| Mark Barenie, President | Stephen Hastings | Town Manager, Stephen Kil |
| Michael Forbes, Vice President | Citizen Member, Cindy Sues | Clerk-Treasurer, Beth Hernandez |
| Gregory Volk, Secretary | Citizen Member, Scott Burdan | |
| Christian Jorgensen |
The motion was carried by voice vote (5/0). Ayes---five. Nays---one
The motion was passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes---five. Nays---none.
The motion was passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes---five. Nays---none.
"I'll make a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-01-25 ROG," by Mr. Forbes. "I'll second that," by Mr. Jorgensen.
The motion was passed by voice vote (5/0). Ayes---five. Nays---none.
Mr. Barenie stated that at one point, a St. John resident, audited the disbursements from a prior year. Mr. Barenie added he assumed the resident was "fine" with everything he audited. He said the majority of the $53,000 were professional fees. Mr. Kil added that definitely 99 percent were professional fees.
(The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.)
ATTEST
__________________________________
Beth R Hernandez
Clerk-Treasurer
| Mark Barenie, President | Stephen Hastings | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
| Michael Forbes, Vice President | Cindy Sues, Lake Central School | Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer |
| Gregory Volk. Secretary | Scott Burdan, Hanover School Corp | |
| Christian Jorgensen |
Staff Members present: Stephen Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer Absent: Mark Barenie
Mr. Volk made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Hastings seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Forbes advised the next item on the agenda, under New Business, to Consider Resolution No. RDC 2018-04-26, authorizing the issuance of TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Bonds.
Mr. Kil stated Karl Cender, our financial advisor, is here if there are any specific questions tonight. He explained this is the first step in the process, for the Redevelopment Commission then, subsequently, the Town Council will both pass resolutions authorizing the issuance of TIF Bonds.
Mr. Kil advised:
Mr. Kil stated it is important to know about the repayment of the bonds. The bonds are Redevelopment TIF District Bonds. They do not affect the residential property taxes. He explained that there will be nothing on the property tax bills to repay the debt and added it will be repaid from the money generated currently in the Town’s TIF District. The money is collected from the businesses in the TIF District to repay the debt. On page 8 of the Resolution, there is a statement that articulates what was just conveyed in legal terminology.
Mr. Kil advised that Mesirow Financial will be the underwriter. He further advised that the bond rating is and AA-Bond Rating.
Mr. Forbes asked Mr. Cender if he had anything to add.
Mr. Cender stated Mr. Kil summarized it very succinctly and explained this is the first step to get the process started. Mr. Forbes asked Mr. Cender to stay for the Public Comment portion of the meeting coming up to address any concerns the citizens may have. Mr. Cender consented.
Mr. Forbes asked if there were any questions. Hearing none, Mr. Forbes entertained a motion.
Mr. Jorgensen made a motion to defer until after Public Comment. Motion dies for lack of a second.
Mr. Forbes entertained a motion to adopt RDC 2018-04-26. So moved by Mr. Volk. Seconded by Mr. Hastings. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Forbes advised the next item on the agenda is Reports and Correspondence and requested the same. Hearing none, Mr. Forbes closed Reports and Correspondence.
Mr. Forbes opened the floor for any Public Comment.
Theresa Birlson stated she sent a remonstrance letter from Thiel Cabinet Shop.
Jackie Van Gundy (9510 Joliet Street): My concern is, um, I’m not aware of the procedures for building. I’m just a resident of the town for 46 years. So my question is, I’d like to know the need for this proposed shopping center that we’re proposing for Route 41 and 96th. Who will be moving into these stores? And how long will they stay?
Uh, they’ve already got Kmart standing empty. We have Northwoods restaurant standing empty. Lake Central mall has empty stores as does Schererville with their Lincoln Ridge. Many stores are empty there. How about the mall that they just built up there on – Shops on Main. Many of those stores, a couple of years after they were built, are empty. Maybe they’ve been built by somebody else. I’m unaware cause I don’t go there. But just, the need for these stores, I don’t understand. Who benefits by building this shopping center?
Um, and shouldn’t the builder, himself, be paying for – why we take this, all this money. Where’s all this money going to go? What do we need to use all this money for? Shouldn’t the builder be the one to prepare the property? Tear down the lumber mill and all that? And why are we paying for this? Cause, ultimately, when these stores all close, that’s going be the Town and the taxpayers. That’s how I feel, personally. That’s my concern.
