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| Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES DECEMBER 14, 2005 The Highland Redevelopment Commission met in study session on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at 6:30 PM prior to the Public Meeting in the upper meeting room of the Highland Municipal Building, 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The meeting was called to order by President Pat Popa. The minutes were prepared by Cecile L. Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Commissioners: Rex Burton, Edward Dabrowski, Brice Johnson, Keith Magiera, and Pat Popa. Also present were Attorney David Westland, Town Council Liaison Joseph Wszolek, The Times newspaper reporter Charles Haber, and Director Cecile Petro. General Substance of the Study Session Public Hearing on the Expansion of the Redevelopment District The procedure for the public hearing and related materials were discussed by the Commission. Resolution 2005-12 President Popa stated that once the public hearing was concluded she would call for action on Resolution 2005-12. This resolution confirms Resolution 2005-11 passed at the November 9, 2005 meeting to expand the Redevelopment District. Way Finding President Popa stated that she will remove this item from the agenda due to the lack of time to conclude a contract before the end of 2005. Wi-Fi Cell purchase Commissioners discussed the purchase of additional Wi-Fi cells. They asked about the need for additional cells, and if purchased, where they would be located. The most probable locations would be near Sand Ridge Bank and near the Main Street Park. The Commissioners discussed utilizing the total line item ($4,429.79) for purchasing additional cells and using them for back-up until a specific location could be decided upon. Commissioner Dabrowski will contact the distributor if the motion passes at the public meeting. Redevelopment Commission Meeting Schedule for 2006 The Commissioners discussed the meeting schedule for 2006. They will propose to eliminate November 22, 2006 as a meeting date because it is the day before Thanksgiving. Cancellation of Redevelopment Commission Study Session for Dec. 28, 2005 President Popa stated that she is unable to attend the study session scheduled for December 28, 2005. After some discussion, it was proposed that the meeting be cancelled. Minutes of the Public Meeting of November 9, 2005 An amendment to the minutes was offered for the Redevelopment Commission to review before the Public Meeting. Adjournment The Study Session was adjourned at 6:55 PM. Submitted by: Cecile L. Petro, Director of Redevelopment HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2005 The Highland Redevelopment Commission met on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at 7:00 PM for a Public Meeting after the Study Session in the meeting room of the Highland Municipal Building, 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The meeting was called to order by Commission President, Pat Popa, and recorded and transcribed by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on roll call were Commissioners: Rex Burton, Edward Dabrowski, Brice Johnson, Keith Magiera, and Pat Popa. Also present were Attorney David Westland, Town Council Liaison Joseph Wszolek, and The Times reporter Charles Haber. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS SESSION: The minutes of the Public Meeting/Study Sessions of November 9, 2005 were introduced with the following amendment to the Public Meeting minutes: Page 3, 3rd paragraph, 4th and 5th sentences: 1. After this statement: “Brice Johnson stated that at this point in the process we don’t have to hold a firm to a limit.” Add: “The contract will state what the value of the work is and that the motion itself is redundant. There was no valid reason for the motion because the contract will state what the scope of work is (the RFP) and what the value of the contract is (the response.).” 2. After this statement: “Ed Dabrowski stated that he doesn’t want the Commission to pay more than what is stated in the proposal.” Add: “Brice Johnson stated, “The only way the value of the contract could or would change is if we requested the change and approved the value of it—i.e., a change order. If we approved a motion to lock in the cost with no possibility for change (up or down), we would also be tying our own hands in that it would not allow us to change the value either.” THE MINUTES STAND APPROVED AS AMENDED. SPECIAL ORDERS: Public Hearing for the Proposed Expansion of the Redevelopment District for 2005. a) Attorney verification of Proofs of Publication: The Redevelopment Commission Attorney indicated that the proofs were in compliance with IC 5-3-1 and were printed in The Times Newspaper on November 29, 2005 and in the Post Tribune Newspaper on November 28, 2005. b) Public Hearing: President Popa called the hearing to order and read a narrative stating the reasons for the proposed expansion. There were no written comments received by the Redevelopment Commission. Highland Redevelopment Commission Public Hearing Narrative Redevelopment Expansion Area December 14, 2005 After reviewing the areas near the current Redevelopment District, the Redevelopment Commission