July 19, 2007

The Ellettsville, Indiana, Redevelopment Commission met in regular session on Thursday, July 19, 2007, at the Fire Department Training and Conference Room. Frank Buczolich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Members present were Frank Buczolich, President; Darby McCarty, Amber Ragle and Frank Nierzwicki. David Drake was absent.

Approval of Minutes

Amber Ragle motioned to approve the minutes of the April 19, 2007 and May 31, 2007 meetings. Darby McCarty seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s report

There was no treasurer’s report.

Old Business

Rezoning of Heritage Crossing Development Area

Frank Nierzwicki gave an update on the redevelopment area. There will be a Plan Commission meeting August 2^nd at 7:00 p.m. He is putting together certified letters to property owners giving them the option to change zonings from industrial zones or C-3 to C-2. The idea for the change, in the area between the one way pairs, is to make it a professional type of area attracting tourism and small shops. The change would make it compatible to the future plans of the commission. The major businesses not allowed in a C-2 versus a C-3 are gas stations and auto repair. With a rezone, current businesses would be “grandfathered” into the present zoning. He went on to explain the new zoning would take place on the property, which was “grandfathered” in, when that property is sold. Frank Nierzwicki outlined the procedure that will be taking place:

· Certified letters are sent out to property owners

· Plan Commission would need to approve the TIF

· Town Council would then need to approve

· The Redevelopment Commission would have the final approval

· Certification would be sent to the State Department of Local Finance

New Business

Redevelopment Department proposed budget 2008

Frank Nierzwicki attended the first budget meeting with the Town Council on July 18^th. The Planning Department has two budgets; Planning Department and Department of Redevelopment. He hi-lighted some of the items discussed in the meeting. The split is still 80/20 between the two departments. A new job description will be written for a clerical support position for the Planning/Redevelopment office. This part-time position is budgeted for $15,500. He went on to outline some of the duties of this position; help with packets for all town boards and commissions, assist with enforcement, answer phones and be assessable to the public. A permanent, larger office space is a future plan with money in the 2008 budget being set aside and with open options. During the budget meeting, funding opportunities for redevelopment were discussed and he gave some examples. He explained the Redevelopment Commission is tight on money but the increase on the budget was 12.5 percent. Frank Nierzwicki suggested fund raising for office equipment. Protocol would be followed on this and he would ask for permission from Town Council during the July 23^rd meeting. The Planning Department is new and needs to be as independent as possible. He gave some examples of different groups that could be approached for fund raising and clarified basic office equipment is needed not necessarily money. Indiana Code states “gift can be accepted”.

Jeana Kapczynski, Ellettsville Main Street Advisory Board stated years ago there was an Ellettsville Area Economic Development Corporation. They were successful with fund raising since local companies (banks, Phone Company) wanted economic development in the area. There are still people and companies in the area still wanting development. Main Street has funds and might be able to help since they have the same mission. She asked Frank Nierzwicki about the Planning Department office. Frank explained there is a possibility of office space, owned by the Town, which would require some renovations. Jeana informed Frank there is remodeling going on all the time and office furniture available; the words needs to be put out that it is needed. Jeana suggested having a meeting with all the groups and let everyone know what redevelopment is doing and find out what everyone else is doing.

Frank Nierzwicki stated people are seeing improvements and changes in town. He summarized some of the accomplishments in Planning and Redevelopment this year; new businesses, number of annexations, number of housing units and the Comprehensive Thoroughfare Plan.

Frank Nierzwicki motioned recommendation of fund raising effort by the staff pending Town Council approval. Amber Ragle seconded. Motion carried.

Frank Buczolich stated the next meeting is scheduled for August 16, 2007 at 7:00 in the Ellettsville Fire Station.

Adjournment

Frank Buczolich entertained a motion. Darby McCarty moved. Amber Ragle seconded. Motion carried.