Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“Commission”) met in Study Session on Wednesday, April 11, 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, Adam Gawlikowski, and Dominic Noce. Commissioner Brice Johnson was absent with notice and Richard Garza participated through speakerphone. Also in attendance were Economic Development Commissioner George VandeWerken, Town Council President Dan Dernulc, attorney David Westland, 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. The Commissioners pointed out two spelling errors in the minutes. During the discussion on the claims, the Commissioners requested information on payment for the financial and legal consultants hired by the Commission. The Director explained that a potential developer will be reimbursing the Commission for these costs. The Commission directed Ms. Petro to inquiry into the schedule for reimbursement from the developer and request payment to the Commission when the Commission makes payments to the consultants. The Commission discussed Resolution 2007-04, A Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Use of Surplus Bond Proceeds in the Redevelopment Capital Fund. The Director explained that this resolution will enable the Commission to utilize surplus funds from past bonds to be used for programs and projects which are “the same purpose or type of project for which the bonds were originally issued”, such as for the consultant to complete our design standards for the Redevelopment Area. The Commission discussed Resolution 2007-05, An Exigent Resolution Providing for the Transfer of Appropriation Balances from and Among Major Budget Classifications in the Redevelopment Capital Fund as Requested by the Department Head(s) or Proper Officer(s) and Forwarded to the Redevelopment Commission for its Action Pursuant to IC 6-1.1-18-6. This resolution will transfer surplus monies from past bond accounts into one account to simplify accounting for these surplus funds. The contract with Wight for professional services including design standards and zoning changes within the Redevelopment Area was discussed. The Commissioner agreed that they looked forward to developing the design standards for the Redevelopment Area. They directed Ms. Petro to review reimbursable expenses on a monthly basis and to instruct Wight to inform us before spending anything over $300. Attorney Westland discussed his legal opinion on the Riverfront Development District which does not specifically state that “towns” are included in the law. He advised waiting until the legislation is changed to reflect “towns” before moving ahead. ADJOURNMENT: The Study Session was adjourned at 7:02PM for the Public Meeting. HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING APRIL 11, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“Commission”) met in a Public Meeting on April 11, 2007 at 7:11 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, Adam Gawlikowski, Rich Garza, and Dominic Noce. Commissioner Brice Johnson was absent with notice. Also in attendance were Town Manager Rich Underkofler, Economic Development Commissioner George VandeWerken and Town Council President Dan Dernulc, and Attorney Dave Westland. Taking minutes for the meeting was Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSIONS: Commissioner Noce made a motion to approve the minutes of the Public Meeting and Study Session of March 14, 2007 and Study Session of March 28, 2007 with two spelling corrections. Commissioner Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. ACTION TO PAY ACCOUNTS PAYABLE VOUCHERS: Commissioner Kessler made a motion to pay claims. Commissioner Noce seconded the motion. Commissioner Garza asked if there were monies available to pay for the design consultant. The Director stated yes. Motion passed 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. SPECIAL ORDERS: None COMMUNICATIONS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND GENERAL ORDERS: None NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner Noce made a motion to accept Resolution 2007-04, A Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Use of Surplus Bond Proceeds in the Redevelopment Capital Fund. Commissioner Garza seconded the motion. During discussion Commissioner Noce stated that this resolution will enable us to use the funds we have and redirect them for similar uses. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. Commissioner Kessler made a motion to accept Resolution 2007-05, An Exigent Resolution Providing for the Transfer of Appropriation Balances from and Among Major Budget Classifications in the Redevelopment Capital Fund as Requested by the Department Head(s) or Proper Officer(s) and Forwarded to the Redevelopment Commission for its action pursuant to I 6-1.1-18-6. During discussion the Director explained the consolidation and transfer of funds into one line item. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. Commissioner Noce made a motion to approve a contract with Wight to formulate design standards and for the development of a new zoning district coterminous with the Redevelopment Area. Commissioner Garza seconded the motion. Commissioner Noce commented that this contract will enable the Commission to move forward with our planning for the Redevelopment Area. Commissioner Garza stated that the Town of Highland will be more prepared for new business and that design standards will set a standard for what the town is looking for in terms of redevelopment. Commissioner Gawlikowski stated that in his opinion this contract will provide us with the best service and the best outcome for our community. