Anderson Redevelopment Commission

MINUTES ANDERSON REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION August 10, 2021 PUBLIC MEETING short term repair. Mr. Eicks stated the building belongs 5:00 p.m. to the Commission and will be a part of the Via Zoom Conferencing redevelopment of the area and it is in the Commission’s best interest to maintain the integrity of MEMBERS PRESENT the building. Richard Symmes, President Danny McGhee, Vice President Mr. Eicks moved to approve the roof repair quote from Kenneth Davenport, Secretary Jason Shepherd in the amount of $2,500.00 for 2691 David Eicks Nichol Avenue. Mr. McGhee seconded. Roll call vote Perry Washington was taken. Motion passed unanimously; 5 yes, 0 no. STAFF PRESENT Bingham Square Apartments, 2725 W. 16 th Street. Greg Winkler, ED Director Karen Soetenga, Specialist Mr. Austin, Commission attorney, stated the Mike Austin, Commission Attorney Commission has become aware of multiple complaints regarding the Bingham Square Apartments, formerly OHTERS PRESENT the Courtyard Apartments, 2725 W. 16th Street. Mr. Doug Whitham, City Controller Austin provided a summary of the $900,000 TIF Bond Darren Grile, Anderson Light and Power approved through the Commission. The developer, Ken DeLaBastide, Herald Bulletin PR Bingham LLC, within the project development Kathryn Ransburg, Attorney agreement (PDA), committed to a 3.5M investment. Jeremy VanWinkle, Property Resource Assoc Mr. Austin stated work was to be completed by June 1, 2021. Complaints have been fielded by Ms. Dixon- OPEN PUBLIC MEETING Tatum, Director of Human Relations for the City of Anderson, as well as Commissioner Washington. Mr. ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM Austin informed members of a 30 day demand letter Mr. Symmes, at 5:09 pm., established a quorum with sent Friday, August 6th stating the Commission’s five (5) members present. expectation that PR Bingham, LLC be in compliance MINUTES with the project’s PDA. Mr. Plichta from PR Bingham Mr. Eicks moved to approve the July 13, 2021 minutes LLC reached out to Mr. Winkler in response and their as presented. Mr. Davenport seconded. A roll call attorney and property manager are attending the vote was taken. Motion passed unanimously; 5 yes, 0 meeting today. Mr. Austin stated they have indicated no. they want to participate in resolving the issues. Mr. Austin stated the City is in the process of reviewing FINANCIALS / INVOICES complaints with the goal of making sure PR Bingham Commission members reviewed financials and LLC adheres to the PDA, the City gets quality, safe, invoices. affordable housing and the bonds are repaid. Mr. Austin stated he is aware that several people wanted Mr. Eicks moved to approve the invoices totaling to weigh in on the matter however a public meeting $1,048,319.19. Mr. McGhee seconded. A roll call was not a proper venue for that since the matter could vote was taken. Motion passed unanimously; 5 yes, 0 no. lead to litigation and court action. Mr. Austin stated out of fairness of all involved the Commission should BUSINESS consider these issues in executive session and Consideration of two quotes for repair of the former provide an update at the next meeting. Mr. Austin Baxter Pest Control building, 2691 Nichol Ave. stated the City has had a good record of successful Mr. Winkler stated two quotes were obtained for roof TIF projects; one example of this is the Lincolnshire repairs on 2691 Nichol Avenue including one from Apartment project. Jason Shepherd in the amount of $2,500 and another from Roofing Systems of Indiana for $4,680. Mr. Washington stated some apartments are not Discussion followed. Mr. Winkler stated this is for a livable in that they have black mold and when it rains it floods, therefore the Commission needs to have a contingent plan for the people that are in there now. Ms. Ransburg, PR Bingham attorney, expressed appreciation for the invite to attend today’s meeting. Ms. Ransburg stated to the best of their knowledge every tenant has access to the maintenance portal and the 1-800 maintenance number which is posted, listed in lease documents and available online and that no one has been displaced. Ms. Ransburg further stated there have been complaints given anonymously without giving unit numbers which prohibit their ability to follow up. Ms. Ransburg stated her client is very reactive to complaints and all units currently occupied have met a standard set by PR Bingham as well as the state. Mr. Washington asked if Mr. Van Winkle or Ms. Ransburg had been in the apartments. They responded they had not. Mr. Washington stated they had been inspected by HUD and some are not in a condition to be inhabited. Ms. Ransburg stated they were not aware an inspection had taken place and would like to see the report. Ms. Ransburg stated PR Bingham LLC has worked hard to make sure units are in habitable condition and have made it a top priority. Discussion followed. Mr. Austin stated this is exactly the type of thing that needs to be addressed, immediately and thoroughly. Mr. Austin commended Mr. Washington for his comments and stated they need to be resolved and he was optimistic they can be. Mr. Austin stated he would work on getting a date for an executive session the following day. Brief discussion followed. Councilwoman Crumes expressed there is a sense of urgency for this as she spoke to Ms. Townsend, Anderson Housing Authority Director, who told her she was ready to pull HUD tenants out due to the conditions. Mr. Symmes expressed his agreement and committed to getting the process started as soon as possible. Mr. Davenport made a motion to adjourn at 5:39 p.m. Page 2