Plan Commission
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 6, 2006, 6:00 P.M.
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ringhand at 6:00 PM. Present were: Mayor Ringhand, Ald. Hammann, Cheryl Dickert, Gil Skinner, Dave Sauer, and Jeff Vrstal. Ald. Aikman was absent. Staff present: Tim Schwecke, City Planner; Bill Connors, City Administrator; and Jim Beilke, Clerk/Treasurer. Ald. Cothard and Sornson were present in the audience.
Approval of Agenda.
The Agenda was approved after moving the following items to follow citizen appearances: 8(A) D&D Development Annexation, 7(A) Site plan for Evansville Community Bank (Application #2006-1), and 7(B) Larson Acres annexation Petition (Application #2006-2).
Approval of Minutes.
Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to waive the reading of the January 3, 2006 Minutes and approve them as printed. Motion passed.
Citizen Appearances Other Than Those Agenda Items Listed. None.
Preliminary Development Presentations (taken out of order)
Bob Fleischacker representing D&D Development stated the proposed annexation of some of his client’s land was initiated by the additional right of way needed on the south side of USH 14 for a drive-by lane opposite of J Lindemann Dr. There is a real potential for development for this area now because the market is right. Their plan is to develop over 200 acres over a period of time. The initial phase would incorporate about 74 acres with a commercial zone buffered by a light industrial area. Roger Berg, 75 Exchange St., reported that this development is consistent with the City of Evansville Smart Growth Plan.
New Business (taken out of order)
Bill Albright from Evansville Community Bank presented the new site plan and building design for Evansville Community Bank on the corner of Exchange Street and Main Street (Application #2006-2). The new site plan displays significant changes in elevations and a more historical look to the building, which has features similar to the nearby railroad depot.
Mr. Schwecke recommended several conditions for approval as listed in his report. The height and size of the building are consistent with dimensional standards for the B-2 district.
Mr. Sauer asked the applicant submit a stormwater plan with the new site plan before approval. He also reported that the old site plan showed a drive-through lane in a different location that did not interfere with the now standing streetlight.
Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to approve the application, with conditions contained in the staff report.
Motion by Sauer, seconded by Skinner, to amend the motion, requiring the applicant to move the drive-through lane or pay for the cost to move the streetlight. Motion passed.
The original motion, as amended, passed.
Mr. Berg presented the Larson Acres annexation petition (Application #2006-2). The two parcels totaling 88.51 acres on the north side of Porter Road on the City’s west side are covered by the annexation petition. The annexation is being requested to facilitate residential development, including single-family and multi-family. A portion of the property will be used for a regional storm water detention basin that would serve the new Westfield Meadows Subdivision and other, already existing subdivisions to the south.
Mr. Schwecke recommended several conditions for approval as listed in his report.
Mr. Sauer reported that the existing box culvert (bridge) would have to comply with city standards. Now it is a town road that is 18 feet wide. City standards require 41 feet. The new bridge would be longer and wider to carry the sidewalks and curve and gutters. As of today, the bridge is in need of improvements. Town of Union Board President Kendall Schneider reported that this bridge is currently a No. 3 on the township’s list of short span bridges (under 20 feet long) that need to be repaired or replaced, and it would cost the approximately $100,000 to bring it up to the city standards.
Ald. Hammann reported the only reason the land is being annexed is because of stormwater management in this region, which is part of the Smart Growth Plan. Mr. Connors reported that if the city denies annexation, the developer is entitled to reimbursement for the cost of the 7 acres of land for the detention pond, cost of the construction of the pond, cost of the engineering the pond, and the cost of improving Porter Road.
Mayor Ringhand opened the public hearing at 7:05 PM. Ald. Sornson raised the issue of grants for the bridge improvements. Mr. Sauer reported the state funds bridge improvements grants through the county. If requested annexation were granted, three quarters of the bridge would be located in the city and one quarter in the town. Thus, the town, city, and county would apply for a state grant for the bridge improvements. Kendall Schneider said the Town of Union opposes the annexation at this time because of environmental concerns and urban sprawl. The Town of Union is agreeable allowing the developer to build the pond and dedicate it to the city while the land remains in the Town of Union, like they have done in the past with other city projects. Elvin Francis, 17347 W County Rd C, opposed the annexation because farmland would be converted into wetland, which is presently farmed. Mr. Francis asked if this detention pond could be located more north of the city. Mayor Ringhand closed the public hearing at 7:12 PM.
Mr. Sauer reported that they addressed all known concerns regarding ground water flow and the city needs to manage the stormwater flow in this region. The Plan Commission has been working on solving the drainage in this region for years and agreed the city needs control of maintenance of the pond and bridge because it affects the city.
Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to recommend to Council the adoption of Ordinance #2006-2 with recommendations from the staff report and to include the applicant agrees to enter into an agreement with the city that requires the applicant to pay for the cost of repairing the bridge on Porter Road if it is deemed unsafe by a qualified engineer or when the subject property is developed for residential purposes, whichever is earlier. Motion passed.
Unfinished Business.
Mayor Ringhand noted the letter from Whiteman, Osterman, and Hanna LLP, which stated unreasonable restrictions on the use of outdoor wood furnaces would deprive citizens of an affordable means of home heating without producing any appreciable environmental benefit. Neighbor complaints about outdoor furnaces can and should be addressed by adopting the Best Burn Practices of the industry and by requiring appropriate stack heights in situations where neighbors are in relatively close proximity. Mr. Arndt, President of R.A. Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., reported that the City of Fort Atkinson banned outdoor furnaces based on a bad study regarding the amount of British thermo units (BTU) produced by outdoor furnaces. Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) has refuted the study by noting errors in the study’s testing methods. Mr. Arndt recommended the city follow HPBA Best Burn Practices and require certified outdoor furnaces, so that citizens are allowed an alternative fuel source to heat their homes. Commissioners instructed staff to draft an ordinance regulating outdoor furnaces.
The Plan Commission reviewed the goals and objectives of the Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan to ensure that the implementation of plan’s nine elements are understood in their totality over the life of the plan. Part of this effort will also include addressing conflicts that may arise between the nine elements.
Chris Eager, Chairperson of the Large-Scale Commercial Development Study Committee, reported on the activities of the Committee. The purpose of the Committee is to ensure that large retail projects are consistent with city’s general community character and surrounding area; would contribute to a diverse and sound economic base; and would prevent urban blight due to vacant retail stores. They have invited and listened to speakers from surrounding communities who dealt with large retail projects, so that the Committee can form a consensus regarding regulations on large retail projects. Then they would present a proposed ordinance to the public for refinement before it comes to the Plan Commission. The proposed ordinance should contain requirements in developer agreements between large scale development and city, site plan approval requirements, long-term maintenance requirements, landscaping plan requirements, lighting requirements, architectural standards, and building size, traffic impact studies, etc.
Mr. Schwecke led a discussion regarding the adoption of a resolution revising the fee in lieu of parkland dedication consistent with Sec. 110-192 of the Municipal Code. According to the City’s subdivision regulations, the Plan commission has the responsibility of recommending a resolution to the Common Council that would set a new amount for the fee in lieu of park dedication. As stipulated in Section 110-192 (6), the amount is automatically adjusted based on the percent change in the assessed value of land in the city form year to year. Last year, the city increased the fee 11.7 percent. This year the increase is calculated at 82.4 percent increase, in large part due to the property assessment reevaluation in 2005. Based on this index, the fee for a single-family dwelling would increase from $587.67 to $1,071.67 and for a multi-family dwelling unit the fee would increase from $440.73 to 803.72. Anticipating there would be discussion on this large increase, Mr. Schwecke provided some different approaches for the Plan Commission to consider from a survey on how other communities are dealing with this issue. Mr. Schwecke suggested the Plan Commission and Park Board should review the rationale behind some for the park dedication requirements.
Ald. Hammann favors an ordinance that makes the new residents pay for the new parks and not the current residents, noting that parkland dedication fees cover 25% of the cost of new parks. He stated the $587.67 parkland dedication fees are too low and does not favor capping increases. Mr. Connor noted that park impact fees are design to cover the cost to build new parks. The city does not have park impact fees. Parkland fees are designed to buy only land for new parks. After discussion of different approaches of raising the parkland dedication fees, the Commissioners asked Mr. Berg what are his thoughts. Mr. Berg favored a simple formula, so that all the money raised in parkland dedication fees goes to the Park Board to buy land and not to studies, appraisal, etc. Mr. Schwecke noted that the annual adjustment in parkland dedication fees does not equal the change in cost of land. Commissioners instructed staff to enact a rolling three average in a new ordinance with Ald. Hammann and Ald. Sornson sponsoring.
Mr. Schwecke led the discussion regarding amendment of the shoreland zoning ordinance relative to wetlands, lot widths, and building set backs. Rock County ordinance requires 15,000 square feet lot size and a minimum 100 feet lot width. The State Statues requires 10,000 square feet lot size. Mr. Schwecke recommended the city ask Rock County if they would be amicable to amend their lot size restrictions that carry forward into the city, which is allowed by state statutes. If the city were to require a 35 foot buffer strip along all navigable waters, Rock County could then reduce the lot size requirements to a minimum of 10,000 square feet. Whatever the city does, it is always under Rock County ordinance. Thus, Mr. Schwecke recommended the city approach Rock County for amendments.
Report of the Evansville Redevelopment Authority.
Mr. Connors distributed a revised Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District #5 Economic Development Fund Program Description and Application (attached). Mr. Connors noted the new criteria for financial assistance and investment listed on page 5.
Report of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission.
Sandy Decker reported the first portion of survey is completed, and the results will be presented at the next Historical Preservation Commission meeting on February 15, 2006.
City Planner’s Report.
Mr. Schwecke reported on the Common Council actions relating to Plan Commission recommendation, which was distributed at this meeting (attached).
