MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MICHIGAN CITY REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MAY 9, 2011

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1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MICHIGAN CITY REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MAY 9, 2011 The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission met in a regular meeting in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall Building, 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, Indiana, on Monday, May 9, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. local time; the date, hour, and place duly established for the holding of said meeting. CALL TO ORDER President Ken Behrendt called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL The following members were noted present for the record: Ken Behrendt, Ed Bigda, Lynne Kaser, and Hesham Khalil (4 present, 0 absent, 1 vacancy). Staff in attendance: Executive Director John Pugh, Attorney Michael Bergerson, Zoning Administrator/Rehab Officer Joseph Siegel, and Secretary Debbie Wilson. President Behrendt mentioned that Michael Kniola resigned from the Commission last month because he moved out of town. He thanked Mr. Kniola for his service on the Commission and wished him the best of luck. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Chair entertained a motion for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of April 11, A motion was made by Ms. Kaser to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Khalil. Mr. Behrendt noted on page 4, the last paragraph, Carl should be spelled Karl. Ms. Kaser amended her motion to approve the minutes with the correction as stated. The motion was seconded by Mr. Khalil, with voice vote as follows: (Ayes): Ken Behrendt, Ed Bigda, Lynne Kaser, Hesham Khalil (Nays): None CLAIMS Mr. Pugh distributed and reviewed the claims for May.

2 Payroll Staff Salaries 04/21/11 3, /06/11 3, , Claims (Regular) Lenore Gregory Acctg services March Michael Bergerson Legal retainer May Claims (N TIF) Environmental Inc Grant mgement - former Josam east 6, John A Doyle & Assoc Survey - Warren bldg 1, Haas & Assoc Elston Grove streetscape project 31, Environmental Inc 101 Chicago Street 2, NICTD RC share TIGER II grant 10, Michael Bergerson Legal services N TIF 1, , The Chair entertained a motion for approval of the claims. A motion was made by Mr. Khalil to approve the claims as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bigda, with voice vote as follows: (Ayes): Ken Behrendt, Ed Bigda, Lynne Kaser, Hesham Khalil (Nays): None FINANCIAL REPORT Mr. Pugh distributed and reviewed the financial report ended March 31, The Chair entertained a motion for approval of the financial report. A motion to approve the financial report ended March 31, 2011 was made by Mr. Bigda. The motion was seconded by Ms. Kaser, with voice vote as follows: (Ayes): Ken Behrendt, Ed Bigda, Lynne Kaser, Hesham Khalil (Nays): None Page 2 of 7

3 NORTH END REDEVELOPMENT SIGNAGE Councilman Richard Murphy, 217 Beachwalk Lane, along with Julie Wozniak and Tim Haas, came forward to make their presentation on signage for the North End. Mr. Murphy explained that they believe this to be a low cost high impact project which would implement an exciting brand of North End redevelopment signage placed in strategic locations. The goal would be to educate residents and visitors regarding major construction projects currently underway or soon to be underway, as well as to market the transformation of the North End to potential investors. Current projects underway include the Michigan Boulevard beautification project, the Elston Grove project, and the Trail Creek Corridor and Wescott Park project. Mr. Murphy continued stating that the signage concept was originally discussed at the MCNEAT meeting whereby members saw the opportunity to place attractive signage near construction projects to inform the public of what was happening. That concept was taken and further developed by resources provided by the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau. They saw an opportunity to create a buzz with the summer starting off. The signs would show the project area highlighted as well as a rendering depicting the project. They will be temporary signs installed for the lifetime of the project. Ms. Wozniak, The Wozniak Group, 1032 Georgetown Road, informed that the signs would be 4 x8 and installed in the ground with a 4 x4 post. They will be produced in color on MDO board and weather resistant and will be designed such with multiple colors so at a quick glance they can be seen both from vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Each project will be color-coded so that the final sign will display the multiple ongoing projects. Mr. Pugh asked the approximate number of signs. Mr. Murphy replied that there would be a total of eight. They would welcome feedback on possible locations. Mr. Pugh asked the cost per sign. Ms. Wozniak replied that the cost would be $400-$420 per sign installed. This would include the posts, the installation materials, the manpower, and the actual production. Ms. Kaser asked if the signs would be two-sided. Ms. Wozniak stated that they would like to see them placed so they are one-sided due to the fact that they are on 4 x4 posts; but it would depend on the location. If there was a location that made sense for it to be two-sided, then they would mount that particular sign differently. Page 3 of 7