proposes to expand the original Redevelopment District with the addition of the land between Garfield Avenue and LaPorte Avenue, West of Kennedy Avenue, and up to and including the Norfolk Southern Railroad. According to Indiana Code 36-7-14-15, it states that whenever a Redevelopment Commission finds that 1) an area needs redevelopment, 2) that the conditions cannot be corrected by the ordinary operations of private enterprise, and 3) that the public health and welfare will be benefited by redevelopment; then the Redevelopment Commission may designate that area as a part of the Redevelopment District. The goal for any Expansion Area is to facilitate and encourage reinvestment and redevelopment within that area. Once an area is designated as part of a Redevelopment District, applicable loans, grants and other economic development tools may be available for that area. This is significant because some tools are only available for Redevelopment Districts. With these tools, the Redevelopment Commission hopes that it can: 1) encourage new business investment and enterprises while retaining current businesses, 2) promote new employment opportunities for local residents, 3) renovate and upgrade infrastructure which should enhance public health, safety and welfare of citizens and enhance the overall aesthetics of the area, and 4) significantly increase the local tax base, thereby lowering the overall tax rate for individual tax payers. The Redevelopment Commission will begin its Comprehensive Plan soon for the entire Redevelopment District. Because the Redevelopment Commission considers the Expansion Area to be a part of this effort, we are now seeking to include it within the Redevelopment District. At the present time, the Redevelopment Commission does not have any plans to acquire property within the Proposed Expansion Area. However, the Redevelopment Commission wants to be in a position to capture any grants, loans, or economic development tools when and if they become available. We have a large map with the current Redevelopment District outlined in a solid line and the Proposed Expansion area outlined in a dotted line. Also, we have diagrams outlining the water and sewer lines which are currently available, crime reports for the last two years, a listing of property owners, and pictures of the Proposed Expansion Area. On behalf of the Redevelopment Commission, we welcome your comments. Thank you. The following is a list of those who spoke at the hearing: 1. Ms. Grace Steffens. 8525 Henry. Ms. Steffens asked what the long range Plan is for her street. Commissioners provided information on the the planning process, the advantages of a Redevelopment District, and that the Redevelopment Commission does not have any plans at the present time to acquire residential property in that area. 2. Liz Breslin. 8539 Henry. Ms. Breslin asked why her home is zoned within a business district and why she cannot make certain types of improvements to her home. She was informed that this Commission does not and cannot make the decision on zoning and she was referred to the BZA. 3. Amy Bailey. 8528 Henry. Ms. Bailey was concerned that her elderly parents would have to leave their home. She was informed that this is a long planning process and that there are no plans to acquire property. 4. Jim Kessler. 8532 Henry. Mr. Kessler stated that other promises made by the Town had not been kept. He stated that if his house burnt down he could not rebuild it because it is in a B-2 zoned district. Also, he questioned why Redevelopment wants to add this area when there are a number of vacant businesses in Town today. Commissioners responded to his concerns and invited the residents to participate in the Comprehensive Planning process next year. The Council Liaison also explained that the Plan Commission, BZA and the Redevelopment Commission will look at zoning in the downtown area including Henry and Garfield Streets in the future. Secondly, neighborhood development, as well as business development, concerns the Redevelopment Commission. Thirdly, he explained that the Town cannot afford to redevelop without private investment. 5. Terry Jostes. 8536 Henry. Mr. Jostes asked if it will be possible to rezone this area in the future. The Council Liaison responded that it is possible. He also stated that the town will relook at this area when the River Park Apartments are removed because this will probably spur development along Kennedy Avenue. 6. John Breslin. 8539 Henry. Mr. Breslin asked when this expansion vote will occur. He was informed that it would be this evening. 7. Jim Kessler. 8523 Henry. Mr. Kessler stated that he wants to be kept informed as the planning process proceeds. He is also concerned about the historical areas within Highland and the possibility of losing that if development occurs. The Commission responded that those who wish will be notified when the planning process begins. 8. George Steffens. 8545 Henry. Mr. Steffens wanted to know why he cannot tear down an old garage and build a new one. He was informed by the Commission Attorney that he would have to talk to the Building and Inspection Department. Mr. Steffens also asked for the board to introduce themselves. The Commission introduced themselves and talked about their years in Highland. 