Adjournment.
Motion by Hammann, seconded Sauer, to adjourn, carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Prepared by:
James A. Beilke
City Clerk/Treasurer
The Minutes of the Plan Commission are not official until approved by Plan Commission.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Minutes: Evansville Redevelopment Authority: December 20, 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 20, 2005, 7:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Ald. Aikman, Betsy Ahner, and John Decker. Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, and Dean Arnold were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
There was a discussion of the minutes of the November 15, 2005, meeting. Motion by Ahner, seconded by Decker, to approve the minutes November 15, 2005, regular meeting as presented by the executive director with the following correction: the last sentence of the penultimate paragraph on page 3 is changed to read as follows “The commissioners discussed what Mr. Connors or other city staff should say if they are asked a question about the Redevelopment Authority’s policies, but there was no consensus, except that Mr. Connors or staff should encourage the person asking the question to attend the next meeting of the Redevelopment Authority and promptly make the commissioners aware of the inquiry if permitted to do so by the person asking the question.” Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Connors provided each commissioner with an 11” X 17” map of TID No. 5 after the recent enlargement, but noted that the map contained an error, and that he would provide corrected maps at the next meeting. He also distributed a spreadsheet from the Amended Project Plan for TID No. 5 and memorandum explaining the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet shows projected cash flow for TID No. 5. The memorandum identifies some “threats” that might prevent achieving the financial results shown in the spreadsheet. This memorandum and spreadsheet will be discussed again at the next meeting.
The commissioners discussed possible changes to the statement of Redevelopment Authority’s policies and application form. There was consensus that the text in the description of the Property Loan Program and the Façade and/or Interior Loan Program should include a reference to a more extensive list of criteria drafted by John Decker and each of these sections should contain a paragraph called “Conditions” in which the applicant is informed that the Redevelopment Authority will consider negotiating additional performance criteria with the applicant that would allow for some or all of the assistance to be in the form of a forgivable loan or grant. The commissioners also agreed with a suggestion by Ald. Hammann that the application form should be amended to provide a rough calculation of the amount of tax increment that will be generated each year as a result of the proposed project. Executive Director Connors will make these revisions for review and approval at the next meeting.
New Business
No one appeared to discuss a possible project involving the Neuenschwanders’ property at 13 S. Madison St.
Motion by Ahner, seconded by Decker, to convene into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. Sec. 19.85(1)(e), deliberation or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reason requires a closed session, to discuss possibly pursuing the purchase of or acquisition of options to purchase property located within TID No. 5, subject to approval by the Common Council, and not to reconvene into open session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Motion by Decker, seconded by Aikman, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 20, 2005, 7:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Ald. Aikman, Betsy Ahner, and John Decker. Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, and Dean Arnold were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
There was a discussion of the minutes of the November 15, 2005, meeting. Motion by Ahner, seconded by Decker, to approve the minutes November 15, 2005, regular meeting as presented by the executive director with the following correction: the last sentence of the penultimate paragraph on page 3 is changed to read as follows “The commissioners discussed what Mr. Connors or other city staff should say if they are asked a question about the Redevelopment Authority’s policies, but there was no consensus, except that Mr. Connors or staff should encourage the person asking the question to attend the next meeting of the Redevelopment Authority and promptly make the commissioners aware of the inquiry if permitted to do so by the person asking the question.” Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Connors provided each commissioner with an 11” X 17” map of TID No. 5 after the recent enlargement, but noted that the map contained an error, and that he would provide corrected maps at the next meeting. He also distributed a spreadsheet from the Amended Project Plan for TID No. 5 and memorandum explaining the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet shows projected cash flow for TID No. 5. The memorandum identifies some “threats” that might prevent achieving the financial results shown in the spreadsheet. This memorandum and spreadsheet will be discussed again at the next meeting.
The commissioners discussed possible changes to the statement of Redevelopment Authority’s policies and application form. There was consensus that the text in the description of the Property Loan Program and the Façade and/or Interior Loan Program should include a reference to a more extensive list of criteria drafted by John Decker and each of these sections should contain a paragraph called “Conditions” in which the applicant is informed that the Redevelopment Authority will consider negotiating additional performance criteria with the applicant that would allow for some or all of the assistance to be in the form of a forgivable loan or grant. The commissioners also agreed with a suggestion by Ald. Hammann that the application form should be amended to provide a rough calculation of the amount of tax increment that will be generated each year as a result of the proposed project. Executive Director Connors will make these revisions for review and approval at the next meeting.
New Business
No one appeared to discuss a possible project involving the Neuenschwanders’ property at 13 S. Madison St.
Motion by Ahner, seconded by Decker, to convene into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. Sec. 19.85(1)(e), deliberation or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reason requires a closed session, to discuss possibly pursuing the purchase of or acquisition of options to purchase property located within TID No. 5, subject to approval by the Common Council, and not to reconvene into open session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Motion by Decker, seconded by Aikman, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes: Evansville Redevelopment Authority: November 15, 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 15, 2005, 7:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
(Revised per instructions of the Redevelopment Authority on December 20, 2005)
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development Authority, also were present. Ald. Sornson and Ald. Aikman were present in the audience.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director, except that item 8a was moved to be immediately after item 5.
Motion by Eager, seconded by Decker, to approve the minutes of the July 11 and October 18, 2005, regular meetings. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
New Business
Ed Francois and Roger Berg made a presentation regarding a potential project to redevelop the building located at 7, E. Main St., which originally was the Economy Store, and which currently is occupied by Dave’s Ace Hardware. Ace is moving to a new store on the east side in the spring of 2006, and the developers think it is likely that the building will be hard to lease back up between then and the completion of the Main St. reconstruction project in the fall of 2007. They have an option or contract to purchase the building with contingencies, and believe the street project provides a great opportunity to redevelop the building during 2006-07. Their vision is to have retail/service/office space on the main floor and in the basement, and possibly 10 one-bedroom apartments on the top floor. To know if the project is feasible, they need to spend about $10,000 on the services of an architect and the Virchow Krause accounting firm. They anticipate that they will need to receive all of the tax increment generated by the project, to the full extent allowed by law, to make the project work financially. They want to know if the Redevelopment Authority or other city committees see any roadblocks to the project before they spend the initial $10,000 to determine if the project is feasible.
Vice-Chairperson Eager raised the issue of parking. Mr. Berg said they have discussed this issue with the Council and will need assurances that the current city policy of allowing one permit for parking in the city lot for each residential unit would continue well into the future. He said they would like the parking stalls in the city lot for their residential tenants to be marked as such.
The commissioners said they saw no roadblocks, and were unanimous in their enthusiastic support for the project.
Redevelopment Authority Policies and Application Form
The commissioners decided to hold a public hearing on their policies and application form after some expressions of concern about them, particularly the text about providing assistance in the form of an interest-bearing loan. The commissioners pointed out that the text also says the commissioners have the discretion to alter the loan rate and/or term. Mr. Eager said he thinks criteria should be established for altering the loan rate and term, and those criteria should be ranked in order of priority. Mr. Decker pointed out that the current policy does list some criteria.
Mr. Connors said he thinks the policy should be changed to say that the commissioners also have the authority to give a grant, because in his mind, a forgivable loan means there are performance requirements the developer must meet after the project is completed that will justify forgiveness of the loan, and there will not be meaningful post-construction performance requirements for all projects. Mr. Otterstein said that if the policy says grants are available, everyone will ask for a grant, and that since there are performance requirements for all grants, any benefit that could be conferred in the form of a grant also can be conferred in the form of a forgivable loan.
The public hearing was opened at 7:50 PM.
Ald. Sornson said developers are going to want grants, not interest bearing loans. He said that giving grants is what the Redevelopment Authority has done thus far, and that is his understanding of how a TIF district is supposed to work. Repayment of the city’s investment is supposed to come from the tax increment, not from the developer repaying a loan. Mr. Connors said that most of the projects in TID No. 5 thus far have involved grants, but for the Grange Building project, the assistance was given in the form of forgivable loans. Chairperson Hagen pointed out that the current policy says the commissioners have the discretion not to charge interest on the loan or even to require it to be repaid.
Ald. Aikman asked whether the commissioners could make a forgivable loan into the functional equivalent of a grant by making the requirements for forgiveness quick and easy to perform. Mr. Otterstein said that is correct.
Vice-Chairperson Eager said the problem in the situation with the potential exterior restoration project at 19 W. Church St. is that some people thought Mr. Connors should be the Redevelopment Authority’s point person for discussing what forms of assistance are and are not available, and he does not think that should be the case.
Richard Woulfe, 255 E. Main St., asked what would be the criteria used for adjusting the loan term and interest rate, for example, in the case of the potential project at 7 E. Main St.
Ms. Ahner said that she would prefer that the policy say that the commissioners have the authority to give assistance in the form of grants, forgiveable loans, or interest bearing loans, depending on the merits of the project. She believes the current text is not inviting. Mr. Otterstein reiterated that if the policy says grants or forgivable loans are available, everyone will ask for grants and forgivable loans. Mr. Decker said that completing the project alone was often a major accomplishment and could be sufficient performance to justify forgiveness of a loan.
Ald. Aikman said the Council could overrule the Redevelopment Authority if the Council thinks the commissioners have become too loose with the TIF money, but the Council cannot override the commissioners if the Council thinks they are being too conservative. She encouraged the commissioners not to be too conservative. She said some projects just will not pay for themselves, but still are good projects.
The public hearing was closed at 8:17 PM.
Mr. Decker said he thought the potential historic restoration project at 19 W. Church St. was a good candidate for TIF assistance because it added housing units to the downtown area, increased the tax base, and accomplished historic restoration. He thinks all of these should be included in the criteria for altering the loan term and interest rate.
