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in Grant County · Redevelopment Commission, October 6, 2025 · 2025-10-06 · full transcript
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    0:05  Grant County Redevelopment Commission meeting to order and we'll have the prayer led by Victoria Herring with the pledge led by Mark Leming. If you would just stand. Lord, we just thank you for this time that we can come together today and serve Grant County. We pray for your wisdom as we make decisions for the betterment of this county. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
    0:36  United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. We'll move on to item number two, approval of meeting minutes from 92 of 2025. Are there any corrections or errors that need to be addressed with the meeting minutes? minutes?
    1:06  minutes? If not, I entertain a motion. >> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion from Mr. Street, a second from Mr. Fleming to approve the GCRC minute minutes uh from September the 2nd, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. >> Are there any other questions or comments from the members? >> If not, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose, same sign.
    1:37  >> I. All oppose, same sign. Minutes are approved. We'll move on to item number three, the draft of the EDA TIFF timetables and maps. I'll turn it over to Mr. Bookout. Thank you, uh, Commissioner. I'd like to first start with the, uh, I69 and State Road 26, economic development area. Mr. Meeks is here from Bars and Thornberg, uh, who would help through this process. There was a map of this area included in your packet. That map is subject to your
    2:08  your packet. That map is subject to your feedback today. So, if you have I mean, this is kind of what we talked about in the last meeting. I tried to sketch it out the best I could and incorporate everyone's thoughts, but uh still open to interpretation and your feedback on that. Before we get into that map though and your comfort level with that, I'd like to turn it over to Mr. Meeks to describe the process of the uh the timet. So, good afternoon, commissioners. Um Meeks, Barber, I'm standing again for my colleague Chris Chrysel today, so I apologize. It's much less fun to hand some tricks, but you
    2:38  less fun to hand some tricks, but you know, we do what we can. Um, so the what is before the commission um at your next meeting on November 3rd will be the approval of what we call a declaratory resolution. The declaratory resolution really does two things. It approves a map of an economic development area, um, which is an area that in the county that the commission has identified as a target for um, potential future development. Um, and in that economic development area, it identifies an
    3:08  development area, it identifies an allocation area, which is an area where property tax increment will be collected that can be used by the commission to finance improvements in your economic development area or serving your economic development area. In addition, the declaratory resolution um includes what we call an economic development plan, which is a document that walks through sort of the rationale as to why we have picked this area to be an economic development target and it identifies the powers that the redevelopment commission will have to make improvements in and serving the area to facilitate development in that
    3:39  area to facilitate development in that area. Um I believe this is this will be Grant County's first economic development area. So I'll walk through kind of the whole approval process. It has four steps. So after the commission has adopted the declaratory resolution um that triggers action by two additional bodies. The area plan commission um that has jurisdiction for planning in Grant County and then the county commissioners. So first it goes to the plan commission and the plan commission has a relatively simple ask. They're asked whether the economic development plan conforms to the general
    4:10  development plan conforms to the general plan of development for the county. Um and if they give their approval that they find the the economic development plan to be in conformance with the comprehensive plan then it'll go to the board of commissioners and the board of commissioners give their their ascent to the plan um and the collection of the tax increment. Once you have those two approvals, there is a publication of a notice of public hearing um that will be made at least 10 days before this body would meet um to have a hearing on the declaratory resolution and adopt uh an action that we call confirmatory
    4:41  action that we call confirmatory resolution which basically recites that after receiving the approvals of the other government bodies and holding the public hearing, the commission would like to proceed with the declaratory resolution. Once that's done, um the economic development area and red and allocation area exist um and they need to be reported on to two bodies. One is the county auditor um and that way the auditor can can ensure that um the parcels that will generate increment are marked as sort of creating increment for
    5:11  marked as sort of creating increment for the redevelopment commission's use. And then additionally to the um Indiana Department of Local Government Finance who um keep sort of universal records of these things for the state. And so uh it goes into their their transparency portal so that um taxpayers can go and see where the what parcels are included in the um in the allocation area specifically here. Um what is proposed is an economic development area that is co-erminous with an allocation area. So all of the parcels in the EDA would also
    5:41  all of the parcels in the EDA would also be inside of the allocation area. Uh that isn't necessarily always the case. Sometimes you may have EDAs that are bigger than allocation areas. Um I would call I like to call the EDA the big box and we have big box and small box and always always the allocation area is smaller. It can be as big as the EDA but not bigger. Um if that makes sense. Um one is sort of you know um one generates the revenue and one is where you can use it. So where you can use it is always bigger than what's generating. But here they got to be the same size as each other. Um I'm happy to answer any
