Community Development Authority (CDA)

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES VILLAGE OF EAST TROY July 22, 2019 Page 1 of 4 Call Meeting to Order Roll Call Chairperson LaShay called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Tony LaShay, Mary Nicoson, Scott Seager, Benny Stichmann, Jim Holm, Erin Seaverson (arrived at 6:06 p.m.), Alex Alger (arrived at 6:12 p.m.) Excused: Eileen Suhm Others: Lorri Alexander, Tanya Fonseca (Graef), Craig Friemoth (Anderson Commercial) Public Comment None. Approval of Minute Minutes dated June 24, 2019 Motion by Scott Seager, second by Tony LaShay, to approve the minutes dated June 24, 2019. Motion carried. Old Business 1. Update regarding Main Street revitalization and potential redevelopment efforts Craig Friemoth, Anderson Commercial Group, provided an update on real estate within the Main Street corridor. He reported that Craig Woods (2751 Main St.) has listed his property and that he has had discussions with Sarah Alexander regarding a recent residential listing. He also reported that he is still working on the 2765-2799 Main Street property. US Packaging is asking 1.6 million for their property and Scott reported on a recent tour of the building. There are issues with the interior configuration of the building, limited access and very limited parking. Several types of possible uses were discussed but all were hindered by lack of parking. The Marathon Gas Station (2711 Main Street) was discussed and possible opportunities for a location of that size such as pop- up shops. Possible funding sources discussed included the CDA, WCEDA, state or county funds/grants and Connect Communities. Discussion included the possibility of offering the space for a pop-up type opportunity by accepting applications or RFP for a small market opportunity, advertising via a CDA website, flyers and social media and the CDA would assist with the coordination between the CDA, the property owner and the entrepreneur. Mary Nicoson left at 7:15 p.m. This item was taken out of order – reporting done in agenda order 2. Discussion with Director of Public Works regarding future capital projects including, but not limited to, Main Street repaving project and wayfinding signage DPW Equitz gave an update on the Walworth County repaving plan for Hwy ES. Discussion centered on items the CDA feels would be a priority. Installing curb/gutter on the east end of Hwy ES was agreed to be a priority, although this would be the financial responsibility of the Village. The addition of curb/gutter was felt to improve the appearance and protect the roadway. Working with property owners and business owners along this section about the curb/gutter and the possibility of special assessments  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES VILLAGE OF EAST TROY July 22, 2019 Page 2 of 4 for the work were discussed although the feasibility of this option would need to be verified and perhaps brought up at the next COW meeting on the project. Planned and consistent lighting on the east end of Hwy ES was also identified as a priority. DPW Equitz is working with WE Energies for a quote on options for this lighting work. Different pole styles were discussed, the desire for new poles to be “holiday light ready”, advantages of using this construction to bury lines and reduce the overhead wires and possibility of having businesses sponsor poles. Currently WE Energies owns and operates the lights and the option of the Village owning the poles and the costs for both options were discussed. Tanya Fonseca pointed out that WE Energies will design the lighting if they own the poles but if the municipality owns the poles, they are responsible for the lighting design and installation. The Village owned utilities are being assessed now for needed repairs or upgrades to water/sewer and that will be the Village’s responsibility. The utilities will be a top priority and will be able to be special assessed. On the Square the driving lanes are the County road and the parking stalls are a Village responsibility. The need to be cost effective and repair systems now so future repairs are minimal was stressed yet needs must be prioritized based on what can be afforded. On the Square discussion included the islands, crosswalks, signage and the short blocks off the Square. Discussion followed on ways to make the Square more pedestrian friendly, have motorists be more aware of pedestrians, ways to slow traffic (painted or color blended asphalt, rumble strips. Landscaping was also discussed in conjunction with this project especially in the area of possible new lighting. Until larger project items are in place it will not be known if landscaping will be possible. There may be other utilities planned in the ROW along the new section, there may be lighting, water mains or other utilities. The space and underground issues would have an impact any type of trees that could be considered to be planted. Also, the jurisdictional issue would be receiving County approval to plant trees in their ROW. It was agreed that a Master Plan for landscaping, designed with proper spacing future implementation with the lighting would be desirable. Discussion included the consideration of a landscaped buffer along Main Street at the mobile home park, but it was determined that the ROW goes to sidewalk along the mobile home park and to install landscaping would require acquiring an easement from the property owner. There is not enough room along the entire mobile home park to support a landscaped buffer but there are sections that have more depth. The look of the area around the School Street lift station was discussed. This is a very visible entrance point to the Square and several considerations were discussed including the possibility of engaging students from high school or college classes to work with the  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES VILLAGE OF EAST TROY July 22, 2019 Page 3 of 4 design and construction of a housing building, to additional landscaping to provide a more aesthetically pleasing facility that would be usable, serviceable and safe for employees. Another challenge here is the location, as it is very low and the roadway rises above the area, this may be the next lift station to require updating in the next 10-15 years, this location includes a wet well, needs to have the space to pull equipment for service if needed and requires ventilation needs. Discussion also considered signage or other promotional ideas for the space including trolley car or tank and other noticeable items. Discussion then moved to the number of dead trees within the Village and idea for planting program opportunities. This item finalized with a check list of four items for DPW Equitz to bring back information on: 1) plan for curb/gutter on east end of Main St., 2) lighting project on the east end of Main St., 3) landscaping possibilities on east end of Main St., 4) improvements for the School Street lift station 3. Follow up information regarding signage to promote the square and potential for historical designation Tanya Fonseca explained the historical registry and the process. She feels this would be a possibility not only for the Square itself but for many of the building and residences in the Downtown Area. She explained that being on the state historical registry does not restrict what can be done with the property, even demolition, but may qualify for tax credits or grants. There are currently 126 properties in the East Troy area noted with the State Historical Society. Discussion centered on if the CDA were to assist property owners with this process of identifying properties, completing applications and any research needed. Discussion followed on how the addition of historic registry points would add to the walkability of the Village, the possibility of designating the Square as a historic district and how to inform property owners of the process to get on the historic registry, be provided a plaque and possibly qualify for tax credits. Perhaps the CDA could offer a volunteer with an interest in history to assist with applications. Discussion turned to the walkability of the Village and the idea of having signs that listed the walking route/times to various landmarks, possibly changeable, the possibility of widening sidewalks, perhaps a multiuse trail on the east end of Hwy ES, bike lanes if space is available. 4. Discussion and possible direction regarding methods to inform public about CDA Discussion included the need for a web site separate from the Village, the possibility of updating the old ETCDA website in conjunction with WCEDA, rebranding and redesign for the CDA, possible working with either a local business or youth to update the web site, use of social media, development of a social media policy for content and moderate plan, utilize the newspaper with formal letter, article or press release, advertise in the Good Neighbor publication and consider a table/booth at local events to promote the CDA.  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES VILLAGE OF EAST TROY July 22, 2019 Page 4 of 4 5. Discussion regarding available funding resources Felt this had been discussed with other topics 6. Recommendations for future agendas a. WCEDA attend future meeting b. TIF presentation c. Tree Replenishment – to discuss mitigation of loss of ash trees, possible grants, a group buy program, if DPW could be involved, perhaps CDA could be the group to coordinate any program or offers to homeowners, consider impact on laterals and utilities New Business 1. Review of draft future land use map the Plan Commission is working on for the comprehensive plan update The draft future land use map was reviewed, and it was explained that this is not a finalized project. Also, the Village in currently engaged in a boundary agreement with the Town of East Troy. The downtown area was discussed to include the space around the square. Adjourn Motion by Scott Seager, second by Alex Alger, to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted: Lorri Alexander Deputy Clerk