Vice-Chairperson Eager said he thinks the policy should be written more clearly so that everyone can understand it without need for assistance interpreting it, and that if there are gray areas in the policy, city staff should not attempt to explain the policy but instead encourage the potential applicant to come to a Redevelopment Authority meeting and ask questions or call individual commissioners. Mr. Connors said that when Mr. Berg caught him as he passed through the big room on the second floor of City Hall and asked him, under the new policy, was an interest-bearing loan the only assistance he could receive for the projects regarding which he and Mr. Connors had had past discussions (including the potential historic restoration project at 19 W. Church St.), Mr. Connors responded he did not know, because the policy was new. Mr. Connors said he pointed out to Mr. Berg that the policy provided that the commissioners have the authority to alter the loan rate and term. Later, Mr. Berg called Mr. Connors and said he understood that he could obtain more generous assistance than an interest bearing loan, but that he did not want to have to ask for assistance more generous than the standard policy, so he was not going to submit an application for assistance with the historic restoration project at 19 W. Church St., and instead would use vinyl siding on the building. Mr. Otterstein said that at Mr. Connors’ request, he called Mr. Berg to explain the purpose of the policy and the kinds of assistance that might be available to him, and it is his impression that Mr. Berg decided not to apply for assistance with the project at 19 W. Church St. for a variety of reasons. The commissioners discussed what Mr. Connors or other city staff should say if they are asked a question about the Redevelopment Authority’s policies, but there was no consensus, except that Mr. Connors or staff should encourage the person asking the question to attend the next meeting of the Redevelopment Authority and promptly make the commissioners aware of the inquiry if permitted to do so by the person asking the question.
Ms. Ahner reiterated her belief that the text of the policy needs to be changed to make clear that more forms of assistance are available. She said that if Roger Berg, who has had past dealings with the Redevelopment Authority, could misunderstand the policy and be discouraged by it, there is a good chance that others without experience with the Redevelopment Authority would also be discouraged.
The commissioners will consider bringing proposals for changes to the text of the policies to the next regular meeting of the redevelopment authority.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Connors had no new information on the financial condition of the TID No. 5. He reported, as he had indicated in a previous email message, that the roller rink property has been sold again. He also reported that he soon will receive large maps of TID No. 5 to provide to the commissioners.
New Business (continued)
Mr. Eager reported that he has been contacted by a Beloit College student who would like to work with the Redevelopment Authority to study the impact of public opinion on expenditure of public funds for economic development or redevelopment projects. The commissioners expressed interest in working with the student.
Motion by Eager, seconded by Arnold, to convene into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. Sec. 19.85(1)(e), deliberation or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reason requires a closed session, to discuss possibly pursuing the purchase of or acquisition of options to purchase property located within TID No. 5, subject to approval by the Common Council, and not to reconvene into open session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote at 8:35 PM.
Motion by Eager, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:57 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 15, 2005, 7:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
(Revised per instructions of the Redevelopment Authority on December 20, 2005)
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development Authority, also were present. Ald. Sornson and Ald. Aikman were present in the audience.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director, except that item 8a was moved to be immediately after item 5.
Motion by Eager, seconded by Decker, to approve the minutes of the July 11 and October 18, 2005, regular meetings. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
New Business
Ed Francois and Roger Berg made a presentation regarding a potential project to redevelop the building located at 7, E. Main St., which originally was the Economy Store, and which currently is occupied by Dave’s Ace Hardware. Ace is moving to a new store on the east side in the spring of 2006, and the developers think it is likely that the building will be hard to lease back up between then and the completion of the Main St. reconstruction project in the fall of 2007. They have an option or contract to purchase the building with contingencies, and believe the street project provides a great opportunity to redevelop the building during 2006-07. Their vision is to have retail/service/office space on the main floor and in the basement, and possibly 10 one-bedroom apartments on the top floor. To know if the project is feasible, they need to spend about $10,000 on the services of an architect and the Virchow Krause accounting firm. They anticipate that they will need to receive all of the tax increment generated by the project, to the full extent allowed by law, to make the project work financially. They want to know if the Redevelopment Authority or other city committees see any roadblocks to the project before they spend the initial $10,000 to determine if the project is feasible.
Vice-Chairperson Eager raised the issue of parking. Mr. Berg said they have discussed this issue with the Council and will need assurances that the current city policy of allowing one permit for parking in the city lot for each residential unit would continue well into the future. He said they would like the parking stalls in the city lot for their residential tenants to be marked as such.
The commissioners said they saw no roadblocks, and were unanimous in their enthusiastic support for the project.
Redevelopment Authority Policies and Application Form
The commissioners decided to hold a public hearing on their policies and application form after some expressions of concern about them, particularly the text about providing assistance in the form of an interest-bearing loan. The commissioners pointed out that the text also says the commissioners have the discretion to alter the loan rate and/or term. Mr. Eager said he thinks criteria should be established for altering the loan rate and term, and those criteria should be ranked in order of priority. Mr. Decker pointed out that the current policy does list some criteria.
Mr. Connors said he thinks the policy should be changed to say that the commissioners also have the authority to give a grant, because in his mind, a forgivable loan means there are performance requirements the developer must meet after the project is completed that will justify forgiveness of the loan, and there will not be meaningful post-construction performance requirements for all projects. Mr. Otterstein said that if the policy says grants are available, everyone will ask for a grant, and that since there are performance requirements for all grants, any benefit that could be conferred in the form of a grant also can be conferred in the form of a forgivable loan.
The public hearing was opened at 7:50 PM.
Ald. Sornson said developers are going to want grants, not interest bearing loans. He said that giving grants is what the Redevelopment Authority has done thus far, and that is his understanding of how a TIF district is supposed to work. Repayment of the city’s investment is supposed to come from the tax increment, not from the developer repaying a loan. Mr. Connors said that most of the projects in TID No. 5 thus far have involved grants, but for the Grange Building project, the assistance was given in the form of forgivable loans. Chairperson Hagen pointed out that the current policy says the commissioners have the discretion not to charge interest on the loan or even to require it to be repaid.
Ald. Aikman asked whether the commissioners could make a forgivable loan into the functional equivalent of a grant by making the requirements for forgiveness quick and easy to perform. Mr. Otterstein said that is correct.
Vice-Chairperson Eager said the problem in the situation with the potential exterior restoration project at 19 W. Church St. is that some people thought Mr. Connors should be the Redevelopment Authority’s point person for discussing what forms of assistance are and are not available, and he does not think that should be the case.
Richard Woulfe, 255 E. Main St., asked what would be the criteria used for adjusting the loan term and interest rate, for example, in the case of the potential project at 7 E. Main St.
Ms. Ahner said that she would prefer that the policy say that the commissioners have the authority to give assistance in the form of grants, forgiveable loans, or interest bearing loans, depending on the merits of the project. She believes the current text is not inviting. Mr. Otterstein reiterated that if the policy says grants or forgivable loans are available, everyone will ask for grants and forgivable loans. Mr. Decker said that completing the project alone was often a major accomplishment and could be sufficient performance to justify forgiveness of a loan.
Ald. Aikman said the Council could overrule the Redevelopment Authority if the Council thinks the commissioners have become too loose with the TIF money, but the Council cannot override the commissioners if the Council thinks they are being too conservative. She encouraged the commissioners not to be too conservative. She said some projects just will not pay for themselves, but still are good projects.
The public hearing was closed at 8:17 PM.
Mr. Decker said he thought the potential historic restoration project at 19 W. Church St. was a good candidate for TIF assistance because it added housing units to the downtown area, increased the tax base, and accomplished historic restoration. He thinks all of these should be included in the criteria for altering the loan term and interest rate.
Vice-Chairperson Eager said he thinks the policy should be written more clearly so that everyone can understand it without need for assistance interpreting it, and that if there are gray areas in the policy, city staff should not attempt to explain the policy but instead encourage the potential applicant to come to a Redevelopment Authority meeting and ask questions or call individual commissioners. Mr. Connors said that when Mr. Berg caught him as he passed through the big room on the second floor of City Hall and asked him, under the new policy, was an interest-bearing loan the only assistance he could receive for the projects regarding which he and Mr. Connors had had past discussions (including the potential historic restoration project at 19 W. Church St.), Mr. Connors responded he did not know, because the policy was new. Mr. Connors said he pointed out to Mr. Berg that the policy provided that the commissioners have the authority to alter the loan rate and term. Later, Mr. Berg called Mr. Connors and said he understood that he could obtain more generous assistance than an interest bearing loan, but that he did not want to have to ask for assistance more generous than the standard policy, so he was not going to submit an application for assistance with the historic restoration project at 19 W. Church St., and instead would use vinyl siding on the building. Mr. Otterstein said that at Mr. Connors’ request, he called Mr. Berg to explain the purpose of the policy and the kinds of assistance that might be available to him, and it is his impression that Mr. Berg decided not to apply for assistance with the project at 19 W. Church St. for a variety of reasons. The commissioners discussed what Mr. Connors or other city staff should say if they are asked a question about the Redevelopment Authority’s policies, but there was no consensus, except that Mr. Connors or staff should encourage the person asking the question to attend the next meeting of the Redevelopment Authority and promptly make the commissioners aware of the inquiry if permitted to do so by the person asking the question.
Ms. Ahner reiterated her belief that the text of the policy needs to be changed to make clear that more forms of assistance are available. She said that if Roger Berg, who has had past dealings with the Redevelopment Authority, could misunderstand the policy and be discouraged by it, there is a good chance that others without experience with the Redevelopment Authority would also be discouraged.
The commissioners will consider bringing proposals for changes to the text of the policies to the next regular meeting of the redevelopment authority.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Connors had no new information on the financial condition of the TID No. 5. He reported, as he had indicated in a previous email message, that the roller rink property has been sold again. He also reported that he soon will receive large maps of TID No. 5 to provide to the commissioners.
