Public Property, Streets, & Sidewalk Committee

Joint Public Property, Streets & Sidewalks & Tax Increment Financing Committee – November 12, 2018 A Joint Public Property, Streets & Sidewalk and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee meeting of the City of Aledo met in Open Session in the Council Chambers of the City Hall building on November 12, 2018. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Chairman JAY DOHERTY called the Committee meeting to order at 6:15 P.M. The roll was called, whereupon the following committee members answered present: Aldermen TERRY BEWLEY, MICHAEL CHAUSSE, BARRY COOPER, JAY DOHERTY, and CHRIS KOPP. Mayor CHRIS HAGLOCH. Also present ERIN KNACKSTEDT, City Administrator, CHRIS SULLIVAN, Chief of Police, JUSTIN BLASER, Director of Public Works & Utilities, TARAH SIPES, Economic Development Coordinator, and JAROD DALE, City Clerk. The following was discussed: Approval of Committee Minutes: Motion was made by ALD. Cooper and seconded by ALD. Doherty to approve the meeting minutes of the Public Property, Streets & Sidewalks and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee meeting held on October 29, 2018 as presented. A Unanimous voice vote followed in agreement. Old Business: Discussion regarding the Mercer Carnegie Public Library Request for Financial Assistance in the New Library Building Project – Status Update: ADMINISTRATOR Knackstedt reported the library district requested that the City grant them TIF funds for the construction of parking ($38,000) and sidewalks ($18,500). No formal paperwork has been submitted with the request only received via email, per Administrator. It was noted there is no clarification that the quotes are prevailing wage as well. ALD. Bewley arrived at 6:19 p.m. ADMINISTRATOR reported the TIF funds were severely restricted in the future due to pre-planned infrastructure projects in the Aledo downtown area for F/Y 19. EDC Sipes has made several advancements in beginning conversations with building owners and companies with that would fulfill the goal of investing in economic development strategies and stabilization of buildings in the downtown. ADMINISTRATOR commented that TIF monies would be better spent fostering and improving the economic condition of the City instead of contributing to a project that will leave another vacant building in the downtown. ADMINISTRATOR reported if the City Council wishes to contribute to the library project as requested, it would be her recommendation that the City donate $7,000 of general funds available in the sidewalk replacement program toward this project and have no further involvement as it is not a reflection of the wishes of the residents of Aledo (due to the failed tax levy request). ADMINISTRATOR noted the City has already waived all fees for utility connection(s) regarding gas, sewer and water in the amount of $700. ALD. Doherty reported reiterated there would be no available funds in F/Y19 and was currently proposing to budget at a deficit. The Committee inquired if Ehler’s & Associates would be able to access the application if received. ADMINISTRATOR noted Ehler’s is closing its Chicago office at the end of the year. ALD. Doherty noted the City to inquire on another firm to assist in TIF review for the City. MAYOR Hagloch requested DPW Blaser provide input regarding the potential project and what other alternatives the library district would have. It was reported by DPW that the numbers (estimates) given by the library district continue to change. It was noted that the original discussions that were held with the library district that there would be no guarantee by the City, per MAYOR. The Committee reported there have been investments made in the downtown area or road projects to make the business district ADA compliant. The downtown business district serves a bigger clientele and has had infrastructure repairs that have served the entire downtown area. The Committee noted during discussions the library district has supposedly bonded as well and the Committee requested additional information on the bonding before a final determination is made. ALD. Doherty reported the Committee will “move on” and if the library district reaches back out to the City the matter will be discussed further then. ALD. Doherty reported on the Mercer County Senior Citizens Center. It was reported, MCSCC has halted their plans to move over to the Mercer County Family Y.M.C.A. due to a decrease in space available. The Committee noted the City could always consider other options for the organization to move into at a later date. ALD. Doherty to set-up a meeting with the board to discuss current needs and issues. New Business: Discussion & Final Acceptance of the Phase III Downtown Street & Sidewalk Reconstruction Project: DPW Blaser reported Phase III of the downtown project was completed in October, 2018. All punch list items have been addressed and is awaiting final acceptance from the City. The only outstanding item that needs to be discussed is an asphalt repair made at both handicap accessible parking stalls. The drainage grade is very tight in these areas, and it is difficult to lay asphalt to those tolerances. A ponding spot was observed at each location. The contractors attempt to resolve the ponding has worked, but it is not aesthetically pleasing. City staff requested feedback and input from the Committee. Committee recommended a seal be placed on the two (2) areas and a performance bond be established. Discussion on the Approval of Construction Plan Sheets for Phase VI Downtown Street & Sidewalk Reconstruction Project: DPW Blaser reported preliminary plan sheets for phase VI of the Downtown Street & Sidewalk reconstruction project have been completed. The overall look and functions performed on the previous phases remain the same. DPW noted one (1) item of discussion is the entrances at Central Park. Currently there are two (2), and we are proposing eliminating the one to the south. It would simplify the traffic flow in the Central Park parking lot and with the ingress and egress from College Avenue. City Staff requested feedback from the Committee. The Committee provided their approval on the scenario presented. Construction dates tentatively set to begin after the Rhubarb Festival in June, 2019 and be completed before Antique Days in late August, 2019. The traffic control lights to also be adjusted during that time period as well. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, motion was made by ALDERMAN CHAUSSE and seconded by ALDERMAN COOPER that the meeting be adjourned. Unanimous voice vote followed in agreement. Meeting was adjourned at 6:54 P.M. __________________________ Jarod Dale, City Clerk