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 absent. BUSINESS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: Michael Lopez, Architect with Wight 8141 Madison Avenue Munster, IN Mr. Lopez thanked the Commission for their vote of confidence in Wight and stated that he looks forward to this opportunity to work on this project with the town. Town Council President Dan Dernulc 9905 Prairie Avenue Councilman Dernulc commended the Commission for streamlining the budget. He also stated that he believed that the Wight contract was a good decision at this time. He added that it is important to get the design standards in place so that the Commission can move forward and produce results for the residents. Adam Gawlikowski 10224 Birchwood Circle Commissioner Gawlikowski stated that the structure will be in place for developers to see what Highland has to offer. 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 April 25, 2007. The next Commission public meeting will be May 9, 2007. There will be study sessions before and after the public meeting. President Gawlikowski and the Director stated that they had two announcements. On April 19, 2007 there will be a third joint meeting with the Hammond Redevelopment Commission at First Midwest Bank, second floor, 10322 Indianapolis Boulevard, Highland, Indiana at 6:30 PM. On May 23, 2007 the Commission will have an Open House and Formal Presentation of the Comprehensive Plan at the Municipal Building, 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The Open House will begin at 3:30 PM and end at 6:00 PM. A Formal Presentation will begin at 6:00 PM and a study session will follow. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Noce made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Garza seconded the motion. By a unanimous voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM. TOWN OF HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT of the TOWN OF HIGHLAND RESOLUTION NO. 2007-04 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING and APPROVING the USE of SURPLUS BOND PROCEEDS in the REDEVELOPMENT CAPITAL FUND WHEREAS, Indiana Code 5-1-13-2 provides that whenever bonds are issued for any lawful purpose or project and the purpose or project for which the bonds were issued has been abandoned or accomplished, leaving a surplus, the body responsible for issuing the bonds may use these surplus proceeds for the same purpose or type of project for which the bonds were originally issued; WHEREAS, The Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Highland, Lake County, Indiana as the issuing body of the Redevelopment District did issue and appropriate the proceeds of the Redevelopment District Bonds of 1998 in the amount of $1,850,000, dated May 1, 1998, and the Redevelopment District Bonds of 1999 in the amount of $800,000, dated July 1,1999, the Redevelopment District Bonds of 2002 in the amount of $610,000, dated September 5, 2002 and the Redevelopment District Bonds of 2006 in the amount of $1,750,000, dated August 11, 2006; WHEREAS, There exists a surplus of bond proceeds derived from the accomplishment of the purposes of the original issues and from investment earnings; WHEREAS, The surplus of bond proceeds was not anticipated at the time of the issuance of the bonds; WHEREAS, The Clerk-Treasurer of the Town of Highland has certified that the surplus of bond proceeds was not anticipated at the time of issuance of the bonds; and WHEREAS, Redevelopment Department and District of the Town of Highland by its Redevelopment Commission anticipates using the identified surplus to pay for the completion of construction, improvement of properties within the Redevelopment Area, and other related activities, which are a same or similar purpose and type of project(s) for which, the bonds were issued; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Highland, Lake County, Indiana; Section 1. That the Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Highland now finds that the bond surplus presently existing was not anticipated at the time of issuance; Section 2. That the completion of construction, improvement of properties within the Redevelopment Area, and other related activities, are a same or similar purpose and type of project for which the bonds were issued; Section 3. That the Highland Redevelopment Commission hereby authorizes and approves the use of the surplus bond proceeds for the completion of construction, improvement of properties within the Redevelopment Area, and other related activities, pursuant to IC 5-1-13-2. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Highland, Lake County, Indiana, this _____ day of _______________, 2007. Having been passed by a vote of _____ in favor and _____ opposed. Department of Redevelopment of the Town of Highland, Lake County, Indiana By its Redevelopment Commission: _________________________________________ Adam Gawlikowski, President _________________________________________ Dominic Noce, Secretary TOWN OF HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APPROPRIATION TRANSFER RESOLUTION RESOLUTION NO. 2007-05 AN EXIGENT RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF APPROPRIATION BALANCES FROM AND AMONG MAJOR BUDGET CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE REDEVELOPMENT CAPITAL FUND AS REQUESTED BY THE DEPARTMENT HEAD (S) OR PROPER OFFICER (S) AND FORWARDED TO THE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR ITS ACTION PURSUANT TO IC 6-1.1-18-6. WHEREAS, It has been determined that certain exigent conditions have developed since adoption of the annual budget and it is now necessary to transfer certain appropriations into different categories than were appropriated in the annual budget for the various functions of the Redevelopment Capital Fund; WHEREAS, The Redevelopment Commission has been advised that the transfer would involve only those appropriations remaining from a capital project funded by the proceeds of a bond issue(s); NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Highland, Lake County, Indiana as follows: Section 1. That for the expenses of said municipality, the following appropriations are hereby transferred and set apart out of the funds hereinafter named for the purposes herein specified, subject to the laws governing the same, such sums herein transferred unless otherwise stipulated by law; Section 2. That it has been shown that certain existing appropriations in the Redevelopment Capital Fund have un-obligated balances which will not be