New Business (continued)
Mr. Eager reported that he has been contacted by a Beloit College student who would like to work with the Redevelopment Authority to study the impact of public opinion on expenditure of public funds for economic development or redevelopment projects. The commissioners expressed interest in working with the student.
Motion by Eager, seconded by Arnold, to convene into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. Sec. 19.85(1)(e), deliberation or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reason requires a closed session, to discuss possibly pursuing the purchase of or acquisition of options to purchase property located within TID No. 5, subject to approval by the Common Council, and not to reconvene into open session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote at 8:35 PM.
Motion by Eager, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:57 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes: Evansville Redevelopment Authority: October 18,2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2005, 7:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Anderson was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director, except that reference to approving the minutes of the July 11, 2005, meeting was removed.
Motion by Kooyman, seconded by Decker, to approve the minutes of the Sept. 12, 2005, meeting (as revised on Oct. 18, 2005). Motion passed.
Ms. Ahner provide Mr. Connors with her notes of the July 11, 2005, meeting so he could write minutes of that meeting.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Connors reviewed some documents he provided regarding the financial status of TID No. 5. Vice-Chairperson Eager arrived during this discussion. There was considerable discussion of the spreadsheet showing examples of increases and decreases in value of parcels in the district, especially of 240 E. Main St. and the Citgo parcel. These parcels show the impact of demolishing the house on 240 E. Main St., but not the impact of the reconstruction of the Citgo station and quick mart.
Mr. Decker said he has heard discussion of the possibility of locating the new senior center on the roller rink site at the northeast corner of Railroad St. and E. Main St. Mr. Connors said he and Mayor Ringhand are encouraging discussion of that concept as part of a private redevelopment of that site, including condominiums. The senior center could be located on the ground floor and lend the appearance of commercial space on the ground floor.
New Business
Mr. Connors reviewed with the commissioners the Amended Project Plan for TID No. 5 and his spreadsheet comparing the budget in the original Project Plan to the budget in the Amended Project Plan. The commissioners requested that Mr. Connors provide each of them with an 11” by 17” map of the enlarged district, and that Mr. Connors obtain one larger print of the map to attach to a poster board for viewing during meetings.
The commissioners discussed the request of the Finance and Labor Relations Committee for advice from the Redevelopment Authority on Resolution #2005-50, which would transfer some costs in the adopted 2005 city capital budget from the capital project fund and other funds to TID No. 5’s capital project fund. Ms. Ahner asked if the Common Council does not adopt Resolution #2005-50, and TID No. 5 produces more revenue than expected, could the city go back and treat the costs that are the subject of Resolution #2005-50 as TIF-eligible. Mr. Connors said no, that would be too late, and the district would need to be terminated. Mr. Decker asked if those costs had been viewed as non-TIF costs when the decision was made to incur them. Mr. Connors responded that is correct. Mr. Decker asked if there are any imminent plans for private redevelopment of parcels along the part of Exchange St. south of Franklin St. Mr. Connors said no, there are no imminent plans for private redevelopment, in part because the vast majority of those parcels are owned by the city or its water and light utilities. Mr. Decker said that since there are no imminent plans for private redevelopment on this part of Exchange St. and since these costs were viewed as non-TIF costs when they were incurred, he would prefer not to make these costs into TIF-eligible costs, because that might decrease the chances of obtaining TIF funding for other higher-priority projects, like ADA accessible entrances to stores on Main St. Mr. Connors agreed that was a good point, but noted that there have been inquiries by private parties about purchasing parcels from the city along Exchange St. south of Franklin St., and the original and Amended Project Plan budgets both include $200,000 for streetscape, paths and lighting improvements that has not yet been allocated to any particular project.
Motion by Decker, seconded by Eager, to advise the Finance and Labor Relations Committee to recommend to Council not to adopt Ordinance #2005-50, amending the adopted 2005 city budget to transfer appropriations for certain capital projects to TID No. 5. Motion passed.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director
Mr. Connors thanked the commissioners for agreeing to move the regular meetings to a new night, because it allowed him to have more time to prepare.
The commissioners thanked Ald. Kooyman for his service on the Redevelopment Authority.
Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2005, 7:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Anderson was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director, except that reference to approving the minutes of the July 11, 2005, meeting was removed.
Motion by Kooyman, seconded by Decker, to approve the minutes of the Sept. 12, 2005, meeting (as revised on Oct. 18, 2005). Motion passed.
Ms. Ahner provide Mr. Connors with her notes of the July 11, 2005, meeting so he could write minutes of that meeting.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Connors reviewed some documents he provided regarding the financial status of TID No. 5. Vice-Chairperson Eager arrived during this discussion. There was considerable discussion of the spreadsheet showing examples of increases and decreases in value of parcels in the district, especially of 240 E. Main St. and the Citgo parcel. These parcels show the impact of demolishing the house on 240 E. Main St., but not the impact of the reconstruction of the Citgo station and quick mart.
Mr. Decker said he has heard discussion of the possibility of locating the new senior center on the roller rink site at the northeast corner of Railroad St. and E. Main St. Mr. Connors said he and Mayor Ringhand are encouraging discussion of that concept as part of a private redevelopment of that site, including condominiums. The senior center could be located on the ground floor and lend the appearance of commercial space on the ground floor.
New Business
Mr. Connors reviewed with the commissioners the Amended Project Plan for TID No. 5 and his spreadsheet comparing the budget in the original Project Plan to the budget in the Amended Project Plan. The commissioners requested that Mr. Connors provide each of them with an 11” by 17” map of the enlarged district, and that Mr. Connors obtain one larger print of the map to attach to a poster board for viewing during meetings.
The commissioners discussed the request of the Finance and Labor Relations Committee for advice from the Redevelopment Authority on Resolution #2005-50, which would transfer some costs in the adopted 2005 city capital budget from the capital project fund and other funds to TID No. 5’s capital project fund. Ms. Ahner asked if the Common Council does not adopt Resolution #2005-50, and TID No. 5 produces more revenue than expected, could the city go back and treat the costs that are the subject of Resolution #2005-50 as TIF-eligible. Mr. Connors said no, that would be too late, and the district would need to be terminated. Mr. Decker asked if those costs had been viewed as non-TIF costs when the decision was made to incur them. Mr. Connors responded that is correct. Mr. Decker asked if there are any imminent plans for private redevelopment of parcels along the part of Exchange St. south of Franklin St. Mr. Connors said no, there are no imminent plans for private redevelopment, in part because the vast majority of those parcels are owned by the city or its water and light utilities. Mr. Decker said that since there are no imminent plans for private redevelopment on this part of Exchange St. and since these costs were viewed as non-TIF costs when they were incurred, he would prefer not to make these costs into TIF-eligible costs, because that might decrease the chances of obtaining TIF funding for other higher-priority projects, like ADA accessible entrances to stores on Main St. Mr. Connors agreed that was a good point, but noted that there have been inquiries by private parties about purchasing parcels from the city along Exchange St. south of Franklin St., and the original and Amended Project Plan budgets both include $200,000 for streetscape, paths and lighting improvements that has not yet been allocated to any particular project.
Motion by Decker, seconded by Eager, to advise the Finance and Labor Relations Committee to recommend to Council not to adopt Ordinance #2005-50, amending the adopted 2005 city budget to transfer appropriations for certain capital projects to TID No. 5. Motion passed.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director
Mr. Connors thanked the commissioners for agreeing to move the regular meetings to a new night, because it allowed him to have more time to prepare.
The commissioners thanked Ald. Kooyman for his service on the Redevelopment Authority.
Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes; Evansville Redevelopment Authority--October 18, 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2005, 7:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Anderson was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director, except that reference to approving the minutes of the July 11, 2005, meeting was removed.
Motion by Kooyman, seconded by Decker, to approve the minutes of the Sept. 12, 2005, meeting (as revised on Oct. 18, 2005). Motion passed.
Ms. Ahner provide Mr. Connors with her notes of the July 11, 2005, meeting so he could write minutes of that meeting.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Connors reviewed some documents he provided regarding the financial status of TID No. 5. Vice-Chairperson Eager arrived during this discussion. There was considerable discussion of the spreadsheet showing examples of increases and decreases in value of parcels in the district, especially of 240 E. Main St. and the Citgo parcel. These parcels show the impact of demolishing the house on 240 E. Main St., but not the impact of the reconstruction of the Citgo station and quick mart.
Mr. Decker said he has heard discussion of the possibility of locating the new senior center on the roller rink site at the northeast corner of Railroad St. and E. Main St. Mr. Connors said he and Mayor Ringhand are encouraging discussion of that concept as part of a private redevelopment of that site, including condominiums. The senior center could be located on the ground floor and lend the appearance of commercial space on the ground floor.
New Business
Mr. Connors reviewed with the commissioners the Amended Project Plan for TID No. 5 and his spreadsheet comparing the budget in the original Project Plan to the budget in the Amended Project Plan. The commissioners requested that Mr. Connors provide each of them with an 11” by 17” map of the enlarged district, and that Mr. Connors obtain one larger print of the map to attach to a poster board for viewing during meetings.
