Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES JUNE 14, 2006 The Highland Redevelopment Commission met in Study Session on Wednesday, June 14, 2006, at 6:38 PM in the upstairs Conference Room within the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The Study Session was called to order by Commissioner Brice Johnson. The minutes were prepared by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Commissioners: Bernie Zemen, Rex Burton, Adam Gawlikowski, Dominic Noce and Brice Johnson. Also in attendance were Town Manager Rich Underkofler and Attorney David Westland. 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. No comments were voiced. Commission President Brice Johnson discussed the proposed Joint Meeting between the Redevelopment Commission and the Plan Commission. He stated that it will be a meet and greet session discussing a possible overlay district. Commissioners requested an explanation of the term, overlay district. Commissioner Johnson explained the term and the possible benefits of an overlay district in the redevelopment district. It allows the Redevelopment Commission to develop its own zoning regulations that would be more in line for the redevelopment that will occur there in the future. The Joint Meeting will begin at 7:45 PM on June 28, 2006 in the Council Chambers following the Redevelopment Commission’s Study Session. The Redevelopment Director also informed the Commission that the Plan Commission will take up the revised sign ordinance at their meeting on June 21, 2006. Commissioners requested that the Director forward a copy of the proposed sign ordinance to them. Attorney David Westland explained Resolution 2006-09 to the Commission. This resolution approves an agreement between bond counsel, the Commission’s local counsel, and the Redevelopment Commission for the bond issued this year for the demolition of the River Park Apartments. ADJOURNMENT: The Study Session was adjourned at 7:00 PM for the Public Meeting HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING JUNE 14, 2006 The Highland Redevelopment Commission met in a Public Meeting on June 14, 2006 at 7:08 PM in the Council Chambers within the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. Redevelopment Commission President Brice Johnson called the meeting to order. ROLL CALL: Present on roll call were Redevelopment Commissioners Bernie Zemen, Rex Burton, Adam Gawlikowski, Dominic Noce, and Brice Johnson. Also in attendance were Attorney David Westland, members of the public and media. Dr. Roy Evans, a professor from Purdue Calumet was introduced by the Commission President. Taking minutes for the meeting was Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSIONS: Commissioner Burton made a motion to approve the minutes of May 1, 2006 and May 24, 2006. Commissioner Gawlikowski seconded the motion. Motion carried with a voice vote with no opposition. SPECIAL ORDERS: None Commissioner Noce made a motion to approve, ratify, and support Resolution 2006-09: To Approve an Agreement Between Bond Counsel, Local Counsel, and the Redevelopment Commission. Commissioner Burton seconded the motion. Motion carried 5 ayes and 0 nays. NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner Noce made a motion to approve a Joint Meeting with the Plan Commission and the Redevelopment Commission on June 28, 2006 at 7:45 PM in the Council Chambers within the Municipal Building. Commissioner Zemen seconded the motion. Motion carried 5 ayes 0 nays. BUSINESS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Noce stated that he would be not be at the June 28, 2006 Study Session because he will be on vacation. He will return for the Public Meeting on July 12, 2006. ACTION TO PAY ACCOUNTS PAYABLE VOUCHERS: Commissioner Burton made a motion to pay claims. Commissioner Zemen seconded the motion. Motion passed 5 ayes and 0 nays. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dr. Roy Evans, Department Head of Design and Construction at Purdue Calumet in Hammond, Indiana, commended the Redevelopment Commission on its approach to the development of the Comprehensive Plan. He applauded the use of professional planners and the active participation of the town’s residents. He offered his support and Purdue Calumet’s resources to the Plan. Commissioner Johnson commented that perhaps Dr. Evans could help us with the new park/bike path area on Highway Avenue. NEXT MEETING: The next full Study Session will be June 28, 2006. The next Study Session and Public Meeting will be July 12, 2006. All Study Sessions begin at 6:30 PM and Public Meetings begin at 7:00 PM. Study Sessions may reconvene after the Public Meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Zemen made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Gawlikowski seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote with no opposition at 7:20 PM. HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION RECONVENED JUNE 14, 2006 The Highland Redevelopment Commission reconvened the Study Session at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers within the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Redevelopment Commissioners Bernie Zemen, Adam Gawlikowski, Noce, Rex Burton, and Brice Johnson. Also in attendance were Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro and members of the public. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE RECONVENED STUDY SESSION 1. Redevelopment Director Petro updated the Redevelopment Commission on a number of ongoing projects: A. Hammond Loan Agreement and Bond The Director updated the Commission on the progress to date. She stated that Hammond Redevelopment Commission moved the date to open bids for demolition from May 2, 2006 to June 20, 2006. Ms. Petro stated that she will attend that meeting. B. Best House on the Block Contest The Director stated that as of today, twenty five residents have signed up to participate in our Best House on the Block contest. She stated that a front page article in the Post Tribune highlighted the program. The Times will also have a feature article on the Contest. Mr. Richard Garza, a member of the public, stated that members of his neighborhood are assisting one of their neighbors with this contest. He will check with The Times to inquire about a possible feature article. C. Main Street Presentation Ms. Petro informed the Commission that a date has been set for a presentation by Indiana Main Street Executive Director, Ellen Harper. It will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2006 at 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Center. She will discuss the program and the benefits to local communities. Dyer’s Redevelopment Commission will attend and invitations have been extended to Munster and Schererville. The Chamber and the Downtown Association, as well as other interested individuals, have been contacted to attend this meeting. D. Redevelopment District Loan (RDL) Applications The Director reported that she has contacted Langel’s restaurant since the last Commission meeting and subsequent to a letter that was sent to the owners. The Commission reiterated their request for a foot print of the business with dimensional drawings. More information is needed from Langels before the Commission is able to approve this loan. Also, the Commission is concerned that the proposed project be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act before approval. However, the Commission restated its support for Langel’s efforts to create outdoor dining. E. Marketing Efforts The Director shared her efforts to promote Highland to Illinois Real estate developers. Her picture, short biography, and information about Highland were featured in the Illinois Real Estate Journal. She stated that this article would have cost over $700, but because we were contacted through our partnership with the Forum, there was no cost to the Commission. Commissioner Gawlikowski asked Ms. Petro to maintain a record of Forum efforts that benefit Highland, so that the Commission is able to adequately review our expenditure to the Forum. 2. The Commissioners provided comments about the second Forum after which Dr. Roy Evans reiterated his commitment to assist us with the development of the plan. The Commissioners’ comments were as follows: Commissioner Noce: Does not think that it is necessary to tie into Cabela’s (extension of 81st Street) Did not like any of the gateway designs Prefers long range plan in the corridor, but both short and long range plans have merit when talking about costs Prefers LaPorte Avenue extension to Indianapolis Blvd. Prefers a resting point over a new park on the bike path Suggests a clock tower on the old Highland Dept. store bldg. Increase lighting in the downtown Use architectural elements or signs to let travelers know that they are entering the downtown Prefers gateways be similar in design Suggests developing the area south of River Park Apts and behind Ultra first Has concerns regarding landscaping the median including maintenance costs and the negative impact on businesses. However, medians could be added at a later date. Suggests medians be worked around existing businesses. Commissioner Gawlikowski: Recommends that Q and A be left to the end of the presentation Presentation was mediocre—we need excitement and zip Suggests that one of the Gateways could be an arch Thinks that medians are good—trees could be low Recommends that plazas, whether the short or long term plan is used, should be in the back Recommends that the focus be on Kennedy Avenue first and then the area behind Ultra Suggests placing the refreshments in the back of the room and moving the presentation materials closer to the audience Recommends a priority list for funding the different projects Commissioner Burton: Need to report back to the public the cost of burying the utility lines on Kennedy Avenue so that they can make the decision to bury them or keep them above ground Obtain costs of burying lines just from gateway to end of bowling alley Place screen closer to the audience and speak louder and clearer Suggests tighter delivery—sometimes the content was lost on the audience Redo pictures—some were too small to see at any distance Recommends examples of redevelopment tools such as land options, land lease, etc. in a glossary form Commissioner Zemen: Develop a priority list—know where to start Suggests Commission begin at the gateway area on both the east and west sides of Kennedy Recommends working with the Hammond Redevelopment Commission to place our property south of the Little Calumet River and their area north of the river into play Suggests building a banquet hall on the site of the current Public Works building Recommends that the Commission focus on one particular area first and not try to cover the entire District at once Proposes a trolley car from the gateway area to the downtown once the gateway is completed Need to have a final plan with visuals at the last Forum 3. The Director distributed copies of The 2006 Town of Highland’s Capital Improvement Program for the Redevelopment Commission. Because of time limitations, discussion will take place at the next Study Session. 4. The Review of the President’s Agenda for the Redevelopment Commission will continue at the next Study Session. 5. Due to time constraints, discussion on the Redevelopment District Expansion was postponed until a later date. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 PM. by general consent. Minutes were prepared by Redevelopment Director, Cecile Petro. BACK TO MAIN MENU