9. Amy Bailey. 8528 Henry. Ms. Bailey asked the Commission to look into the historical background of Highland. The Commission stated that they would be doing that in the planning process. c) Action on Resolution 2005-12: A Resolution of the Highland Redevelopment Commission Confirming a Resolution Designating and Declaring Certain Areas as Redevelopment Areas and to Expand the Existing Highland Redevelopment District. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve Resolution 2005-12.Commissioner Burton seconded the motion. After some discussion the motion carried 5 ayes 0 nays. RESOLUTION No. 2005-12 RESOLUTION OF THE HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION CONFIRMING A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AND DECLARING CERTAIN AREAS AS REDEVELOPMENT AREAS AND TO EXPAND THE EXISTING HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT WHEREAS, the Highland Redevelopment Commission (the “Commission”), at a Regular Meeting held on the 9th day of November, 2005, approved and adopted a resolution entitled “RESOLUTION OF THE HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION DESIGNATING AND DECLARING CERTAIN AREAS AS EXPANDED REDEVELOPMENT AREAS AND AMENDING THE CURRENT REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT TO INCLUDE THE EXPANSION AREA NO. 2005-11” (the “Declaratory Resolution”); and WHEREAS, the Declaratory Resolution found and determined that an area within the Town of Highland, Indiana (the “Town”), designated by the Commission as the Highland Redevelopment Area (the “Area”) is in need of redevelopment within the meaning of the Redevelopment of Cities and Towns Act of 1953 which has been codified in IC 36-7-14 (the “Act”), said Area being more particularly described as follows: Boundaries of Redevelopment Area as Adopted on May 28, 1997 Starting with the intersection of the Conrail Railroad Tracks and Garfield Avenue extending east along Garfield (across the bicycle trail R.O.W.) to the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Kennedy Avenue; extending south along Kennedy to the intersection of Kennedy Avenue and the alley between Condit Avenue and Highway Avenue; extending east along the alley to the intersection of the alley and Fifth Street; extending south along Fifth to the intersection of Fifth Street and Lincoln Avenue; extending west along Lincoln (across the bicycle trail R.O.W.) to the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Kennedy Street; extending north along Kennedy to the intersection of Kennedy Street and Ridge Road; extending west along Ridge to the intersection of Ridge Road and Highway Avenue; extending east along Highway Avenue to the intersection of Highway Avenue and the Conrail Railroad Tracks; extending north along the railroad tracks to the intersection of the Conrail Railroad Tracks and Garfield Avenue Modifications of Original Redevelopment Area July 8,1997 MODIFICATION 4- Extend west along Ridge Road to the intersection of Osborne Street and Ridge Road; extend north along Osborne Street to the NIPSCO Right-of-Way; extend along the southeast line of the NIPSCO Right-of-Way to a point at which Garfield Avenue would intersect the NIPSCO Right-of-Way if extended due west from First Street; extend due east to the Conrail Railroad. And to include modification to extend Right-of-Way line to the east of Indianapolis Blvd. to include Right-of-Way west of Osborne Street to the east side of Indianapolis Blvd. MODIFICATION 5- Amend the Redevelopment District to include at the Intersection of Garfield Avenue and Kennedy Avenue extending north to the Intersection of Kennedy Avenue and LaPorte Avenue; extending south along Kennedy Avenue to the intersection of Kennedy Avenue and the alley between Condit Avenue and Highway Avenue. Boundaries of Expansion Area November 19, 2003 Commencing at the point of intersection of the centerlines of Kennedy Ave. and LaPorte Ave., the point of beginning; thence West to a point 145 feet West of the West Right-of-Way line of Kennedy Ave.; thence North 3370 feet, more of less, along the West line of an alley which is 145 feet West of the West Right-of-Way Line of Kennedy Ave.; thence east 145 feet to the West Right-of-Way line of Kennedy Ave.; thence South along the West Right-of-Way line of Kennedy Ave. to the intersection of the South Right-of-Way of Duluth Ave. and the West Right-of-Way of Kennedy Ave.; thence East along the South Right-of-Way line of Duluth Ave. to a point on the West line of an alley being 145 feet east of the East Right-of-Way of Kennedy Ave.; thence South along the East line of the alley to a point on the North Right-of-Way line of Grand Blvd.; thence Southerly to the point of the South Right-of-Way line of Grand Blvd. and the East line of an alley being 150 feet East of the East Right-of-Way line of Kennedy Ave.; thence South to the North line of a 150 foot NIPSCO Right-of-Way; thence West along said Right-of-Way to a point on the center line of Kennedy Ave.; thence South to the point of intersection on the centerlines of Kennedy Ave. and LaPorte Ave. the beginning point. Boundaries of Expansion Area December 14, 2005 COMMENCING at the point of the intersection of the centerlines of Garfield Avenue and