The commissioners discussed the request of the Finance and Labor Relations Committee for advice from the Redevelopment Authority on Resolution #2005-50, which would transfer some costs in the adopted 2005 city capital budget from the capital project fund and other funds to TID No. 5’s capital project fund. Ms. Ahner asked if the Common Council does not adopt Resolution #2005-50, and TID No. 5 produces more revenue than expected, could the city go back and treat the costs that are the subject of Resolution #2005-50 as TIF-eligible. Mr. Connors said no, that would be too late, and the district would need to be terminated. Mr. Decker asked if those costs had been viewed as non-TIF costs when the decision was made to incur them. Mr. Connors responded that is correct. Mr. Decker asked if there are any imminent plans for private redevelopment of parcels along the part of Exchange St. south of Franklin St. Mr. Connors said no, there are no imminent plans for private redevelopment, in part because the vast majority of those parcels are owned by the city or its water and light utilities. Mr. Decker said that since there are no imminent plans for private redevelopment on this part of Exchange St. and since these costs were viewed as non-TIF costs when they were incurred, he would prefer not to make these costs into TIF-eligible costs, because that might decrease the chances of obtaining TIF funding for other higher-priority projects, like ADA accessible entrances to stores on Main St. Mr. Connors agreed that was a good point, but noted that there have been inquiries by private parties about purchasing parcels from the city along Exchange St. south of Franklin St., and the original and Amended Project Plan budgets both include $200,000 for streetscape, paths and lighting improvements that has not yet been allocated to any particular project.
Motion by Decker, seconded by Eager, to advise the Finance and Labor Relations Committee to recommend to Council not to adopt Ordinance #2005-50, amending the adopted 2005 city budget to transfer appropriations for certain capital projects to TID No. 5. Motion passed.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director
Mr. Connors thanked the commissioners for agreeing to move the regular meetings to a new night, because it allowed him to have more time to prepare.
The commissioners thanked Ald. Kooyman for his service on the Redevelopment Authority.
Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2005, 7:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Anderson was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director, except that reference to approving the minutes of the July 11, 2005, meeting was removed.
Motion by Kooyman, seconded by Decker, to approve the minutes of the Sept. 12, 2005, meeting (as revised on Oct. 18, 2005). Motion passed.
Ms. Ahner provide Mr. Connors with her notes of the July 11, 2005, meeting so he could write minutes of that meeting.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Connors reviewed some documents he provided regarding the financial status of TID No. 5. Vice-Chairperson Eager arrived during this discussion. There was considerable discussion of the spreadsheet showing examples of increases and decreases in value of parcels in the district, especially of 240 E. Main St. and the Citgo parcel. These parcels show the impact of demolishing the house on 240 E. Main St., but not the impact of the reconstruction of the Citgo station and quick mart.
Mr. Decker said he has heard discussion of the possibility of locating the new senior center on the roller rink site at the northeast corner of Railroad St. and E. Main St. Mr. Connors said he and Mayor Ringhand are encouraging discussion of that concept as part of a private redevelopment of that site, including condominiums. The senior center could be located on the ground floor and lend the appearance of commercial space on the ground floor.
New Business
Mr. Connors reviewed with the commissioners the Amended Project Plan for TID No. 5 and his spreadsheet comparing the budget in the original Project Plan to the budget in the Amended Project Plan. The commissioners requested that Mr. Connors provide each of them with an 11” by 17” map of the enlarged district, and that Mr. Connors obtain one larger print of the map to attach to a poster board for viewing during meetings.
The commissioners discussed the request of the Finance and Labor Relations Committee for advice from the Redevelopment Authority on Resolution #2005-50, which would transfer some costs in the adopted 2005 city capital budget from the capital project fund and other funds to TID No. 5’s capital project fund. Ms. Ahner asked if the Common Council does not adopt Resolution #2005-50, and TID No. 5 produces more revenue than expected, could the city go back and treat the costs that are the subject of Resolution #2005-50 as TIF-eligible. Mr. Connors said no, that would be too late, and the district would need to be terminated. Mr. Decker asked if those costs had been viewed as non-TIF costs when the decision was made to incur them. Mr. Connors responded that is correct. Mr. Decker asked if there are any imminent plans for private redevelopment of parcels along the part of Exchange St. south of Franklin St. Mr. Connors said no, there are no imminent plans for private redevelopment, in part because the vast majority of those parcels are owned by the city or its water and light utilities. Mr. Decker said that since there are no imminent plans for private redevelopment on this part of Exchange St. and since these costs were viewed as non-TIF costs when they were incurred, he would prefer not to make these costs into TIF-eligible costs, because that might decrease the chances of obtaining TIF funding for other higher-priority projects, like ADA accessible entrances to stores on Main St. Mr. Connors agreed that was a good point, but noted that there have been inquiries by private parties about purchasing parcels from the city along Exchange St. south of Franklin St., and the original and Amended Project Plan budgets both include $200,000 for streetscape, paths and lighting improvements that has not yet been allocated to any particular project.
Motion by Decker, seconded by Eager, to advise the Finance and Labor Relations Committee to recommend to Council not to adopt Ordinance #2005-50, amending the adopted 2005 city budget to transfer appropriations for certain capital projects to TID No. 5. Motion passed.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director
Mr. Connors thanked the commissioners for agreeing to move the regular meetings to a new night, because it allowed him to have more time to prepare.
The commissioners thanked Ald. Kooyman for his service on the Redevelopment Authority.
Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes; Evansville Redevelopment Authority: July 11, 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Monday, July 11, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Ald. Kooyman called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Present were Ald. Kooyman, Ald. Anderson, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Chairperson Hagen was absent. David Wagner, Ehlers & Associates, also was present. Vice-Chairperson Eager and Bill Connors, Executive Director, joined the meeting while it was in progress.
The agenda was approved as presented.
Motion by Ald. Anderson, seconded by Ms. Ahner, to approve the minutes of the June 27, 2005, special meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
David Mueller appeared and discussed his interest in renovating his property at 116 E. Main St., the Antes Building. He indicated he is looking for assistance with applying for federal tax credits and TIF.
Sandy Decker, Chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission, said she has spoken with the owners of Dollarland on W. Main St., and they are interested in learning more about TIF assistance. Ms. Decker also provided information about an upcoming presentation by Jim Sewell of the State Historical Society about tax credits for restoring historic buildings. The presentation will be at 6:30 PM on Monday, August 29, 2005, at the Eager Free Public Library.
Old Business
The commissioners discussed the progress of the Pete’s Inn façade improvement and commented that the work that has been completed looks good. The windows are next.
The commissioners reviewed the talking points regarding a proposed enlargement of TID No. 5. Mr. Wagner advised the commissioners not to include Baker Manufacturing’s property in the proposed enlargement. Roger Berg said Triple B Investments is waiting for the expansion of TID No. 5 to be approved so he can submit a proposal for TIF assistance for a historic restoration of the exterior of the existing two-family dwelling at 19 W. Church St.
New Business
Motion by Ald. Kooyman, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to recommend to Council adoption of Resolution #2005-36, amending the adopted 2005 city budget to increase the appropriation for TID No. 5 administrative expenses. Motion passed.
Communications and recommendations of the Executive Director
The commissioners requested that Mr. Connors report on the revenues and expenditures of TID No. 5 at the next meeting.
Motion by Ald. Kooyman, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Eager, to adjourn. Motion passed.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director (based in part on notes taken by Ms. Ahner)
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Monday, July 11, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Ald. Kooyman called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Present were Ald. Kooyman, Ald. Anderson, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Chairperson Hagen was absent. David Wagner, Ehlers & Associates, also was present. Vice-Chairperson Eager and Bill Connors, Executive Director, joined the meeting while it was in progress.
The agenda was approved as presented.
Motion by Ald. Anderson, seconded by Ms. Ahner, to approve the minutes of the June 27, 2005, special meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
David Mueller appeared and discussed his interest in renovating his property at 116 E. Main St., the Antes Building. He indicated he is looking for assistance with applying for federal tax credits and TIF.
Sandy Decker, Chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission, said she has spoken with the owners of Dollarland on W. Main St., and they are interested in learning more about TIF assistance. Ms. Decker also provided information about an upcoming presentation by Jim Sewell of the State Historical Society about tax credits for restoring historic buildings. The presentation will be at 6:30 PM on Monday, August 29, 2005, at the Eager Free Public Library.
Old Business
The commissioners discussed the progress of the Pete’s Inn façade improvement and commented that the work that has been completed looks good. The windows are next.
The commissioners reviewed the talking points regarding a proposed enlargement of TID No. 5. Mr. Wagner advised the commissioners not to include Baker Manufacturing’s property in the proposed enlargement. Roger Berg said Triple B Investments is waiting for the expansion of TID No. 5 to be approved so he can submit a proposal for TIF assistance for a historic restoration of the exterior of the existing two-family dwelling at 19 W. Church St.
New Business
Motion by Ald. Kooyman, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to recommend to Council adoption of Resolution #2005-36, amending the adopted 2005 city budget to increase the appropriation for TID No. 5 administrative expenses. Motion passed.
Communications and recommendations of the Executive Director
The commissioners requested that Mr. Connors report on the revenues and expenditures of TID No. 5 at the next meeting.
Motion by Ald. Kooyman, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Eager, to adjourn. Motion passed.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director (based in part on notes taken by Ms. Ahner)
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes; Evansville Redevelopment Authority: June 27, 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Special Meeting
Monday, June 27, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:36 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Kooyman was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2005, regular meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2005, special meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2005, regular meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Mr. Otterstein distributed the revised procedures and forms, noting that he had made revisions in response to an email message he received from Betsy Ahner.
There was discussion of the pros and cons of enlarging TID No. 5. The commissioners could find little reason not to draw the boundaries of the district as broadly as possible, but property owners need to be consulted first so they do not become alarmed. Mr. Connors said that during the planning process, a great many additional parcels had been included in TID No. 5, but had been removed before the district was created to reduce the amount of value being included in the district to meet a state limit on the percentage of a municipality’s value that may be included in TIF districts. Since the creation of TID No. 5, that limit has been increased, and TID No. 4 has been closed, so the city has a great deal more TIF capacity.
Properties that were identified for possible inclusion in an enlargement of TID No. 5 were the corridor along the railroad tracks and Exchange St. between E. Main St. and Water St., Baker Manufacturing’s property, the east half the south side of the first block of W. Church St., the Fire District property on the north side of the first block of W. Church St., the house directly across S. Madison St. from City Hall (and City Hall or the Methodist Church), the two houses south of the post office (but not the post office building itself), the Masonic Temple, the old pharmacy building (now Dollarland), the Bank of Evansville, and the Union Mutual Insurance building.