    6:11  other. Um I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have. We're still in the process of finalizing the territory resolution which I think is really focused a lot around the map and what parcels are going to be in there. Um but also happy to talk through the kind of things that go into the economic development plan um and answer any questions that you may have. So I guess my only question would be um let's say hypothetically like area plan decides uh that this is going to be declared an area then what would be the
    6:42  declared an area then what would be the steps? I mean that does it die then if you didn't get the approval of the plan commission correct we would you would have to come back and and adopt a a different declaratory resolution. Um though in my experience the the plan commission's ask is sort of so narrow. Um it's rare that that that's where you have an issue. Usually it would if somebody's going to object it's like it's the commissioners. Um this is usually because there there's a sort of broader ranging evaluation of of whether or not it's a good idea. The plan plan
    7:13  or not it's a good idea. The plan plan commissioner just being asked does this sort of wildly violate the the plan? Um, and here in this particular case, we're talking about the intersection of two two sort of major thoroughares in the county as a site for potential future development. I I doubt that the plan wouldn't allow that. >> Absolutely. Thank you. Are there any other questions from the members?
    7:46  >> Second piece of this is the map. So you all have a copy of the map and I if you have feedback or so this uh is the I6926 map where at the last meeting we gave direction on the outline. Correct. >> That is correct. So that's that's a pretty good size area, area, area, right? That's if I'm reading this right, it's going from to from the where the electrical
    8:17  from to from the where the electrical power plant is out there. Is that correct? correct? correct? >> Uh the there is the gas plant the gas to the highway the to the highway >> all the way back to Wheeling Pike. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> And then partial way up Wheeling Pike. >> Mhm. >> And back across. That's basically taking up that whole >> Yes. trying >> just goes back to 700 east of it willing pipe going north it goes >> well well to the north it goes to
    8:47  >> well well to the north it goes to wheeling wheeling wheeling >> p say to the east it goes to 700 >> yeah right >> just one mile and we have those those people that own the land >> um I have talked to as as we'd mentioned before uh people on the four corners of the interstate and um the state highway. Well, actually three of the larger parcels I had positive feedback. They're not
    9:19  I had positive feedback. They're not ready to put the property up for sale, but they're open to conversations. The uh piece in the lower the small um defunct Stuckies gas station that's in the southeast corner, they are a willing seller at that location. Again, they recognize that if there's a plan and there's more, you know, there's development, there's buyin from the county that, you know, they're, you know, they're opportunistic as everyone would be who is a land owner. Um, they
    9:49  would be who is a land owner. Um, they want to maximize their their profit. I recognize they're not sellers at farm ground prices and they recognize today without zoning, water, sewer, they're farm ground prices today, just at a good logistical location. So describe the process on like say we wanted to increase the map or you know at a f future date say we today we approve to accept this design can you always always always >> yeah absolutely so um at any future
   10:21  >> yeah absolutely so um at any future point so say we got through the entire process we do the confirmatory resolution and and the area is created if at a future point the redevelopment commission wanted to expand the area um you would go through the same process so you would adopt a declaratory resolution that would identify the new larger area, get a planning commission approval, board of commissioners approval, and then a public hearing and the final approval of this body. And that would be so it's it's that same process.
   10:52  This is the first step in planning. So yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm happy to make revisions to this plan. It's not set in stone. Today's the day we look at it and decide, is this what you want? Um, >> well, I think that you got a plan as if we're going to grow and live forever in a sense and then you're going to reel it back as to reality as far as people go, as far as industry that people will accept, accept, accept, >> right? >> That's kind of my thought process. >> And this is not a zoning body either. So, you know, there is a zoning step that anyone who goes there would have to accomplish. accomplish. accomplish. >> So, when you think about all those
   11:22  >> So, when you think about all those stages that you're you guys are both mentioning, you're looking at what two three months sometimes on getting through all of the steps. >> Yes. Yeah. without special meetings. Yeah, it can take that long. >> Are there any other questions for the members? Are we looking for a motion to accept? accept? accept? >> I think it'd be appropriate to approve the timeline and approve this draft map for inclusion with the declaratory resolution that Mr. Meeks would prepare
   11:57  because when we met last month, that's kind of where we were headed so we could see the process, right? be part of the process. process. process. >> Yes, >> I would make that motion then to at least continue this and with the hopes that we can land something that everyone will will will benefit from or be happy with. >> Yeah, >> I'll second. >> I have a motion from Mr. Wilming, a second from Miss Harrington hearing how to say your last hearing, right? uh to
   12:27  to say your last hearing, right? uh to approve uh the timeline proposed timeline for the establishment of an I69 and State Road 26 economic development area along with the attached draft. Are there any other questions from the members? Do we just do we do roll call or >> I I you can do all all in favor signify by saying I. >> All in favor signify by saying I. I. All oppose. Same sign. Motion carries.
