Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority

BATTLE CREEK TAX INCREMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY Tuesday, October 15, 2013 At the meeting of the Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority held on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 3:15 p.m. at the Frederick R. Brydges Customs Cargo Center, the following were in attendance: Messrs. Christensen, Cutshall, Czerney, Frantz, Noble, Rae, Scott, Stewart, Tsuchiyama and Ms. Tuggle. Absent were: Messrs. Bobrofsky, Bowman and Karre. Also in attendance were: Messrs. Dehn, Mumford, Voshell and Ms. Young. Mr. Rae called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Mr. Scott moved that the Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority Board of Directors approve the minutes of the August 22, 2013 meeting as presented. Mr. Cutshall supported the motion and it was unanimously approved. CLARK ROAD IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Voshell reported that the Clark Road improvement is being considered for the new company Cosma Castings. The project is estimated to cost approximately $400,000 to add a turn lane from the top of the hill down to West River Road. The BCTIFA Board approved a 20% match for a “Category A” grant. Mr. Voshell stated that the City of Battle Creek has been able to reduce the costs for the project and would like to consider taking the improvements from the top of the hill toward West Dickman Road. The City Engineers are currently designing these improvements and propose that it would cost approximately $200,000 - $250,000 for this portion to add the center turn lane to run the entire length of that road. PROSPECT/PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Mr. Voshell reported on the following (same report was provided to the BCBRA Board):  Staff is currently working with five prospects.  Staff is proceeding with the demolition of 5200 West Dickman Road. The BCTIFA approved funds to demolish the building. There have been several inquiries that just wanted the building donated to them.  Clark Road project to widen the road to accommodate Cosma Castings. Mr. Voshell recommended that the Board take a drive to look at this building. The company has moved their driveway closer to the building, installed landscaping and asphalted the parking lot. The company currently has 35 employees and is located at the Robbins Building. The company plans to move into their building by the end of November and plans to be in production by mid-February. Equipment is being installed.  Two projects will be going to the Battle Creek City Commission for P.A. 198 Tax Abatements. Denso Air is seeking an 6-year tax abatement on $6 million investment.  PCPC (Rock Tenn) is seeking a tax abatement on $2.5 million investment. BCTIFA Board Page 2 – Minutes October 15, 2013  Endres is seeking a Brownfield Plan and it may be necessary to hold a special meeting to approve this plan. The company is located at 170 Angell Street. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Dehn stated that distributed today is a regional summary report from the State of Michigan on projects that have been funded by the Michigan Economic Development Program. This document was recently shared with the BCU Board. The MEDC is approving their incentive activity by regions. Battle Creek’s activity contributed to the majority of the investment: $330 million and 1,366 job creation. The Kellogg Community College – Regional Manufacturing Technology Center is holding an Open House this afternoon 3:00 to 7:00 PM. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:26 p.m.