needed at this time for the purposes for which appropriated, so it will not be necessary to increase the 2007 budget, and may be transferred as follows: REDEVELOPMENT CAPITAL FUND Decrease: Acct. 310.06 Bond Sale Prof Services $ 9,800.35 Acct. 310.06 Bond Sale Expenses (Proj. 06) $ 10,087.70 Acct. 330.03 Bond Sale Legal/Legal $ 9,087.05 Acct. 392.00 Redev. Const. Contingency $ 276.96 300 Series Reductions $ 29,252.06 Decrease: Acct. 450.02. Highway & Ken Ave Intersection $ 67.95 Acct. 450.03. Highway & Ken Ave Intersection $ 427.97 Acct. 499.00 Contingency $ 7,655.79 Acct. 499.01 Contingency Final Phase $ 73,668.02 400 Series Reductions $ 81,819.73 Increase: Acct. 310.02 Const. Eng/Architect $ 111,071.79 Total 300 Series Increases $ 111,071.79 Total of All Fund Decreases: $ 111,071.79 TOTAL OF ALL FUND INCREASES: $ 111,071.79 DULY RESOLVED and ADOPTED this _______Day of ___________ 2007 by the Redevelopment Commission of the Town of Highland, Lake County, Indiana, having been passed by a vote of ______ in favor and _______ opposed. REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION of the TOWN of HIGHLAND, INDIANA ____________________________________________ Adam Gawlikowski, President Attest: ____________________________________ Dominic Noce, Secretary HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION RECONVENED APRIL 11, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission reconvened the Study Session at 7:43 PM in the Municipal Building Conference Room at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Redevelopment Commissioners Adam Gawlikowski, Dominic Noce, Jim Kessler, and was on speakerphone Richard Garza. Commissioner Brice Johnson was absent with notice. Also in attendance were Town Manager Rich Underkofler, Town Council President Dan Dernulc, Economic Development Commissioner George VandeWerken, and Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE RECONVENED STUDY SESSION 1. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Hammond Redevelopment Commission and the Highland Redevelopment Commission The Commission reviewed the changes in the MOU suggested at the last Study Session. In addition, under item C. Scope, the Commission decided that it wants to add 4000 feet north and south from the centerline of the Little Calumet River. 2. Kennedy Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Town Manager Rich Underkofler asked if this item could be added to the agenda. President Gawlikowski asked him to proceed. Mr. Underkofler stated that the Army Corp of Engineers is responsible for providing a functional bridge for pedestrian traffic over the Little Calumet River. The Corp has a certain amount of money that it can spend for this project. If the Commission would like an improved bridge, then the Corp will request additional funds from the town to achieve an aesthetically pleasing designed bridge. This item will be on the agenda with the Commission’s joint meeting with Hammond. Commissioner Gawlikowski stated that the two Commissions may need to look at alternative funds for this enhancement. 3. Redevelopment Expansion Area for 2007 The Commission reviewed the information presented by the Director on possible expansion areas and suggested two additional areas to complete the 20.8 acres possible for 2007. The areas identified include: 1. 2.3 acres of Kennedy Avenue left over from the last expansion in 2006 2. 2.5 acres in the triangle area north of Garfield and west of the Conrail tracks 3. .7 acre for the LaPorte extension to Indianapolis Boulevard (1000 feet x 30 feet) 4. 4.0 acres of Indianapolis Boulevard from the LaPorte extension to the Little Calumet River (50 feet wide x 3425 = 171,250 square feet = 4 acres) 5. 5.3 acres of the bus depot property on Indianapolis Boulevard 6. 6.0 acres of the area where the Arsumanian Nursery is located (out of 8.5 acres) owned by the Petritis family The total area will be 20.8 acres. 4. The Best House on the Block Contest for 2007 The Commission reviewed the information given to them by the Director. Commissioner Noce also provided information about the meeting he attended with Neighborhoods Inc., the Director, and Commissioner Garza by speakerphone. The area targeted this year would be the Wicker Park Estates area because it would provide the Commission with a defined area and would help the Commission evaluate this program for the coming years. The Town’s Code Enforcer also suggested this area as a good target area for the program. The cost per entrant of the program will be greater this year due to increase medical costs and because the overhead unit cost will be greater for a smaller program. Commissioner Noce stated that he had reviewed comments and questions with Neighborhoods Inc. about last year’s program. The Commission would like further information about the criteria that Neighborhoods Inc. uses for judging the home and that they would like a presentation by one of their staff on how they approach a possible entrant. They would also like a copy of the materials that are given to an entrant and a copy of the mailed flyer they send out. The Commission instructed the Director to prepare a contract for the April 25, 2007 study session and notice it for a public meeting to consider approval of a contract with Neighborhoods Inc. Commissioner Garza will also prepare a questionnaire to be distributed to past entrants to ascertain their comments on the contest. 5. Update on the corner lot on Highway and Kennedy Avenues The Commission directed Ms. Petro to prepare the Request for Proposals within two weeks and send it to our attorney for his approval. Included within the proposal will be language which will request a traffic study if an egress onto Highway Avenue is proposed and a commitment by the developer that he/she will comply with our future building standards. The RFP will then be sent to all interested parties and to the newspapers. ADJOURNMENT President Gawlikowski adjourned the study session at 9:30 PM by general consent. Minutes were prepared by Redevelopment Director, Cecile Petro. BACK TO MAIN MENU