Why are we needing these stores when everything around us folding? Look at the mall: Carson’s, Penny’s, Sears. All these big stores are closing. So how will our town benefit by this mall? That’s my question. Thank you.
Joe Hero (11723 South Oakridge Drive): I’d like to remonstrate against this resolution and a same res – similar resolution and sister resolution with the Town Council. One, I think that the wording in the two resolutions is conflicting where they talk about areas and districts. There’s no clear definition of area, and there’s no clear definition of district. And also, if you look at, uh, in the one resolution, they talk about if there’s not enough money to pay these bonds off, that there’s another tax, or whatever, is going to go to the district. And it implies the district is the whole town in the one resolution. I think that, uh, the wording in the two resolutions is conflicting and not clear and arbitrary and capricious. And for that reason, I remonstrate against it.
The other reason I remonstrate against this, it serves no public purpose. Uh, all we’re going to do is put a light at 95th and end up at Joliet. That’s going to push all the traffic and into a no left turn on Joliet, and we’re going to push all the traffic down 93rd and create havoc down 93rd, because nobody’s going to go do this circle jerk and then try and wait to go through a circle to go over the tracks. It’s going to create health and safety issues at the tracks with this circle. Uh, and I think that could cause an increase in fatalities, and, uh, this – this project, the way it’s described in the bond issue, um.
Also, I think all this is, is a special deal for special interests. When a developer comes to town, he pays for his own roads. Why are we paying for the road from 95th all the way to Joliet for a developer through the TIF District. This makes no sense to me. For these reasons and other reasons, uh, and there’s many of ‘em, the – there’s people that have opposed this. The way I look at it, it’s going to require eminent domain to take land.
The Town doesn’t own the land in which appropriating this money for. Uh, and I think there’s going to have to be condemnations going on and property taken. Uh, I think that’s wrong. And for all those reasons, uh, I oppose this. And I would encourage any future councilmen on future boards, if this goes through, to make that a one-way street from Joliet to 41. So that we don’t artificially benefit individual developer in – in the utilization of our TIF Districts. For these reasons, this should be voted down both here and at the Town Council Meeting. Thank you.
Jeffery Schafer (9540 Joliet Street): My name is Jeffery Nicholas Schafer. I live at 9540 Joliet Street, St. John, Indiana. Where you’re going to put that roundabout is right next to my house. I am the one that will have to deal with that roundabout. That’s my house that you’re putting that thing there. Did anybody come and ask me and say, “Hey, Jeff, we’re going to put a roundabout right there.”
Has anybody taken a look at how long the trains go by there? An average train is a mile long, goes through our town at approximately 30 miles an hour. It takes two minutes for that train to go there. Traffic backs up from that – where it’s – where that railroad is at past my driveway. Times, I can’t even get out. You’re going to put a roundabout in that area. How do you think I’m going to get out in the morning if I got to go to work?
Does anybody think about that? Does anybody think about that? Do you know that there – if you look at the land – I was a combat engineer, so I know a little bit about soils. And right now, in that area on the – on the west side of those tracks is lower than on the – on the – or on the west – or on the east side. So somebody coming one way is not going to see the person on the other side if the train’s there. You’re – you’re going to ask for an accident right there with a roundabout. Come on, people, wake up.
Gerald Swets (9490 Joliet Street): Gentlemen, I would like to remonstrate against the bond as well. For now, on this meeting, and the next meeting. Uh, I am – I’m concerned that it’s $5.6 million. And I’m wondering if there’s an itemized breakdown somewhere, so we can see where that $5.6 million is going to go.
My other concern is that there’s many brick-and-mortar commercial sites that are being put out of business by Internet purchases. So therefore, the tax revenue generated may not be sufficient to meet the needs of the bond repayments. That leaves us taxpayers on the hook for the balance. I know that isn’t the desired result, but you don’t control these businesses.
And as Mr. Kil said, provided the market holds, everything is going to be fine. But it also appears that the projected tax revenues are going to be earmarked to repay the TIF Bond through the year 2027. So that means it’s going to be nine years before we can appreciate any of the tax revenue to the town for its general use.
