Minutes-12/09/2013

CITY OF TIFFIN - Minutes Work Session The Tiffin City Council had a work session on Monday, December 9, 2013 in the Tiffin Fire Department meeting room. Mayor Berner called the meeting to order at 6: 51 p. m. Roll Call vote: Joann Kahler, Mike Ryan, Jim Bartels, Peggy Upton. Absent: Royce Phillips. Also present: Administrator Jackson. Motion Bartels to approve the agenda, seconded Ryan. Motion carried. TIF/ Economic Development/ Urban Revitalization: Mayor Berner indicated that economic development incentives is that is normally used to entice development, he has spoken to another city manager and they do not offer any incentives, unless it is a very large project. Since multiple developments, commercial and residential, have been approved this year we already will be having a lot going on. Kahler said we need to make sure when businesses come to town we can' t say yes to one and not others. Mayor indicated that multiple business have already come to town with no incentives. He also stated the City should develop an economic development plan. Ryan indicated we need a solid approach, not to pick and choose incentives. Bartels asked if other towns have a TIF committee or their standard practice. Jackson is to contact League of Cities and other surrounding communities to get copies of their urban revitalization plans and TIF districts with Urban Renewal plans and rebates; so we can formulate our own plan/ criteria. Mayor also commented he is interested in urban revitalization in the old part of town. Ryan agrees with a plan for businesses in the old part of town but have it be a case- by- case basis. Upton indicated the dentist in town is a major foundation in the community and would like us to have the ability to encourage business like that to get a tax abatement. Ryan indicated maybe a specific abatement for medical/ dental would be appropriate. Jackson indicated that other major businesses are looking at moving to town, such as a grocery store, and would bring jobs. Renaming of Jasper Avenue: Park Road was discussed and believed is a solid name. Connor and Edwards will have addresses on Park Road ( no court, etc.). Budget—general discussion: Administrator Jackson discussed the police and fire budget request along with payroll and big ticket items for public works and city hall. Jackson indicated that the Fire Department and Library should give updates. Council supports the idea of updates and would like reports quarterly. Upton would like to see the number of calls from the fire department, so we can see the increase/ trend. Council is not opposed to. the 15% increase in the police presence. Council is good with the following as a start to the budget: a flat 2% pay increase( 1. 5% COLA and a . 5% for a raise- due to the insurance pass through and the 25% difference in pay increase for the Administrator), PULBIC WORKS: metal roof, soil processor and hydraulic hammer, and for CITY HALL folding/ stuffing machine and copier. Motion Kahler to adjourn at 7: 59 p. m., seconded Ryan. All ayes. Motion carried. If.- Michon Jacksrk/ Administrator Steven L. Berner, Mayor i December 9, 2013