the East line of the alley West of Kennedy Avenue; THENCE: North 667.5 feet to the intersection of LaPorte Avenue and the East line of the alley West of Kennedy Avenue; THENCE: West to the West line of the West easement of the NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Commission) Right-of-Way; THENCE: Southeast along the West line of the West easement of the NIPSCO Right-of-Way for 60 feet; THENCE: South on the West line of the West Right-of-Way of the Pennsylvania New York Central Railroad to the centerline of Garfield Avenue (if extended); THENCE: East to the point of intersection of Garfield Avenue and the East line of the alley West of Kennedy Avenue, the point of beginning. WHEREAS, the Declaratory Resolution adopted and approved maps of the Area; and WHEREAS, the Commission is desirous of expanding the existing area; and WHEREAS, the Commission finds that it is consistent with the overall master plan of development for the Town; and WHEREAS, the Commission caused to be published a Notice of Public Hearing concerning the Highland Redevelopment Area on the 28th of November, 2005, in the Post Tribune and on the 29th day of November, 2005, in The TIMES, and made all required filings with governmental agencies and officers pursuant to Section 17 (b) of the Act; and WHEREAS, at the hearing held by the Commission on the 14th day on December, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. Central Standard Time, at the Town of Highland, 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana, the commission heard all the persons interested in the proceedings and received _ZERO__ (__0___) written remonstrances and objections that had been filed and, considered those remonstrances and objections, if any, and such other evidence presented. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Highland Redevelopment Commission as follows: 1. That after considering the evidence presented at the hearing on the 14th day of December 2005, the Commission hereby confirms the findings and determinations, designating and approving and adopting actions contained in the Declaratory Resolution expanding the existing redevelopment area. 2. That the Commission finds and determines that it will be of public utility and benefit to proceed with the Amended Redevelopment Plan. 3. This Resolution constitutes final action pursuant to IC 36-7-14-17( c ) by the Commission determining the public utility and benefit of the proposed project and confirming the Declaratory Resolution pertaining to the Area. 4. The Secretary is directed to record this Resolution pursuant to the Requirements of IC 36-7-14-17(c ). 5. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect after its adoption by the Commission. ADOPTED AND APPROVED at a meeting of the Highland Redevelopment Commission held on the 14th day of December at the town of Highland, 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Pat Popa, President Attest: Brice Johnson, Secretary COMMUNICATIONS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND GENERAL ORDERS: President Popa removed the Action to Proceed with the Way Finding Contract from the agenda. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Purchase of Wi-Fi Cells. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to purchase Wi-Fi cells in an amount not to exceed $4429.00. Commissioner Burton seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 ayes 0 nays. 2. Establish Redevelopment Commission Meeting Schedule 2006. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve the Redevelopment Commission Meeting Schedule for 2006 with the elimination of a study session on November 22, 2005. Commissioner Magiera seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 ayes 0 nays. REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Meeting Schedule---2006
3. Cancel Study Session of the Redevelopment Commission on December 28, 2005. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to cancel the study session of the Redevelopment Commission on December 28, 2005. The motion carried 5 ayes 0 nays. BUSINESS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS: None ACTION TO PAY ACCOUNTS PAYABLE VOUCERS: Commissioner Magiera made a motion to pay accounts payable vouchers. Commissioner Dabrowski seconded the motion. The motion carried 5ayes 0 nays. 094 REDEVELOPMENT GENERAL $8840.17 096 REDEVELOPMENT CAPITAL $8422.38 TOTAL $17,262.55 PUBLIC COMMENTS: None NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held January 11, 2006 at 7:00pm following a study session at 6:30pm. The Study Session will reconvene following the Public Meeting. The next Study Session will be January 25, 2006 at 6:30pm. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioners Johnson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Magiera seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 ayes 0 nays. Respectfully submitted by Cecile L. Petro Highland Redevelopment Commission Study Session Reconvened December 14, 2005 The Highland Redevelopment Commission did not reconvene due to time constraints. The Joint Meeting with the Park Department, Plan Commission and BZA followed the Public Meeting of the Redevelopment Commission.. BACK TO MAIN MENU |
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