Mr. Connors was instructed to write up some bullet points about the consequence of having one’s property included in a TIF district, to bring to meetings with property owners.
Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Mr. Decker, to approach the Finance Committee and Council about retaining Ehlers & Associates to study the feasibility of enlarging TID No. 5. Motion passed.
New Business
None.
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Special Meeting
Monday, June 27, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:36 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Kooyman was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2005, regular meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2005, special meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2005, regular meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Mr. Otterstein distributed the revised procedures and forms, noting that he had made revisions in response to an email message he received from Betsy Ahner.
There was discussion of the pros and cons of enlarging TID No. 5. The commissioners could find little reason not to draw the boundaries of the district as broadly as possible, but property owners need to be consulted first so they do not become alarmed. Mr. Connors said that during the planning process, a great many additional parcels had been included in TID No. 5, but had been removed before the district was created to reduce the amount of value being included in the district to meet a state limit on the percentage of a municipality’s value that may be included in TIF districts. Since the creation of TID No. 5, that limit has been increased, and TID No. 4 has been closed, so the city has a great deal more TIF capacity.
Properties that were identified for possible inclusion in an enlargement of TID No. 5 were the corridor along the railroad tracks and Exchange St. between E. Main St. and Water St., Baker Manufacturing’s property, the east half the south side of the first block of W. Church St., the Fire District property on the north side of the first block of W. Church St., the house directly across S. Madison St. from City Hall (and City Hall or the Methodist Church), the two houses south of the post office (but not the post office building itself), the Masonic Temple, the old pharmacy building (now Dollarland), the Bank of Evansville, and the Union Mutual Insurance building.
Mr. Connors was instructed to write up some bullet points about the consequence of having one’s property included in a TIF district, to bring to meetings with property owners.
Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Mr. Decker, to approach the Finance Committee and Council about retaining Ehlers & Associates to study the feasibility of enlarging TID No. 5. Motion passed.
New Business
None.
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes; Evansville Redevelopment Authority: June 13, 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Monday, June 13, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Vice-Chairperson Eager called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Present were Vice-Chairperson Eager, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Chairperson Hagen, Ald. Anderson and Ald. Kooyman were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development, also were present.
The agenda was modified to correct the reference in Item 8(a) from W. Main St. to W. Church St., and otherwise was approved as presented by the executive director.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2005 regular meeting and the April 28, 2005, special meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
David Mueller did not appear to discuss his property at 116 E. Main St.
The commissioners completed revising a draft set of procedures and forms prepared by Mr. Otterstein. Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Mr. Decker, to approve the procedures and forms with the revisions communicated to Mr. Otterstein. Mr. Otterstein will circulate a revised draft for feedback, and further revisions might be necessary.
New Business
Roger Berg of Triple B Investments suggested that TID No. 5 could be expanded southward to include the parcel on the south side of W. Church St. where Triple B has obtained approval to construct a new two-unit residential building behind an existing old house that has been divided into a two-unit residential building. Mr. Berg suggested that the tax increment generated by the new building could be used to pay part of the cost of performing a historic restoration of the exterior of the old house in front of it. The commissioners expressed interest in this proposal, but if the tax increment district is to be enlarged, they want to explore whether other parcels on other boundaries of the district should also be included in the enlargement, since the city can make only a limited number of modifications to the boundaries of TID No. 5. The focus would be on finding additional parcels to include that have potential for commercial development. Executive Director Connors was instructed to ask David Wagner for information on whether there is sufficient time to enlarge TID No. 5 with the “base” value being set at Jan. 1, 2005, and the fees his company would charge for assisting with the enlargement. The commissioners discussed the possibility of having a special meeting soon to discuss this issue again.
Mr. Otterstein suggested that Mr. Connors should obtain a large map of TID No. 5 on which to illustrate the boundaries of the district and active/completed TIF-assisted projects. The commissioners agreed this would be helpful.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Monday, June 13, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Vice-Chairperson Eager called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Present were Vice-Chairperson Eager, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Chairperson Hagen, Ald. Anderson and Ald. Kooyman were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development, also were present.
The agenda was modified to correct the reference in Item 8(a) from W. Main St. to W. Church St., and otherwise was approved as presented by the executive director.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2005 regular meeting and the April 28, 2005, special meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
David Mueller did not appear to discuss his property at 116 E. Main St.
The commissioners completed revising a draft set of procedures and forms prepared by Mr. Otterstein. Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Mr. Decker, to approve the procedures and forms with the revisions communicated to Mr. Otterstein. Mr. Otterstein will circulate a revised draft for feedback, and further revisions might be necessary.
New Business
Roger Berg of Triple B Investments suggested that TID No. 5 could be expanded southward to include the parcel on the south side of W. Church St. where Triple B has obtained approval to construct a new two-unit residential building behind an existing old house that has been divided into a two-unit residential building. Mr. Berg suggested that the tax increment generated by the new building could be used to pay part of the cost of performing a historic restoration of the exterior of the old house in front of it. The commissioners expressed interest in this proposal, but if the tax increment district is to be enlarged, they want to explore whether other parcels on other boundaries of the district should also be included in the enlargement, since the city can make only a limited number of modifications to the boundaries of TID No. 5. The focus would be on finding additional parcels to include that have potential for commercial development. Executive Director Connors was instructed to ask David Wagner for information on whether there is sufficient time to enlarge TID No. 5 with the “base” value being set at Jan. 1, 2005, and the fees his company would charge for assisting with the enlargement. The commissioners discussed the possibility of having a special meeting soon to discuss this issue again.
Mr. Otterstein suggested that Mr. Connors should obtain a large map of TID No. 5 on which to illustrate the boundaries of the district and active/completed TIF-assisted projects. The commissioners agreed this would be helpful.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes: Redevelopment Authority: May 12, 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Special Meeting
Thursday, May 12, 2005, 2:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Vice-Chairperson Eager called the meeting to order at 2:04 PM. Present were Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Chairperson Hagen, Ald. Kooyman and Betsy Ahner were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present, and David Wagner, Ehlers & Associates, participated by telephone.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to convene into closed session pursuant to the following statutory exemption and will not reconvene into open session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(e), deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Motion by Ald. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 2:55 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Special Meeting
Thursday, May 12, 2005, 2:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Vice-Chairperson Eager called the meeting to order at 2:04 PM. Present were Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Chairperson Hagen, Ald. Kooyman and Betsy Ahner were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present, and David Wagner, Ehlers & Associates, participated by telephone.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to convene into closed session pursuant to the following statutory exemption and will not reconvene into open session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(e), deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Motion by Ald. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 2:55 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes; Evansville Redevelopment Authority: May 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Monday, May 9, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:33 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, and John Decker. Dean Arnold was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2005 regular meeting and the April 28, 2005, special meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to convene into closed session pursuant to the following statutory exemption and will not reconvene into open session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(e), deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to return to open session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to take no action at this time on the request of Central States Incorporated for financial assistance with redeveloping the “roller rink” site at the northeast corner of E. Main St. and Railroad St.
The commissioners worked on revising a draft set of procedures and forms prepared by Mr. Otterstein.
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Monday, May 9, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:33 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, and John Decker. Dean Arnold was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2005 regular meeting and the April 28, 2005, special meeting as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to convene into closed session pursuant to the following statutory exemption and will not reconvene into open session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(e), deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to return to open session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to take no action at this time on the request of Central States Incorporated for financial assistance with redeveloping the “roller rink” site at the northeast corner of E. Main St. and Railroad St.
The commissioners worked on revising a draft set of procedures and forms prepared by Mr. Otterstein.
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ald. Anderson, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes: Evansville Redevelopment Authority: April 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Special Meeting
Thursday, April 28, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Kooyman, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Anderson and Betsy Ahner were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and David Wagner, Ehlers & Associates, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to convene into closed session pursuant to the following statutory exemption and will not reconvene into open session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(e), deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Chairperson Hagen, moved to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Special Meeting
Thursday, April 28, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Kooyman, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Anderson and Betsy Ahner were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and David Wagner, Ehlers & Associates, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Kooyman, to convene into closed session pursuant to the following statutory exemption and will not reconvene into open session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(e), deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Chairperson Hagen, moved to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes: Evansville Redevelopment Authority: April 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Monday, April 11, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Anderson, moved to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2005, special meeting, as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Ald. Kooyman asked if there was any update on the status of the Pete’s Inn project. Executive Director Connors said he had not heard anything from Pete’s Inn.
New Business
David Mueller discussed problems he is having with drainage of storm water from between his building, the Antes Building at 116 E. Main St., and the bowling alley building, and the improvements he would like to make to his building, especially improvements that would make the basement space more attractive to lease out. Executive Director Connors was instructed to speak with Superintendent of Public Works David Wartenweiler about what, if anything, the city can do about the water drainage problem and report back to Mr. Mueller and to the Authority at the next regular meeting.
The commissioners discussed when would be the best time to work on new policies and procedures for the Authority, and they concluded that it would be best to have a short agenda at the next regular meeting and then spend the bulk of the meeting working on the policies and procedures.
Motion by Ald. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to convene into closed session pursuant to the following statutory exemption and will not reconvene into open session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(e), deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director.
None.
Ald. Kooyman, seconded by Mr. Arnold, moved to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Monday, April 11, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Mr. Decker, seconded by Ald. Anderson, moved to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2005, special meeting, as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Ald. Kooyman asked if there was any update on the status of the Pete’s Inn project. Executive Director Connors said he had not heard anything from Pete’s Inn.