   12:58  oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. Thank you. >> So, we want to talk about the second uh timetable. Now, um Commissioner Middlesworth and I as well as Attorney Harker. I had the opportunity to meet with the mayor Marian this morning, talk with him about this westward area. Um, it's my understanding now after talking with uh Mr. Harker that possibly we should hold on this, get some more feedback from the mayor on
   13:29  get some more feedback from the mayor on his intentions. Uh, Mr. is there further you want to share on that or okay I think we need to make sure that everyone's comfortable with this and all the parties and I know that Commissioner Millsworth has gone to the ends of the earth to try to make sure that everyone's aware of what's going on but I think more discussion needs to be had with the city uh before we we push this one forward I purposefully admitted omitted a map from your packet that I sent because um we had questions the mayor had questions um I had all three
   13:59  mayor had questions um I had all three commissioners had conversations with me about the area and I think we need to make sure that the those parties are all on board before we bring something to you. you. you. Just hold this one this time. Keep it on the agenda. Happy to answer questions questions or comments. comments. comments. We'll move on. >> Okay. Moving on to item number four. >> Yes. So, uh, per your request at the last meeting, I drafted a notice of proposals, uh, that contains dates,
   14:30  proposals, uh, that contains dates, timeline. Um, this is a standard template request for proposals that our firm has used over 30 times in the past, uh, to repurpose properties. Um, tried to hit some of the high points in here that you all had mentioned regarding that a respondent has to have a a plan to address brownfield concerns. uh has to take into consideration different factors in the neighborhood and has to most importantly agree to pay the taxes for a period of at least five years going forward or forfeit it back to this body. Um
   15:03  to this body. Um I included a map in there as well. There's a lot there, but I'm I'm I know this proposal inside and out, so I'm happy to answer questions. First page is actually the public notice that would go in the newspaper notice of request of proposals with your approval today. This would be advertised immediately twice in local publication and then distributed to developers that um the county thinks may
   15:33  developers that um the county thinks may have interest in the property or anyone else that you all would like me to distribute it to. We'll make sure we get it out. >> I miss some I thought we were weren't we talking about the the dating property? >> Yes, correct. I thought did we just say we were going to we did do anything on that till we with the mayor or was that something else? >> No, that was something else. That was the economic that was the timet for the economic development area. >> All right. West. >> I thought we were talking about there. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Specifically. All right.
   16:04  >> So before us we have the notice for repo uh request for proposals. regarding the Dana site and um that's one of those that you know the commissioners had pulled the certificate from the tax sale. Commissioner Millsworth uh after since the certificate has been pulled I've been working with uh Mr. Risel to get us a description of how the property um once it's been once
   16:36  how the property um once it's been once there been a tax sale certificate issued, how the commissioners can go about about about obtaining title and or navigating that process to get from your tax sale certificate to uh something that is a deed that can be then used as part of process to develop. And I know price started that process and hopefully by the next meeting we should have something in writing uh spelling out how
   17:06  something in writing uh spelling out how we get there. This is a we how we get there. This is a significant opportunity for us to engage in redevelopment uh through the plan that is in my opinion the lowest hanging fruit the county can can grab which is things uh in the tax. So looking forward to learning about that hopefully at our next meeting. >> So we need a motion to uh approve the notice of the RFP.
