June 8, 2006

The Ellettsville, Indiana Redevelopment Commission met in regular session on Thursday, June 8, 2006 in the Fire Department Training and Conference Room located at 5080 West State Road 46. Frank Nierzwicki, Director of Planning and Redevelopment Services called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Frank Buczolich, David Drake, Darby McCarty and Amber Ragle were present. Ray Freetage was absent.

Selection of Officers: Frank Nierzwicki stated that the first point of business was the selection of officers. Frank Nierzwicki asked for nominations. David Drake made a motion that Frank Buczolich be the President of the Redevelopment Commission. Darby seconded the motion. The motion passed. Darby made a motion that David Drake be Vice President of the Redevelopment Commission. Amber seconded the motion. The motion passed. The office to be Secretary of the Redevelopment Commission. A motion was made that Amber be the Secretary but she declined. The Redevelopment Commission decided to leave the Secretary position open at the present time.

Frank Buczolich then conducted the rest of the meeting. He asked Frank Nierzwicki to explain the materials found in the Commissioners’ binders.

Frank Nierzwicki went over all of the material found in the Commissioners’ binders. The material was mostly research material; minutes from prior Plan Commission meetings, Indiana Code pertaining to Redevelopment and redevelopment articles.

Frank Buczolich asked Frank Nierzwicki to go over the Redevelopment Advisory Board resolution.

Frank Nierzwicki stated that the Advisory Board Resolution would create an advisory group for the Commission. The Advisory Board would provide input and advice to the Commission and could work with the Commission on some projects. The Advisory Board would have seven members the makeup of the Board would be as follows; one member appointed by the Ellettsville Plan Commission, one member appointed by the Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce, one member appointed by the Ellettsville Main Street Inc., one member appointed by the Richland-Bean Blossom School Corporation, one member appointed by the Town Board President, one member appointed by the Director of Planning and Redevelopment Services, and the Monroe County Engineer. The Director of Planning and Redevelopment Services would be ex-officio.

Darby McCarty a motion to approve the Advisory Board Resolution as presented. Amber seconded the motion. The motion was passed by the Commission.

Frank Buczolich asked Frank Nierzwicki to present the Redevelopment budget for the Commission. Frank Nierzwicki stated that the funds for the Redevelopment Office was from the Town of Ellettsville and was the rest of the calendar year. These funds totaled $7,223.55.

Frank Nierzwicki also stated that Redevelopment Commission meeting dates were still to be determined for the rest of the year. He stated that other Town Boards and Commissions had already reserved the Fire Station for their own meetings. Frank said we will have tentative dates ready for the next Commission meeting.

Privilege of the Floor

Sandra Hash stated she was concerned about the Redevelopment Commission adding more debt to the Town. She attended a conference in Indianapolis recently where the 2% circuit breaker was discussed. Sandy said the way she understood the circuit breaker concept is that Cities and Towns in Indiana would not be able to raise taxes above 2% of their value. Once this level was reached then taxes could not be raised and Cities and Town would have to first pay off debt before any other revenue could be collected.

Frank Nierzwicki stated he understood what Sandy was stating about the 2% circuit breaker but it should not be a major concern at this point for Ellettsville. Frank said the Redevelopment Commission does not and most likely will not have to increase the Town debt level with projects. The projects could be developed in such a manner to have the financial responsibility lie with the developer and not the Town. He also stated that from information that reviewed Monroe County governmental units would not be affected by the 2% circuit breaker. Frank also stated that this situation could change in the future.

David Drake stated that he has thought about some areas in Town that would merit review for future redevelopment and Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts. They are:

· Old Robinson block area

· Cedar bluff

· Old Speedway gas station

David also pointed out some areas where redevelopment has been successful. They are:

· Kerr Office Building

· Smithville Telephone

· Turning Point Church

· Matthews and Vine

Patrick Stoffers wanted to welcome the new Redevelopment Commissioners and thank them for their desire to assist the Town’s redevelopment efforts. Pat had a letter for the Redevelopment Commission from Town Council. The letter stressed the redevelopment tools that are available to the Commission. The letter stated the following:

(1) Investigate, study and survey areas needing redevelopment with the corporate boundaries of the unit;

(2) Investigate, study, determine, and, to the extend possible, combat the causes of areas needing redevelopment;

(3) Promote the use of land in the manner that best serves the interests of the unit and its inhabitants;

(4) Cooperate with departments and agencies of the unit, and of other governmental entities;

(5) Make finds and reports on their activities and keep those reports open to inspection by the public at the offices of the department;

(6) Select and acquire the areas needing redevelopment;

(7) Replan and dispose of the areas needing redevelopment in the manner that best serves the social and economic interests of the unit and its inhabitants.

Frank Buczolich stated it is very important to understand that the Redevelopment Commission can also assist in the rehabilitation of houses and businesses within the Town.

David Drake made a motion for the meeting to be adjourned. Darby McCarty seconded. Motion carried the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.