May 31, 2007

 

 

 

The Ellettsville, Indiana, Redevelopment Commission met in regular session on Thursday , May 31, 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; David Drake, Vice-President; Darby McCarty, Amber Ragle and Frank Nierzwicki.  Doug Norton has rendered his resignation to the Town Council. 

 

Old Business

 

Heritage Crossing Declaratory Resolution creating a Development Area

Frank Nierzwicki presented and read Resolution 2007-01 Creation of an Economic Development Area.  Indiana Code 36-7-14-15 requires the Ellettsville, Indiana Redevelopment to determine the area of town that is needed for Economic Development.   The Commission has determined the area known as the Heritage Crossing Development area is in need of Economic Redevelopment.  The areas are listed by parcel number and map location found in the Economic Development Plan for Heritage Crossing Development Area.  The Ellettsville Redevelopment Commission declares the resolution for Heritage Crossing Development is hereby approved, passed and adopted by the Ellettsville Redevelopment Commission this day of May 31, 2007. 

 

David Drake pointed out the newly annexed area, furthest east, was dropped off the TIF District area.  It is his understanding as part of the process with the tax collection in a TIF District that it weeds out residential assessed value and only counts commercial assessed value.  Frank Nierzwicki explained the properties that were added.  There are about 172 parcels in the TIF District; 110 acres in size. 

 

Dana Kerr, Richland Bean-Blossom Community School Corporation heard the same information David Drake hears; residential properties would not be affected but has not seen it in statute.  Frank Nierzwicki is with the Redevelopment Assocation of Cities and Towns and will find the answer to this.  Dana Kerr appreciates removal of the property to the east.  This is a positive step but reiterated what the Town wants to accomplish between the divided highway could be done with the TIF.  Dana Kerr was asked to look into an alternative plan; have the owners of the “depressed” area and Town representatives work together to develop a plan to market their properties together.  A TIF District would encourage growth in the Peoples State Bank Area.  There are other alternatives and the TIF District is not needed and asked the Commission not establish a TIF District.  It would not be the best interest of the Town or the school system.

 

Russ Ryle, resident of Reeves Road and on the Citizen Advisory Committee has mixed feelings about the TIF.  His one concern is a long wish list with expensive projects.  There are three interest groups; Redevelopment area, Town of Ellettsville and the school system.  All three have various forms of grants and other programs requiring matching money.  He outlined a plan: 

  • Agree on an area
  • Pool of money available equally to all three groups
  • Let the TIF money become the matching money for other grants
  • Focus on specific projects

 

David Drake reiterated the Redevelopment Commission does not want to do anything to harm the school district or county finances because we are all taxpayers.  He does not believe the TIF District is going to affect the massive taxing district of the School Corporation especially after cutting out the areas to be developed in the future.  He clarified the Redevelopment Commission is establishing a TIF District and what it encompasses.  The Commission is also adopting a tentative plan on what to do with the money.  The plan can be changed and updated as needed.  David Drake would like to delete item #7 from the projected plans; the Redevelopment Commission does not need to be involved in a new Municipal building.  Frank Nierzwicki stated the plan can be amended in the years ahead.  It can not be increased more than 20% without Town Council approval.  Projects can be dropped to add others. 

 

Russ Ryle questioned page 7; the Redevelopment Commission may acquire with or without the use of eminent domain, properties and right of way in the project areas, is this necessary?  Frank Nierzwicki explained this is a “tool” in the “toolbox”.  He referenced a case out east and gave examples.  He suggested keeping Acquisition of Property in the plan and discussing it case by case.  This will not encourage the Town to take property by eminent domain; it may require.  Frank Nierzwicki gave examples of a Town using eminent domain. 

 

Dana Kerr stated there were certain calculations made to let other taxing authorizes know what the potential impact is going to be.  He would like to know if this has been done and does it need to be done before the resolution?  Frank Nierzwicki outlined the process of plan.  It will be discussed and approved with the Plan Commission during a special session, taken to the Town Council and the final approval with the Redevelopment Commission.  Frank Nierzwicki will provide an analysis of the taxing units before the plan is finalized. 

 

David Drake made a motion that we adopt Resolution 2007-01 creating an Economic Development area commonly known as Heritage Crossing Development area.  Darby McCarty seconded.   Roll call vote:  Amber Ragle – yes; David Drake – yes; Frank Buczolich – yes; Darby McCarty – yes.  Motion carried 4-0.

 

Redevelopment Plan Schedule

Frank Nierzwicki explained the time line has been pushed back.  He would like to take this to the Plan Commission because they have the ability to review and make sure the plan is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.  If there are any recommendations on zoning, the Plan Commission can make those changes.  Frank Nierzwicki would like to notify, by certified mail, areas that are able to be rezoned.   A special meeting will need to be held in June to fulfill that requirement.  When all the zoning is completed and approved; the time line would be into July to have Town Council approve it.  The Redevelopment Commission would see this again in late July.  The Redevelopment Commission will not have to meet in June but Frank Nierzwicki will keep everyone informed by e-mail.  He set the deadline for the document completion to be by the end of February 2008.  He suggested the Redevelopment Commission view the web page of Highland, Indiana and would like to have an opportunity to be able to do the same thing.  Frank Nierzwicki researched the Indiana Code and learned the Redevelopment Commission can have a budget instituted on the levy.  The maximum amount is 3 1/3 cents per $100 on assessed valuation and would bring in an estimate of $60,000.  This could help with studies, staffing or office supplies.  He is looking for funding sources for the Redevelopment Commission.  He will pass along any new information he finds on this. 

 

Frank Nierzwicki has a tentative schedule and a tax impact study. 

 

Heritage Crossing Redevelopment Project Listing

Frank Buczolich reiterated the Project List is a “wish list”.  Frank Nierzwicki gave some suggestions on different methods of using the TIF District money.   A “pay as you go” method; distribute it when it comes in from the County to the Town.  It will be up to the Commissioners on how they will want to divide the money.  Another method would be a bond issue; he gave an example of that. 

 

There was a discussion about changes to the Project List and also Municipal Parking Lots. 

 

Privilege of the Floor – non Agenda Items

 

Frank Nierzwicki announced his office will be closed Thursday, June 1, 2007. 

 

Frank Buczolich stated the next meeting is scheduled for June 21, 2007.

 

Adjournment

 

Frank Buczolich entertained a motion.  David Drake moved.  Darby McCarty seconded.  Motion carried.