course in Muncie, Indiana. She stated that some of the major points of the Course included 1) retention and expansion of existing businesses is responsible for 85 to 90% of all new jobs; 2) regional economic development activities can be cost savers to local governments; 3) profiling and analyzing your local economy is necessary to attract site selectors to your community; and 4) the necessity for economic development material to be placed on our website. 2. Areas Needing Redevelopment President Gawlikowski and Director Petro stated that the Development Agreement with a possible developer was not available, as yet. Further discussion was postponed until a later time. 3. Redevelopment Commission Goals for the Fourth Quarter 2006 Director Petro requested comments on the Fourth Quarter Report for 2006. No questions or comments were made by the Commissioners. 4. President Gawlikowski’s Goals for the Commission for 2007 Commissioner Gawlikowski presented his suggestions for the Commission Goals for 2007. The Commission suggested this priority for the goals: Develop design standards to encompass all redevelopment districts Establish TIF district in the Indianapolis Blvd. and Main Street area. Market and develop the south east corner lot at Highway and Kennedy Avenue. Apply to set up a Riverfront Development District at the boundaries of the Little Calumet River. Determine next areas to expand our redevelopment area. Develop the north Gateway area in collaboration with the City of Hammond and all interested parties to promote the quality of life in both communities. Lead Commissioners to decision on the following: Wi-Fi usage, Sales Tax Increment Financing, joint meeting with Hammond Redevelopment Commission, and Neighborhood’s Inc. Best House on the Block Program. 5. Commission’s lot on the southeast corner of Highway and Kennedy Avenues The Director reported that she would discuss the procedure to sell this property with our attorney. Mr. Bill Baker from Brandt Company is still interested in purchasing this lot for a Fortune 500 company. 6. Riverfront Development District Director Petro provided the Commission with information regarding preparations for designating a Riverfront Development District from last year. After discussion by the Commission, President Gawlikowski stated that this will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting to further discuss this issue and asked the Director to provide different options for the designation. 7. Bult Oil site Director Petro updated information regarding the former Bult Oil site. She stated that the site is currently zoned light industrial. The site was originally made up of six lots, then four and now there are two lots. It is located on the between Condit Avenue and Garfield Avenue along First Street. The county key numbers for this property include #16-27-93-2 and #16-27-93-13. The total dimensions of all lots are 270 feet along First Street and 138 feet along Condit Avenue on the south and 138 feet along Garfield Avenue. The total acreage is .86 acres. ADJOURNMENT President Gawlikowski adjourned the study session at 10:30 PM by general consent. Minutes were prepared by Redevelopment Director, Cecile Petro. BACK TO MAIN MENU