Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 20, 2006 The Highland Redevelopment Commission met in Study Session on Monday, February 20, 2006, at 7:00 PM in the upper meeting room of the Highland Municipal Building, 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The meeting was called to order by President Bernie Zemen. The minutes were prepared by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Commissioners: Daniel Dernulc, Robert Helmer, Mark Herak, and Joseph Wszolek. Also present were attorneys Steven Kennedy and David Westland and members of the public. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE STUDY SESSION Appointment of Advisory Group/Task Force The Commissioners stated that they have interviewed four candidates for the Advisory Group/Task Force, but would like to interview two other interested parties before making a decision. The Advisory Group/Task Force members may then be appointed to fulfill the rest of the Redevelopment Commission annual term for 2006 once the Hammond Bond issue is settled. The Commissioners stated that they will conduct the two additional interviews on Saturday, February 25, 2006. Change in Public Meeting Date and Time Commissioners discussed a possible change in the meeting date and time to accommodate one of the Commissioners who will be out of town on the scheduled meeting date of March 6, 2006. The Commissioners decided to change the next Public Meeting date to Wednesday, March 6, 2006 at 8:00 PM. A Study Session will proceed the meeting at 7:30 PM and reconvene, if necessary, after the Public Meeting. Public Notice will be sent to all media and posted in the appropriate places within the Town Hall. Neighborhoods Inc. Contract for the Comprehensive Plan The contract with Neighborhoods Inc. for conducting a Best House on The Block Contest for Highland was discussed. Attorney David Westland stated that he will prepare an addition to the contract stating that the Town of Highland will not be held liable for the actions of Neighborhoods Inc. in carrying out this service. Once the contract is agreeable to both parties, it will be presented to the Commission for action. It is anticipated that the contract will be ready for the Commission at its March 8, 2006 meeting. Hammond Bond Issue Attorney Steve Kennedy stated that according to I.C. 36-1-11-8 and I.C. 36-1-7-15, “these two statutes provide the framework for the proposed agreement. The statutes provide a very broad power of agreement upon whatever terms and conditions are negotiated and agreed upon by the parties. In essence, each party has substantial freedom to frame the financial terms as they wish. Each party may consider the financial advantages and disadvantages of the proposed arrangement as each community is affected.” Thus, Attorney Kennedy summarized by stating that “everything is negotiable”. The Commission decided to continue to work on the Interlocal Agreement with Hammond on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 8:00 AM at a Special Study Session. They also decided to schedule the Public Hearing on the Bond issue in April to allow more time to develop the Agreement and to move forward with the bonding process. Attorney Kennedy will contact Ice Miller in regards to the “taxable” or “untaxable” nature of the bond. Commissioner Herak stated that he had met with representatives from Hammond and that Hammond is receptive to Highland’s concerns for the future development of the River Park Apartments property. Comprehensive Plan Contract with Arsh Group Attorney Westland stated that he had two suggestions for the contract with Arsh Group: 1) add a statement that “all amendments would be in writing” and 2) within the cancellation clause, it will now read, “the contract may be cancelled immediately with cause and thirty days without cause”. He will contact Arsh Group to finalize these items. Municipal Riverfront Development Project This item was not discussed due to time constraints. Wi-Fi Program This item was not discussed due to time constraints. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 PM. Minutes submitted by Cecile L. Petro Interim Recording Secretary Redevelopment Director BACK TO MAIN MENU