Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“Commission”, “RC”) met in Study Session on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 6:34 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. Commissioner Gawlikowski entered the meeting at 7:43 PM. A quorum was attained. Commissioners Brice Johnson and Richard Garza were absent with notice. Also in attendance were Town Council President Dan Dernulc, 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. There were no comments on the minutes or claims. Director Petro introduced Dr. Spott and Mr. Tony Rodriguez to the Commission and provided a review of the tax abatement request. Dr. Spott showed a schematic of the building that he will build at 8032 Kennedy Avenue. Commissioner Noce asked whether or not this project would be built without a tax abatement. Mr. Rodriguez stated that the tax abatement will bring a better project with higher quality materials into the town of Highland. The Commission discussed the length of time for the tax abatement. ADJOURNMENT: The Study Session was adjourned at 7:00PM for the Public Meeting. HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 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, Town Council President Dan Dernulc, Town Vice President Joseph Wszolek, and Attorney Rhett Tauber substituting for Attorney Dave Westland. Taking minutes for the meeting was Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSIONS: Commissioner Kessler made a motion to approve the minutes of the Public Meeting and Study Session of May 9, 2007. Commissioner Noce seconded the motion. Motion carried 3 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Commissioner Noce moved to accept the minutes of the Public Meeting and Study Session of May 23, 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 supported the motion. Motion passed 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. SPECIAL ORDERS: None COMMUNICATIONS: Secretary Noce read a letter from Mr. Gary Buell. Mr. Buell’s letter stated his support for Mr. Rodney Langel’s efforts to provide outdoor seating at his restaurant. UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND GENERAL ORDERS: None NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner Noce made a motion to recommend a ten year tax abatement request from Dr. Spott. Commissioner Kessler seconded the motion. During discussion, Commissioner Kessler stated that he appreciated Dr. Spott’s efforts to bring his practice to Highland. Commissioner Noce stated that he believes that this project will become a catalyst for future development along Kennedy Avenue. Commissioner Gawlikowski added that he sincerely appreciated Dr. Spott’s willingness to begin redevelopment on Kennedy Avenue. Motion carried 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. BUSINESS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dan Dernulc 9905 Prairie Avenue Mr. Dernulc, President of the Town Council, asked about the next steps and the time table for the first tax abatement request. Rich Underkofler 9205 Idlewild Drive Town Manager Rich Underkofler stated that the next step will be for the Town Council to pass a declatory resolution on this request. This will be followed by a public hearing and a confirmatory resolution. 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 June 27, 2007. The next public meeting will be on July 11, 2007. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Noce made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Kessler seconded the motion. By a unanimous voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:14 PM. HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION RECONVENED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 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, Economic Development Commissioner George VandeWerken, and Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE RECONVENED STUDY SESSION 1. Capital and Strategic Plan for the Town and Budget for 2008 Director Petro pointed out the priorities of the Town Council for the next year. Town Manager Underkofler answered questions posed by the Commission. 2. Redevelopment Area Loan (RAL) for 2007 The Commission discussed the possibility of a 3% interest payment on the RAL for 2007. President Gawlikowski would like further input from the two absent Commission members before proceeding on that change. Commissioners stated that they were prepared to offer Mr. Rodney Langel the RAL for 2007 because he qualified for the loan in 2006, but was unable to act upon the loan at that time. The loan will be subject to the approval of a variance by the Board of Zoning Appeals and approval of a license by the Town Council. 3. Request to Rent the Commission’s lot on Highway and Kennedy Avenue for one evening by Growler’s English Sport Pub The Commission has received a request for the rental of the corner lot for one evening in July or August. The purpose would be to enable Growler’s English Sport Pub to hold a beer garden on that property for one evening. The Commission discussed this possibility and will act on the request at their next public meeting. The Commissioners will recommend an appropriate fee for this use. 4. Designation of a new Redevelopment Area and a Possible Extra Appropriation for this Purpose The Commissioners discussed the designation of a new Redevelopment Area in order to proceed with a sound development plan for the northwest corner of Indianapolis Boulevard and Main Street. Commissioners directed Ms. Petro to proceed with the establishment of the Redevelopment Area. 5. Updates on the RC’s Corner Lot, Acquisition List, and Bult Oil site The Director informed the Commission that she has spoken with all of the owners within the area commonly referred to as the “L” shaped area around the corner lot. All are willing sellers. The Town Manager suggested that if the RC decides to move forward with options on the properties that they be assignable. Councilman Wszolek also suggested that the RC build into the options a specific timeframe, so that it provides the RC with enough time to acquire all of the properties and to bond. It was suggested during the discussion, that an eighteen month, 3% of the average of two appraisals be offered to the owners. Economic Development Commissioner VandeWerken requested a plat map of the area be sent to all Commissioners. The Director stated that she has found a draft acquisition list and will continue to search for the first acquisition list that was completed by previous Redevelopment Commissions. Lake County Auditor’s Office has informed the Director that they will buy back the section of the Bult Oil property which they inadvertently sold during a Commissioner’s Tax Sale. The RC should receive information shortly about the property. ADJOURNMENT President Gawlikowski adjourned the study session at 9:45 PM by general consent. Minutes were prepared by Redevelopment Director, Cecile Petro. 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