New Business
David Mueller discussed problems he is having with drainage of storm water from between his building, the Antes Building at 116 E. Main St., and the bowling alley building, and the improvements he would like to make to his building, especially improvements that would make the basement space more attractive to lease out. Executive Director Connors was instructed to speak with Superintendent of Public Works David Wartenweiler about what, if anything, the city can do about the water drainage problem and report back to Mr. Mueller and to the Authority at the next regular meeting.
The commissioners discussed when would be the best time to work on new policies and procedures for the Authority, and they concluded that it would be best to have a short agenda at the next regular meeting and then spend the bulk of the meeting working on the policies and procedures.
Motion by Ald. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Arnold, to convene into closed session pursuant to the following statutory exemption and will not reconvene into open session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(e), deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director.
None.
Ald. Kooyman, seconded by Mr. Arnold, moved to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes: Evansville Redevelopment Authority: March 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Special Meeting
Thursday, March 17, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Kooyman was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Ald. Anderson, seconded by Ms. Arnold, moved to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2005, regular meeting, as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
None.
New Business
Executive Director Connors presented the documentation he received from MD Group LLC and Grange Store LLC. Mr. Connors reported that he had reviewed the documents and inspected the first floor of the Grange Building with City Building Inspector David Wartenweiler, and based on this information he could represent that MD Group had spent at least $100,000 on eligible improvements under the redevelopment agreement and Grange Store LLC had spent $50,000 on eligible improvements under the redevelopment agreement. He also reported that Grange Store LLC had provided sufficient documentation that it had replaced the windows on the first floor as required by the redevelopment agreement. The problem was that MD Group could not obtain evidence of competitive pricing (e.g., two third-party estimates) for many of the improvements because MD Group hand not obtained estimates for many items. In the future, the commissioners recommended that when a redevelopment agreement requests documentation of competitive pricing, the agreement should require the financial assistance recipient to provide the documentation for review and approval before work starts. Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Mr. Decker, to authorize Mr. Connors to disburse $100,000 of forgivable loan proceeds to MD Group LLC and $50,000 of forgivable loan proceeds to the Grange Store LLC, as provided in the redevelopment agreement. Motion passed, with Vice-Chairperson Eager abstaining.
Kevin Kleinert of Central States, Inc. made a presentation about a concept for redevelopment of the roller rink site, 128 E. Main St. and adjacent parcels. Central State, Inc. is a design-build firm with offices in Waunakee and Valders. Mr. Kleinert is an architect and one of the four owners of the company. Mr. Kleinert said his company is involved in 16 development projects in Wisconsin and upper Michigan, including projects in TIF districts in Portage, Valders, Two Rivers, Cleveland, Marinette and Ashwaubanon. He said his company has two of the parcels in the roller rink site under purchase agreements with 90 days to clear the contingencies, and he is working on purchase agreements on the three other parcels. He provided a sketch of two buildings that might be constructed on the site. Both buildings would be three stories high, with enclosed parking or retail space on the first floor and condominiums on the second and third floors. He estimated the value of the new improvements to be $3.5 million, and he suggested his company would need to receive tax increment to finance 13% of that value. His company would want to be allowed three years to pre-market the condominiums before starting construction, with full tax increment not being generated until after five years. His company and the owners would personally guarantee to make up for any shortfall in tax increment needed to recover the city’s investment in the project. He said his company would not raze any of the existing structures until it was time to begin construction of the new improvements.
After Mr. Kleinert left the meeting, the commissioners discussed his presentation and authorized Mr. Connors to begin negotiations with Central States, Inc.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director.
None.
Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ms. Ahner, moved to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Special Meeting
Thursday, March 17, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Ald. Kooyman was absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, also was present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Ald. Anderson, seconded by Ms. Arnold, moved to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2005, regular meeting, as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
None.
New Business
Executive Director Connors presented the documentation he received from MD Group LLC and Grange Store LLC. Mr. Connors reported that he had reviewed the documents and inspected the first floor of the Grange Building with City Building Inspector David Wartenweiler, and based on this information he could represent that MD Group had spent at least $100,000 on eligible improvements under the redevelopment agreement and Grange Store LLC had spent $50,000 on eligible improvements under the redevelopment agreement. He also reported that Grange Store LLC had provided sufficient documentation that it had replaced the windows on the first floor as required by the redevelopment agreement. The problem was that MD Group could not obtain evidence of competitive pricing (e.g., two third-party estimates) for many of the improvements because MD Group hand not obtained estimates for many items. In the future, the commissioners recommended that when a redevelopment agreement requests documentation of competitive pricing, the agreement should require the financial assistance recipient to provide the documentation for review and approval before work starts. Motion by Ms. Ahner, seconded by Mr. Decker, to authorize Mr. Connors to disburse $100,000 of forgivable loan proceeds to MD Group LLC and $50,000 of forgivable loan proceeds to the Grange Store LLC, as provided in the redevelopment agreement. Motion passed, with Vice-Chairperson Eager abstaining.
Kevin Kleinert of Central States, Inc. made a presentation about a concept for redevelopment of the roller rink site, 128 E. Main St. and adjacent parcels. Central State, Inc. is a design-build firm with offices in Waunakee and Valders. Mr. Kleinert is an architect and one of the four owners of the company. Mr. Kleinert said his company is involved in 16 development projects in Wisconsin and upper Michigan, including projects in TIF districts in Portage, Valders, Two Rivers, Cleveland, Marinette and Ashwaubanon. He said his company has two of the parcels in the roller rink site under purchase agreements with 90 days to clear the contingencies, and he is working on purchase agreements on the three other parcels. He provided a sketch of two buildings that might be constructed on the site. Both buildings would be three stories high, with enclosed parking or retail space on the first floor and condominiums on the second and third floors. He estimated the value of the new improvements to be $3.5 million, and he suggested his company would need to receive tax increment to finance 13% of that value. His company would want to be allowed three years to pre-market the condominiums before starting construction, with full tax increment not being generated until after five years. His company and the owners would personally guarantee to make up for any shortfall in tax increment needed to recover the city’s investment in the project. He said his company would not raze any of the existing structures until it was time to begin construction of the new improvements.
After Mr. Kleinert left the meeting, the commissioners discussed his presentation and authorized Mr. Connors to begin negotiations with Central States, Inc.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director.
None.
Vice-Chairperson Eager, seconded by Ms. Ahner, moved to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Minutes: Evansville Redevelopment: February 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 7, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Ald. Kooyman, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Betsy Ahner was absent. Ald. John Sornson and Bill Connors, Executive Director, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Ald. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Arnold, moved to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2005, regular meeting, as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Executive Director Connors reported that First Community Bank had obtain all of the necessary approvals for its branch bank project at the new intersection of E. Main St., Union St. and Exchange St., except for some technical approvals from the city engineer, and had purchased the site. He also reported that the city had vacated the old Exchange St. right of way and obtained a dedication of the new right of way through a certified survey map. The bank has requested the initial payment of $75,000 in accordance with its redevelopment agreement.
Executive Director Connors reported that Triple B Investments has been paid $24,648.38 as the developer requested for the renovation of the Badger Coach Building. This amount was less than the $30,000 maximum under the redevelopment agreement. Commissioners asked if the renovations produced the increase in value specified in the redevelopment agreement. Mr. Connors said this would not be known until the city assessor determines the value of the property as of January 1, 2005, which will occur later in 2005. If the value increase is not attained, the developer is required to pay back some of the grant. Commissioners asked to receive copies of the supporting documentation.
Executive Director Connors reported that it appears most of the improvements to the Grange Building are complete, and that he still has not received requests from the pharmacy and building owner for disbursements of loan proceeds. Commissioners wondered if there was a deadline for them to request disbursements. Mr. Connors said he would look into that, but he did not have the agreement with him.
New Business
None.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director.
Executive Director Connors discussed some correspondence he has recently sent to developers to encourage someone to make a proposal for a substantial redevelopment project, and provided the Commissioners with one example of these letters. Vice-Chairperson Eager asked if the Authority had authorized Mr. Connors to send such letters, and Mr. Connors responded the Authority had not, but he thought that was part of his duties. The letter discussed pay-as-you-go financing at a level of 10% of the anticipated increase in value. Mr. Connors said this level of investment was part of the underlying premise for the budget for TID No. 5. He said the developers he sent the letters to either had contacted him or had been identified by David Wagner of Ehlers Associates as having successful experience with projects in cities similar in population to Evansville.
Executive Director Connors informed the Commissioners that he had not been successful in gathering useful examples of funding guidelines, procedures and forms. The Commissioners suggested he contact larger municipalities like the City of Madison and state agencies like WEDA. The Commissioners reiterated to Mr. Connors that they are not comfortable approving any more grants or loans until the Authority adopts procedures and forms for evaluating requests.
The Commissioners asked Executive Director Connors to write a letter to Nelson-Young Lumber Company acknowledging receipt of the information submitted for the January 10 meeting and asking the company submit a more detailed proposal. The letter should also state that the Authority is working on funding guidelines, procedures and forms, and this work has not yet been completed.
Ald. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Decker, moved to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 7, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Chairperson Hagen called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Present were Chairperson Hagen, Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Anderson, Ald. Kooyman, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Betsy Ahner was absent. Ald. John Sornson and Bill Connors, Executive Director, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Ald. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Arnold, moved to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2005, regular meeting, as presented by the executive director. Motion passed.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Executive Director Connors reported that First Community Bank had obtain all of the necessary approvals for its branch bank project at the new intersection of E. Main St., Union St. and Exchange St., except for some technical approvals from the city engineer, and had purchased the site. He also reported that the city had vacated the old Exchange St. right of way and obtained a dedication of the new right of way through a certified survey map. The bank has requested the initial payment of $75,000 in accordance with its redevelopment agreement.
