Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES JULY 26, 2006 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“RC”, “Commission”) met in Study Session on Wednesday, July 26, 2006, at 6:45 PM in the Council Chambers 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 Mr. Ed Dabrowski,members of the public, and the media. At a later time, Mr. Tom Agler, a member of the Plan Commission, and Mr. Rich Underkofler, the Town Manager, entered the Study Session. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE STUDY SESSION 1. Updates on the following items were given by the Director: A. Hammond Loan Agreement and Bond Ms. Petro stated that demolition of the River Park Apartments will begin on July 31, 2006, according to Mr. Blosky, the engineer in charge of demolition. He contacted the Director stating that he would make a presentation to the Commission, if the Commission desired. The RC stated that they would like a presentation on the progress, possibly at the next Commission meeting. B. Best House on the Block Contest The Director reported that the number of entrants has reached forty-five in Neighborhoods Inc.’s Best House on the Block Contest for Highland. Once the final numbers are in, the Commission will need to review and amend the contract. C. Indiana Main Street Presentation Ms. Petro reminded the Commission that the Indiana Main Street Presentation will be July 27, 2006 at the Lincoln Center at 7:00 PM. Ms. Ellen Harper, the executive director, will inform the community about the advantages of following the Main Street approach for the economic development of the downtown. D. The Kiosks The Director reported that the Plan Commission has not passed the proposed sign ordinance with an amendment that would allow the RC to place private advertising on public property. After much discussion, Commissioner Gawlikowski suggested that a letter be written to the Plan Commission apologizing for not requesting their approval before the kiosks were purchased and placed on public property. He will work with the Director to complete this task. The RC also suggested that we could utilize the kiosks for way finding and public information. The Director also suggested that we may be able to provide public information with the sponsorship of businesses. E. Wi-Fi Mr. Ed Dambrowski addressed the RC regarding the current Wi-Fi system. He stated that at any one time, fourteen to fifteen people are using the system every day. He stated that he has received a quote from Tropos, the manufacturer of the Wi-Fi cells, to provide a service plan. Currently, two cells are not functioning and need service. This contract will be on the accounts payable docket for the next Public Meeting. Mr. Dambrowski also stated that the pilot is working, but the damaged cells need repair and that another “gateway” cell is needed to enhance the system. The RC also directed Ms. Petro to draft a thank you letter to Tropos for assisting us free of charge up to this date. F. Letter from Tauber, Westland, and Jasaitis, P.C. A letter was received from our attorney, David Westland, which supports the findings of the State Board of Accounts for 2005. 2. 2006-2007 Goals for the Redevelopment Commission The Commission reviewed the Goals for 2006-2007 for the Redevelopment Commission. After discussion, the RC directed Ms. Petro to assign completion Dates for the Goals and Objectives. The Commission agreed that the Goals were in line with the direction that they would like to take for the next year. Commissioner Johnson also stated that he would like the Commissioners to reflect upon which Goals they would like to become involved with or perhaps take the lead. 3. Resolution 2006-10 Expansion of the Redevelopment District (RD) The Director stated that the expansion of the RD could not include the entire Public Works, Plaza Lanes, Highland Plaza, Duluth Avenue, and Kennedy Avenue areas and still remain below the 20.82 acres permitted each year under the Redevelopment statute. After discussion, it was decided that the Redevelopment Commission would capture as much of Kennedy Avenue as allowed under the 20.82 acres limit. The RC directed Ms. Petro to calculate the area of Kennedy Avenue beginning at the Little Calumet River and then proceed south, encompassing as much of Kennedy Avenue as possible. 4. Mr. Richard Garza and Mr. Speros Batistatos Mr. Richard Garza, a resident of Highland, requested time to address the Redevelopment Commission about his idea for a Sports Hall of Fame for Lake County. He stated that a Hall of Fame would attract visitors to Highland and that Lake County has a rich sports history. Mr. Speros Batistatos, the Executive Director of the Lake County Visitors Bureau, also addressed the Commission and stated that many sports groups come to this area for competitions and visit the Visitors Bureau and stay at the nearby hotels. He would like to assist us in rebuilding that part of Kennedy Avenue. The RC thanked Mr. Garza and Mr. Batistatos for their presentation. 5. Redevelopment Commission Preliminary 2007 Budget The Redevelopment Commission reviewed the Preliminary 2007 Budget prepared by the Director. The Commission suggested additional monies be placed into a new line item called “Temporary Services” from the line item “Consultant Fees”. In addition, the RC directed Ms. Petro to enhance the telephone line item to reflect cell telephone costs. The Study Session was adjourned at 9:20 PM. BACK TO MAIN MENU