We also have a school referendum on the ballot right now. There’s already been much debate within the town. Many of those residents probably don’t know that whether any of this tax revenue, whether it will likely ever come to the schools. And I know Mr. Kil said that it won’t affect the taxpayers. But when we have to pay or have to do a bond for the schools, it is affecting the taxpayers. Uh, so I would to say, I think this could probably be rebuilt, redesigned a little bit, um, and lower that amount. Thank you.
Ms. Hernandez advised she received a letter of remonstrance from Robert Thiel and James Thiel. They asked that I read it into the official recording and transcribe it verbatim into the minutes. It reads:
“We, the owners of Thiel Cabinet Shop, INC of 9520 Joliet St, Saint John, IN remonstrate and object to the proposed Resolution to approve issuing Redevelopment District Bonds up to the amount of $5,600,000 for the project on 96th Ave and Joliet Street in St. John, IN and also the current Shops on 96th Development Plan because:
-Our business would be adversely affected financially and otherwise by the forcible taking of some of our property. We have never been invited, by the Town or Shops on 96th, into the discussion about this development plan even though our property will be needed according to the current plan.
-This plan would forcibly take our property by eminent domain under the cry that ‘because of traffic’ St. John needs to connect Joliet St. up to Rt 41. We would agree that there is a traffic problem that needs to be solved because of all the development to the east. However, we would like to point out that this ‘traffic circle’ and connection through 96th Place is NOT the only option which would solve this traffic problem.
OTHER OPTIONS:
1. This traffic problem could be solved for CONSIDERABLY less than $5.6 million as this resolution requests. A traffic light a Joliet and Rt 41 would solve this traffic problem. This option has been brought to the Town’s attention back in 2016 when an overwhelming number of citizens signed a petition for a traffic light at Joliet St. and Route 41 (note: Joliet St. is an arterial road to Crown Point.) This option would only cost the Town $1 million. Why are we asking for $4.6 million more than is needed to solve the problem in a much simpler way!
2. Another traffic option, instead of forcibly taking the Thiel Cabinet Shop Property through eminent domain is to route traffic from the east end of Joliet St down Industrial Drive. Looking on an aerial map, there is only about one block of roadway that would be needed to install in order to connect up to the Strack’s parking lot and the EXISTING traffic light at 97th! This option would probably cost less than any of the other options. This alternate plan has also been brought up at a past Plan Commission meeting, but has never been publically discussed.
This “Public discussion” is another point of contention with regards to the pending resolution. At the last Plan Commission Study Session on April 18, 2018, this Shops on 96th Project was on the agenda and two days before the meeting, it was removed. Why was it removed? If this project is moving forward then in the name of HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY on the part of the Town, this project needs to be discussed with ALL parties present! We believe that the Town is NOT interested in solving traffic problems as much as it wants to give a ‘sweetheart deal’ to the DEVELOPER spending the money of the RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN to do it!
We, the owners of Thiel Cabinet Shop, INC have remonstrated several times before on this issue and we have NEVER been contacted as to our opinion on this development. We have run a reputable and profitable business at this location in St. John for over 70years! We feel this is not the way a decent town should operate and is pure negligence and disrespect on the part of the Town of St. John.”
(The above letter was typed verbatim from the original document as recorded in the Clerk-Treasurer’s office and was undersigned by “Robert J. Thiel, Owner, Thiel Cabinet Shop Inc., 4/26/18” and “James Thiel, Owner, Theil Cabinet Shop Inc & St John Resident, 4-26-18.”)
Mr. Forbes asked if there was anybody else who would like to speak that did not sign up.
Nick Georgiou (9412 Jack Drive): This project has been through a repeated discussion. Historically, it’s very consistent with the plans and opportunity and studies that the Town has adopted. It’s consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Master Plan. It’s, in terms of the question, “Why is there a need for it,” in the opportunity analysis study that the Town adopted, it identifies significant shortages in retail and commercial to the excess of $100 million, I believe. And we would also identify that this project, on its own, could suffice and satisfy that and help the Town grow from that aspect. It also would remove what is, sort of, an eye-sore on Route 41.
I talked to people around here. They say, “What’s with those ugly buildings and that car wash over there?” So bringing a good development to this project and to this Town is an eminent plus for the Town. It’d also encourage further businesses to come to St. John. In my discussion with both the Chamber and the business community in personal communications, I believe there’s significant support for this project and encourage all the residents to identify that that came out of the public studies. It came out of Comprehensive Master Plan that we need the retail restaurants, better things, to make St. John a better community that it should be. I believe this project should continue forward and that there will be growth out of it to the Town of St. John. Thank you.
