Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“RC”, “Commission”) met in Study Session on Wednesday, February 28, 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 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 Rich Garza was absent with notice. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE STUDY SESSION 1. Extending Consulting Services for the New Redevelopment Area Mr. Dan Botich from Cender and Co. explained the difference between establishing a Redevelopment Area and an Economic Development Area. A Redevelopment Area is a much more extensive designation and the RC must define what was formerly called blight, but is now called, “areas in need of redevelopment”. It also must prove that it is compliance with the town’s master plan or zoning ordinances. In addition, a Redevelopment Area has the power of eminent domain for public purposes. An Economic Development Area has no findings of blight, but must specify the number of jobs that will be created with a salary indicated. It must also show the cost of investment for the area. Mr. Botich also explained the process of establishing both a Redevelopment Area and an Economic Development Area. The cost of a contract to develop a Redevelopment Area will be about $8500.00. The Commission discussed the pros and cons of both designations and will proceed with a new Redevelopment Area. 2. Mr. Myron Chapman, the owner of Growler’s English Sport Pub Mr. Chapman made a presentation to the RC requesting permission to use the RC’s corner lot on Highway and Kennedy for a beer garden during his grand opening weekend sometime in July or August. This item will be placed on the next public meeting agenda. 3. Expansion Area of the Current Redevelopment Area The Commission reviewed the documents presented by the Director for the expansion of the present Redevelopment Area. The Commission will review and act upon a declatory and designating resolution at their next public meeting. 4. Downtown Association Presents a Proposed Entry Sign into the Downtown Area Two members of the Downtown Association, Judith Mayer and Pat Popa, presented information on their proposed entry sign which will be located at the intersection of Highway Avenue and Ridge Road. The prototype was of a mid-century design in keeping with many of the buildings in the downtown area. They stated that they hope to have the sign in place before the Zest Fest in September of 2007. The Commission directed Ms. Petro to send the design to Wight for them to review and comment. 5. Bult Oil The Director stated that she expects to receive the deed for the Bult Oil property from the County within two months. 6. Investigations of Other Redevelopment Projects The Director stated that the South Holland, Illinois car convoy will take place on July 18, 2007. Everyone is to meet at the Town Hall parking lot at 6:00 PM. The trip to investigate the projects completed by Grubb and Ellis has not been established as yet, but will probably take place on a Tuesday in August. 7. Design Standards update The Director informed the RC that Wight has held three meetings with town department heads. They will probably meet with the Commission and members of other boards and commissions sometime in August. 8. First Tax Abatement Request Ms. Petro stated that a Declatory Resolution has passed the Town Council that will provide a tax abatement for Dr. Spott’s project located at 8032 Kennedy Avenue. The Council will probably hold a public hearing and act upon a Confirmatory Resolution in July. 9. Monorail The Director summarized a meeting with the Russell Foundation, a non-profit humanitarian organization, which would like to build a monorail in Northwest Indiana. The purpose of the monorail will be to provide good paying jobs and meet the transportation and freight needs of the area. ADJOURNMENT The study session was adjourned at 8:42 PM by a voice vote. BACK TO MAIN MENU