Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“RC”, “Commission”) met in Study Session on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at 6:30 PM in the Upstairs Conference Room within the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The Study Session was called to order by Commission President Adam Gawlikowski. The minutes were prepared by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call included Commissioners: Jim Kessler, Brice Johnson, Dominic Noce and Adam Gawlikowski. Commissioner Richard Garza was absent with notice. He also participated in the meeting through speakerphone. Also present were Town Council President Dan Dernulc, Vice-President Joseph Wszolek, and Town Manager Rich Underkofler. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE STUDY SESSION A. Proposed Redevelopment Commission Newsletter President Gawlikowski presented his ideas for a future newsletter by the Commission. He stated that he would like to explore the possibility of utilizing an intern from one of the colleges to undertake this project. The Commission discussed this possibility and also explored possible distribution methods including email, website, Town Hall front desk, Lincoln Center, Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses. Another suggestion was to combine the Commission’s newsletter with other commissions and boards at a later date. The purpose of the newsletter would be to provide the public with information about the Commission’s activities and to create a communication method with residents. The President will first explore the opportunity for an internship. Redevelopment Area Expansion for 2007 The Director provided the Commission with a list of areas for expansion along with a recommendation. The Commission requested that the Director explore the following areas: 1) the north end of Kennedy Avenue which was not included in the expansion of 2006; 2) a small triangular area north of Garfield Avenue (if extended west), west of the Norfolk Southern Railroad, and east of the NIPSCO R.O.W.; 3) Extend LaPorte Avenue from the NIPSCO R.O.W./bike trail to Indianapolis Boulevard; 4) the NIPSCO R.O.W. west of the aforementioned triangular area; 5) Indianapolis Boulevard north from LaPorte Avenue (if extended west); and 6) the bus depot on Indianapolis Boulevard. The Director will consult the Lake County Auditor and Surveyor offices for accurate measurements and report back to the Commission. The Commission is allowed to expand the Redevelopment Area 20.82 acres per year. Town Council President, Dan Dernulc, left the meeting at this time. Update on the possibility of a Tax Increment Finance Area (TIF) The President and Director provided an update to the Commission about the meeting held on March 26, 2007 with a possible developer, financial consultants, and legal consultants. The President stated that all of the participants were working toward developing a new project for the Town; however, the gap in funding continues to be an obstacle. New ideas were discussed and further research will be needed. Third Joint Meeting with Hammond Redevelopment Commission The Director stated that the April 12, 2007 date was a possibility for the next joint meeting between the two Commissions. Commissioners discussed the Memorandum of Understanding and suggested possible changes to the document. The Director will make those changes and they will be presented to the Hammond Redevelopment Commission at the next joint meeting. Public Open House/Forum on the Comprehensive Plan for the Redevelopment The Commission discussed whether to have an Open House, a Forum, or a combination of the two to provide the public with information on the Plan. It was decided that the Commission will provide an open house for about three hours before a more formal presentation. It will be held on May 23, 2007 at the Town Hall. A regular study session of the Commission will follow. President Gawlikowski and Director Petro will prepare the formal presentation. The Commission directed Ms. Petro to ask Mrs. Wszolek if she would be willing to prepare refreshments. Design and Site Standards contract for the Redevelopment Area Commissioner Noce stated that Wight Company will send a contract with a flow chart and timeline to the Commission before the next public meeting. It will show interaction with department heads at staff meetings and a parallel meeting schedule with others who may be interested, including members of other Commissions and Boards. They will be designated as a Steering Committee. The time schedule will be expanded to accommodate dialogue with department heads and the Steering Committee. Once the contract is sent to the Commission, it will be forwarded to our attorney for his review. If possible, the Commission will be able to act upon the contract at its next public meeting, April 11, 2007. Updates by Director The Director updated the Commission on a number of other projects. The Commission would like to move ahead with a smaller Best House on the Block Contest for Highland in 2007, if possible. The Director will set up a meeting with Mr. Keith Speaks from Neighborhoods Inc. before the next Commission meeting to explore possibilities. Comments on last year’s contest should be given to Commissioner Garza who will compile them before the meeting. The Director stated that we have had a positive response from the State Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) regarding the use of surplus bond funds to pay for our consultant to develop design and site standards for the Redevelopment Area. The Commission directed Ms. Petro to compose a letter thanking Mr. Griffin for his efforts. Ms. Petro stated that the Town Clerk Treasurer, Mr. Griffin, identified a problem within the Municipal Riverfront Development Law. Towns are not specifically cited in IC 7.1-3-20-16. He will encourage a change in the law’s language. The Director will continue to contact the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission and others to see whether or not a town may be allowed to establish a Riverfront Development District. The Director and Commissioner Noce summarized their meeting with a local business owner concerning the relocation of his business from the downtown area to another location. Adjournment The study session was adjourned by general consent at 9:28 PM. BACK TO MAIN MENU