4 Attorney Bergerson asked if they would be placed to take advantage of overhead lighting. Ms. Wozniak stated that it would absolutely make sense to utilize overhead lighting to highlight the signs in areas where possible. Mr. Murphy noted that their goal is implementation by Memorial Day weekend to take advantage of the kick-off of the summer season. Mr. Khalil asked if the signs would be interchangeable. Ms. Wozniak responded that they would not be interchangeable. The material used would not be of the peel off type. She advised that as projects continue, the signs could be changed up and different things added to them. Attorney Bergerson asked how the Elston Grove Neighborhood Association feels about the signs being located in their neighborhood. Mr. Murphy stated that the project has been discussed with them and he thinks if care is taken for safety and lighting they would be supportive of the signs. Mr. Behrendt asked when they would determine the site locations. Mr. Murphy replied that they could have those locations determined sometime this week. President Behrendt suggested that they supply the Commission with the list of proposed locations when determined and the members could provide feedback. The Chair entertained a motion. Mr. Khalil made a motion to allocate up to $5,000 to proceed with North End signage as presented by MCNEAT and the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau with the condition of Traffic Division review. Mr. Haas discussed potential locations for the signs on public right-of-way and indicated that the potential locations would be submitted to the next Board of Works meeting for action. Mr. Khalil pointed out that there would be additional INDOT permitting/approval if the signs were located in close proximity to US Highway 12. Page 4 of 7

5 The motion was seconded by Ms. Kaser, with voice vote as follows: (Ayes): Ken Behrendt, Ed Bigda, Lynne Kaser, Hesham Khalil (Nays): None UPDATE ON ELSTON GROVE PROJECT Tim Haas, Haas and Associates, came forward and introduced Stu Franzen, Sub Consultant Landscape Architect from Planned Environments. Mr. Haas stated that the use of CDBG funding had been considered and was determined not to be a favorable source of funding for the project at this time because of the lengthy time required to get permits through the NEPA process. There was a meeting between the Forester, Frank Seilheimer, and Mr. Franzen. An inventory of the trees in the project area is 90% complete. Mr. Haas stated that they continue to work on the project design. There were issues with the way the former Crown Liquor property plat was recorded and with the efforts of John Doyle, those issues have been resolved and a new plat forthcoming. Mr. Doyle is also working on resolving the issues with the recorded property records on Cedar Street as well. Mr. Haas anticipates a design coordination meeting on May 20 th at 2:00 p.m. President Behrendt appointed an Elston Grove subcommittee to include himself and Mr. Khalil to attend the design coordination meeting. Mr. Pugh asked the estimated bid date. Mr. Haas replied that bids will be accepted in July with the contract award in July as well. Mr. Pugh noted that there is a 30-day gap to get the bonds sold. He suggested the contract award be 30 days from the acceptance of bids. DISCUSSION ADD FRANKLIN STREET PROPERTY TO ACQUISITION LIST Attorney Bergerson explained that this is in follow-up to a preliminary resolution adopted last month. He informed the Commission that he appeared at the Council meeting last week with a similar resolution which sought to obtain their consensus that the possible purchase of the building might be in the best interest of the Redevelopment Commission as well as providing revitalization efforts to the downtown area. He continued that it is within the scope of the Commission s mission to redevelop blighted properties and this represents a great opportunity to move the downtown forward. Page 5 of 7

6 Attorney Bergerson continued that there are still several steps which need to be taken, and therefore submitted RESOLUTION 3-11 OF THE MICHIGAN CITY REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RELATED TO ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA. He explained that this resolution would allow further negotiations with the developer, Mr. O Brien, and place the property firmly on the acquisition list as well as authorize Mr. Pugh along with himself to continue negotiations with the owner to potentially sign a purchase agreement subject to the approval of the Council. For the record, Attorney Bergerson stated that two independent appraisals have been submitted to Mr. Pugh and those would be the numbers utilized to determine the acquisition price for the initial offers. Attorney Bergerson recommended approval of Resolution A motion was made by Ms. Kaser to approve Resolution 3-11 of the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission Related to Acquisition of Property in the Redevelopment Area. The motion was seconded by Mr. Khalil, with voice vote as follows: (Ayes): Ken Behrendt, Ed Bigda, Lynne Kaser, Hesham Khalil (Nays): None REPORT BY LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney Bergerson reported that consolidation of property has taken place. He will continue to work with the property owners on acquisition of the remaining property in the redevelopment area. Attorney Bergerson certified for the record that an Executive Session was held prior to this meeting and discussion was limited to the items on the agenda; no votes were taken and there was no discussion of any other item. REPORT BY DIRECTOR Mr. Pugh reported that Michigan City in Bloom will be sponsoring a beautification contest. Applications can be obtained at the Park Department, Port Authority, Senior Center, City Hall, Members Advantage Credit Union, or on line at The deadline for submission is June 27 th. Participation has been expanded to include all residents of Michigan City. Categories include container garden, private residence, small business, large business, and environmental (natural plantings). Page 6 of 7

7 PUBLIC COMMENT Dan Radtke, Pioneer Pier and Pioneer Lumber, congratulated everyone involved with the Michigan Boulevard project, Wescott Park project, and the demolition of buildings in Washington Park. He said this all adds to the beauty of the cityscape. He also questioned the status of the Lake Avenue extension project as well as the status of the Master Developer. Mr. Pugh replied that the Redevelopment Commission is not pursuing the Lake Avenue project; it would be a Board of Works project. With regard to the Master Developer, Mr. Behrendt responded that the Commission has retained outside counsel to negotiate a contract with the number one group. NEXT MEETING DATE The next regular meeting of the Commission is June 13, ADJOURNMENT The Chair entertained a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Bigda seconded by Mr. Khalil and unanimously approved. The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. /s/ Lynne Kaser, Secretary Page 7 of 7