October 15, 2012 - Economic Development Committee Meeting

10-15-12

Economic Development

Jay Meyers, AMP Ohio, Dale Fox

Committee Present- Mayor Schwab, VA Steven Hartman, Councilman Steven Tharp, Councilwoman Sherri Bichsel

Other Village Officials Present: Dave Duff, Dave Godwin, Jay Huff, Tom Hilliard, Kris King

Councilmember Tharp opened the meeting discussing Ordinance 10-2000. He provided an overview of the ordinance, described what it did not address: 1) Residential- No benefits available to upgrading property in the ordinance. He explained the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) states 50% of value/15 years.

Green Sheets provided by the mayor- Councilman Tharp referenced these and asked to go a little further than the Mayor’s suggestion. Tharp suggested dropping the minimum from 10K to 2.5K (Single Unit Structures) and 20K to 5K.

The village’s current ordinance is 25K vs. 2.5K Tharp is suggesting for single units and 50K to 5K Tharp is also suggesting for 2 units or more.

He stated the goal is to make these abatements readily available to all residents not just those companies with tons of money. This will help to improve the properties and our neighborhoods.

Councilman Huff asked about the red tape- Who would this go through?

Tharp stated the VA is the stated Housing Officer according the ORC

Huff stated this would need to go through 3 steps:

Step 1) Zoning

Step 2) Abatement

Step 3) County

Councilman Duff stated property values are down.

Tharp wants to have a short discussion at the next meeting regarding this so we can move this forward.

Tharp presented a first draft of a letter to the businesses regarding the establishment of a Brewster Business Association.

Tharp presented to the committee a revenue generating idea through the use of solar panels. He stated we could invest in solar panels for each building to sell back into the market which would create a revenue stream for various funds in the village accounts.

Mike Miglore (AMP) Suggested keeping power within our grid. He suggested you may get 4 to 5 cents per KWH.

VA stated Dwight will look into the figures to see if this is viable for us.

Tharp recapped this would generate funds for funds that need it like the general fund. Tharp provided the committee with studies on renewable energy.

Tharp questioned Mike Miglore over AMP’s long term plan for the power shortfall the village has. Mike stated that we might buy another meg of power or so. He stated we want to be a little short as this provides flexibility.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Steven Tharp, Councilmember