Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority

BATTLE CREEK TAX INCREMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY Friday, November 14, 2014 At a special meeting of the Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority held on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. at the Frederick R. Brydges Customs Cargo Center, the following were in attendance: Messrs. Bobrofsky, Christensen, Czerney, Frantz, Karre, Rae, Scott and Mmes. Fleury and Tuggle. Absent was: Messrs. Bowman, Cutshall, Noble and Stewart. Also in attendance were: Messrs. Bowron, Steve Crider (Barr Engineering), Davin Ojala (Soil and Materials, Engineers, Inc.), Tom Stank (Owens-Ames-Kimball), Voshell and Mmes. Albrant, Sara Bals (Soil and Materials, Engineers, Inc.), Beard and Young. Mr. Bobrofsky called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. and attendance role call was made. WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONS Mr. Bobrofsky welcomed new City Manager Rebecca Fleury to the meeting. Introductions of board members were made around the table. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Mr. Rae moved that the Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority Board of Directors approve the minutes of the September 25, 2014 meeting as presented. Mr. Christensen supported the motion and it was unanimously approved. BRYDGES DRIVE/LEONARDWOOD DRIVE PROPERTY TRANSFER FROM BCU TO BCTIFA Mr. Voshell stated that the BCTIFA Board authorized the demolition of these three buildings at the meeting held on September 25, 2014. Battle Creek Unlimited has approved to purchase the buildings contingent on the finalization of the Phase II Environmental Assessment Study. Staff has insisted with the seller that the properties be vacant and cleared of personal property before the closing planned for December 1. Mr. Voshell asked the BCTIFA Board once the closing is complete will the BCTIFA Board accept the ownership of the property. Battle Creek Unlimited will transfer ownership to the BCTIFA. MOTION: Mr. Rae moved that the Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority Board of Directors approve to accept the transfer of Brydges Drive/Leonardwood Drive property as presented. Ms. Tuggle supported the motion and it was unanimously approved. Staff will make arrangements for this transaction to be completed. BCTIFA Board Page 2 – Minutes November 14, 2014 ROBBINS BUILDING UPDATE Mr. Voshell stated that the Robbins Building Committee has met with the two existing condo owners. The building was originally built for a restaurant and banquet facility. It was later purchased by BCTIFA and divided into five condos. Two of the five units are occupied by Manpower and Battle Creek Public Schools Commissary. The other three suites included a restaurant, daycare and office are vacant. The daycare ceased operations as of March 2014 and are in arrears on monthly rental. Ms. Beard stated that based on the discussion with the two property owners, they both are interested in knowing what is their value of condo space. Staff has contracted with Bratcher & Associates to obtain those costs. The units are not five stand alone units as the utilities are in one location, the basement, metered for four suites. The second piece of information requested by the tenants includes what is the cost to make the improvements to enhance the appearance of the building outside and to separate the utilities. Mr. Voshell stated that the top edging along the building is peeling and will be a large expense. Staff is aware of the purchase price when the two tenants acquired the property in 1995 and 1996. Mr. Rae stated that under the existing circumstances with the mechanicals and deterioration this needs to be addressed. The BCTIFA will need to determine what needs to be done with the units. Options need to be explored. This parcel is a prime piece of property and gateway into the park. The daycare was established because of the need for child care in Fort Custer Industrial Park. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments were made. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m.