Executive Director Connors reported that Triple B Investments has been paid $24,648.38 as the developer requested for the renovation of the Badger Coach Building. This amount was less than the $30,000 maximum under the redevelopment agreement. Commissioners asked if the renovations produced the increase in value specified in the redevelopment agreement. Mr. Connors said this would not be known until the city assessor determines the value of the property as of January 1, 2005, which will occur later in 2005. If the value increase is not attained, the developer is required to pay back some of the grant. Commissioners asked to receive copies of the supporting documentation.
Executive Director Connors reported that it appears most of the improvements to the Grange Building are complete, and that he still has not received requests from the pharmacy and building owner for disbursements of loan proceeds. Commissioners wondered if there was a deadline for them to request disbursements. Mr. Connors said he would look into that, but he did not have the agreement with him.
New Business
None.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director.
Executive Director Connors discussed some correspondence he has recently sent to developers to encourage someone to make a proposal for a substantial redevelopment project, and provided the Commissioners with one example of these letters. Vice-Chairperson Eager asked if the Authority had authorized Mr. Connors to send such letters, and Mr. Connors responded the Authority had not, but he thought that was part of his duties. The letter discussed pay-as-you-go financing at a level of 10% of the anticipated increase in value. Mr. Connors said this level of investment was part of the underlying premise for the budget for TID No. 5. He said the developers he sent the letters to either had contacted him or had been identified by David Wagner of Ehlers Associates as having successful experience with projects in cities similar in population to Evansville.
Executive Director Connors informed the Commissioners that he had not been successful in gathering useful examples of funding guidelines, procedures and forms. The Commissioners suggested he contact larger municipalities like the City of Madison and state agencies like WEDA. The Commissioners reiterated to Mr. Connors that they are not comfortable approving any more grants or loans until the Authority adopts procedures and forms for evaluating requests.
The Commissioners asked Executive Director Connors to write a letter to Nelson-Young Lumber Company acknowledging receipt of the information submitted for the January 10 meeting and asking the company submit a more detailed proposal. The letter should also state that the Authority is working on funding guidelines, procedures and forms, and this work has not yet been completed.
Ald. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Decker, moved to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Saturday, November 5, 2005
Minutes: Evansville Redevelopment Authority: September 12, 2005
Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Regular Meeting
Monday, September 12, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Vice-Chairperson Eager called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Present were Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Chairperson Hagen and Ald. Anderson were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Executive Director Connors reported that he needed notes of the July 11, 2005, regular meeting, to write the minutes, because did not attend that meeting. It was recommended that he speak with Chairperson Hagen to see if he took any notes of the meeting.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Those who attended the walking tour of TID No. 5 on August 22, 2005, reported what they saw and discussed to those who did not attend. The description of the discussion that day about possibly creating a two-level sidewalk on the north side of the first block of E. Main St. to allow ADA-required access to doorways that now have steps generated additional discussion among the commissioners. A commissioner reported that something similar was done in the historic 3rd Ward of Milwaukee without detracting from the historic appearance of the buildings. The commissioners recommended that the city engineer and Public Works Committee consult with the Wisconsin Historical Society on this concept.
David Mueller did not appear, so there was no discussion regarding possible financial assistance for improvements to the Antes Building.
Executive Director Connors reported that all of the agreed-upon improvements to Pete’s Inn had been completed except the windows and awning, and that at Linda Church’s request, he had distributed the percentage reimbursement specified in the agreement for the costs already incurred, so Ms. Church would have money available for the windows. Vice-Chairperson Eager said that in the future, the agreements should be explicit about whether partial payments would be available before all agreed-upon improvements had been completed. The commissioners instructed Mr. Connors to check with Ms. Church and make sure that she understood that the agreement requires the new replacement windows to have round tops that fill the historic window openings, which have round tops.
Mr. Connors said he could not report on the financial condition of TID No. 5 at this time, other than to say the district will produce only around $14,000 of increment in 2006, because the new assessment roll is not yet available. He will report more information at the next meeting.
New Business
Mr. Connors reported that during the Plan Commission’s discussion of the proposed enlargement of TID No. 5 and the accompanying Amended Project Plan, Alderpersons Hammann and Aikman expressed concern about providing financial assistance for historic exterior restoration of the two-unit residential rental building at 19 W. Church St., and that Ald. Hammann had suggested removing that parcel from the list of parcels to be added to TID No. 5. Mr. Wagner and Mr. Connors explained at the Plan Commission meeting that including a parcel in TID No. 5 did not in any way commit the city to provide financial assistance to a project on that parcel, and that any request for financial assistance would be evaluated by the Redevelopment Authority, and no financial assistance could be given without separate Council approval. Roger Berg appeared and asked if the appropriate time to submit an application for this project to the Redevelopment Authority would be after the anticipated Council approval of the enlargement of TID No. 5 on Sept. 13, 2005, and Mr. Connors said that is correct.
There was a discussion of what the Redevelopment Authority might do to increase the possibility that the roller rink site at the corner of E. Main St. and Railroad St. would be available for redevelopment. The commissioners instructed Mr. Connors to discuss with the Common Council the possibility of approaching the owners of the five parcels in and around the site about purchasing from them options to purchase their parcels, which could be assigned to a developer.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director
Executive Director Connors said he had been providing poor service to the Redevelopment Authority because of the time crunch he was experiencing trying to prepare materials for the Finance Committee, Common Council, and Redevelopment Authority meetings all at the same time. He asked that the day of the month for the regular meetings of the Redevelopment Authority be changed to a day later in the month. The commissioners agreed to change the regular meeting day to the third Tuesday of the month, and that the meetings would start at 7:00 PM. Ald. Kooyman said he also would move the regular meeting day for the Economic Development Committee to the third Tuesday of the month, and their meetings would start at 6:00 PM. So the next regular meeting of the Redevelopment Authority would be at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ms. Ahner, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
Regular Meeting
Monday, September 12, 2005, 7:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
Vice-Chairperson Eager called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Present were Vice-Chairperson Eager, Ald. Kooyman, Betsy Ahner, Dean Arnold and John Decker. Chairperson Hagen and Ald. Anderson were absent. Bill Connors, Executive Director, and James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development, also were present.
The agenda was approved as presented by the executive director.
Executive Director Connors reported that he needed notes of the July 11, 2005, regular meeting, to write the minutes, because did not attend that meeting. It was recommended that he speak with Chairperson Hagen to see if he took any notes of the meeting.
There were no citizen appearances on items not listed on the agenda, and no public hearings.
Old Business
Those who attended the walking tour of TID No. 5 on August 22, 2005, reported what they saw and discussed to those who did not attend. The description of the discussion that day about possibly creating a two-level sidewalk on the north side of the first block of E. Main St. to allow ADA-required access to doorways that now have steps generated additional discussion among the commissioners. A commissioner reported that something similar was done in the historic 3rd Ward of Milwaukee without detracting from the historic appearance of the buildings. The commissioners recommended that the city engineer and Public Works Committee consult with the Wisconsin Historical Society on this concept.
David Mueller did not appear, so there was no discussion regarding possible financial assistance for improvements to the Antes Building.
Executive Director Connors reported that all of the agreed-upon improvements to Pete’s Inn had been completed except the windows and awning, and that at Linda Church’s request, he had distributed the percentage reimbursement specified in the agreement for the costs already incurred, so Ms. Church would have money available for the windows. Vice-Chairperson Eager said that in the future, the agreements should be explicit about whether partial payments would be available before all agreed-upon improvements had been completed. The commissioners instructed Mr. Connors to check with Ms. Church and make sure that she understood that the agreement requires the new replacement windows to have round tops that fill the historic window openings, which have round tops.
Mr. Connors said he could not report on the financial condition of TID No. 5 at this time, other than to say the district will produce only around $14,000 of increment in 2006, because the new assessment roll is not yet available. He will report more information at the next meeting.
New Business
Mr. Connors reported that during the Plan Commission’s discussion of the proposed enlargement of TID No. 5 and the accompanying Amended Project Plan, Alderpersons Hammann and Aikman expressed concern about providing financial assistance for historic exterior restoration of the two-unit residential rental building at 19 W. Church St., and that Ald. Hammann had suggested removing that parcel from the list of parcels to be added to TID No. 5. Mr. Wagner and Mr. Connors explained at the Plan Commission meeting that including a parcel in TID No. 5 did not in any way commit the city to provide financial assistance to a project on that parcel, and that any request for financial assistance would be evaluated by the Redevelopment Authority, and no financial assistance could be given without separate Council approval. Roger Berg appeared and asked if the appropriate time to submit an application for this project to the Redevelopment Authority would be after the anticipated Council approval of the enlargement of TID No. 5 on Sept. 13, 2005, and Mr. Connors said that is correct.
There was a discussion of what the Redevelopment Authority might do to increase the possibility that the roller rink site at the corner of E. Main St. and Railroad St. would be available for redevelopment. The commissioners instructed Mr. Connors to discuss with the Common Council the possibility of approaching the owners of the five parcels in and around the site about purchasing from them options to purchase their parcels, which could be assigned to a developer.
Communications and Recommendations from the Executive Director
Executive Director Connors said he had been providing poor service to the Redevelopment Authority because of the time crunch he was experiencing trying to prepare materials for the Finance Committee, Common Council, and Redevelopment Authority meetings all at the same time. He asked that the day of the month for the regular meetings of the Redevelopment Authority be changed to a day later in the month. The commissioners agreed to change the regular meeting day to the third Tuesday of the month, and that the meetings would start at 7:00 PM. Ald. Kooyman said he also would move the regular meeting day for the Economic Development Committee to the third Tuesday of the month, and their meetings would start at 6:00 PM. So the next regular meeting of the Redevelopment Authority would be at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Motion by Mr. Decker, seconded by Ms. Ahner, to adjourn. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Prepared by William E. Connors, Executive Director
The Minutes are not official until approved by the Authority.
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