September 2, 2003
Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Knoup.
Members answering roll call: President Knoup, Todd Brinkmeier, Dave Schirmer, Jim Westaby, Dave Dixon, Brian Schiess, Cheryl Liebenstein and Jamie Melville.
The minutes from the August meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent by Jim.
Second by Dave S.
Motion Carried.
The committee made a motion for approval to pay all bills.
Motion Second by Jim.
Motion carried.
Motion to approve the treasurer report as presented by Dave S.
Second by Jim.
Motion carried.
Transfer of funds-none needed
Financial Report
VISITORS
The former owners of Yellow Creek Inn attended the meeting to request TIF reimbursement for expenses they had incurred during the construction and remodeling of the existing building. (Joel Kempel, Mel Voss, and Rick Blackmore). They wish to recover some of their eligible cost.
Most TIF reimbursements are done through real estate tax, but they wish to have a percentage of the sales tax that they had generated.
The Village does not have a TIF agreement with a sales tax listed. Jack Pyfer, whom is a TIF attorney that is helping the former owners to recoup any money, suggested this reimbursement.
If the Village would go with such a plan, then all of the businesses would be eligible for a sales tax reimbursement and this is not possible since TIF agreements need to be prepared before a business opens.
The former owners are requesting a reimbursement for their sales tax revenue from the time they opened to when the business was sold. This would be a percentage of $4,487.90. The board inquired as to whether this agreement would be passed along to the new owners. President Knoup wishes to be careful to not open a “flood gate” of businesses wanting their sales tax revenue back.
Dave S. did state that he and Thomas Jacobs were looking at other Villages and the ordinances they have in place. It is their goal to bring an agreement to the village to help develop more interest in bringing more businesses into town.
The former owners noted that their needs to be incentives for the businesses to bring them in and to keep them here. They feel it is crucial to get an agreement in place as soon as possible.
President Knoup reported that are # one concern was to upgrade the sewer system before any business would be established. The current TIF money is being used for that purpose.
Dave and President Knoup did meet with Thomas Jacobs several weeks ago and have started to work on agreements for the business sector. It was not determined if any new agreement would retro back to previous businesses.
The former owners feel frustrated because it has been two years since they first met with the board and there is still no agreement in place.
They feel streets and sewer systems will not bring in the business that the village needs. The businesses need to be enticed by TIF agreements.
They are asking for approximately two thousand dollars of reimbursement from their sales tax generated while they were in business. They feel that their business generated the money and increased the money that the Village received so the Village should be giving back to the business. They would also like to be given an answer to this situation.
President Knoup stated that the TIF money is just now coming in and many of the major projects are now being done. He also stated that the board cannot give a yes or no answer at this time for a reimbursement, but will continue to work with Jacobs office to complete an agreement for new businesses. The former owners requested a notification when the final word on this matter is taken care of.
Maintenance Report
See attached report
Hal Mckinski is building a spec home in WindHaven 11. There has also been a request for a variance to place a home 40-foot back from the street and allow 28 foot in the back. The party is requesting a larger front lawn instead of the back.
Streets & Alleys
President Knoup made several changes to the new Devore St. He has shortened the width by one foot so as not to have to move all the electrical poles. There are two poles, which will need to be moved before the street can be finished.
Ni-Cor will need to replace the section of street in front of the school that they tore up during construction.
WATER & SEWER
President Knoup signed the service agreement request from Fehr & Graham.
They are continuing to work on the plans for the new rock filter.
Letters will be mailed this month to delinquent water accounts.
CEMETERY
The dirt, which was hauled in to help fill the bottom part of the cemetery, has been leveled off and is waiting to be seeded. The committee will assume responsibility finding someone to finish the work.
Buildings & Grounds
An overhead door is broke at the Village building. This door has been repaired once and the committee feels it should now be replaced.
The committee also brought two quotes for a new street sweeper to the board. They have looked at a Pelican for $50,000 and a truck style for $60,000. The company is giving a ninety-day guarantee. The board requested that the company bring to the Village the sweepers to see and test before making a purchase.
The committee also presented mower prices to the board. A Cub Cadet would run approximately $4500 and John Deere gave three quotes on three different mowers.
After the board discussion it was determined that, the board would like to go with a mower program, but since there is only one-month left of mowing would table this subject until spring.
Police
No report
Liquor
Old Business
The Stephenson County Soil and Water Division met with area farmers and landowners to inform them that they are continuing on a plan to improve the water shed and keeping the creek cleaned out. The plan will include incentives to farmers to plant grass along the banks instead of crops. The Division is requesting letters of support from the village and businesses to help to continue with the plans.
The Village received a Thank You from Mike Plager for sponsoring the PC Homecoming Town Float contest.
New Business
No new business was brought forth. The newer members of the board requested a rundown of the TIF basics and how it works with the Village and others whom are listed in the TIF district.
Motion to adjourn at 9:45 pm by Jim. Second by Brian.
Motion carried.
Attest:
Cheryl Liebenstein
Village Clerk