   17:36  approve the notice of the RFP. >> That is correct. So just for me to read the timeline to you of how how this would happen incorporating what um Attorney Harker just shared, we would issue this October 10th. Written questions would be due to the county by November 24th. proposals due to this body by December 1st. That would take into account the month of of November for Attorney Harker and Chris Chrysle to uh iron out the exact process that they want. And then closing and transfer after a selected uh contract award would
   18:09  after a selected uh contract award would be estimated at 4 to 6 months post award. There has to be a we have to perfect the uh deed on the property. Are there any questions or comments from the members? I want want you to pay particular attention to the questions that are as part of this. We do make them describe all kinds of different circumstances. Who's doing the work? What is your experience? Will you be using local
   18:39  experience? Will you be using local contractors? Um there's a place for them to uh provide a bid. And I have received these back before and for you know depending on the property the the the bid could be significant or it could be zero dollars. We want to be realistic about what people may do on the bid amount. Um they have to describe their timeline timeline timeline whether they what type of business they propose. Um how many years have they been in business? Do they plan to create or retain jobs?
   19:10  or retain jobs? Um average hourly wages. Um, Um, Um, yeah, let's do a lot of different items on here. So, you can see all those questions. questions. questions. And then once a respondent is approved by this body, they would be obligated to enter into an economic development agreement with the body that would contain all all of their answers that would be in this document.
   19:40  What we're looking for is a responsible end user of the property. Absolutely. >> And and and this is no guarantee that we'll get that, but we have this is the first step to trying. Yes. >> And we hope we have choices. >> Yes. It would be very nice to have choices. Exactly. There are two parcels as well. Just so you understand, there's two parcels that go with this. There is a larger parcel and then there's a smaller piece also that is incorporated just um to the south of the site.
   20:11  just um to the south of the site. You see a small red square protruding to the south. Are there any other questions? If not, I'd entertain a motion.
   20:52  Mr. President, I make the motion to go ahead and move this forward as in position. Is there a second? Second. Okay. I have a motion from Mr. Limming, a second from Mr. Hicks to approve the notice uh for the RFP regarding the Dana site um to move forward with the advertising of it. Are there any other questions from the members?
   21:22  members? members? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose. same sign. Motion carries. carries. carries. One follow-up point, Commissioner. Um I'll make sure that uh the city of Marian, the growth council, um people within the immediate area, anyone that wants a copy of this should get a copy of this. If you have recommendations on who you would like me to to share it with, I please let me know. There'll probably be at some point like an email chain that things like this that maybe
   21:54  chain that things like this that maybe go like you know maybe we can develop that email chain to for notification. >> Yeah. >> For all those units you mentioned. >> Yes. Yeah. We and we internally we have the email address but we could put it into a you know something we could distribute out to large group of people. >> Absolutely. Yep. The county is in control of this because they control the tax sale process and the tax certificate.
   22:24  the tax certificate. So, uh, we have briefed the city. The mayor is aware of this. Joe Murphy is aware that we're we're working on this. So, there is is and will be city involvement with this. >> We definitely work together with both those individuals and Mr. Street and I was talking before the meeting and I think that makes sense that we would all want to work together to forward ourselves. Great. >> Thank you. >> We'll move on to item number five, uh, 415, 417 South Branch Street, property appraisals. appraisals. appraisals. >> Yeah, I I spoke with most of you, uh,
   22:56  >> Yeah, I I spoke with most of you, uh, earlier today to let you know that I'm going to ask for this one to be tabled because we have a a seller that is uh um he's not yet committed to selling and I'd like to have that commitment before we spend money on appraisals.
   23:27  appraisals. Are there any other questions for other members? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. All oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. Do any of the members have anything else for the good of the order? Ran, do you have anything else you'd like to add? >> I do not. I appreciate everyone here being responsive to when I place a phone call. I think almost all of you are picking up on like the first ring. So, thank you for that. I want you also to feel free to call me in the event that you have questions or concerns. I want you to reach out to me as well.
   23:57  you to reach out to me as well. >> Uh, thanks for being here, Mr. MS. Glad to be here. Thank you for having this meeting. If there's no other questions or comments, I'd entertain a motion for German. German. German. So move second a motion for Mr. Street is second from Mr. Lim to adjourn the meeting. meeting. meeting. >> All those in favor
   24:30  call it right here. I thought it would be be be as true as you. >> Thanks for being here. >> You get so many spam calls anymore. It's like don't recognize the number. It's like talk to him later. >> Like, am I selling something from >> Exactly. >> All right. Good to see you, guys. >> I figured keep up my >> Oh my goodness. I got such a long last name.
   25:01  name. name. >> Yeah, >> I need to create like an auto pen. >> Maybe just MW >> get you like a board wax. >> Um, all right. We um every year makes a