Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“Commission”, “RC”) met in Study Session on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 6:30 PM in the Upper Conference Room within the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The Study Session was called to order by Vice-President Jim Kessler without a quorum. The minutes were prepared by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call included Commissioners: James Kessler and Dominic Noce. Commissioners Brice Johnson, Richard Garza, and Adam Gawlikowski were absent with notice. Also in attendance were Town Council President Dan Dernulc and Town Manager Rich Underkofler. Economic Development Director George VandeWerken and Attorney Westland entered after the study session was underway. 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. There were no comments on the minutes or claims. Director Petro presented the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hammond Redevelopment Commission and the accompanying Resolution, 2007-06. The RC discussed the MOU and the joint meeting with Hammond Redevelopment Commission. ADJOURNMENT: The Study Session was adjourned at 7:00PM for the Public Meeting. HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING MAY 9, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“Commission”, “RC”) met in a Public Meeting on May 9, 2007 at 7:05 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, and Dominic Noce. Commissioners Brice Johnson and Rich Garza were 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 April 11, 2007 and Study Session of April 25, 2007. Commissioner Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. ACTION TO PAY ACCOUNTS PAYABLE VOUCHERS: Commissioner Kessler made a motion to pay vouchers as presented. Commissioner Noce seconded the motion. Motion passed 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. SPECIAL ORDERS: None COMMUNICATIONS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND GENERAL ORDERS: None NEW BUSINESS: The Director reviewed the history of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the changes that have been made by each municipality until it reached its final form. Commissioner Noce made a motion to accept the MOU as prepared. Commissioner Kessler seconded the motion. During discussion, Commissioner Gawlikowski stated that this MOU begins the process that demonstrates how a town and city can work together. He also stated that he appreciated the hard work performed by both Hammond’s and Highland’s Redevelopment Commissions. Motion carried 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. Commissioner Kessler made a motion to accept Resolution 2007-06, A Resolution Affirming, Ratifying, Authorizing and Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Redevelopment Commission of Highland, Indiana and the Redevelopment Commission of Hammond, Indiana for the Purpose of Economic Redevelopment. Commissioner Noce seconded the motion. During discussion Commissioner Noce stated that this resolution documents the good efforts made by both Redevelopment Commissions. Motion carried 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. BUSINESS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: David Darnell 3550 Wirth Road Highland, Indiana Mr. Darnell requested information on the corner lot at Highway and Kennedy Avenue that is currently owned by the Redevelopment Commission. Commissioner Gawlikowski answered Mr. Darnell stating that the Request for Proposals has been released to inquire if there is interest in developing the lot and it there is interest in creating a larger development. Mr. Darnell expressed his concerns regarding the lack of parking if the corner lot is developed. Commissioner Gawlikowski stated that if a larger development occurs, then the RC would make sure that adequate parking would be available. Oscar Anderson 8616 Parrish Highland, Indiana Mr. Anderson stated that the Redevelopment Commission should be concerned about adequate parking in front of downtown businesses. Rich Underkofler Town Manager Rich Underkofler asked Mr. Darnell if he would continue to work with the Redevelopment Commission in assembling properties near the corner lot and if he would consider a possible option on his property. Mr. Underkofler also congratulated Mr. Petro on her presentation to the Rotary Club earlier that day. 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 May 23, 2007. Also on May 23, 2007, the Commission will have a special public meeting after the Open House and before the formal presentation of the Comprehensive Plan for the Redevelopment Area. 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 7:38 PM. HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION RECONVENED MAY 9, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“Commission”, “RC”) President, Adam Gawlikowski reconvened the Study Session at 7:45 PM in the Municipal Building Upper Conference Room at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Redevelopment Commissioners Adam Gawlikowski, Dominic Noce, and Jim Kessler. Commissioners Brice Johnson and Rich Garza were absent with notice. Also in attendance were Town Manager Rich Underkofler, Economic Development Commissioner George VandeWerken, and Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE RECONVENED STUDY SESSION 1. Northwest Indiana Forum Director Petro provided information on the renewal of the Northwest Indiana Forum membership request. The Commission discussed the membership and fee. Director Petro reviewed the value of the membership with the members. The Commission directed Ms. Petro to place the invoice on the docket next month. 2. Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Corner lot and a visit to South Holland, IL The Director stated that the RFP was available on April 30, 2007 and that she had contacted all of those who wanted to be placed on a list to be contacted. In addition, a legal notice was send out on that date, also. The Director informed the Commission about her recent visit to South Holland, IL and her desire to have a “road trip” with RC members and other interested persons to that village. The Commission supplied a list of names of those who may be interested in a trip to look at the redevelopment that occurred there. Commissioners will send additional names to Ms. Petro. The Director will begin to organize a tour. 3. Best House on the Block Contest Update Ms. Petro directed the Commissioners to their packet, which contained a copy of the entry form and letter that Neighborhoods Inc. will send out to residents in the Wicker Park neighborhood. They will be informed about the contest and how to enter. 4. Goals and Objectives The Director reviewed the update of Goals and Objectives. No comments were received. She requested that the Commission email any comments to her. 5. Redevelopment Loan The Director stated that she is gathering information from other communities on how they conduct a loan/grant program. 6. Langel’s onsite visit The Commission adjourned the meeting to Langel’s to review their plans for outdoor dining. Town Council President Dan Dernulc and Commissioner Garza were present at Langel’s. Mr. Rodney Langel presented pictures and a drawing of the layout for his potential outdoor dining site. Commissioners reviewed the location, the handicapped access, and the changes needed to complete his project. Mr. Langel requested a letter to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) from the Commission for any variances that he would need to transform his restaurant to outdoor dining. The Director will prepare a letter for the Commissioners to review before it is sent to the BZA. 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