Mr. Forbes asked for any other Public Comment. Hearing none, Mr. Forbes closed the Public Comment segment.
Respectfully submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission
| Mark Barenie, President | Stephen Hastings | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
| Michael Forbes, Vice President | Cindy Sues, Lake Central School | Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer |
| Gregory Volk. Secretary | Scott Burdan, Hanover School Corp | |
| Christian Jorgensen |
Staff Members present: Stephen Kil, Town Manager; Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer Absent: Scott Burdan
Mr. Kil introduced the new Recording Secretary, Margaret. Mr. Kil added that she will be doing all of the meetings in Town and requested the Commission defer the minutes until the next meeting.
Mr. Barenie deferred the Approval of Minutes to the June meeting.
Mr. Barenie asked Mr. Kil for his comments.
Mr. Kil stated that as far as the Proofs of Publication go, he does have in evidence the proof from the Times and the Post-Tribune. They have been reviewed by Mr. Austgen, and he does have confirmation that everything has been timely noticed and the Public Hearing may proceed.
Mr. Kil further stated that as far as Opening Remarks go, this is the next step in the bond issuance process. This is a straight Redevelopment Bond not to exceed $5.6 million; and this is simply the next step in the process to approve the additional appropriation of the bond proceeds. At this point, it would be proper to open it to floor for any comment.
Mr. Barenie asked if there were any other comments from Council. Hearing none, he opened the floor for Public Comment.
Hearing none, Mr. Barenie closed Public Comment.
Mr. Barenie entertained a motion to adopt Resolution No. RDC 2018-05-24, a resolution authorizing Additional Appropriations. Mr. Forbes made a motion to adopt Resolution No. RDC 2018-05-24. Mr. Volk seconded the motion. Motion carries unanimously.
Respectfully submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission
| Mark Barenie, President | Stephen Hastings | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
| Michael Forbes, Vice President | Cindy Sues, Lake Central School | Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer |
| Gregory Volk. Secretary | Scott Burdan, Hanover School Corp | |
| Christian Jorgensen |
Staff Members present: Stephen Kil, Town Manager; Marilyn Hrnjak, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer on behalf of Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer.
Absent: Scott Burdan; Cindy Sues; Gregory Volk; and Beth Hernandez, Clerk-Treasurer.
Motion by Mr. Forbes. Seconded by Mr. Jorgensen. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Kil advised that the law firm of Austgen Kuiper Jasaitis P.C. prepared and submitted all the publications. Mr. Kil stated that Attorney Dave Austgen advised him that all items are in order for the bid openings to commence.
Mr. Kil stated that the first bid opening will be for the demolition projects, opened the bids, and gave a general summarization of the same.
Mr. Kil requested that the bids be taken under advisement.
Mr. Barenie asked if there were any questions or comments. Hearing none, he recommended that they be taken under advisement and entertained a motion.
Motion to approve taking the bids under advisement by Mr. Jorgensen. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Kil advised that there are three bids for this project, opened the bids, and gave a general summarization of the same.
Mr. Kil requested that the bids be taken under advisement.
Mr. Barenie entertained a motion.
Motion to approve taking the bids under advisement by Mr. Jorgensen. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Kil advised that there are two bids for this project, opened the bids, and gave a general summarization of the same.
Mr. Kil advised that all bids are subject to verification by our legal counsel and engineers.
Mr. Barenie thanked Mr. Kil, stated that the Council will take these bids under advisement, and entertained a motion for the same.
Motion to approve taking the bids under advisement by Mr. Jorgensen. Seconded by Mr. Forbes. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Kil announced that the Redevelopment Commission will have a meeting on December 27, 2018.
Joe Hero (11723 South Oakridge Drive): I think the Clerk-Treasurer should have been opening these bids. You have a Town Manager who’s facing criminal charges now, and you give him the responsibility of opening the bids. Also, the bids that I heard, I didn’t hear anybody say they had their, call it, the performance bond in there, only generalities that all is in order. I think you should have had the Clerk-Treasurer or an attorney open these up, not this Town Manager. For all those reasons, I object to these projects, that they were not properly stated in the public meeting. Thank you.
Hearing none further, Mr. Barenie closed the floor to Public Comment.
Respectfully submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Redevelopment Commission
