Meeting Minutes JOINT MEETING OF THE HIGHLAND PLAN COMMISSION AND THE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES JUNE 28, 2006 The Joint Meeting of the Highland Plan Commission and the Redevelopment Commission met in a Study Session on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at 7:52 PM in the downstairs Council Chambers within the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The Study Session was called to order by Plan Commission President, Daniel Buksa. The minutes were prepared by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Redevelopment Commissioners Rex Burton, Adam Gawlikowski, and Brice Johnson; Plan Commissioners Daniel Buksa, Judith Mayer, Tom Agler, David Jones, Dallas Taylor; and BZA board member, Gail Barenie. Also in attendance were Town Councilman Bob Helmer, Town Councilman and Plan Commissioner Joseph Wszolek, and Town Councilman and Redevelopment Commissioner Bernie Zemen, Town Manager Rich Underkofler, Building and Inspection Director Ken Mika, Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro and members of the public and media. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE STUDY SESSION After Commissioner Buksa called the meeting to order, introductions were made by those in attendance. Commissioner Johnson stated the purpose of the meeting. He stated that the Redevelopment Commission wants to create an Overlay District in conjunction with the Plan Commission. This is the first effort to explain the direction desired by the Redevelopment Commission. He then asked if other members of the Redevelopment Commission had any further comments. Commissioner Gawlikowski added that the proposed changes would mean a change in responsibilities for both Commissions. Town Manager Rich Underkofler reviewed his handouts which included Highland’s 2006 Strategic Plan and Capital Improvement Program. He began with the 2006 Strategic Plan. Mr. Underkofler stated that there is a sense of urgency regarding these documents because of the approaching budget deadline for the Town Council. Also, a strategy needs to be in place before the Council votes on next year’s budget. Referring to the documents, Mr. Underkofler pointed out changes in bold type that have been made after meeting with the Water and Sewer Boards. Councilman Helmer and Commissioner Agler asked questions regarding the Cady March Ditch Bank Repairs item and the suggested Reserved Funds account, respectively. Town Manager Uderkofler answered their questions. Mr. Underkofler then reviewed the spreadsheet for the 2006 Capital Improvement Program. The major expenditure proposed under the General Government Department was the proposed Town Hall construction. The Town Manager reviewed the Redevelopment Department’s proposed budget and explained each line item. The largest expenditure this year will be for the demolition of the River Park Apartments ($2.1 M). Other projects for 2006 include completion of the Comprehensive Plan, establishment of a zoning overlay district, establishment of a TIF district, and funding for architectural and engineering services for Kennedy Avenue streetscape. The Redevelopment Commission also will use funds for real estate assembly option agreements and for sub area development plans. Mr. Underkofler explained each of these projects to the Joint Commission. In future years, the Redevelopment Commission will fund a gateway and way finding plan and signs; real estate assembly acquisitions; roadway, water and sewer infrastructure; building construction for sale or lease; and Kennedy Avenue streetscape construction. By 2009, the Redevelopment Commission should have TIF moneys available for TIF grants and loans for existing and new development incentives and for the construction of a boardwalk and bridge along the Little Calumet River Boardwalk. He stated that there would be a major policy change in the repayment of the River Park Apartment demolition bond. The repayment would now go toward the local match needed for the reconstruction of Kennedy Avenue and not to pay off the bond as soon as we receive repayment from Hammond. Commissioners had a number of questions which Mr. Underkofler answered. Mr. Taghi Arshami from Arsh Group, the consultant for the Comprehensive Plan, presented an updated version of the concept plan for Kennedy Avenue. He stated that First Group Engineering, the engineering group charged with reconstruction of Kennedy Avenue, needed information on medians and curb cuts on Kennedy Avenue as soon as possible for their planning purposes. He offered his framework plan which included plazas and medians along Kennedy Avenue and requested feedback from the two Commissions. Residents and other stakeholders have shown preference for medians he said. Councilman Wszolek stated that the lengths of the medians and the closing of certain streets need to be decided now. After a lengthy discussion from all members, Mr. Underkofler stated that the consensus seems to be to beautify the area in some way, but not to have traditional medians. He suggested that we use green space next to buildings which would be built up to the sidewalk areas. Mr. Arshami stated that he will be meeting with First Group Engineering to discuss possible options. The meeting was adjourned at 10:17 PM. BACK TO MAIN MENU